Legendary bassist and Living Colour member Doug Wimbish brings the WimBash Music Festival to Joey C’s Boathouse, 955 Ferry Boulevard, Stratford, on Saturday, Oct. 11, for a day of electrifying musical performances, community celebration and culinary heat in support of the nonprofit Teach Kids Music. The event will be held at Joey C’s from 2 to 8 p.m. Donation at the door is $10.
This 2025 WimBash is a collaboration between Doug’s longtime friend and fellow musician John McCarthy, Rockhouse School of Music, and Strong Roots 9 at Gilliard Farms. This festival celebrates local Connecticut music, while fundraising for Teach Kids Music. A bonus is the debut of Doug’s signature Baseline Burn hot sauce line.
West Haven resident John McCarthy founded Teach Kids Music, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, to show that learning music builds focus, creativity, and confidence; turning the power of music into life skills for kids that last a lifetime. TKM envisions a world where every child has access to the transformative experience of playing music regardless of circumstances.
“Too many children grow up without access to music. Supporting Teach Kids Music helps us provide free instruments, lessons, and opportunities that build life skills and bright futures,” said John McCarthy. “Thanks to Doug Wimbish and the 2025 Wimbash, we hope to raise funds that allow us to expand our current scope of services towards closing that gap and having an immediate impact in more children’s lives.”
The WimBash Music Festival features performances by Doug Wimbish & The CT All Star Band with John McCarthy, Jen Durkin, Rob Liptrot, Lauren Maloney, Chuck Peterson and special guests. A special highlight performance is scheduled for the Teach Kids Music All Star Band, a young group of musicians, aged 9 to 13, who have performed in California and at many other local Connecticut events, including the recent Durham Fair. Teach Kids Music board member, George Logan and his band, Electric Lady Band will be part of the festival along with Organized Chaos, Dave Koltai, Ghouls Etc., Lying Season and Jamie Prince Band
This 2025 WimBash marks a historic collaboration as Doug unveils Bassline Burn, his signature bold new hot sauce created with Strong Roots 9 at Gilliard Farms in Brunswick, Georgia. Bassline Burn is a one-of-a-kind hot sauce collection born from the friendship and creative fire between Wimbish and Matthew & Tia Raiford.
The release of Bassline Burn is more than just a flavor moment—it highlights the creative and cultural connection between Doug and Tia Raiford, daughter of acclaimed musician Skip McDonald. Doug—a bass legend known for his innovative techniques and genre-defining sound—has long been a connoisseur of heat. This dynamic collaboration brings the bold energy of the Bassline Burn hot sauce line to life – where rhythm meets flavor, and every note is laced with spice. His love for flavor even makes its way into his performances, where hot sauce bottles become instruments of sound and spice.
A specially curated menu by celebrity chefs Tia & Matthew Raiford in collaboration with Joey C’s Boathouse featuring Baseline Burn hot sauces will be available for separate dinner purchase.
For more information, contact Teach Kids Music at (203) 934-2501 or John@TeachKidsMusic.org.