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
Tom Polizzi is a prominent Connecticut-based multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the award-winning bluegrass quartet On the Trail. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in Audio and Music Production, Tom transitioned from a background in serious jazz guitar to becoming a distinctive voice in modern acoustic music.
Primarily playing the mandolin and guitar, Tom is recognized for his clean, articulate technique and his contributions to the band’s original repertoire, including tracks like "On the Fence" and "Lead Me Back Again." With On the Trail, he has earned prestigious honors such as winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival Showcase and being named a Grey Fox Emerging Artist. Beyond performing, Tom leverages his technical expertise to handle much of the band's audio engineering, helping shape the "sonic richness" that defines their contemporary bluegrass sound.
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.