Under the Stars returns to Simsbury Meadows for a night of music, community and giving
By Penny Phillips
Special to Valley LIFE
There’s something special about a late summer evening at Simsbury Meadows.
As the sun sets behind the trees, lawn chairs unfold, picnic blankets cover the grass, families gather with friends, and thousands of people settle in for an unforgettable night of live music beneath the stars. Food trucks line the grounds, children dance near their parents, neighbors reconnect, and music lovers from across Connecticut sing along to some of the greatest songs ever written.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, that tradition returns as Favarh – The Arc of the Farmington Valley presents the annual Mike DelGuidice Under the Stars Benefit Concert, a benefit concert, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.
Now in its fifth year, the concert has evolved into much more than a fundraiser. It has become one of the Farmington Valley’s signature community events—a celebration that welcomes everyone, regardless of age or ability, while raising critical funds to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the region.
Whether attendees come for the music, the atmosphere, the food, or the opportunity to support a meaningful cause, they quickly discover why so many people make this concert an annual tradition.
A performer who leaves every audience wanting more
Much of the event’s popularity can be traced to one extraordinary performer.
Mike DelGuidice has built an international reputation as one of today’s most dynamic live entertainers. A native of Long Island, New York, DelGuidice first earned widespread recognition through his band Big Shot, whose performances celebrating the music of Billy Joel attracted devoted fans across the Northeast.
His remarkable musicianship eventually caught the attention of Billy Joel himself.
Since 2013, DelGuidice has performed alongside Joel as a member of the legendary musician’s touring band, singing backing vocals while also playing acoustic and electric guitar. That role has taken him to some of the world’s most famous venues, including Madison Square Garden—where Billy Joel’s historic residency became one of the most successful concert runs in music history—as well as stadiums and arenas throughout North America and internationally.
DelGuidice’s soaring vocals have made him a fan favorite during Joel’s concerts, where audiences savor the moments when he steps to center stage.
Beyond touring with Billy Joel, DelGuidice has shared stages with an impressive list of music legends and acclaimed performers. His career has included performances with artists such as Elton John, Don Henley, Steve Perry, John Mellencamp, Dennis DeYoung, and many others during special concerts, charity events, and collaborative performances.
Yet despite performing before tens of thousands of people around the globe, DelGuidice remains deeply connected to his Long Island roots.
Known for his warmth, humility, and genuine appreciation for fans, he has earned a fiercely loyal following throughout Long Island and beyond. His concerts blend exceptional musicianship with an infectious personality that makes every audience feel like part of the show.
Those who have attended previous Under the Stars concerts in Simsbury understand why so many return year after year.
His performances seamlessly move from Billy Joel classics like Piano Man, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, and New York State of Mind to favorites from Elton John, Paul McCartney, Journey, and other legendary artists. Original music is woven throughout the evening, showcasing DelGuidice’s own songwriting talents and reminding audiences that he is far more than an interpreter of classic rock—he is an accomplished artist in his own right.
The result is an energetic, emotional concert that has people singing, dancing, laughing, and often standing for multiple ovations.
More than a concert
While the music may draw people to Simsbury Meadows, many attendees say it is the atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
The event is intentionally designed as an evening where everyone feels welcome.
People arrive early carrying elaborate picnic baskets, folding tables, candles, and comfortable lawn chairs. Friends gather for pre-concert dinners while children play nearby. Families spanning three generations often attend together, making the concert a late-summer tradition before the arrival of autumn.
Food trucks offer a variety of dining options throughout the evening, making it easy for guests to enjoy everything from classic festival favorites to specialty meals.
For those looking to raise a glass while enjoying the music, the popular Moonlight Pub serves beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening.
Parents appreciate that the concert remains affordable for families, with children ages 12 and under admitted for just $10, making it accessible for households looking to enjoy a memorable evening together without the cost of many larger entertainment events.
Perhaps most importantly, the concert reflects the values of Favarh itself.
People of every age and ability attend together. Individuals supported by Favarh share the evening alongside neighbors, business leaders, elected officials, volunteers, donors, and first-time visitors.
It is a celebration of community in its truest sense.
The ultimate concert experience
For guests seeking an elevated evening, the Friends of Favarh VIP Table Experience has become one of the event’s most sought-after offerings.
Located directly in front of the stage, each reserved VIP table seats eight guests and includes one of the area’s finest culinary experiences.
Each table receives an elegant gourmet picnic prepared exclusively by the award-winning Metro Bis Restaurant, one of Connecticut’s premier dining destinations. The beautifully prepared meal allows guests to enjoy exceptional cuisine without ever leaving their seats.
The experience also includes four bottles of wine, reserved VIP parking, premium seating with outstanding views of the performance, and the opportunity to enjoy the evening with family, friends, clients, or colleagues in a relaxed yet unforgettable setting.
Many local businesses reserve VIP tables to thank employees or entertain clients, while families use the experience to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or simply enjoy an extraordinary night together.
The combination of world-class music, exceptional food, and front-row seating creates an evening unlike any other summer event in the region.
Music That Makes a Difference
Although the evening feels like a community celebration, every ticket purchased directly supports Favarh’s mission of helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their personal best.
For more than six decades, Favarh has been creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.
Today, the nonprofit provides services to more than 350 individuals throughout 34 Connecticut communities, offering residential supports, employment services, day programs, recreation, transportation, supportive housing, transition services for students, health and wellness initiatives, and numerous opportunities that promote independence and inclusion.
Funds raised through the concert help strengthen these programs while expanding opportunities for individuals to build meaningful lives within their communities.
The concert also reflects one of Favarh’s core beliefs—that inclusion benefits everyone. Rather than creating separate events, Favarh invites the entire community to celebrate together. The result is an evening where barriers disappear, friendships form naturally, and thousands of people share an experience built around music, laughter, and belonging. It’s a reminder that some of life’s best moments happen when communities come together.
A tradition worth experiencing
In an era when many concerts feel rushed or impersonal, Favarh’s Mike DelGuidice Under the Stars offers something refreshingly different.
Guests can spread out on the lawn beneath an open sky, enjoy dinner with family and friends, discover new food vendors, sip beverages from the Moonlight Pub, watch children dance to classic rock favorites, and experience one of today’s most engaging live performers—all while supporting an organization that changes lives every day.
For returning guests, it’s a tradition they eagerly anticipate each September.
For first-time visitors, it’s often the beginning of a new annual ritual.
Whether you’re a lifelong Billy Joel fan, someone who appreciates outstanding live music, or simply looking for one of Connecticut’s best late-summer evenings, Mike DelGuidice Under the Stars promises a memorable experience.
The music is exceptional.
The setting is beautiful.
The cause is meaningful.
And everyone is welcome.
Mike DelGuidice Under the Stars takes place Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.
Tickets, VIP table information, and event details are available at favarh.org/concert. VL