Name: Kimaya Diggs "Green" Album Release
Start: 2026-10-30T19:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-10-30T21:30:00-04:00
Location: Next Stage Arts

$15 Adults / $10 Kids 12 and underThe Duchess of Navarre decides it’s time for the family to take a trip to the seaside; everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn’t they? Unfortunately, the tides take a turn for the worse, and they must battle not only sunburn, sand, and squid, but also... each other.The Family Vacation is performed by NEYT’s Commedia Troupe, a group of middle and high school students touring the show to area schools and venues. Inspired by Commedia dell’arte, the show features over-the-top characters and fantastic physical comedy.

The Family Vacation

Loco7 (NY) Recommended for ages 12+ Length of Show: 55 minutes, no intermissionLunch with Sonia is a dance puppet theatre piece, inspired by Restrepo’s true-life experience with his Aunt Sonia, who decided to end her life with dignity after a long illness at the age of 72. The show uses puppets, live actors, music, video and physical theatre to deal with the themes of life, love, and loss. Conversations about assisted dying bring up controversial and emotionally fraught issues: morality, religion, politics, and faith. With this piece, Loco7 hopes to acknowledge the incredible intimacy and the very personal nature of dying as the final event of living a self-actualized, individual human life and to move the dialogue from the philosophical arena to the realm of personal experience and stories related to the topic of Death with Dignity.<iframe-embed src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/911913019?h=ee9f10fe1b" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" allowfullscreen="" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="480" width="640" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="vimeo" style=""></iframe-embed> Loco7 Dance Puppet Theatre Company, founded by Colombian born artist, Federico Restrepo in 1985, develops and promotes creative productions of Dance, Theatre, Puppets, Visual Arts, and other forms of artistic expression. The company explores the junction of&nbsp;race, culture, history, and media in New York and throughout the global community. Loco7’s cultural policies emphasize pluralism, dialogue, and cultural transformation. Loco7’s artistic mission has been to develop the use of puppetry as an Instrument for the dancer, a style that incorporates dance and design. Utilizing original music, musicians, dancers, body puppets, and larger than life marionettes, the objective is to merge these various elements and weave a choreography which extends beyond the body of the dancer. The undertaking of the ensemble is to deal with themes such as South and Central American Culture and History, the Immigrants’ experience, and New York City Urban Life. Currently our annual programming consists of workshops and performances for children and workshops and performances with seniors in affiliated senior centers, as well as a bi-annual fully realized adult production. Loco7 Dance Puppet Theatre is committed to improving our community through artistic and educational programming. Art has the unique power to unite communities and heal unseen wounds. Loco7 has facilitated workshops at Sirovich Center, The United Jewish Council, Grand Street Settlement, Bank Street Head Start, City Lore, PACT, and NYC-area public schools as well as many universities.

Lunch with Sonia

$22 Advance / $26 Door / $10 LivestreamNext Stage Arts and Twilight Music present Nashville-based bluegrass quintet Liam Purcell &amp; Cane Mill Road and Vermont-based singer/songwriter Diane Zeigler.Characterized by No Depression as “the future of bluegrass,” Liam Purcell &amp; Cane Mill Road weave innovation, tradition, and excellence into a distinctive musical experience. Though still only 23, North Carolina native Liam Purcell has already established himself in the world of American string-band music. Growing up in Deep Gap, less than a mile from the home of legendary guitarist Doc Watson, Purcell was steeped in Appalachian old-time and bluegrass traditions from an early age.After leaving Appalachia, Purcell moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, following in the footsteps of Molly Tuttle, the Infamous Stringdusters, Sierra Hull, Crooked Still, and many others who emerged from the college’s acclaimed American Roots Program. In 2022, Purcell shook the bluegrass world by sweeping the RockyGrass Instrumental Championships in Colorado, taking first-place honors on mandolin, banjo, and guitar. He remains the only person to win multiple championships in the same year. After earning his degree in String Performance, Purcell graduated from Berklee in May 2024 and promptly embarked on more than two months of intensive touring. Now based in Nashville, he maintains his Deep Gap roots, bringing them to the stage each night as he introduces new audiences to the sounds and spirit of the Appalachian mountains where his musical journey began.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uFXNO_E1a8A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>A winner of eight national songwriting awards, Vermont’s Diane Zeigler combines a crystalline vocal style with distinctive open-tuning guitar work, crafting songs that have earned her recognition as “one of the most talented singer-songwriters New England has produced” (The Music Matters). Zeigler emerged on the Boston folk scene in the early 1990s and quickly established herself as an important voice in the era’s new singer-songwriter movement. Her debut CD on Rounder Records was released in 1995 to critical acclaim. She went on to release three additional independent albums, each reaching No. 1 on national folk radio playlists, while balancing her growing family. Following the birth of her third child in 2006, she stepped away from music entirely.Earlier this year, with her youngest child entering college, Zeigler began writing songs again. She is now working on a new album and returning to regional performance. She will be joined by her husband, bassist Geoffrey Sather, formerly of Brattleboro, as well as Bruce and Barry Stockwell of the Stockwell Brothers.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LOKa8oN3gGU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road and Diane Zeigler

