OUR STORY
On the Trail is a high-energy, genre-bending acoustic band that seamlessly fuses traditional bluegrass with contemporary pop, driving instrumentals, and rich vocal harmonies. Inspired by innovators like the Punch Brothers, the group has earned widespread acclaim for their tight execution and inventive original songwriting. Following breakthrough nods as the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Champions and as 2023 Grey Fox Emerging Artists, the band has accelerated their momentum—playing internationally in Canada, shows across the US, and climbing to #3 on the Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction Top 100 charts with their song "What Do I Need With Love.
On the Trail features Austin Scelzo (fiddle/vocals), Tom Polizzi (mandolin/vocals), current CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer (guitar/vocals), and Matt Curley (upright bass/vocals). Their music, including the studio album Where Do We Go From Here, is available on all streaming platforms.
Charlie Widmer
Charlie Widmer is an award-winning multi-genre singer, songwriter, actor, guitarist, arranger, and producer based in Connecticut. In 2026, Charlie was appointed as the 19th Connecticut State Troubadour, serving as an official ambassador of music and the arts for the state. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, he has built a versatile career spanning opera, musical theater, and bluegrass.
As a member of the modern acoustic band On the Trail, Charlie has gained significant national recognition. He penned the group’s hit single, "What Do I Need With Love," which reached #3 on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. His accolades with the band also include winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition and being named an Emerging Artist at the 2023 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.
Charlie’s diverse performance credits include the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Ivoryton Playhouse, and Salt Marsh Opera, as well as providing backup vocals for icons such as Josh Groban and Michael Buble (Madison Square Garden), Sarah Brightman (Radio City Music Hall), and 30 Seconds to Mars. International audiences may also recognize him from his appearance on Switzerland’s version of AGT, Die grössten Schweizer Talente, where he received a standing ovation and four "yeses" from the judges.
In addition to his work in bluegrass, Charlie was the lead singer of the Hip-Hop/Soul group Sub-Urban and is a recording artist under his own name. To follow his journey, visit: www.charliewidmermusic.com.
Austin Scelzo
Austin Scelzo was introduced to various fiddle traditions at Mark O'Connor's early Berklee String Camps, learning from powerhouse players like Billy Contreras, Jason Anick, Casey Dreissen, Jeremy Kittel, Andy Reiner, Bruce Molsky, Mark O'Connor, and Christian Howes. Austin's Bluegrass journey began with the Western CT based group the "Angry O'Haras", then later "On the Trail", with which he recorded fiddle and vocals. He also performs and records with the “Rock Hearts”, a traditional Bluegrass group that has brought New England Bluegrass music to big national stages. Austin is also an active bluegrass community advocate, teaching Wernick Method Jam classes and launching the Connecticut Bluegrass Music Association. He was named 2023 Connecticut Arts Hero by the state of Connecticut and has been nominated for two awards by the International Bluegrass Music Association (Mentor of the Year, Industry Involvement)
Tom Polizzi
CT-based guitarist and mandolinist Tom Polizzi is known for his versatility and musicality in a number of styles and areas of music. At 23 years old, he has shared the stage with jazz legends like Ron Carter, Brad Mehldau, and Stefon Harris, and is an active player in the CT and NY bluegrass and folk scene. Tom has studied and played with renowned CT guitarists Chris Morrison and Doug Maher, as well as Nashville guitarists like Guthrie Trapp and Rory Hoffman. He prides himself on his comprehensive understanding of the guitar, as well as his fun and unique approach to teaching. He can be seen performing regularly in New England with the bluegrass band On The Trail and on the freelance jazz scene. Tom is also an active producer and recording engineer. He produced and recorded On The Trail’s self-titled 2019 EP, as well as a full length album under his own name featuring Korey Brodsky, Sofia Wyner Chiarandini, and Chet Duke (release date TBA).
Matt Curley
Matthew Curley is a musician and music educator currently residing in Connecticut. In addition to his teaching positions, Matthew has performed in ensembles and concerts across the nation. He has performed in a multitude of ensembles including Symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, musicals, bluegrass bands and more. Matt Joined On the Trail in 2021 and plays bass with the group regularly. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Western Connecticut State University. Matthew went on to finish his Master's of Music in Percussion Performance from Middle Tennessee State University. He is currently a Middle School Band Director in Darien, CT.