WesFest 2026 ft. Tower of Power funk drum legend David Garibaldi, Berklee College of Music Visiting Scholar Victor Wooten, Berklee Bass Department Chair Steve Bailey & Living Colour innovative bassist Doug Wimbish at Red Room at Cafe 939, Boston, MA - July 7, 2026 7PM - free admission. This all-star quartet will celebrate the life and legacy of Duran Duren bassist Wes Wehmiller ‘92 and help raise funds to support the Berklee College Bass Department scholarship in his name.

Hartford Bonanza, produced by First Night Hartford, Inc., is proud to announce a collaborative partnership with legendary bassist Doug Wimbish to co-present a special America 250 Connecticut Commemorative Concert during this summer’s sixth annual Hartford Bonanza festival, which will culminate in the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks display.

The free performance on the Hartford Bonanza Mainstage, also featuring the full Hartford Symphony Orchestra with Hartford Chorale, will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary as part of an unforgettable, full day of arts, culture, food, community, history, and commemoration on July 4, 2026, in Bushnell Park from 12-10 pm. 

The 7:30 pm headlining concert will be performed in three sets: a symphonic set by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, a WimBash band set led by Doug Wimbish featuring artists across generations from his groundbreaking career, and a collaborative set featuring HSO and WimBash artists together playing an iconic song selection before the 9:30 pm fireworks over the Capitol.

WimBash + Hartford Symphony Orchestra

featuring Doug Wimbish • Bernard Fowler • The Powell Brothers: Doobie, Kevin & Billy with Zyyayre Williams • Briana Maia • Jme Strchild • Dave Koltai • and special guests Corey Glover, Khaiim the RapOet, and the Hartford Chorale