It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bridgeport, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Seaside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Joseph's Steakhouse or visit Marina Park Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bridgeport, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bridgeport, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bridgeport, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut (WABC) -- A family business that has been open for more than a century in Bridgeport, Connecticut is at risk of shutting down for good because of a string of burglaries over a four-month period that have cost the owners thousands of dollars in repairs, and lost merchandise.It's a nightmare the owners of "Jimmy's Clothing & Footwear" describe as a "gut punch.""It's a labor of love... it's a joy. On certain days, there's nothing better than coming here," store owner Dave S...
BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut (WABC) -- A family business that has been open for more than a century in Bridgeport, Connecticut is at risk of shutting down for good because of a string of burglaries over a four-month period that have cost the owners thousands of dollars in repairs, and lost merchandise.
It's a nightmare the owners of "Jimmy's Clothing & Footwear" describe as a "gut punch."
"It's a labor of love... it's a joy. On certain days, there's nothing better than coming here," store owner Dave Schneider said.
Recently, Schneider has had to rush to his store in the middle of the night multiple times after break-ins, like one that left the front window shattered, and a display item stolen.
Last week, it was a $180 spray ground bag.
In all, Jimmy's Clothing & Footwear has been burglarized seven times in the last four months.
"It's very difficult to break even where we are, and then we're losing money on windows and theft, then in addition, we spend $30,000 on a gate system... it's not easy," Schneider said.
Jimmy's has been a fixture on Main Street in Bridgeport for over a hundred years, evolving from an Army Navy store to a destination for hip-hop fashion, but it's still a mom-and-pop business.
At 92 years old, Bob Schneider still pops in daily. His father started it all in 1920.
"It's very had to deal with now because business isn't like it used to be, and it hurts a lot," Bob Schneider said.
Marv Mouzon is part of the small staff but also gets to showcase some of his designs. He calls the break-ins "depressing."
"Seven times is a lot. It's almost like every week, you can sort of expect it. Being downtown, it's not a good feeling at all," Mouzon said.
"The customers are local, we're local, it's a community. But there's this part of it which is very hard," Dave Schneider said.
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"We need a state-level commitment that meets the urgency of the moment."Alfred Branch, Patch StaffNews release from the City of Bridgeport:BRIDGEPORT, CT — In response to the Connecticut General Assembly Appropriations Committee’s proposed state budget, Mayor Joseph Ganim and Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery released the...
Alfred Branch, Patch Staff
News release from the City of Bridgeport:
BRIDGEPORT, CT — In response to the Connecticut General Assembly Appropriations Committee’s proposed state budget, Mayor Joseph Ganim and Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery released the following joint statement:
We are encouraged to see increased attention given to special education funding in the proposed budget. But the scope of the challenge facing our public schools requires more than incremental changes. We need a state-level commitment that meets the urgency of the moment.
Bridgeport students face significant and growing needs—over 50 percent of our student population are English learners or require special education services. These children deserve the same opportunities as their peers across Connecticut, yet the state’s current funding structure continues to fall short of meeting their needs.
Across Connecticut, school districts—large and small, urban and suburban—are facing severe financial strain. FromStamford to Hartford, from Milford to Meriden, from Hamden to East Hampton and beyond, communities are being forced to make painful decisions that put student learning and staff stability at risk. That’s a clear sign that something is fundamentally flawed in the way our state funds public education.
The Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula has not kept pace with the real costs of educating today’s students. It also fails to fully account for the additional support needed for students living in poverty, multilingual learners, and those with disabilities.
At the same time, operational costs for schools—such as staffing, transportation, and services—continue to rise each year.
Like many districts across the state, Bridgeport is now facing an unprecedented budget shortfall—$67.8 million for Fiscal Year 2026. This shortfall risks forcing the elimination of critical programs, increased class sizes, and reductions in the support staff who are essential to student success. These decisions have real consequences for our students, families, and the long-term future of our city.
At a time when Connecticut is experiencing record surpluses and has more than $4 billion in reserves, the question is no longer about what we can afford—it’s about what we choose to prioritize. If we want thriving communities, a strong workforce, and safe, successful schools, we must fully and fairly invest in public education.
Bridgeport’s students deserve safe learning environments, well-supported educators, and access to the programs and services that give them the tools to succeed. Our children cannot and should not be left behind simply because they live in a city with fewer local resources.
We urge Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Legislature to seize this moment to move beyond short-term patches and commit to long-term, sustainable solutions that ensure every child in every community has the opportunity to succeed.