$10 suggested donation. Performers and audience alike help support the space—thank you!Vermont Timbre (Amelia Struthers and Mike Mrowicki) hosts an Open Stage evening.This is an open, supportive space for musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers of all kinds to share their work. Sets will be 10–15 minutes.Please email Mike at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mmrowicki@gmail.com">mmrowicki@gmail.com</a> to sign up.To RSVP as an audience member, please click the button above.Come to perform, come to listen, or come to do both—community, creativity, and great music guaranteed.This event is part of Next Stage’s Local &amp; Global Series, made possible by a 2026 Music in Action grant from Live Music Society.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/ce6c3c50-a734-47c5-80fc-57606c2e226f/LandG_Logo_FullStampHorizontal_DKGRAY.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Open Stage

$15 Advance / $20 DoorGordon Clark and his Vermont Comedy All-Stars return for an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy.Chris Dolan has been performing comedy for a little over two years in the Upper Valley and throughout New England. She’s a regular on stage at Sawtooth Kitchen in Hanover, NH, and at Brightside Brewing at the Lebanon City Airport—come for the comedy, stay for the municipal transportation infrastructure! Like many Vermonters, she’s originally from Long Island, and she’s a former high school history teacher. Her academic specialty—this is 100% true—was the history of modern Europe and the rise of fascism, so she left teaching and started doing comedy because she wanted to feel that her work mattered.Tim Lovett burst onto the Western Massachusetts comedy scene in June 2014 with a sharp wit, infectious personality, and an ability to connect with any crowd. Tim has performed at the Broadway Comedy Club in New York City, Mohegan Sun Casino, and Funny Bone Comedy Club; he has opened for nationally recognized comedians such as Michael Yo and Joe List and shared a stage with comedy heavyweights like Mike Epps, Donnell Rawlings, Jessica Kirson, and Talent Harris. A regular on the festival circuit, Tim has appeared at the Oak City Comedy Festival, Vermont Comedy Festival, and others.In 2015, Tim founded Comedy as a Weapon, a production company dedicated to uplifting the local comedy scene and creating opportunities for both emerging talent and established performers. Tim Lovett is also the owner of the Chuckling Charlie Comedy Bus, the first comedy bus of its kind in Massachusetts—bringing live stand-up comedy on the road and creating a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience in the region.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2mIq1UzcdKg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Toni Nagy is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and content creator best known for her viral videos where she interpretive dances her philosophies while twerking against tyranny. She has over 1 million followers across her social media platforms (not that she’s counting or anything) and was recently banned from TikTok for being too real about the government. Toni has been a nationally touring stand-up comic for the past decade while pumping her pelvis against the patriarchy. P.S. Elon Musk once tweeted that Toni “seems dumb” because of her political beliefs, which is Toni’s greatest accomplishment.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oxxJkVHHD4U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Kane Thomley hails from the great state of Alabama but is now a Burlington, VT-based human comedian. He has performed at the Vermont Comedy Festival and hosted for national headliners such as Dulcé Sloan, Emily Catalano, and Maddy Smith at Vermont Comedy Club. He likes petting cats on their soft little heads and eating gelato.Gordon Clark, the show’s producer and host, is the director of the nonprofit Vermont Comedy All Stars, which creates stand-up comedy specials throughout Vermont. Starting in 2020, he has produced more than 120 shows, including multi-year stands at the late, iconic Nectar’s in Burlington, the Bent Nails Bistro in Montpelier, Zen Barn in Waterbury, Shelburne Vineyard in Shelburne, and Next Stage Arts in Putney. Gordon also happens to be the oldest independent comedy producer in Vermont, and sometimes he sure feels that way. He lives in Burlington with a wife, cat, and dog.

Vermont Comedy All-Stars Live Stand-up Comedy Showcase!

