Sinners Circle

And that’s a wrap! Thanks to all the wonderful artists from Friday night’s show for closing out the last Circle of the season with such poise and passion. What a night! And thanks to everyone who came out to the series this year and for continuing to support live, local original music, and to the Garde staff and crew for their amazing support. See you down the road!

Last but certainly not least, the evening’s host (also performing) Nancy Parent!

Nancy Parent is a singer-songwriter hailing from southeastern Connecticut. Her vibrant soprano voice has drawn comparisons to some of the finest folk singers in the business, including Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Sandy Denny. Her original songs are poetic, personal and resonant, drawing from a deep well of inner reflection while still employing great hooks and truly memorable choruses.

Since 1998, Nancy has performed with the established folk-rock band, The Rivergods, as a lead singer, guitarist, and pedal steel player. Co-fronting the band with her husband, Ben, the Rivergods have enjoyed a rotating lineup of some of southern New England’s most talented roots/Americana players, and received many accolades over the years, particularly in regards to Parent’s soaring soprano and rich harmonizing abilities. Rick Koster, formerly of The Day hailed the Rivergods as “one of the area’s finest and best-loved bands.”

In 2012, Parent released a widely-acclaimed solo album, “Vision of Angels,” which was co-produced by Hugh Birdsall (The Reducers, Dogbite). Following that, Parent put out a string of singles including “Lock and Key” on several regional music samplers. Parent continues to write new songs, and recently contributed the bulk of the new material to the Rivergods’ forthcoming full-length album, currently in the final mixing stages and slated for a summer 2026 release.

In addition to her myriad musical talents, Parent is also a professor and division chair at Mitchell College in New London, and a dedicated mother to two college-aged children.

Join Nancy and crew in our last Circle of the season tomorrow night, Friday May 8! Details ⬇️

Meet Elana Zabari!

Elana Zabari is a Connecticut-based singer-songwriter whose original music blends heartfelt storytelling with warm, acoustic-driven melodies.

Originally hailing from Queens, New York, Zabari began her singing career as the lead singer of Da Scrubz (later Big Sis & the Boom Bahs) from the Westchester/Fairfield County area. In 2012, Elana joined the band Ruby and The Diamond Kings and performed through CT, and later, Tyrone Shoelaces, where she did backing vocals and is recorded on several of their albums.

Zabari has performed at clubs and events across NY, NJ, MA and RI in addition to CT. Her powerful voice and ability to bridge genres has drawn her comparisons to Susan Tedeschi, Janis Joplin, and Lady Gaga. Deciding to finally learn to play guitar in 2015, Elana now writes and plays her own original music along with a variety of eclectic covers.

Drawing from personal experience and a deep love of connection, her songs explore themes of resilience, love, and the shared human journey. With an authentic voice and an intimate performance style, Elana creates a space where listeners feel seen, uplifted, and not alone.

Elana brings her heart, soul and voice to the Sinners Circle this Friday night 5/8 in New London! Details ⬇️