The alumni band Split Decision will celebrate the launch of Fairfield Reunion Weekend 2023 with a live performance at FTC in downtown Fairfield on Friday, June 9, 2023. Open to the public — including friends from all classes — doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8 p.m.

New this year: special guest When I Woke will also be performing.

Best-known for headlining the first-ever Clam Jam at Fairfield Beach in 1987, Split Decision left its mark on the Fairfield County music scene of the late ’80s with biweekly shows at parties and venues in the area drawing throngs of loyal fans. For the first time in three decades, the band reunited last year to perform to a full house at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport. Their blend of guitar-driven new wave rock ­– invoking R.E.M., Elvis Costello, The Pretenders, and Talking Heads ­– had alumni and friends packing the dance floor for nearly three straight hours.

Ready to rock this year’s reunion crowds are lead singer James Dennis O’Brien ’88, Kevin Kuryla ’88 (bass), Mary Guerin ’88 (vocals), Pete Holland ’88, P’19 (saxophone), Brian Machler ’87 (guitar and vocals), Pete Bongiorno ’90 (drums and vocals), and Ben de la Cruz ’89 (keyboards and percussion).

When I Woke – an alternative rock group that also originated in Stag Country – will join the party at FTC in a special guest appearance that will mark their first show together in 30 years. Making their Reunion Weekend debut will be Bill Van Wart ’89 (bass and vocals) and Jim Hannon ’89 (guitar and vocals), alongside Split Decision’s O’Brien, Kuryla, De la Cruz, Bongiorno, and Holland.

Tickets for the Split Decision reunion gig at FTC with special guest When I Woke on Friday, June 9, are $20/general admission and available online at fairfieldtheatre.org.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and at 8 p.m. the bands will take the FTC stage, located at 70 Sanford St. in Fairfield, Conn. For the full schedule of Reunion Weekend 2023 events, please visit fairfield.edu/reunion.