Venue: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kukBuabHH4u8HSoP9">Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Rd, Putney</a>$24 Advance / $28 Gate / Kids under 12 freeFood from&nbsp;Saffron RestaurantKotoko Brass delivers an electrifying, cross-cultural sound that bridges continents and traditions. Blending the intricate rhythms of Central Ghanaian drumming with the deep grooves of Caribbean bass and keys, and the exuberant punch of New Orleans-style horns, the band creates what has been called “propulsive, infectious party music.”Formed by brothers Ben and Brian Paulding, the group brings together master Ghanaian percussionists Attah Poku and Kwame Ofori alongside a powerhouse rhythm and horn section. The result is a dynamic ensemble where every musician plays a vital role—but where the heartbeat of the music lies in the drums. Rooted in the Asante tradition, where rhythm and dance are inseparable, their performances invite audiences to feel the music as much as hear it.With a growing reputation across New England, Kotoko Brass has built a following through high-energy shows that get crowds moving. Their music is more than performance—it’s a celebration of heritage, collaboration, and connection. Drawing from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the band transforms tradition into something vibrant, modern, and deeply communal.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MDTWrGqc2S0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube" style=""></iframe-embed>This performance is sponsored in part by The Richards Group.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/ab7b06fb-68e5-4ccb-bea6-80991ccf0cd7/Richards+Group+copy.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">This performance is part of Next Stage’s Local &amp; Global Series, made possible by a 2026 Music in Action grant from Live Music Society.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/ce6c3c50-a734-47c5-80fc-57606c2e226f/LandG_Logo_FullStampHorizontal_DKGRAY.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Kotoko Brass

$22 Advance / $26 Door / $10 LivestreamCharlie Chronopoulos, Leaf Silver &amp; B.E. Farrow, and Talley Summerlin will open the concert with an in-the-round set before The Clements Brothers take the stage.Identical twins George and Charles Clements first entered the Americana music scene in 2012 as members of the internationally touring grassroots band The Lonely Heartstring Band, with whom they released two albums on Rounder Records. More recently, George could be found playing the role of Paul Simon in the hit national production The Simon &amp; Garfunkel Story, while Charles could often be found in the bass section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.As a duo, George (guitar) and Charles (bass) aim to capture their singer-songwriter sensibilities in a unique blended voice—at once enthralling and intimate, groovy and serene. Their first album, Dandelion Breeze, was released in 2023, and their sophomore record is set to be released in the fall of 2026. The duo is a fusion of each brother's unique musical journey, and the result is music all its own, filled with vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, and a genuine love of song.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QEcjwQVnkAI?start=318s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube" style=""></iframe-embed>Born and raised in Lowell, MA, Charlie Chronopoulos is a musician with a distinctive style of indie, alt-country, and dark-folk storytelling. An RIAA Gold-certified producer and session guitarist, his credits include releases for Jelly Roll, Joyner Lucas, and O.A.R., as well as SNL skits featuring Chris Stapleton and Ryan Gosling. Charlie is a New England Music Awards Album of the Year nominee.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2AQ3B2jwmGc?start=10s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube" style=""></iframe-embed>Leaf Silver is a being of perpetual transformation. They use song to transform complicated emotions into simple melodies that resonate with what it means to be a feeling, caring human. They perform locally as a solo artist, with multi-instrumentalist B.E. Farrow, and with their band, Leaf Silver and the Sweethearts.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/55ec9mSTatM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube" style=""></iframe-embed>Talley Summerlin fronted modern rock band BE throughout the ’90s, releasing six independent albums and frequently sharing stages with alternative-radio stalwarts Better Than Ezra, Deep Blue Something, and Human Radio. Talley released the lushly produced and introspective Shake the Gates EP in 2012 and is working toward the release of new material in 2027.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gh3HOEVg26w?list=PLWqPZUCLaQRA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube" style=""></iframe-embed>

Singer/Songwriter Showcase featuring The Clements Brothers

$20 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamWestern Mass-based artist Kimaya Diggs presents her third studio album, Green, a love note to the New England landscape that showcases twelve tracks of glittering, genre-bending indie pop, carried by Diggs’ powerful, honeyed vocals and honest, attentive lyricism.Backed by a band of longtime Western Mass artists, including members of LuxDeluxe, Cloudbelly, and more, the Green release show is a celebration of the local music scene, boundless creativity, and collaboration. Fresh off tour dates with Trombone Shorty, Emily King, and Mavis Staples, Diggs and her band offer audiences a connected, intentional experience that’s just as likely to make you dance as it is to make you cry.Come be part of the community. :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧Not familiar with Kimaya? Great for fans of Corinne Bailey Rae, Olivia Dean, Lianne La Havas, Maggie Rogers, and Minnie Riperton.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sQ0mzXG02Ws" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.

