Music

Music section

Bandwagon Summer Series Presents Hazmat Modine at Putney Inn Field

by hahrenholz | Music

The Bandwagon Summer Series closes its 2025 season with a high-energy performance by Hazmat Modine on Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 PM at the Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Road, Putney. Gates open at 3:00 PM.

For more than 25 years, Hazmat Modine has been creating what they call “a uniquely intercontinental sonic collage encompassing a tremendous range of instrumental, vocal, and conceptual originality—all with a lot of soul and groove.” The New York–based, eight-piece band draws on everything from Blues, Soul, and American Roots to Gypsy Jazz, Avant Garde loft music, Country, and Rock ’n’ Roll. With members spanning generations—from their 20s to their 70s—the group embodies both deep tradition and constant reinvention.

Patio Concert August 29

by RDavis | Music

Rich Grumbine and Bill Conley will present a backyard patio concert on Friday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. at 63 Cedar Street in Brattleboro. The duo plays an eclectic mix of covers from country, Americana, folk, pop/rock, and jazz traditions. Bill plays lead acoustic guitar, dobro, and sings. Rich sings and plays rhythm guitar.

Next Stage Presents: Ordinary Elephant and Lizzy Mandell & Colin McCaffrey – Mesmerizing Folk Duos

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY, VT – Twilight Music presents a double bill of mesmerizing folk duos: Ordinary Elephant and Lizzy Mandell & Colin McCaffrey. The concert takes place Friday, September 19, at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door, or $10 for livestream.

Ordinary Elephant—husband-and-wife duo Crystal and Pete Damore—has spent nearly a decade on the road, captivating audiences with harmony-rich, character-driven songs. The pair first garnered national attention in 2017, winning the International Folk Music Award for Artist of the Year with their breakout album Before I Go. Their follow-up, Honest, earned widespread critical acclaim, with the Associated Press naming it “one of the best Americana albums of the year.” Their latest, self-titled album distills their sound to its most essential form, highlighting hauntingly beautiful harmonies, delicate guitar work, and a rare kind of storytelling that resonates long after the final note.

Global Rhythms Meet Old-Time Fiddle: The Gaslight Tinkers + Sammy & Brothers in Putney

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts’ Bandwagon Summer Series continues on Saturday, September 13 at Cooper Field, 41 Sand Hill Road, Putney, VT with a high-energy, genre-blending double bill. Music starts at 5:00 pm (gates open at 4:00 pm), with The Gaslight Tinkers bringing their infectious fusion of African, Caribbean, funk, reggae, and Latin grooves with traditional fiddle music — a joyful mash-up that’s as danceable as it is unexpected.

Since forming in 2012, The Gaslight Tinkers have electrified audiences across the U.S. and the Caribbean, headlining clubs, dances, and major festivals. The Valley Advocate calls their sound “music that consistently fizzes and pops with unexpected textures and turns.” With members Peter Siegel, Garrett Sawyer, I-Shea, Eliezer Martinez, and Clara Constance-Stickney — veterans of stages alongside Pete Seeger, the Soca Monarchs of the Caribbean, Noel Paul Stookey, and The Alchemystics — the band delivers exuberant musicianship that lifts both feet and spirits.

Crocodile River Music Brings African Rhythms and Culture to Brattleboro in Next Stage’s Bandwagon Summer Series

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts continues its 15th Anniversary Bandwagon Summer Series with Crocodile River Music, an exhilarating celebration of African music, art, and culture on Saturday, September 6 at 5:00 PM (gates open at 4:00 PM). The event takes place at the Living Memorial Park Rotary Stage in Brattleboro and features food from local favorite Smokin’ Bowls.

Known for its electrifying live performances and deep cultural roots, Crocodile River Music brings together internationally acclaimed artists from Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Tanzania, and the U.S. With vibrant percussion, intricate rhythms, and powerful vocals, the ensemble creates a joyous and immersive experience that goes far beyond entertainment. Their mission is rooted in connection—connecting audiences to the rich traditions of African music and art, and encouraging further exploration of the continent’s cultural heritage.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of world music or simply curious, this show is designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. A dedicated kids’ play area, free admission for children under 12, and a relaxed outdoor setting make it a perfect family outing.

