The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series presents Guinean musical artist Sia Tolno and international musical collective Afro Dead, live at Cooper Field on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 6:00pm. Sia Tolno will perform both solo and as the lead vocalist of Afro Dead, which reimagines the music of the Grateful Dead in an African style.
Sia Tolno is an award-winning global touring & recording artist, vocalist and songwriter, from Guinea/Sierra Leone, steeped in Afrobeat, Afro-blues, Mandinga and Soukous styles of African popular music. Her music is both personal and universal, singing about her unique past while making it relevant to the global masses. She has worked with Tony Allen (Musical director for Fela Kuti) and Lusafrica records, and her new album is being recorded in Barcelona produced by Aaron Feder in collaboration with Slow Walk Music.
Afro Dead is a musical collective from Africa, Europe and the USA, which is music directed by Aaron Feder and featuring the talented Guinean singer Sia Tolno and Diakanké guitarist Yaya Dambakate. Aaron Feder is the founder of Alma Afrobeat Ensemble (credited with 5 albums and 4 US tours) and is a multi-instrumentalist with many years of extensive experience with Grateful Dead music, including playing and recording with members of Phil and Friends, Oteil and Friends, Peter Rowan and more. Sia Tolno, an award-winning recording artist, vocalist and songwriter, brings to the collective her years of extensive global live performance touring. Yaya Dambakate is a Griot musician who comes from a long tradition of modern and traditional musicians and has toured & recorded with an endless list of African musical royalty.
This performance is co-presented with The Stone Church, and sponsored by The Richards Group.
The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from early May through mid-October. More than 20 performances ranging from a diverse group of musical styles, circus arts, dance, and theater will take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Windham County. Kids under 12 always get in for free, and a dedicated play area will be available at all shows. Refreshments are sold onsite, including the return of the hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails. Bring a picnic and a blanket or fold-up chair to enjoy our concerts.
Support for the Bandwagon Summer Series is provided by Brattleboro Reformer, Landmark College, Oak Meadow, Barr Hill, Vermont Public, The Porch Café & Catering, and Southern Vermont Solar.
Visit nextstagearts.org for tickets and more information.