Kimaya Diggs "Green" Album Release

Join us after the September Putney Community Supper for an evening of joyful singing in the main performance space.Led by guitarist and song leader Rich Grumbine, this community sing-along invites everyone to take turns choosing favorites from a digital songbook of 100+ well-loved tunes. Lyrics will be projected on a big screen, so all can sing along with ease. Expect songs from many traditions—folk, golden oldies, gospel, Beatles, classic pop and rock, children’s songs, and show tunes.The event is free, open to all, and accessible to people with disabilities.For more information, contact Rich Grumbine at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:richgrumbine1@gmail.com">richgrumbine1@gmail.com</a> or Next Stage Arts at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@nextstagearts.org">info@nextstagearts.org</a>.

Community Sing-Along

Admission is by donation and all are welcome!More info: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Simoninvermont@gmail.com">Simoninvermont@gmail.com</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mmrowicki@gmail.com">mmrowicki@gmail.com</a>

Putney Community Supper

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series.&nbsp;This ambitious documentary explores hip-hop as part of a broader musical and cultural continuum, tracing the genre’s evolution through the voices of influential artists and the communities that shaped it. Blending extensive interviews with archival material, the film examines hip-hop’s roots, its artistic innovations, and its connections to earlier traditions including jazz, gospel, and spoken-word expression. A thoughtful look at the culture and history of a groundbreaking musical movement.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

NXT Rockumentary Film Series

Venue: Scott Farm, 707 Kipling Road, Dummerston$28 Advance / $32 Gate / Kids under 12 freeFood from&nbsp;Smokin' Bowls and AlpineGlo Farm TaqueriaCelebrate the vibrant traditions of Celtic and Québécois music at this lively, all-ages festival featuring three dynamic and distinctive acts. From Irish-American roots to Scottish-influenced fusion and French-Canadian flair, this lineup brings together artists who honor tradition while pushing it in exciting new directions.Poor Man’s Gambit delivers a rich blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music, woven together with storytelling, history, and dance. With a wide array of instruments and both male and female vocals, their performances offer a layered, immersive experience that connects audiences to the heart of Irish culture.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uTijPVYRifQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Cantrip brings high-energy intensity and musical mischief, living up to their name with bold, genre-defying arrangements. With driving rhythms, powerful melodies, and a sound shaped by decades of collaboration, their music pulls from Celtic roots while incorporating elements of funk, metal, bluegrass, and beyond.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BBxzuv7qp88" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Cécilia offers a joyful and deeply expressive take on traditional Québécois music, complete with step dancing and masterful musicianship. Blending influences from classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, their performances are both refined and exuberant—inviting audiences to share in the spirit and warmth of their music.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kxd_5qap-vA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Join us for a day of rhythm, heritage, and celebration as these three exceptional groups bring Celtic and Québécois traditions to life.This event is sponsored in part by Barr Hill and by&nbsp;Délégation du Québec à Boston.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/6af98fc7-f016-4f21-bd2c-5e1abf3b33fc/BarrHill_Logo_Landscape+copy.jpg?content-type=image%2Fjpeg"><img src="https://frenchlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/BD-2015-Logos-4x3_0005_Quebec-300x225.png">

Celtic & Québécois Music Festival

Venue:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJ3qWZExgiNyWNFN6">&nbsp;West&nbsp;River&nbsp;Park,&nbsp;333&nbsp;W.&nbsp;River&nbsp;Road,&nbsp;Brattleboro</a>$28 Advance / $32 Gate / Kids under 12 free Food from Mama T’s Sweet Spot and AlpineGlo Farm TaqueriaCelebrate the best of our region’s talent at the Homegrown Festival—an energetic, family-friendly day of music, movement, and community spirit!Headlining the festival, The Gaslight Tinkers bring their irresistible, genre-blending sound to the stage. Fusing African, Caribbean, funk, reggae, and Latin grooves with traditional New England fiddle and Celtic influences, their music is as unexpected as it is danceable. Known for electrifying performances and joyful energy, this powerhouse group delivers a show full of vibrant rhythms, rich melodies, and infectious fun.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G6fBX553aVg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Adding a thrilling visual element, New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) presents a dynamic student showcase. Featuring aerialists and acrobats trained at Brattleboro’s internationally recognized circus school, this performance highlights both emerging talent and the awe-inspiring possibilities of circus arts. Expect high-flying feats, creativity, and plenty of wow-worthy moments for all ages.Rounding out the lineup, Zara Bodé’s Little Big Band brings timeless style and sophistication to the stage. Led by the acclaimed “Topshelf Chanteuse” Zara Bodé, this ensemble breathes new life into classic American swing, jazz, and vintage country. With a velvety voice, impeccable phrasing, and magnetic stage presence, Zara and her band deliver a dazzling performance inspired by legends like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald—perfect for listening, dancing, and soaking in the golden age of song.From global grooves and soaring circus acts to vintage swing, the Homegrown Festival is a joyful celebration of artistry rooted in tradition and bursting with fresh energy. Bring the whole family and experience an unforgettable day of live performance!This performance is sponsored in part by Southern Vermont Solar.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/b3f570a3-9c2f-4a84-b888-f2e651c90f65/Southern+Vermont+Solar+scaled.jpeg?content-type=image%2Fjpeg">

