Music section
I have a new album of funky instrumental tunes to share with you. It was my winter/spring creative project to distract myself when I had bits of free time, which allowed me some fun playing with keyboards, drum machines, bass, guitar, and other toys to pay homage to some of my musical influences.
When you have a bit of time, give it a listen, and share with anyone you think might like it.
Putney, VT – The enchanting sounds of Gypsy Jazz will fill the air in downtown Putney as Silverback Swing takes the stage for the next installment of the Twilight On The Tavern Lawn summer concert series, presented by Next Stage Arts. The performance takes place Sunday, July 27 at 6:00 PM on the Putney Tavern Lawn, located at 133 Main Street. The concert is free and open to the public, with donations gladly accepted.
Silverback Swing transports listeners to the ambiance of vintage French cafés with music inspired by the legendary Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France. Known for their authentic take on Gypsy Jazz—also called Jazz Manouche or Hot Club music—the group performs classic instrumentals and jazz standards from a golden era of swing.
Brattleboro, VT — On Saturday, July 26 at 6:00 PM, the Bandwagon Summer Series, presented by Next Stage Arts, continues its vibrant season with a special performance by The Blue Dahlia at the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), 10 Town Crier Drive in Brattleboro.
Led by Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter and ukulele player Dahlia Dumont, The Blue Dahlia weaves a colorful tapestry of world music that bridges continents, languages, and cultures. Singing in both French and English, Dumont’s sound fuses the romance of French chanson with Latin rhythms, klezmer violin, ska, reggae, and jazz — all steeped in her unique life journey through New York, France, and Senegal.
Putney, VT – The groove is coming to Putney this July as Next Stage Arts presents Armo and JMMR as part of the 2024 Bandwagon Summer Series, on Saturday, July 19 at 6:00 pm at the scenic Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Road.
An evening of high-energy Afrobeat and futuristic jazz awaits under the open sky, with tickets just $22 in advance, $25 at the door, and kids under 12 always free. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or fold-up chair, enjoy local food from Smokin’ Bowls, and soak in a night of world-class music and community vibes.
PUTNEY – Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present indie-folk duo Sway Wild and singer/songwriter Jake Klar at Next Stage on Friday, July 18 at 7:30 pm.
Sway Wild’s infectious sound explores the corners of rock, pop, funk, and folk, but at its nucleus it is undeniably a music full of joy. Mandy and Dave’s gorgeous harmonies paired with moving lyrics serve to both process and share their jubilation, grief, and frustration with a complex and deeply imperfect society. And Mandy’s electric guitar pyrotechnics and chordal rhythms challenge the listener to comprehend how she manages to extract so much feeling from six strings and an amplifier.
The name Sway Wild evokes a specific feeling. From the beginning, Mandy and Dave intended this band to reflect what the endeavor felt like to them – a pathway to the uninhibited unfiltered core that we all possess. The words themselves are an invitation, if not a command, to seek out this untainted part of ourselves. In many ways, Sway Wild’s music is the product of truly wild places, and, like ribbons of light piercing a dark green canopy overhead, it can help us find the wildness that is unquestionably still within us.
Local singer/songwriter Jenny Reichman will present a concert of original and cover songs on Friday June 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the backyard patio of 63 Cedar St. in Brattleboro. Reichman has a soft lilting voice reminiscent of the younger version of folk icons such as Joni Mitchell and Judy Collins.
The concert is free but donations will be accepted for the musician. The venue is handicap accessible. Refreshments will be available.
PUTNEY – Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts continue the 22nd Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music summer concerts on Sunday, July 13 with Celtic roots music trio Kalos. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by Next Stage, the Town of Putney, Rod’s, and many Putney area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit nextstagearts.org.
PUTNEY – Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present contemporary folk singer/songwriters Crys Matthews and Sam Robbins at Next Stage on Friday, July 11 at 7:30 pm.
