Jeff Bridges & The Abiders Coming to Ridgefield Playhouse, 9/6

Movie star and Oscar winner for Crazy Heart, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, his band, are coming to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, September 6, at 8 p.m. to do what Jeff loves to do when he's not acting: perform his brand of country music. There are numerous echoes of Crazy Heart to be found on Jeff's new album, Jeff Bridges. It may mark a switch from the six-time Oscar nominee's usual day job, but the performances on Jeff Bridges consistently feel both comfortable and true. The album is a logical follow-up to Bridges' Academy Award-winning portrayal of grizzled former country music legend Bad Blake in the 2009 film Crazy Heart. "This album is a natural extension of the love of music I've had all my life," commented Bridges. "Natural" is as good a word as any to describe the feeling of Bridges' self-titled major label debut. Featuring a roster of magnificent songwriters and musicians, and produced by Bridges' friend of three decades, Grammy-award winner T Bone Burnett, the ten-song disc is soulful and heartfelt.

Bailey's Backyard (23 Bailey Ave., Ridgefield) is offering 10% off lunch or dinner the day of this event when tickets are presented. An AllShows.com VIP Party Pass ($25 addt'l per person), which includes a cocktail party from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. with open bar, hors-d'oeuvre and priority parking, is available for this show by calling the box office (203-438-5795). This event is part of the Doyle Coffin Singer/Songwriter and Xfinity Rock Series.

Songwriters Stephen Bruton, John Goodwin, and Greg Brown contributed to both the Crazy Heart film project and the Jeff Bridges album, and multiple award-winner Ryan Bingham adds vocals to the opening track, "What a Little Bit of Love Can Do".

Bridges' involvement in music goes back a lot longer than just this one film. "I've been into music ever since I was a kid," he says. "My mother forced me to take piano lessons, maybe when I was around 8-I got as far as 'Fur Elise' and I bailed, and I've regretted it ever since." But then he discovered his brother Beau's Danelectro guitar. Though his parents, actors Dorothy and Lloyd Bridges, encouraged their kids to pursue the thespian track, Jeff was more interested in music and art. Fast forward to today where Bridges is one of the most respected actors of his time, but Bridges finds that music is often a key element in his projects.

For tickets ($90), call or visit the box office at (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.