Homegrown Festival

Opening reception 4:00-6:00pmJoin Next Stage Arts for the opening reception of "METALSUM," a new exhibition by Putney artist Jane Kolias, whose inventive sculptures and metal quilts transform discarded objects into compelling works of art.Inspired by nature and guided by the materials themselves, Kolias creates rustic sculptures from abandoned metal objects gathered from antique shops, thrift stores, scrap yards, rural roadsides, woodland walks, and even the occasional kitchen drawer. Each piece begins with an idea but evolves organically as salvaged components suggest new possibilities, resulting in unexpected compositions that celebrate creativity, sustainability, and the beauty of reinvention.The exhibition also features Kolias' newest body of work—vibrant metal quilts crafted from vintage cookie tins. Drawing on traditional quilt patterns while embracing reclaimed materials, these colorful pieces expand her exploration of texture, pattern, and found-object artistry.A lifelong artist, Kolias has worked across a remarkable range of creative disciplines, including theater, dance, costume design, textiles, landscape art, stonework, and hardscaping. Her recent focus on metalwork—including welding, fabrication, jewelry making, and metal quilting—brings together decades of artistic experience in a body of work that is both playful and deeply rooted in craftsmanship.Meet the artist, explore the exhibition, and enjoy light refreshments as we celebrate the opening of this imaginative collection that reveals the extraordinary possibilities hidden within everyday discarded objects.This show will be on exhibit August 16-November 8. The Next Stage Gallery is open during events, and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@nextstagearts.org">info@nextstagearts.org</a> or (802) 387-0102.

Jane Kolias: Metalsum

$27.50 general admission“Fantastic mix of purpose, reasoning, and a lot of laughter!” -Williamstown Film Festival“Truly extraordinary! Loved your take on the subconscious mind. You’re a brilliant fellow!” -John Cleese, Monty Python, A Fish Called WandaMind Magic combines elements of comedy and mindreading with a healthy dose of psychology and theater, drawing on Dr. Steve’s laser-sharp observational skills and his refined sense of the absurd. All of these are on display in Dr. Steve’s Mind Magic, which is carefully curated to make you laugh, gasp, think, and laugh some more!Bestselling author, international speaker, and mentalist, Dr. Steve Taubman has been traveling around the world for the last 30 years sharing his unique blend of entertainment and empowerment. He’s amazed and inspired millions while showing them how to harness the power of their subconscious mind for peak performance and stress-free living. Dr. Steve’s shows have been widely praised for their humor, wisdom, integrity and respect.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/drJJpzhVFog" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed><iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0psViYVxkA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Mind Magic

FreeBruce, Barry, and Alan Stockwell blend traditional and progressive acoustic music with original singer/songwriter material, inventive banjo work, alternative rhythms, and rich three-part harmonies. Featuring 2005 MerleFest Bluegrass Banjo Contest winner Bruce Stockwell, the trio has shared stages with legends including Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jonathan Edwards, and Asleep at the Wheel. They have recorded with Mike Auldridge and Phil Rosenthal of The Seldom Scene and have toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HYjkTe_OhOA?list=RDHYjkTe_OhOA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

The Stockwell Brothers

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series.&nbsp;This acclaimed music documentary offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and camaraderie that drive a legendary touring act. Captured with a raw, intimate visual style and immersive sound, the film blends performance footage, candid moments, and life on the road into a compelling portrait of musicians at work. Its lo-fi aesthetic and unfiltered access create an experience that feels both spontaneous and deeply authentic, making it a standout entry in the rock documentary genre.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

