Keeler In The Community
KTM&HC Gala Entertainment to Feature Madeline Bouïssou, Bob Curiano, DJ Miles Elliot
April 17, 2026
Ridgefield, Conn.— On May 1, gather with us at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s (KTM&HC) Cannonball Gala to celebrate community, support the museum’s mission, and honor Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou. Tickets are still available, and sponsorship opportunities remain open!
The Gala will feature a special musical guest: Madeleine Bouissou, an American cellist, Alexander Technique teacher based in The Hague – and daughter of honorees Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou. Since graduating from The Juilliard School, Madeline has developed an international career as a performer and educator, appearing with leading ensembles in historical performance while cultivating a distinctive and versatile artistic voice. Her playing is guided by a sense of physical freedom and presence, and she is especially drawn to intimate performances that foster connection and shared experience, inspired by the spirit of hospitality and community she learned in her upbringing.
Alongside her performing career, she is a dedicated teacher, working with students across Europe and the United States to develop expressive, confident, and imaginative young musicians. Her work, on and off stage, is rooted in the belief that awareness and freedom open the door to authentic expression.
“I am excited to return home to celebrate my parents and their lifelong dedication to the community that has been part of my musical journey from the very beginning,” said Madeline.
In addition to Madeline’s performance, songwriter/producer and performer Bob Curiano will entertain during the cocktail hour. Bob is a multi-instrumentalist whose touring and recording credits include Mink DeVille/Willy DeVille, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, and Blackmore's Night. Bob was the first writer/producer for The Backstreet Boys, holds a No.2 record in Germany with a song he wrote called BLUE, and recently released jazz single “Sunny and Warm.”
And, at our new-for-2026 After Party, DJ Miles Elliot will be setting the musical scene for an intimate, after-hours lounge experience. Miles, a winner and three-time finalist of The Hartford Advocate’s Connecticut’s Best DJ award, has over twenty years of experience, including as Team DJ for the Connecticut Sun and residencies with top music venues in Connecticut and New York City. He is known for his high-energy sets, seamless transitions, blending multiple genres, and most of all, his ability to “rock” any crowd.
Join us on May 1 to support KTM&HC, honor Sarah and Bernard Bouïssou, and experience exceptional musical performances. Gala tickets are on sale now – as are a limited supply of After Party-only tickets.
All proceeds from the Gala benefit the museum, allowing KTM&HC to continue to deliver on its mission to preserve and share its collections and stories. In addition, sponsorships and donations help ensure the success of this signature fundraising event and directly support the museum’s education and preservation work. This year, both our silent and live auctions will be available to bidders anywhere! The silent auction opens for bidding online on Friday, April 24 and closes on Friday, May 1 at 8:15pm. Live auction items – like a one-of-a-kind quilt by Harvey Fierstein – will be auctioned during the event, and proxy bidding is available. Purchase Gala tickets and submit bids for our auctions at www.keelertavernmuseum.org/gala/.
Tickets for the Gala and After Party will sell out soon, so don’t wait to reserve your seats. Sponsorships and contributions are also warmly welcomed, to help make this year’s Gala a success.