PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of acclaimed singer-songwriters on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
The showcase will open with an intimate in-the-round performance featuring Luke Concannon, Midnight Betty, and Lizzy Mandell, before Joy Clark and her quartet take the stage for the evening’s featured set.
Louisiana-born singer-songwriter Joy Clark has earned national recognition for her warm, honest vocals, intricate guitar work, and songs exploring themes of freedom, love, and self-acceptance. Blending orchestral-style fingerpicking with blues-infused lead guitar, Clark creates a sound that is both intimate and expansive.
Her musical journey began in her father’s church, where she first led congregations in song. Her debut album, Tell It to the Wind, released on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records, received widespread critical acclaim and established her as one of today’s rising voices in contemporary folk and Americana. Clark has toured with Grammy Award winner Cyril Neville and performed as a member of Allison Russell’s backing band, The Rainbow Coalition, sharing stages with artists including Brandi Carlile and the Indigo Girls.
Opening the evening, Irish singer-songwriter Luke Concannon brings a career that spans from family singalongs to international success. As lead singer and co-writer of the UK No. 1 duo Nizlopi—known for “The JCB Song” and for mentoring a young Ed Sheeran during his internship with the band—Concannon has built a celebrated solo career. His 2022 album, Ecstatic Bird in the Burning, reached No. 12 on both the U.K. and U.S. folk charts.
Also appearing is Midnight Betty, the duo of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Chelle Martinez and Oriana Barros. Their blend of folk, country, indie, and pop is anchored by shimmering vocal harmonies, with songs that range from wistful to whimsical.
Vermont singer-songwriter Lizzy Mandell rounds out the showcase. Her debut album, Made for Flying, earned Times Argus/Rutland Herald Tammie Awards for Best Singer-Songwriter and Best Album in 2012. She recently released her second album, To the Moon, created in collaboration with fellow Vermonter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, vocalist, and songwriter Colin McCaffrey.
Tickets are $22 in advance, $26 at the door, and $10 for the livestream. Advance tickets and more information are available at nextstagearts.org.