Venue: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kukBuabHH4u8HSoP9">Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Rd, Putney</a>$24 Advance / $28 Gate / Kids under 12 freeFood from&nbsp;Mama T’s Sweet SpotBywater Call delivers a powerful, genre-blurring live experience defined by soaring vocals, rich instrumentation, and deep musical chemistry. This seven-piece Southern soul and roots rock band from Toronto channels raw emotion and high-energy interplay into every performance.Fronted by the commanding voice of Meghan Parnell, the band weaves together guitar, keys, horns, and a driving rhythm section to create a sound that moves effortlessly between intimate, soul-baring ballads and electrifying, full-throttle anthems. Their music draws on a wide range of influences—from classic soul and R&amp;B to roots rock and Americana—resulting in a dynamic and deeply expressive sonic landscape.Fresh off extensive international touring, Bywater Call continues to earn global recognition, including UK Blues Award nominations for International Blues Artist of the Year. With a sound that explores both the highs and lows of the human experience, their performances are as heartfelt as they are unforgettable.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TNBHw7oKKAc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This performance is sponsored in part by 802 Credit Union.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/9b1b34e5-25f4-4c99-b2c9-788100a44922/802+Credit+Union+scaled.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Bywater Call

FreeHailing from New England, Planet Zydeco brings the irresistible sounds of southwest Louisiana dance halls to audiences throughout the region. Band members Cannon, Bonita, Alan, Michelle, Jack, and Mark are deeply steeped in the zydeco tradition and love sharing its infectious rhythms. They perform with gusto on accordion, rubboard, fiddle, guitar, bass, and drums, creating an irresistible invitation to dance. This summer, the band will be featured in the dance tent at Rhode Island's prestigious Rhythm &amp; Roots Music Festival, as well as at Putney's Twilight on the Tavern Lawn concert series.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WyJgAeD2ZK4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Planet Zydeco

$22 Advance / $26 At the Door / $10 LivestreamNext Stage Arts and Twilight Music present a singer-songwriter showcase featuring Joy Clark, Luke Concannon, Midnight Betty, and Lizzy Mandell. Luke Concannon, Lizzy Mandell, and Midnight Betty will open the evening with an intimate in-the-round set before Joy Clark and her quartet take the stage.Joy Clark is a Louisiana-born singer-songwriter whose warm, honest vocals and masterfully crafted songs captivate the heart and soul. Exploring themes of freedom, love, and self-acceptance, her music blends intricate orchestral-style guitar work with blues-infused lead guitar, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. Like many musicians, Joy's musical journey began in her father's church, where she led the congregation in song with a gentle, welcoming presence. Her debut album, Tell It to the Wind, released on Ani DiFranco's Righteous Babe Records, earned critical acclaim and marked her arrival on the national stage. She has toured with Grammy Award winner Cyril Neville and performed as a member of Allison Russell's backing band, The Rainbow Coalition, sharing the stage with artists including Brandi Carlile and the Indigo Girls.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZQ1w7cMmGo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Luke Concannon's musical roots trace back to Irish family gatherings filled with guitars, singing, and dancing. As lead singer and co-writer of the UK No. 1 act Nizlopi—best known for "The JCB Song" and as an early influence on Ed Sheeran, who interned with the duo—Luke has gone on to establish himself as a compelling solo artist. His 2022 album, Ecstatic Bird in the Burning, debuted at No. 12 on both the UK and U.S. folk charts and received widespread critical acclaim.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bCgBkh1uTYw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Midnight Betty, the duo of multi-instrumentalists and singers Chelle Martinez and Oriana Barros, blends folk, country, indie, and pop, wrapped in shimmering vocal harmonies. Their songs range from wistful to whimsical, creating a sound that is both heartfelt and inviting.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDwun0F3ick" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Lizzy Mandell has released two albums: Made for Flying, which won Times Argus/Rutland Herald Tammie Awards for Best Singer-Songwriter and Best Album in 2012, and 2025's To the Moon, created in partnership with fellow Vermonter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, vocalist, and songwriter Colin McCaffrey.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jey7AweMGvU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Singer/Songwriter Showcase with Joy Clark

