As summer rolls on in Southern Vermont, so does the Bandwagon Summer Series, bringing family-friendly outdoor performances to ballfields, farms, and parks across Putney, Brattleboro, and Bellows Falls. On Saturday, August 9 at 6:00 PM, the series hits a high note with a very special show: Tony Trischka’s EarlJam, a heartfelt musical tribute to bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, at Robertson Paper Company Field in Bellows Falls.
Opening the evening are The Stockwell Brothers, beloved local favorites known for their rich vocal harmonies and contemporary folk/bluegrass blend.
Earl Scruggs, Reimagined by a Banjo Master
Tony Trischka is a name that needs no introduction in the world of roots and acoustic music. For more than 50 years, he’s been at the forefront of banjo innovation, influencing everyone from Béla Fleck to Steve Martin. With EarlJam, Trischka dives deep into the legacy of his lifelong hero, Earl Scruggs—the North Carolina native who forever changed the sound of bluegrass.
Using rare, recently uncovered recordings of Scruggs jamming with John Hartford, Trischka has painstakingly transcribed solos that have never been heard live—some from songs that were never officially released. The result is a powerful and intimate portrait of a musical giant, brought to life by a quartet of exceptional musicians:
- Michael Daves (vocals, guitar)
- Alex Hargreaves (fiddle)
- Jared Engel (bass)
- Tony Trischka (banjo)
The performance traces Scruggs’s journey from his early years to his final recordings, blending storytelling and virtuosity. The show premiered to rave reviews at Joe’s Pub in NYC and was recently featured at the Grand Ole Opry—an honor few banjo-led projects achieve today.
Local Flavor: The Stockwell Brothers Open
Kicking off the evening, The Stockwell Brothers bring Vermont’s own voice to the stage. With decades of experience and a sound that bridges the traditional and the contemporary, they’re the perfect homegrown counterpart to Trischka’s tribute.
About the Bandwagon Summer Series
Presented by Next Stage Arts, the Bandwagon Summer Series is a celebration of music, culture, and community. Running May through September, the series features performances in a variety of genres—everything from jazz and world music to Americana and rock—at scenic outdoor venues throughout Putney, Brattleboro, and Bellows Falls.
All shows are family-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ play area, and kids under 12 always get in free. You can bring a picnic or enjoy onsite refreshments, including local favorites like Smokin’ Bowls, 802 Soul Kitchen, Putney General Store, and the return of the ever-popular Barr Hill cocktails. Just grab a blanket or lawn chair, and settle in for a beautiful Vermont evening.
Event Details
📅 Saturday, August 9
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Robertson Paper Company Field, 21 Island Street, Bellows Falls, VT
🎟️ $25 Advance / $30 Gate / Kids under 12 Free
🍽️ Food from Smokin’ Bowls + Barr Hill cocktails available
With world-class musicianship, deep musical roots, and a gorgeous riverside setting, EarlJam promises an unforgettable night under the stars.
Learn more and get tickets at nextstagearts.org.