Joseph P. Ganim
Mayor, City of Bridgeport
Dr. Royce Avery
Interim Superintendent, Bridgeport Public Schools
BRIDGEPORT, CT — Jay "Ice Man" Piccirillo, owner of Micalizzi’s Italian Ice and a beloved member of the Bridgeport community, died unexpectedly on Friday, and he is being remembered for his generous, kind and loving spirit."Jay Piccirillo was a force of nature," state Sen. Heron Gaston told Ne...
BRIDGEPORT, CT — Jay "Ice Man" Piccirillo, owner of Micalizzi’s Italian Ice and a beloved member of the Bridgeport community, died unexpectedly on Friday, and he is being remembered for his generous, kind and loving spirit.
"Jay Piccirillo was a force of nature," state Sen. Heron Gaston told News 12 Connecticut. "When he walked into a room, he generated a certain kind of electricity. His smile was contagious."
Micalizzi's, which also has locations in Milford and Stratford, was originally founded by in the 1940s by Sal Micalizzi, according to the shop's website. But when Sal retired in the early 1980s, he turned the business over to the late Andy Piccirillo, Jay's father, and it has remained in the Piccirillo family — and a staple of Bridgeport — ever since.
Families have loved the Italian Ice and treats Micalizzi's sells for decades.
Jay Piccirillo helped grow the family owned business on Madison Avenue into the fixture it is in the city, by adding new flavors, Italian ice-serving trucks and carts, and his fun "Ice Man" superhero alter ego.
Susan Reed, who created the face paint Piccirillo wore as his "Ice Man," said it was an honor to know him and paint the mask.
"Over the years, we treated each other like family — He was truly an incredibly generous and kind man," Reed wrote on Facebook. "It was so much fun watching him go from 'Jay' to the 'IceMan' and how pumped up he got when the makeup was on! I'm going to miss him so much."
In a statement to the Connecticut Post, Mayor Joe Ganim called Piccirillo a "pillar to the Bridgeport community," who was always willing to help and volunteer for events throughout the city.
On its Facebook page, the city paid tribute to Piccirillo with a series of photos.
"It’s with a heavy heart that we send condolences to the family of our dear friend, Jay Piccirillo," officials wrote. "Jay, you were a staple in our community, and you will certainly be missed by everyone in Bridgeport and around Connecticut! Thank you for being a tireless advocate for the community! RIP Ice Man."
On the Chaz and AJ show on 99.1 WPLR, the hosts spent a considerable amount of time Monday morning remembering Piccirillo, who they knew for decades through his many charitable efforts.
"He literally gave the shirt off his back for the people of Bridgeport," they said.
For the past three years, the Soundside music festival (formerly Sound on Sound) has delivered stadium-level headliners (Red Hot Chili Peppers, ...
For the past three years, the Soundside music festival (formerly Sound on Sound) has delivered stadium-level headliners (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, John Mayer, to name a few) as well as local Connecticut acts (Deep Banana Blackout, Drew Angus) and up-and-coming artists that have since blown up in popularity (Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan). This year —when the festival returns to Bridgeport's Seaside Park for its fourth year on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 — will be no different, but with a bit of an early aughts slant.
Behind booking what he describes as a "heavily curated" lineup at Soundside is Live Nation's lead booker Bryan Benson. Outside of Soundside, Benson has his hand in booking Live Nation lineups around the country including High Water Fest in South Carolina, Bonnaroo in Tennessee and Boston Calling in Massachusetts.
Unlike the aforementioned festivals, which are anchored by multiple stages and can feature more than 100 artists, Soundside features one rotating stage with only 10 artists per day.
"Given the site that we have...it sort of lends to a lineup that's very heavily curated, ideally to a fairly specific fan that's going to be into coming out and seeing what we have," Benson said.
This year's lineup is led by arena rockers The Killers on Saturday and popular folk rock artist Hozier, who is returning to Seaside Park after performing at the festival in 2023. Other notable acts performing in 2025 include Weezer, Vampire Weekend, Djo, The Backseat Lovers and Remi Wolf.
Cohesion is the key to the lineup, Benson said, even though genres in this year lineup range from the folk-pop of TikToker Alex Warren to the '90s and 2000s rock sound of Weezer. Though Benson said it's not a "headliner-driven game," he said it's helpful to know who the headliners are in order to curate the rest of the day.
"If you're a fan of Hozier or The Killers or Vampire Weekend, we've got a lot on each day for you to sink your teeth into that you're probably going to be pretty excited about," Benson said.
As with previous years, artists on the top lines of both days at Soundside are veteran bands like Vampire Weekend and The Killers who rose to prominence about 20 years ago and Weezer who released its "Blue Album" 31 years ago with hits like "Buddy Holly" and "Say it Ain't So."
