Brad Bensko at Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard
Brad Bensko at Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard brings the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist back to North Stonington on Saturday, August 15, for an afternoon of live music among the vines. Bensko performs from 3 to 5 p.m., with The Grazing Cart serving food during the afternoon.
Bensko is a familiar name around southeastern Connecticut, but his musical reach stretches well beyond the local acoustic circuit. A Berklee College of Music graduate, songwriter, producer and recording engineer, he pulls heavily from 1950s and ’60s pop, the American Songbook and American roots music. The result can move from Beatles-era melodic pop into folk, blues and country without sounding like a standard cover-set playlist.
The setting fits that kind of Saturday afternoon. Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard sits on Pendleton Hill Road amid the rural landscape of North Stonington, with a contemporary winery, expansive lawn and vineyard views. Wine is available by the glass or bottle, along with Connecticut craft beer and cider.
About Brad Bensko
Bensko began playing music young after discovering the Beatles at age seven. He later became part of the New London-area music scene, earning a 2010 New London Whalie Award for Best Performance for his original song “Why Do You Do That?”
In 2011, he left Connecticut to attend Berklee College of Music, studying Music Production and Engineering with a minor in Acoustics and Electronics. That technical side of his background became an important part of his own recordings.
For his self-titled 2018 album, Bensko went deliberately old-school. He recorded on one-inch, eight-track analog tape and played most of the instruments himself, following the kind of studio approach associated with musicians such as Paul McCartney and Todd Rundgren.
Bensko also performs as one half of Kat & Brad with singer, songwriter and violinist Kathleen Parks of Twisted Pine. Their performances have taken them around New England and onto bills with artists including John Sebastian, Happy Traum, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines.
For the Kingdom of the Hawk performance, expect the smaller, singer-songwriter side of Bensko rather than a full-band rock show.
Saturday Afternoon at Kingdom of the Hawk
Kingdom of the Hawk is one of North Stonington’s newer vineyard destinations, combining a modern barn-inspired building with lawns, vines and surrounding woods.
Its Saturday music series has been running throughout the summer with regional performers including Ben Freiert, Jason Ingriselli and Dan Watson. Brad Bensko takes the August 15 slot at 3 p.m.
The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, so there’s plenty of time to arrive before the music begins. Wine is sold by the glass or bottle rather than through traditional tastings or flights. The vineyard also offers a rotating selection of Connecticut craft beer and cider.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas. Outdoor seating isn’t reserved, while indoor reservations aren’t generally necessary unless you’re coming with a larger group.
The Grazing Cart
The Grazing Cart will be at the vineyard during Bensko’s August 15 performance.
There’s one useful rule to know before packing the car: when a food truck or food vendor is on site, Kingdom of the Hawk asks guests not to bring outside food or picnics. The policy is intended to support the local vendors appearing at the vineyard.
So for this particular Saturday, leave the picnic basket home.
A Relaxed Alternative to a Nighttime Concert
This isn’t a ticketed theater show or a late-night club gig. It’s an afternoon built around two hours of music with the vineyard remaining open around it.
Arrive early, find a place outside, pick up something from The Grazing Cart and get a glass of wine. Bensko starts at three. By five, the music and the vineyard’s regular Saturday hours wrap up together.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Performer: Brad Bensko
Location: Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard
Address: 113 Pendleton Hill Road, North Stonington, CT 06359
Music: Singer-songwriter, roots, folk, vintage pop and blues influences
Food: The Grazing Cart
Outside Food: Guests are asked not to bring outside food or picnics when a food vendor is on site.
Wine: Available by the glass or bottle. Traditional tastings and flights aren’t offered.
Other Drinks: Connecticut craft beer and cider are also available.
Pets: Leashed pets are welcome outdoors.
Vineyard Hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: (860) 328-5331
More Information
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
