Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers Bring Eclectic Sounds to the Fred

The singer-songwriter and pianist will showcase his wide-ranging influences and collaborations at the Frederic Brown Jr. Amphitheatre.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:30pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a glossy, reflective piano keyboard, with dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting creating a glitzy, high-fashion aesthetic that conceptually represents the virtuosic musicianship and eclectic artistry of Bruce Hornsby's upcoming performance.The gleaming, reflective surface of Bruce Hornsby's piano keys hints at the virtuosic musicianship and eclectic artistry he will showcase at the upcoming concert.Williamsburg Today

Bruce Hornsby, the acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist, is set to perform at the Frederic Brown Jr. Amphitheatre, showcasing his diverse musical talents and extensive collaborations over his storied career. Hornsby first rose to prominence in the 1980s with his Grammy-winning debut album 'The Way It Is' and has since explored a wide range of genres, from jazz and pop to bluegrass and avant-garde. His upcoming show will feature material from throughout his discography, including new music from his forthcoming album 'Indigo Park'.

Why it matters

Hornsby's eclectic musical style and collaborations with a wide range of artists, from the Grateful Dead to Bon Iver, have made him a highly respected and influential figure in the music industry. His performance at the Fred will offer local fans a chance to experience his unique blend of genres and his ability to push the boundaries of popular music.

The details

Hornsby first gained national attention in 1986 with the release of his debut album 'The Way It Is,' which featured the hit title track that became the most-played song on American radio in 1987. He has since released 23 albums that have sold over 11 million copies worldwide, and has appeared on over 100 records, collaborating with artists such as Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, and Sting. In addition to his solo work, Hornsby was also a part-time member of the Grateful Dead from 1990 to 1992, performing over 100 concerts with the band.

  • Hornsby's performance at the Frederic Brown Jr. Amphitheatre is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • His latest album, 'Indigo Park,' is set to be released on April 3, 2026, just two weeks before the concert.

The players

Bruce Hornsby

An acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist who first rose to prominence in the 1980s with his Grammy-winning debut album 'The Way It Is.' Hornsby has since explored a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and pop to bluegrass and avant-garde, and has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his storied career.

Frederic Brown Jr. Amphitheatre

A performance venue located in Williamsburg, Virginia, where Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers will be performing on April 17, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“There are eclectic musicians and then there is Bruce Hornsby. The singer/songwriter pianist has toured as a member of the Grateful Dead, won a GRAMMY® for a bluegrass collaboration with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, released jazz and pop albums, worked on Spike Lee soundtracks and dabbled in avant-garde music. His recent 'pop' albums have pushed the meaning of that word to its most flexible boundaries.”

— Hal Horowitz, Critic

What’s next

Hornsby's performance at the Frederic Brown Jr. Amphitheatre is expected to be a highlight of the local music scene, showcasing his diverse talents and collaborations. Fans can look forward to hearing material from throughout his storied career, as well as new music from his upcoming album 'Indigo Park'.

The takeaway

Bruce Hornsby's eclectic musical style and wide-ranging collaborations have made him a highly respected and influential figure in the industry. His upcoming performance at the Frederic Brown Jr. Amphitheatre will offer local fans a unique opportunity to experience his boundary-pushing artistry and diverse musical influences.