Stamford Restaurants Paired with Acts from Alive @ Five 2013

We had a brilliant moment of realization:  someone needs to pair the bands and singers from Alive @ Five with restaurants in Stamford.  Who would be awesome enough to do that?  Well, since we couldn’t find anyone who’d be game, we decided to create a list of the bands and singers then provide a restaurant that would be perfect to hit up before (or after) the concert.  We’ll also give you an explanation for added entertainment value.  Also, check down below for costs, rules, and regulations for Alive @ Five 2013.

June 20, The Wallflowers paired with Zaza Italian Gastrobar

The Wallflowers, led by singer Jakob Dylan (son of Bob Dylan), gained popularity in the late 90’s.  Their rock riffs paired with deep lyrics and Dylan’s smooth voice (as opposed to his dad’s) make for some awesome songs like “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache.”  It only makes sense, then, that you’d need to eat at Zaza, a sleek, sexy, and rockstar-ish restaurant nearby the Alive @ Five stage.

June 27, The Mavericks paired with Plan B Burger Bar

It’s tough to really to say what kind of music The Mavericks play.  Sometimes they are country, sometimes they border on ska, sometimes they even push over to rockabilly, and sometimes they even find a way to throw accordions into their songs.  What better pairing, then, with Plan B Burger Bar at the Stamford Town Center?  You’ve got bourbon, you’ve got beer, you’ve got burgers, and you’ve got lots of killer sides that all gel together for that perfect pre-show meal.

July 11, Ryan Cabrera paired with Hudson Grille

Ryan Cabrera debuted with “On the Way Down” that quickly became a big pop hit.  He dated Ashlee Simpson (before the plastic surgery) and even showed up on a few episodes of The Hills.  OMG!  So, like, why not, like, hit up a cool, like, restaurant that’s popular with, like, the people of, like, Stamford.  Like, yeah.

July 18, Wynonna & The Big Noise paired with Coalhouse Pizza

Bacon and habanero pizza at Coalhouse Pizza in Stamford

Wynonna Judd, baby.  Yeah, she’s been signing for a long time, but in 2011 she formed a new band:  Wynonna & The Big Noise.  From what we’ve heard on Youtube, they are bluesy, rocky, harmonica-y, with a lil’ country twang.  When we heard their songs, we automatically thought about Coalhouse Pizza, just a short drive from the main stage.  Blues and jazz reigns supreme at Coalhouse, so we couldn’t think of a better pairing.  When you’re there, check out their pizzas, their new burgers, and especially their 52 beers on tap.

July 25, Bret Michaels Life Rocks 2013 paired with Bar Q BBQ

Bret Michaels is the classic definition of a rock star.  His band Poison was the king (or queen?) of hair bands and was Dan’s favorite.  So much so that Dan wanted to make Bret his confirmation name, though that was quickly vetoed by his mom who said, “There’s no Saint Bret or Saint Axl.”  But, even though Bret is known for his hair rock, he’s also made a big name for himself on the country scene.  Plus, Bret went on to become hired by The Donald and became The Celebrity Apprentice (though he was so unjustly fired this season).  It would come as no surprise, then, that we pair Bret with the country bbq saloon stylings of Bar Q.  Get some bbq tapas, rock out to some country, then check out Bret.  This will be a great place to hit up after the concert, too.  Ya heard?

August 1, Matt Nathanson paired with Volta Gelateria Creperia

He’s so chill.  Don’t believe us?  Check out his song, “Come on Get Higher.”  So, why not groove on that chill vibe and hang out a bit at Volta?  You can just loaf around outside on the beautiful patio, have some drinks, enjoy some crepes, salads, or sandwiches.  Then, come back and chill (get it, it has two meanings) again with a great variety of gelato.

August 8, Howie Day  paired with Station Eats

You’ve definitely heard Howie’s song, “Collide.”  Again, like Matt Nathanson, he’s on the softer side of rock and is super chill.  It just so happens that Station Eats in Stamford is also very laid back and will be a great place to hit up.  Walk up to their bright bold menu, then walk over to the grill and order your burger, dog, salad, sandwich, beer, or milkshake then find a spot on the outdoor beer garden.  Don’t forget to check out their burger, dog, and shake of the month when you go.

August 15, Michael McDonald  paired with Coromandel

Dan’s aunt and godmother (Zia Donia) has a bit of a problem.  Okay, we’ll call it an addiction.  Ever since he could remember, she loved Michael McDonald.  Then again, can ya blame her?  Michael McDonald is the man!  What better way to celebrate his classic charm and silky voice that gets the ladies all sweaty than the spiciness of Coromandel?  Yes, the rich food complements McDonald’s rich and luxurious voice so well.

That’s it!  We hope you enjoyed our pairings!  Would you pair up any artists differently to local Stamford restaurants?  Let us know!

Alive@Five, Rules for 2013 (from the official page)

• No entry through restaurant/bar/office back doors. Everyone must enter through single main entrance located on Main Street just east of Clark and Lower Summer Streets with multiple entry portals.
• You must be 21 and older to get into the concert area after 7 pm.  Hands will be marked for under 21.  Under 21 cannot leave and re-enter.
• If you are under 21 and arrive before 7pm, you are welcome to stay for the entire concert, but you cannot leave and re-enter.
• Photo I.D. is required.
• Passports and Out of State IDs require a Second Form of Photo I.D. with Date of Birth.
• NEW THIS YEAR: Those aged 25 and under will be required to fill out a CT Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division Age Statement Form, certifying that you are 21 years of age or older.  False statements will be subject to fines according to the laws of the State of Connecticut.
• $15.00 fee to attend the Alive @ Five Festival.
• Children aged 12 and under are free, but must enter before 7pm and cannot leave and re-enter.
• Metro North will be vigilant in enforcing underage drinking laws.
• Alive@Five will take place, rain or shine.

Restricted Items

Attendees cannot enter with backpacks or large bags, coolers, chairs, bicycles, skateboards, weapons,containers of any kind, liquids, alcohol, illegal substances of any kind, pets, video cameras or tape recorders.  Security professionals at all entry portals will ensure that all attendees are free of any of these items.