OUR STORY
On the Trail is a modern acoustic band that explores everything from bluegrass to contemporary pop, from stunning instrumentals to beautiful traditional songs. The group was founded through their love of bluegrass and the band the Punch Brothers. They have already gained recognition and praise for their exploration and strong execution of the challenging music, as well as for their new original music. Most recently, On the Trail had the honor of winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition after participating in 2021’s Telefunken Battle of the Bands at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival. They also were selected as an Emerging Artist at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023. On The Trail features Austin Scelzo (fiddle and vocals), Tom Polizzi (mandolin and vocals), Charlie Widmer (guitar and vocals) and Matt Curley (upright bass and vocals). Their latest album "Where Do We Go From Here" is also available for streaming on all platforms.
Charlie Widmer
Charlie Widmer is a multi-genre singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, arranger, and producer based in Connecticut. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Western Connecticut State University in 2016 and has been professionally singing and performing ever since. In 2016, Charlie had the honor of singing on television in Switzerland’s version of AGT, Die grössten Schweizer Talente. He received a standing ovation and four yeses from the judges. The clip remains one of the highlights in his career. His singing credits include performances with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Ivortyon Playhouse, Playhouse on the Shore, Salt Marsh Opera, Opera Theater of Connecticut, backup vocals for Josh Groban (Madison Square Garden/Radio City Musical Hall), Sarah Brightman (Radio City Music Hall, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Long Island University), and 30 Seconds to Mars (City Winery NYC), and many others in both musical theater and opera alike. Charlie is also lead singer in Sub-Urban (Hip-Hop/Soul) and a singer/guitarist in On the Trail (Bluegrass). He has records available for streaming on all popular platforms with each of his groups. Charlie is currently represented for theater, television and film by Professional Artists Agency in NYC. To keep up with him, visit his website at: www.charliewidmermusic.com
Austin Scelzo
Austin Scelzo was introduced to various fiddle traditions at Mark O'Connor's early Berklee String Camps, learning from powerhouse players like Billy Contreras, Jason Anick, Casey Dreissen, Jeremy Kittel, Andy Reiner, Bruce Molsky, Mark O'Connor, and Christian Howes. Austin's Bluegrass journey began with the Western CT based group the "Angry O'Haras", then later "On the Trail", with which he recorded fiddle and vocals. He also performs and records with the “Rock Hearts”, a traditional Bluegrass group that has brought New England Bluegrass music to big national stages. Austin is also an active bluegrass community advocate, teaching Wernick Method Jam classes and launching the Connecticut Bluegrass Music Association. He was named 2023 Connecticut Arts Hero by the state of Connecticut and has been nominated for two awards by the International Bluegrass Music Association (Mentor of the Year, Industry Involvement)
Tom Polizzi
CT-based guitarist and mandolinist Tom Polizzi is known for his versatility and musicality in a number of styles and areas of music. At 23 years old, he has shared the stage with jazz legends like Ron Carter, Brad Mehldau, and Stefon Harris, and is an active player in the CT and NY bluegrass and folk scene. Tom has studied and played with renowned CT guitarists Chris Morrison and Doug Maher, as well as Nashville guitarists like Guthrie Trapp and Rory Hoffman. He prides himself on his comprehensive understanding of the guitar, as well as his fun and unique approach to teaching. He can be seen performing regularly in New England with the bluegrass band On The Trail and on the freelance jazz scene. Tom is also an active producer and recording engineer. He produced and recorded On The Trail’s self-titled 2019 EP, as well as a full length album under his own name featuring Korey Brodsky, Sofia Wyner Chiarandini, and Chet Duke (release date TBA).
Matt Curley
Matthew Curley is a musician and music educator currently residing in Connecticut. In addition to his teaching positions, Matthew has performed in ensembles and concerts across the nation. He has performed in a multitude of ensembles including Symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, musicals, bluegrass bands and more. Matt Joined On the Trail in 2021 and plays bass with the group regularly. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Matthew went on to finish his Master's of Music in Percussion Performance from Middle Tennessee State University. He is currently a Middle School Band Director in Darien, CT.