Next Stage

Next Stage Arts Project is thrilled to present Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens on Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 pm, returning to Next Stage after rocking the house for sold out crowds at their two previous appearances.

Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens are an American gospel and soul music group led by front woman Naomi Shelton. The group was formed in 1999. They have released two albums with Daptone Records, What Have You Done, My Brother? (2009) and Cold World (2014).

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening with folksinger, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, storyteller, activist and author John McCutcheon at Next Stage on Friday, September 13 at 7:30 pm.  “not only one of the best musicians in the USA… he is committed to helping hard-working people everywhere to organize and push this world in a better direction” – Pete Seeger

Folk music’s “Rustic Renaissance Man” (Washington Post) John McCutcheon is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer.  His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe.  His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. 

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present The Seamus Egan Project, featuring the longtime leader of the legendary Irish-American band Solas, at Next Stage on Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 pm.  Beginning with tunes from his groundbreaking 1996 album “When Juniper Sleeps,” which was the impetus for the formation of Solas, through music from his 20-year career with that iconic band, and adding some brand new tunes, Seamus, with Owen Marshall, Kyle Sanna and other musical friends, will continue to explore the further reaches of the Irish tradition and beyond.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present Julie Ness, Dave Wysocki and Tristan Bellerive performing Joni Mitchell’s legendary album “Blue” at Next Stage on Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 pm.  Considered a groundbreaking album of the 20th century, “Blue” defined a generation with a ten song cycle, weaving a journey of hope, yearning, love, loss and heartbreak.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music’s “Rising Star” concert series continues with  an evening of contemporary folk and Americana music with Nashville-by-way-of-Vermont singer/songwriter Caitlin Canty and Maine duo Oshima Brothers at Next Stage on Friday, May 31 at 7:30 pm.  NSAP and Twilight Music are committed to supporting young, emerging artists, and the new series puts the spotlight on exciting, ready-to-be-discovered performers who are appearing at Next Stage for the first time.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of traditional and contemporary Scottish, Quebecois and world music from New England and Canada by Les Poules à Colin and Pipers Den at Next Stage on Friday, May 17 at 7:30 pm.

Les Poules à Colin is a Montreal-based quintet that, despite the young ages of its member (22 to 27), has been touring Canada, the US, Europe, the UK, Australia and Africa for over eight years.  Their sound seamlessly blends music drawn from some of Quebec’s finest trad musicians with North American influences that range from old-time to jazz.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of traditional Celtic and folk music from Ireland and New England by County Clare-based trio Socks in the Frying Pan and fiddler/singer Zoe Darrow at Next Stage on Sunday, March 24 at 7:30 pm.

Socks in the Frying Pan is a multi-award winning trio from the west coast of Ireland, the universal hub of Irish traditional music.  Their dynamic vocal harmonies, virtuosic musical ability and onstage wit have captivated audiences the world around and earned the band critical acclaim and accolades including the Irish Music Association “New Band the Year” award.  With their personal flair, contemporary style and energetic approach to music, Aodán Coyne on guitar and vocals and brothers Shane and Fiachra Hayes on accordion, fiddle and banjo make traditional Irish melodies their own.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present contemporary bluegrass and folk quartet The Stockwell Brothers at the Next Stage Cafe on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 pm.  To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, JD McCliments Pub will offer an Irish dinner starting at 6:00 pm, while the Stockwells will explore the connections between folk/bluegrass music and the music of Ireland.   

Bruce, Barry, Alan and Kelly Stockwell’s music spans traditional and progressive styles, but their trademark acoustic sound features new singer/songwriter material recast with banjo, alternative rhythms and three-part harmonies.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of contemporary bluegrass and folk music with The Lonely Heartstring Band and The Stockwell Brothers at Next Stage on Saturday, November 24 at 7:30 pm.

The Lonely Heartstring Band is Boston-based, Berklee College of Music graduates George Clements (guitar, vocals) Patrick M’Gonigle (fiddle, vocals) Charles Clements (bass, vocals) Matt Witler (mandolin) and Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo).  Their music is a combination of old and new styles, melding the sounds of traditional bluegrass with modern songwriting and arranging.

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present contemporary folk singer/songwriter John Gorka at Next Stage on Sunday, May 20 at 7:30 pm.  The concert celebrates the release of John’s brand new CD “True in Time.”

John Gorka is perhaps the quintessential iconic singer/songwriter of the 1980’s folk scene.  Hailing from New Jersey, he honed his craft and persona as a shy, wry and insightful singer/songwriter in the Greenwich Village “Fast Folk”  and Boston music scenes.  Gorka got his start at Godfrey Daniels, a neighborhood coffeehouse in eastern Pennsylvania, which is one of the oldest and most venerable music institutions in the country.

PUTNEY –  Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of traditional and contemporary Celtic music featuring high energy bagpipes/fiddle/guitar trio Cantrip and folksinger/multi-instrumentalist Lindsay Straw at Next Stage on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 pm.  The concert celebrates Cantrip’s 20th anniversary, with the band performing a mix of brand new music, as well as their entire 2001 album “Silver.”

From the strong base of its Celtic roots, Cantrip branches out into the music of other European cultures.  Weaving together songs and tunes, Dan Houghton, Jon Bews and Eric McDonald take an audience on a cultural journey, putting their own spin on each style.  Known for their innovative arrangements, un-produced sound and dry wit, Cantrip has toured throughout Scotland and the US, expanding the boundaries of Celtic music along the way.