Garde Arts to Host Sound Waves Magazine's 35th Anniversary Celebration

Since its founding in 1990, Sound Waves Magazine has been Southeastern New England’s entertainment and dining guide, delivering vibrant coverage of the region’s music scene. Known for its monthly interviews with iconic artists, the magazine has featured legends such as Mariah Carey, Fleetwood Mac, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, James Cotton, the Allman Brothers, and hundreds more who have defined generations of music.

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, Sound Waves Magazine invites the community to join a star-studded celebration at the Garde Arts Center in New London, CT, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The event will showcase performances by artists who’ve graced the magazine’s cover, including Christine Ohlman, James Montgomery, Duke Robillard, Sugar Ray Norcia, Jake Kulak and special guest Ana Popovic. Backed by David “Lefty” Foster and the Shaboo All-Stars featuring the Uptown Horns (Rolling Stones Horn Section), this unforgettable night honors the magazine’s enduring legacy and its deep connection to the music world.

Tickets are available now at Garde Arts Center’s official site. https://gardearts.org/events/sound-waves/

35th Anniversary Event Details

Date & Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM, doors will open at 7:00 PM

Venue: Garde Arts Center, 325 State St, New London, CT 06320-6123 Hosted & Emceed by: David “Lefty” Foster & The Shaboo All-Stars

Featuring the Uptown Horns (the Rolling Stones’ horn section)

Star-Studded Lineup

Performers who’ve graced past covers of Sound Waves Magazine will reunite for one unforgettable night: Christine Ohlman - Carl Ricci - Paul Gabriel - Duke Robillard - Steve Bigelow - Doug James Greg Piccolo - James Montgomery - Tommy Ferraro - Al Copley - Sugar Ray Norcia Bobby Christina - Bruce Katz - Jake Kulak - Christine Cooney - Willie J Laws Jr. and special guest: Ana Popovic

Featured Guest Spotlight: Ana Popovic
Ana Popovic, dubbed “one helluva guitar-player” by Bruce Springsteen and “the female Stevie Ray Vaughan” by Sound Waves Magazine, brings seven Blues Music Award nominations and her distinction as the only female guitarist in the all-star Experience Hendrix lineup. Her fiery style promises a career-spanning set that perfectly caps our 35th anniversary celebration.

About The Garde Arts Center:

Founded in 1985, The Garde, Southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit home for the performing arts and cinema, in the heart of downtown New London, CT, presents a full spectrum of music, dance, film, and special events at its restored historic (1926) 1425-seat Garde Theater movie palace and the 120-seat Oasis Room. The Garde also hosts performances by regional arts organizations and provides educational programs for more than 8,000 young people each year. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, executive director since 1988,  the Garde owns an “arts block” of adjacent buildings, including the Mercer and Meridian Buildings and the Garde cottage, to further the Garde's mission as a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London and the region.

In 2022, the Garde singly received the Outstanding Historic Theatre in America award from the League of Historic American Theatres.

Learn more at https://gardearts.org/.