A troubadour of truth, Nashville-based Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends country, Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. On a mission to “amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice,” Crys is made for these times.
This Fourth of July weekend, treat yourself to something truly special: a joyful, high-energy performance by Lakou Mizik, one of Haiti’s most dynamic musical exports. The powerhouse collective will perform as part of the Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series on Saturday, July 5, at Robertson Paper Company Field (21 Island Street, Bellows Falls, VT). Gates open at 5:00 PM and the music starts at 6:00 PM.
Formed in the aftermath of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, Lakou Mizik emerged as a vibrant force in global music. With roots deeply planted in Vodou rhythms, Rara carnival chants, and soulful street melodies, their music is a celebration of resilience, unity, and Haitian pride. Their critically acclaimed debut album Wa Di Yo and their infectious live performances have earned them an international following—and they’re bringing that same dance-floor magic to southern Vermont.
PUTNEY – Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of Celtic and Old-time Appalachian roots music from Quebec and Ireland by Kavaz and I Draw Slow at Next Stage on Thursday, July 3 at 7:00 pm.
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, and led by sibling songwriters Dave and Louise Holden, award-winning quintet I Draw Slow has consistently redefined the boundaries of acoustic roots music over the past decade. Their distinctive blend of Irish and Appalachian roots music and dynamic, immersive performances captivate audiences with exquisite balladry, then bring them to their feet with high energy trad tunes. Their evocative music has been featured in film, TV, and advertising, and their fifth and most recent album “Turn Your Face To The Sun” on Nashville-based Compass Records soared to #1 on the Irish charts. Touring extensively across North America since 2013, I Draw Slow has firmly established itself in the US and Canada’s acoustic music scenes, appearing regularly at some of the biggest and most iconic roots festivals including Pickathon, MerleFest, Grey Fox, Wintergrass, RockyGrass, Edmonton Folk Fest, and Mountain Stage.
PUTNEY – Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts continue the 22nd Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music summer concerts on Sunday, June 29 with contemporary folk and bluegrass quartet The Stockwell Brothers. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by Next Stage, the Town of Putney, and many Putney area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit nextstagearts.org.
Next Stage’s Bandwagon Summer Series continues with a high-octane evening of music and soul as Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez take the stage on Saturday, June 21 at 6:00 pm at the Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Road, Putney. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the gate, and children under 12 are free. Food will be available from 802 Soul Kitchen, with more information and tickets at nextstagearts.org.
Known as “The Beehive Queen” for her signature mile-high platinum hairdo, Christine Ohlman is a powerhouse of American rock and soul. Best known as the longtime vocalist for NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band, she most recently appeared in the SNL 50th Anniversary telecast in February 2025. With her band, Rebel Montez, Ohlman brings her fiery energy and deep musical roots to the hills of Vermont for a family-friendly, can’t-miss performance.
PUTNEY – Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts continue the 22nd Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music summer concerts on Sunday, June 15 with The Emily Margaret Band. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by Next Stage, the Town of Putney, and many Putney area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit nextstagearts.org.
Next Stage Arts is thrilled to present an unforgettable double bill of transcendent world music featuring Aura Shards and the Compass Trio on Friday, June 13 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for livestream access, available now at nextstagearts.org.
Hailing from Brattleboro, Vermont, Aura Shards is a world fusion duo known for their immersive soundscapes centered on the Hand Pan—a mesmerizing, melodic percussion instrument. Fusing contemporary instrumentation with ancient rhythms, Anders Burrows (Hand Pan, Didgeridoo, Djembe) and Jed Blume (Hand Pan, Tabla, Djembe) deliver original compositions that are both rhythmically dynamic and harmonically serene. Their music invites both introspection and movement, offering listeners a rich, meditative journey through sound.
Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts Project launch the 22nd Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music summer concerts on Sunday, June 1 with progressive world music quartet Acoustic Nomads. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by Next Stage, the Town of Putney, and many Putney area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit nextstagearts.org.