"To me, The Killers isn't that far of a departure from Stevie Nicks and John Mayer," said Benson.
But for every artist with a storied career, Soundside is booking up-and-coming artists that have only continue to grown in popularity since their booking. Benson cited artists like Alex Warren, Rachel Chinouriri, The Last Dinner Party and Djo (Joe Keery) as artists that the team needed to get a jump on or else they "wouldn't have had accessibility to them."
"Sometimes you just got to take a swing on something that, you know, you may or may not know what is going to feel like in September," Benson said, adding that artists are planning their touring further out in advance lately, which is a "challenge we accept as festival booker."
Someone who has grown since last visiting Bridgeport is Hozier, who topped the charts in 2024 with his single "Too Sweet," which was released after his Sound on Sound performance in 2023. For Benson, Hozier is a "bullseye" for what they are attempting to do with booking at Soundside.
"If you're trying to follow up Noah Kahan from last year, Hozier to me is the perfect bridge to that fan," Benson said, adding that "his fanbase ... spans across the board."
In addition to booking according to wide popularity, the festival is "focused in terms of an audience and demographic," catering to Fairfield County residents while still pulling music fans from far away.
While the festival has seen great success, breaking its own attendance record last year with 57,000 attendees, it also faced some headwind last year with its lineup. Due to injury, Queens of the Stone Age had to drop out in August and was replaced by Bleachers. Then with only two days left until the festival was set to kick off, Foo Fighters, who were initially tapped to close out the festival on Sunday, dropped out.
"A headliner pulling off your show a week out is nothing you prepare for," Benson said, adding that it was the only time an occurrence like this has happened to him. The festival turned around the same day and announced Jack White and Greta Van Fleet as co-headliners for the final day of the 2024 festival.
"I felt we handled it really well and got two bands to replace one, and did the best we could and still delivered a great show for those folks," Benson said.
Benson said plans are already in motion to book for the 2026 edition of the festival with the team already beginning to put out feelers for what music will bring fans back to Seaside Park.
April 30, 2025
Bridgeport, CT (April 29, 2025) – Emergency responders from Bridgeport Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene after a pedestrian was struck near Washington Ave and Coleman St on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 10:24 a.m., prompting a swift response from paramedics and fire crews. Upon arrival, first responders provided immediate assistance to the injured individual, ensuring they received timely medical attention at the scene. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the type of vehicle involv...
Bridgeport, CT (April 29, 2025) – Emergency responders from Bridgeport Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene after a pedestrian was struck near Washington Ave and Coleman St on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 10:24 a.m., prompting a swift response from paramedics and fire crews. Upon arrival, first responders provided immediate assistance to the injured individual, ensuring they received timely medical attention at the scene. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the type of vehicle involved, but it is confirmed that the pedestrian sustained a variety of injuries due to the collision. Officials are currently working to piece together the circumstances leading up to the accident, and an active investigation remains underway. Our thoughts are with the injured individual, and we hope for a smooth and full recovery.
Pedestrian accidents in Connecticut often result in serious injuries due to the vulnerability of individuals compared to vehicles on the road. In Bridgeport and other urban areas, busy intersections such as Washington Ave and Coleman St can be particularly hazardous, especially during peak traffic hours. Distracted driving, failure to yield, and poor visibility are common contributors to pedestrian accidents in the region.
This morning’s incident highlights the ongoing need for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution in high-traffic areas. Connecticut law mandates that drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, yet collisions continue to occur when attention lapses or safety measures are disregarded. In situations like today's, the injuries sustained can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families.
Following a pedestrian accident, securing immediate medical care and legal guidance is crucial. Victims may face mounting hospital bills, lost wages, and extended rehabilitation. Understanding the steps to take after such an incident—including documenting the scene, gathering witness statements, and consulting with appropriate support resources—can significantly affect recovery and legal outcomes.
As Bridgeport officials continue their investigation into the cause of today's accident, it serves as a sobering reminder for the community to prioritize safety and vigilance. Improving crosswalk visibility, enhancing driver awareness campaigns, and promoting pedestrian education are important measures that can help prevent future tragedies.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a pedestrian accident, there are local resources available to help navigate the road to recovery. Acting promptly can make a meaningful difference in securing the support and outcomes you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, taking immediate action is critical. At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to connecting victims with trusted resources that can assist with medical care, financial recovery, and legal support. Reach out today to find the help you need to move forward after an accident. Our compassionate team understands the challenges you’re facing and is ready to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait—contact Local Accident Reports now for assistance tailored to your needs.
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