Next Stage Celebrates Celtic and Québécois Traditions at Scott Farm, Sept. 1

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts continues its Bandwagon Summer Series with a vibrant outdoor celebration of Celtic and Québécois music on Monday, September 1st at 3:00 PM at the scenic Scott Farm in Dummerston. The Celtic & Québécois Festival features three powerhouse acts—Cantrip, Keith Murphy & Yann Falquet, and Cécilia—for an afternoon of spirited tunes, rich harmonies, and deep-rooted tradition.

With swirling border pipes, fiery fiddle tunes, and driving rhythms, Cantrip lives up to its name—an old Scots word for a magic spell or charm. Born out of Edinburgh’s folk sessions two decades ago, the band has become a festival favorite for their high-octane arrangements and adventurous musicality. Blending traditional roots with unexpected influences like funk, klezmer, and swing, Cantrip conjures a spellbinding live experience.

The Glyptodons – Folk Rock Concert August 9

by RDavis | Music

The Seattle-based folk rock group, the Glyptodons, will return to Brattleboro for a backyard concert on Saturday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. at 63 Cedar Street. Band members include Sean Ahern on vocals and acoustic guitar, Diana Rowey, vocals and electric guitar/ukulele and Colin Ahern, bass guitar.

The Ahern brothers are Brattleboro area natives.

Gypsy Jazz Meets Balkan Swing in a High-Energy Bandwagon Double Bill: Rhythm Future Quartet and DiTrani Brothers Perform August 23 at Putney Inn Field

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts continues its Bandwagon Summer Series with a twin bill of genre-bending acoustic brilliance: Rhythm Future Quartet and The DiTrani Brothers perform on Saturday, August 23 at 6:00 PM at the Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Road in Putney, VT. Gates open at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the gate, and free for children under 12. Food will be available from Smokin’ Bowls.

This all-ages outdoor concert promises a vibrant mix of gypsy jazz, Balkan folk, and early American swing—an unforgettable evening of music under the summer sky.

Caribbean Vibes and New Orleans Soul Head to Putney for Bandwagon Summer Series

by hahrenholz | Music

Putney, VT — The Bandwagon Summer Series rolls into the Putney Inn Field on Saturday, August 16 at 6:00 PM, bringing with it a wave of island rhythms and joyful melodies for a midsummer night to remember. Headlining the evening is Charlie & The Tropicales, the 1960s-style Caribbean lounge band led by New Orleans trombone maestro Charlie Halloran. Opening the show is the ever-soulful Heather Pierson Trio, offering a vibrant blend of jazz, folk, and blues.

Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the gate, and kids under 12 get in free. Food will be provided by Smokin’ Bowls, and a dedicated kids’ play area ensures the whole family can enjoy the night.

StompBoxTrio Brings Soulful Roots Music to Twilight on the Tavern Lawn Series in Putney

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY — Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts Project continue their beloved summer tradition with the 22nd Twilight on the Tavern Lawn concert series, presenting StompBoxTrio on Sunday, August 10 at 6:00 PM. The concert will take place on the Putney Tavern lawn in downtown Putney—bring a lawn chair or blanket for a relaxing evening of roots-infused rhythms under the open sky. In case of rain, the show will move indoors to Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill.

The Twilight on the Tavern Lawn series has become a hallmark of summer in Windham County, offering a diverse lineup of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music every other Sunday through August 24. Now in its 22nd year, the free concert series is supported by Next Stage Arts, the Town of Putney, Rod’s, and a host of local businesses and organizations. Food will be available on site, and while the concerts are free, donations are welcome to help sustain the series.

Banjo Brilliance in Bellows Falls: Tony Trischka’s “EarlJam”

by hahrenholz | Music

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.

Some Funky Summer Music – xoxo Xopher – About Time

by cgrotke | Music

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.

Silverback Swing Brings Gypsy Jazz to “Twilight On The Tavern Lawn” – Sunday, July 27

by hahrenholz | Music

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.

Paris Meets Brooklyn at NECCA: The Blue Dahlia Brings Global Fusion to Bandwagon Summer Series

by hahrenholz | Music

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.

Next Stage Arts Presents Armo and JMMR in the Bandwagon Summer Series – July 19 at Putney Inn Field

by hahrenholz | Music

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.

Sway Wild and Jake Klar at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

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.

Jenny Reichman Concert June 20

by RDavis | Music

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.

Twilight On The Tavern Lawn Presents Kalos

by hahrenholz | Music

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.

Crys Matthews and Sam Robbins at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

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.