Article Contributed by Calabro Music Media
Published on 2026-07-28
Oteil Burbridge and Vermont-based trio LaMP featuring Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, and Ray Paczkowski will perform together for the first time on the Wish Benefit Tour 2026, a four-night concert series benefiting Make-A-Wish chapters across the Northeast.
Presented by Fiddlehead Brewing Company, the tour will visit Saratoga Springs, Burlington, Brooklyn, and Somerville from October 6–9. Pre-sale registration opens Wednesday, July 29, at 10 a.m.
Wish Benefit Tour 2026
Tuesday, October 6 – Universal Preservation Hall – Saratoga Springs, NY
Wednesday, October 7 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
Thursday, October 8 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
Friday, October 9 – Somerville Theatre – Somerville, MA
Known worldwide as a founding member of Dead & Company and for his celebrated work as bassist for the Allman Brothers Band and Aquarium Rescue Unit, Oteil Burbridge is one of the most respected and beloved musicians in live music today.
Joining him is the electrifying groove trio LaMP featuring Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, and Ray Paczkowski, musicians also renowned for their work with Trey Anastasio Band and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. Since forming in 2019, the band has released a series of critically acclaimed studio and live albums while selling out shows across the United States.
“I’m so excited to share the stage with Russ, Ray, and Scott on this upcoming run for such a great organization,” said Oteil Burbridge. “I’ve participated in Make-A-Wish since the Allman Brothers days, but it has been a long time. This is a rare opportunity to join LaMP and see what flavor of musical brew we can conjure up. Don’t miss this one if you’re within striking distance.”
“Oteil is what I call an X-factor musician, meaning what he brings to the table can’t be put into words. You just feel it,” said Scott Metzger of LaMP. “Every time I’ve played with Oteil, he’s been beyond thoughtful and generous as a collaborator, contributing creative ideas left and right. The fact that the four of us get to play together for the first time for a great cause like Make-A-Wish makes these shows that much more special. I have no doubt this is going to be an outrageous tour.”
“More than 10 years ago, our son Noah received a wish, and we saw firsthand what it meant for him and for our whole family,” said Amy Cohen, co-owner of Fiddlehead Brewing Company and a member of the Make-A-Wish Vermont and Northeast New York Board of Directors.
“In the middle of everything he was facing, it gave him something to look forward to and reminded all of us how much joy is still possible. To help grant that same joy for other children now, through the live music we love, is a full-circle moment we will never forget.”
Fans who register for the pre-sale will receive a special link providing access to tickets from July 29 through July 31 at 9:59 a.m. Tickets will open to the public July 31 at 10 a.m.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at every level, from presenting local shows to joining as a Friend of the Band. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the tour can contact Emily Malley at emalley@vtny.wish.org or Michael Vieira at mvieira@massri.wish.org.
About Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York
Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting life-changing wishes that provide hope, strength, and joy throughout the healing process.
Operating from Wishing Spaces in Shelburne, Vermont, and Saratoga Springs, New York, the chapter has granted nearly 3,500 wishes since 1986. With the support of generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, the organization serves Wish Kids across a community spanning 20,000 square miles throughout Vermont and 15 counties in Northeast New York.
About Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish can be a spark that helps a child believe anything is possible.
In the face of life-threatening medical conditions, wishes enable children to experience profound joy, renewed strength and resiliency, and lasting hope to keep striving and dreaming for the future.
Together with generous supporters and more than 500 volunteers, the organization has granted the wishes of more than 11,000 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its founding more than 40 years ago. Its vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child.
During the Summer of Wishes, the charity is working to fulfill the wishes of 130 local children between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