Venue: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/RPZtacvXJHLNNJkh6">Retreat Farm, 45 Farmhouse Square, Brattleboro</a>$24 Advance / $28 Gate / Kids under 12 freeThe Upside Down World Circus<h2></h2><h1>Advance tickets are sold out, but tickets will be available at the gate today.&nbsp;</h1>"Is it or is it not? Am I asleep or am I awake? Am I a cockroach or am I me? Possibilitarians! We must demonstrate humanity’s upside-down situation in the face of the government’s depraved falsehoods. Luxury, silence, and despair must be replaced by revolt orchestras that radically oppose the radically wrong system. It is time to unforget the revolution-in-progress and aim for the evermore on the universe’s shore."The one and only Bread &amp; Puppet Circus is back to confront our upside-down situation! With stilt dancers, papier-mâché beasts of all sizes, and a riotous brass band, The Upside Down World Circus is an urgent spectacle of protest and celebration.After each performance, Bread &amp; Puppet will serve its famous sourdough rye bread with aioli, and "Cheap Art"—books, posters, postcards, pamphlets, and banners from the Bread &amp; Puppet Press—will be available for purchase.Bread &amp; Puppet Theater is a political puppet theater founded in 1963 by Peter and Elka Schumann on New York City's Lower East Side. Now based in Glover, Vermont, the company regularly tours the country and the world with tightly composed theater pieces as well as sprawling outdoor pageants. The internationally celebrated company champions a visually rich, street-theater style of performance art filled with music, dance, and slapstick. Believing that theater is a basic necessity, like bread, the company frequently brings its work to the streets for those who might not otherwise attend the theater. Its productions are both political and spectacular, featuring towering puppets, expressive masks, music, dance, and exuberant visual storytelling.Bread &amp; Puppet is recognized throughout the world and has earned distinction at international theater festivals in Italy, Poland, Colombia, and the former Yugoslavia, beginning with its breakthrough performances at the 1968 Nancy Festival in France. Notable honors include the Erasmus Prize of Amsterdam, four Obie Awards, the Puppeteers of America's President's Award, and the Vermont Governor's Award. Bread &amp; Puppet remains constantly active, performing at its farm in Glover, Vermont, as well as in local churches, schools, and parades. It regularly tours Europe, Canada, and the United States and has also performed in El Salvador, Haiti, Russia, and Korea.Bread &amp; Puppet continues to create new work and remains one of the oldest nonprofit, self-supporting theatrical companies in the United States.This performance is sponsored in part by the Putney Food Co-op.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/3e6ac793-241f-453a-a4dd-e98207ac4b0a/Putney+Food+Co-op+scaled.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Bread & Puppet Circus

$10 suggested donation. Performers and audience alike help support the space—thank you!Vermont Timbre (Amelia Struthers and Mike Mrowicki) hosts an Open Stage evening.This is an open, supportive space for musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers of all kinds to share their work. Sets will be 10–15 minutes.Please email Mike at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mmrowicki@gmail.com">mmrowicki@gmail.com</a> to sign up.To RSVP as an audience member, please click the button above.Come to perform, come to listen, or come to do both—community, creativity, and great music guaranteed.

FreeKwartetto Mambo is John Clark (french horn), Wes Brown (bass, piano), Julian Gerstin (congas, percussion), and Dan DeWalt (piano, trombone).&nbsp; The band members draw on their collective 200+ years of musical immersion to compose pieces reflecting African, Latin, and Jazz roots and exploring the endless realm of rhythmic and metrical possibilities. They also feature&nbsp;contemporary jazz tunes, Latin classics, and a little free improvisation and imaginative rearrangements of pop standards.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/36g6ufBylOM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Kwartetto Mambo

$24 Advance / $28 At the Door / $10 LivestreamThe Howard Levy 4 is a dynamic, genre-defying ensemble from Chicago, led by Grammy Award–winning harmonica virtuoso, pianist, and composer Howard Levy. Joining him are guitarist Chris Siebold, bassist Joshua Ramos (upright and electric), and Brazilian drummer Luiz Ewerling—each a masterful player in their own right.Blending jazz, Latin, world music, and blues, the group delivers a thrilling mix of reimagined American and Brazilian tunes alongside a strikingly diverse repertoire of original compositions. Their music seamlessly weaves together cultures, rhythms, and styles into a sound that is both sophisticated and deeply engaging.A prolific recording artist, Levy has released 17 albums as a leader and appeared on hundreds more. He is a founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones and has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Kenny Loggins, Paquito D’Rivera, Donald Fagen, and Kurt Elling. Renowned for pioneering a revolutionary technique that transformed the diatonic harmonica into a fully chromatic instrument, Levy expanded the instrument’s expressive possibilities while preserving its bluesy soul.Equally compelling on piano, Levy brings a lyrical, virtuosic touch to both instruments, often switching between them—or combining them—in surprising and inventive ways. As the Chicago Tribune wrote, “As Art Tatum was to the piano, so is Levy to the harmonica: a hyper-virtuoso whose feats can be admired and studied but never really replicated.”Siebold, known as a house guitarist for A Prairie Home Companion, has performed with many of Chicago’s leading jazz and fusion groups. Ramos, a former member of the Ramsey Lewis ensemble, is one of the most sought-after bassists on the scene. Ewerling’s Brazilian roots add rhythmic depth and vibrancy to the band’s sound.On stage, The Howard Levy 4 delivers a performance that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally exciting—an expansive musical journey fueled by virtuosity, creativity, and boundless imagination. Their EP, Live from Chicago, captures the group’s remarkable ability to transcend genres and captivate audiences.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pz2jPAxUuss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Opener and four-time Grammy Award–winning cellist Eugene Friesen brings a richly expressive voice to the stage as a performer, composer, and educator. Known for his deeply lyrical playing and adventurous spirit, Friesen has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Dave Brubeck, Toots Thielemans, Dar Williams, Will Ackerman, and Dream Theater.A passionate advocate for improvisation, he has performed worldwide with Paul Simon, the Paul Winter Consort, and Trio Globo (with Howard Levy and Glen Velez). His versatile career has also included appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and solo performances at major international cello festivals across Europe, the U.S., and South America.Friesen’s dedication to music education is central to his work. His beloved “CelloMan” program introduces young audiences to the joy of music, while his teaching and workshops—spanning the globe—explore innovative cello techniques and improvisation.With five solo albums, more than 30 recordings with the Paul Winter Consort, and hundreds of credits across film, television, and instrumental music, Friesen’s sound is both expansive and unmistakable. He currently serves as artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City and is a professor at Berklee College of Music.This performance is sponsored in part by AARP Vermont and by Vermont Blues Society.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/55319119-602c-49b8-a0ea-fa4f9aae4f43/AARP+Vermont.png?content-type=image%2Fpng"><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/d4f9d0d0-912c-4710-8512-2089769f93a6/Vermont+Blues+Society.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

