Chad Hollister

Chad Hollister is the lead singer and guitar player of Chad Hollister Band in Vermont.

THEN: Before COVID, Chad was a very busy performer, opening for Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Tom Petty to name a few. As the lead of Chad Hollister Band, he has been touring the country for 20 years. The music of Chad Hollister Band has been called "pure sonic alchemy”, which Chad says means “ It’s damn good” in Vermont terms.

Chad Hollister Band playing to a sold out audience in January 2020

NOW: March hit and suddenly Chad’s performance and tour calendars emptied. Chad is a “glass half full” guy and he has appreciated the unexpected time he has had with his family, but not being able to perform left a giant hole in his heart (and wallet). To continue to provide music to his community, Chad gave small backyard concerts during the summer and performed virtual concerts online.

Chad, with his friend and colleague Jeff “Primo” Poremski, performing in Chad’s backyard in summer of 2020.

HOPE: Chad feels incredibly grateful to the Vermont community. He says, “Our friends and fans have been amazing , helping us out along the way to help get us through financially, and with their hearts too! I would not have a career in music were it not for our community of friends. Vermont is a pretty sweet place to be quarantined as well as call home.”

As a way to give back to this community and help his fellow musicians, Chad came up with the idea to host a virtual celebration of Vermont musicians and the inauguration of our next president. This virtual concert, “Vermont Sounds”, will be presented online on Jan 22, 2021 and will include musicians of all genres from across Vermont as well as messages from Vermont leaders and politicians. All the money raised by “Vermont Sounds” will benefit the New England Musicians Relief Fund!