At the crossroads of South American Folklore and Northern Americana, Acoustic Nomads blends music from two continents to create soaring original melodies, playful improvisations, and driving grooves, sweeping listeners away on a journey from the Appalachians to the Andes. Since forming at Berklee College of Music in 2019, Acoustic Nomads has been pushing the envelope of progressive acoustic music – drawing inspiration from the likes of Turtle Island String Quartet, David Grisman, Hamilton de Holanda, and many of Bela Fleck’s acoustic projects, all united in that they use acoustic instruments and are universally beyond category. Acoustic Nomads forges a sound interweaving North and South American musical threads as varied as the continents themselves.
This summer, the Bandwagon Summer Series continues its electrifying run with a performance that promises to defy musical gravity. On Sunday, June 8 at 6:00 pm, Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber lands at West River Park (333 West River Road, Brattleboro) for an unforgettable night of cosmic sound and genre-bending improvisation.
Founded by the late cultural critic and sonic visionary Greg Tate, Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber (BSAC) is a sprawling collective of NYC-based musicians known for pushing boundaries and fusing styles with raw energy and technical brilliance. The ensemble draws deep inspiration from the Conduction method pioneered by Butch Morris, creating orchestrated improvisations that are never played the same way twice.
PUTNEY — One of Canada’s most celebrated folk trios, Genticorum, is set to bring their internationally renowned blend of traditional Québécois music to Next Stage Arts in Putney on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 pm.
With a sound that’s both deeply rooted and refreshingly contemporary, Genticorum has been captivating audiences for over 20 years. Known for their infectious energy, intricate arrangements, and joyful performances, the trio has graced stages from Scotland’s Celtic Connections to Australia’s National Folk Festival, and even the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia. Now, they’ll share their music with southern Vermont audiences in the intimate setting of Next Stage.
Putney, VT – Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music continue their 2025 concert season with a double bill of heartfelt folk-pop and boundary-pushing acoustic traditions on Friday, May 30 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. The evening features acclaimed Québec singer-songwriter Geneviève Racette, joined by genre-blending folk duo Hilary & G. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, or $10 for a livestream, available at nextstagearts.org.
Geneviève Racette has been turning heads across Canada and beyond with her emotive songwriting and ethereal voice. Since her 2014 debut, she’s built a bilingual following in both French- and English-speaking communities, earning acclaim from Rolling Stone, CBC, Exclaim!, and the Americana Music Association. Her 2022 album Satellite—highlighted by a duet with City and Colour’s Dallas Green—explores love, reflection, and resilience with rare emotional depth. Racette’s music has earned her a Canadian Folk Music Award, performances at top festivals, and radio play across North America.
PUTNEY, VT — The Bandwagon Summer Series returns with a powerful opening night on Saturday, May 24 at 6:00pm at the scenic Putney Inn Field (57 Putney Landing Road), featuring two powerhouse bands that promise to get audiences dancing, connecting, and celebrating: Shokazoba and Zikina.
Presented by Next Stage Arts, the Bandwagon Series brings music and community together all summer long at outdoor venues across southern Vermont. This year’s season launches with a global, groove-rich evening that blends afrobeat, funk, East African rhythms, and soul-lifting dance music.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, acclaimed Inuit music and dance group Pamyua will take the stage at Next Stage Arts for a special performance at 7:30pm. The quartet, known for blending traditional Inuit melodies with contemporary R&B vocals, promises an unforgettable evening of cultural celebration and music that transcends boundaries.
Founded in 1995 by brothers Phillip and Stephen Blanchett, Pamyua has grown into a world-renowned ensemble that seamlessly blends the soulful rhythms of Inuit drum and dance with modern vocal arrangements. Over the years, the group has traveled the world, sharing their unique sound and Indigenous knowledge through music, song, and dance. With a commitment to cultural preservation and celebration, Pamyua’s performances honor their Alaskan roots while embracing modern influences.
