Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-11-04
Three-time GRAMMY Award winner Steve Earle will bring his 12th annual John Henry's Friends benefit to The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, on Friday, December 11, 2026, featuring a special performance by The Waterboys' Fisherman's Blues Revue.
The concert will mark the only North American performance and final appearance anywhere of the Fisherman's Blues Revue, a celebration of The Waterboys' landmark late-1980s musical era. Led by Mike Scott, the nine-piece ensemble will feature Earle alongside former Waterboys members Steve Wickham and Colin Blakey, plus Brother Paul, Famous James, Aongus Ralston, Eamon Ferris, and Roar Øien.
Following a sold-out, critically acclaimed European tour, the performance will revisit the spirit and sound of The Waterboys' classic Fisherman's Blues album, blending the group's Celtic folk influences with the Americana roots and songwriting of Steve Earle.
"I only ever wanted to be in three bands: The Rolling Stones, NRBQ and The Waterboys," says Steve Earle.
"The Fisherman's Blues era of 1986–88 was a transcendent time for The Waterboys, and it's always thrilling to delve back into its spirit and see what happens," says The Waterboys' Mike Scott. "We'll be performing with a nine-piece band, including two other band members from that period, and the great Steve Earle, who I've wanted to do a project with for many years. He'll bring Americana roots and killer songs to the party."
The evening will benefit The Keswell School, a nonprofit educational program serving children and young adults with autism between the ages of 3 and 21. All net proceeds from the concert will support the school's educational programs, including music therapy and operating expenses.
The annual event was inspired by Earle's son, John Henry, who was diagnosed with autism at 19 months old. For the past 12 years, Earle has brought together fellow musicians and longtime friends to help support students and families through Keswell.
Previous John Henry's Friends benefits have featured an extraordinary roster of musicians, including Brandi Carlile, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, David Byrne, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Graham Nash, and many others.
Founded in 2002, The Keswell School provides individualized education, therapeutic services, and supportive programs for students with autism. Its approach includes one-to-one instruction designed to develop communication, self-advocacy, independent-living skills, and meaningful connections within the community.
Support from the annual benefit helps make the school's programs accessible to families who might otherwise be unable to afford them, while funding specialized educational and therapeutic resources.
This year's concert is presented in partnership with the Harper House Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting musicians, preserving their legacies, and strengthening the broader music community.
For Earle, whose career has encompassed landmark albums such as Guitar Town, Copperhead Road, and Washington Square Serenade, the annual John Henry's Friends concert has become an important expression of his commitment to supporting children and families through music.
For fans of The Waterboys, December 11 offers a rare opportunity to experience the Fisherman's Blues Revue one final time, with Steve Earle joining Mike Scott and the ensemble for a performance that brings together two remarkable musical traditions in support of an important cause.
Tickets are available now through The Capitol Theatre's official event page.
12TH ANNUAL JOHN HENRY'S FRIENDS BENEFIT
THE WATERBOYS' FISHERMAN'S BLUES REVUE
Featuring Steve Earle
Friday, December 11, 2026
The Capitol Theatre
Port Chester, New York
Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 8:00 p.m.
To Benefit The Keswell School
In Partnership with Harper House Music Foundation
Ages 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Children under 10 are not permitted.
