Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of swing and Americana music by Zara Bode’s Little Big Band and StompBoxTrio, as part of the 2022 Next Stage “Bandwagon Summer Series,” on Sunday, August 28 at 4:00 pm on the lawn at New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, VT.
Zara Bode’s Little Big Band performs classic American swing to delight the ears, eyes, and feet. Inspired by the likes of Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, and Ella Fitzgerald, the Little Big Band features top shelf chanteuse Zara Bode (of Signature Sounds artists The Sweetback Sisters) and a sizzling horn section led by clarinetist and arranger Anna Patton. From chic to cheeky, the southern VT-based septet digs into the classics with aplomb and affection, creating vibrant new takes on the old radio hits.
StompBoxTrio is a Western Massachusetts-based band that features Evelyn Harris (vocals, percussion), John Cabán (“Dobro” steel guitar, stompbox, vocals) and Paul Kochanski (bass, foot tambourine, vocals). The trio blends classic 20th-century American blues, rock, and soul music with 21st-century mojo to create a sonic, soulful, hip-shaking juggernaut all their own. A force on the Western MA/Pioneer Valley music scene for many years, Harris began her professional career working in the DC jazz community, and was a composer, arranger, and lead singer with the group Sweet Honey In The Rock for 18 years. Guitarist, composer, and producer Cabán has roots that run deep in blues, funk, r&b, ambient, experimental, and world music, and has performed around the world with the likes of Bo Didley, Art Neville, and Gloria Gaynor. Two-time Grammy nominee Kochanski has played American roots music since high school with the likes of Lori McKenna, “Big” Al Anderson, and Ronnie Earl.
Food from Tandoori Cuisine by David’s Catering will be available for purchase at this event.
New England Center for Circus Arts is located at 10 Town Crier Drive in Brattleboro, VT. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating on the lawn. Tickets are $20 Advance / $25 At the Door, and kids 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are available online at nextstagearts.org. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar, and food will be available. For more information, visit nextstagearts.org or call 802-387-0102.
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 last summer’s hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails, and the new addition of some selections from Mad River Distillers.
Support for the Bandwagon Summer Series is provided by VTDigger, Brattleboro Reformer, Oak Meadow, Whetstone Beer Co., Landmark College, Barr Hill, Mad River Distillers, The Porch Café and Catering, and People’s United, a Division of M&T Bank.
Next Stage serves southeastern Vermont as a regional cultural hub, arts producer, and instigator of meaningful cultural experiences. Founded in 2010 as a nonprofit organization, Next Stage Arts is a transformative, community-centered project dedicated to revitalizing Putney’s cultural and economic village center through excellence in arts programming valuing diversity as a springboard for nurturing community.
For more information and updates please go to: nextstagearts.org
