Rich Franzino, Founder of Bridgeport's Acoustic Cafe, Dies at 71

Franzino gave many local bands their start at his iconic music venue before it became Park City Music Hall.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Rich Franzino, the founder of the Acoustic Cafe in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has died at the age of 71. Franzino opened the Acoustic Cafe in 1999, providing a space for local talent to perform and get their start, including artists like John Mayer and Stephen Kellogg. The venue became a hub for the local music scene before closing during the pandemic and later reopening as the Park City Music Hall in 2021.

Why it matters

The Acoustic Cafe played a crucial role in nurturing the local music scene in Bridgeport, giving many aspiring artists their first big break. Franzino's commitment to supporting the community and providing a platform for up-and-coming musicians made the venue an important part of the city's cultural landscape.

The details

Franzino had dealt with several health issues in the past year, including a cancer diagnosis and heart surgery. He died from complications with pneumonia on February 18, 2026. Prior to opening the Acoustic Cafe, Franzino had a long career in the entertainment industry, working as a stagehand and production manager for the Stamford Center for the Arts, where he interacted with famous figures like Liz Taylor and Al Pacino. The Acoustic Cafe became a beacon for established local groups like The Zambonis and The Breakfast, as well as rising jam bands like Goose and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.

  • Franzino opened the Acoustic Cafe in Bridgeport in 1999.
  • The Acoustic Cafe closed during the pandemic and reopened as the Park City Music Hall in 2021.
  • Franzino died on February 18, 2026.

The players

Rich Franzino

The founder of the Acoustic Cafe in Bridgeport, Connecticut, who provided a platform for many local musicians to perform and get their start.

Debbie Jaine

Franzino's partner, who shared memories of their time together and the outpouring of love and support following his passing.

Dave Schneider

The singer and guitarist for the bands The Zambonis and The LeeVees, who expressed gratitude for the opportunities Franzino provided at the Acoustic Cafe.

PJ Pacifico

A singer-songwriter who credited Franzino and the Acoustic Cafe with boosting his confidence and helping him improve as a performer.

IATSE Local #74 Labor Union

The union that Franzino was a member of for 50 years, where he worked as a head carpenter and stagehand.

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What they’re saying

“So many musicians in this area were given a welcomed window of opportunity by Rich Franzino and his Acoustic Cafe. Thank you Rich.”

— Dave Schneider, Zambonis and LeeVees singer (Facebook)

“He is an angel that created life moments through his opened doors and spirit. The Acoustic Cafe in CT was a clubhouse for so many aspiring and insecure songwriters that came together and bonded with life long friendships.”

— PJ Pacifico, Singer-songwriter (Facebook)

What’s next

The Park City Music Hall, which took over the Acoustic Cafe's former location, will likely continue to be an important venue for the local music scene in Bridgeport, carrying on Franzino's legacy.

The takeaway

Rich Franzino's dedication to supporting the local music community and providing a platform for aspiring artists at the Acoustic Cafe left a lasting impact on Bridgeport's cultural landscape. His vision and commitment to nurturing talent will be remembered as a testament to the power of grassroots music venues to shape the careers of up-and-coming musicians.