The Legendary Toad's Place: Stories from New Haven's Famed Music Venue

Brian Phelps was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Brian met Mike Spoerndle, owner of the new Toad's Place, in 1975. Several years later, Mike made Brian an offer to become business partners. In January 1995 Brian took control of the company and bought the rest of the business in 1998.

Randall Beach was the rock music critic for the New Haven Register from 1978 to 1984. He later wrote about rock music for the New Haven Advocate, the Hartford Courant, and Billboard magazine. He was also a reporter and columnist for the New Haven Register. He writes the "Beachcombing" column for Connecticut magazine.

Actor George Newbern has appeared in Father of the Bride, Father of the Bride II, Evening Star, Adventures in Babysitting, and many other films. On television, he has had roles on Friends, Nip/Tuck, Hot in Cleveland, CSI, and more.