The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Brandon ‘Taz’ Niederauer heads to Ridgefield Playhouse
You might recognize 17-year-old Brandon Niederauer from the Tony Award-nominated Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway production “School of Rock the Musical” as the kid they call “Taz.” He was electrifying on stage with his guitar wizardry in the role of Zack Mooneyham.
Since leaving Broadway, Taz has performed in some of the most legendary venues in America with a who’s who of musicians, including Lady Gaga, Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Buddy Guy, Stevie Nicks and Slash.
At the beginning of 2020, he performed a soldout show at the Ridgefield Playhouse, and he is returning this year for two shows on March 6, with his guitar prowess fully on display.
Keith Loria spoke with him about his upcoming show.
Keith Loria: How have you been spending your time during the pandemic?
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer: The pandemic is a sad situation. My whole family had it early on, but thankfully not serious at all. School is a hybrid model, but we are teaching ourselves. I am glad I am a senior.
I have set up a recording studio in my room, writing music, practicing, playing a little basketball, doing schoolwork and doing a few socially distanced shows.
KL: Have you found even more time to play? What sort of avenues have you been able to do with your music?
BN: Yes, I have had more time to play. Prior to COVID, I was touring constantly and going to school, so while I was playing a lot and practicing with my band, I really did not have time to really practice the instrument.
So, I have really gotten to explore the instrument and broaden my musical vocabulary. I work with Mat Godfrey, the guitar player in my band and Tom Guarna, an amazing player and teacher.
KL: What can those coming to see your shows in Ridgefield expect? Preview the night for us.
BN: We plan to come in and play my original music and also insert some cool covers that we haven’t played before. The shows will rock, with a lot of improvisation and a unique take on some songs everyone is familiar with.
KL: What interested you about the guitar and when did you realize this was something you excelled at?
BN: The movie “School of Rock” is what got me interested in guitar. Up until then, I would watch videos of the Allman Brothers, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
I just liked the sound of the guitar. But when I saw the movie at 8 years old, I realized that a kid can also play. So, I asked my dad for a guitar and I got one for Christmas.
KL: What do you enjoy about touring?
BN: I enjoy sharing the joy of music with the musicians on stage and the audience. We are all there for the same reason. I also love seeing all the different parts of the world. Brandon “Taz” Niederauer will perform at the Ridgefield Playhouse on March 6, with shows at 5 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. The concerts are limited to 100 people. For more information, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.