The Howard Levy 4 plus Eugene Friesen

$10 general admission.&nbsp;All proceeds benefit Center for Solace and ALS Association of&nbsp;Vermont.Parking in downtown Putney is limited. A designated drop-off area will be reserved in front of Next Stage for patrons with mobility needs and those requiring accessible access to the venue.Stitching Strength captures the fight against ALS, a terminal disease that strips away the body’s control, through a lens of creativity, courage, and connection.At its heart is Dr. Rick Bedlack, a neurologist whose bold fashion and even bolder optimism inspire a radically different approach to care. But this isn’t just his story. It’s about the patients who refuse to be defined by their diagnosis, and the families who transform grief into art, music, and action.This is not a story of surrender; it is a story of style, strength, and the power of believing in what is still possible.Dr. Bedlack — Professor of Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine, Director of the Duke ALS Clinic, and founder of ALSUntangled, an international program that scientifically reviews alternative and off-label ALS treatments — will attend the screening and participate in a post-film discussion with Karin Hammer-Williamson, Manager of Care Services for the ALS Association of Vermont.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZmMTqw1ch9w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Stitching Strength

Due to predicted rain, this event will be indoors at Next Stage!$28 Advance / $32 Gate / Kids under 12 freeFood from&nbsp;Smokin’ Bowls, Taza Afghan Foods + Catering, and The Blue PigJoin us for an unforgettable celebration of song, story, and community at the Folk, Roots, &amp; Americana Music Festival—a gathering of artists who carry tradition forward while shaping the sound of today.The Mammals bring high-energy, heart-forward Americana that connects audiences of all ages. With string-band fire, indie-folk depth, and socially conscious storytelling, they create a live experience that is both a celebration and a call to connection. Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar are known for rafter-raising performances, pin-drop balladry, and a rare ability to move crowds from dancing to reflecting and back again. Their 2025 double album, Touch Grass Vol. 1 &amp; 2, explores themes of freedom, kinship, and ecological repair.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zcOtSJ70Xcg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Also taking the stage is the Michael Veitch Band, featuring the acclaimed singer-songwriter whose soaring tenor voice and fluid guitar work have earned him national recognition. Veitch’s songs are rooted in storytelling—exploring love, activism, memory, and hope—with a warmth and sincerity that resonate deeply. A veteran of the folk circuit, he has shared stages with icons and brings a lifetime of musical and lived experience to every performance.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SYxkul2-nyc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Opening the festival is Doozy Jane, a dynamic quartet delivering lush four-part treble harmonies that reimagine classic sounds through a contemporary, feminist lens. With a distinctive blend of fiddle, clarinet, guitar, and bass, they present original songs and inventive arrangements that draw inspiration from both historic and modern voices in American folk and popular music.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7JUY9f14QWc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="649" width="365" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Together, these artists create a rich tapestry of folk traditions, modern roots music, and Americana spirit. Whether you come for the harmonies, the storytelling, or the sense of connection, this festival offers a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bring people together.This event sponsored by Vermont Plank Flooring.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/6a508088-e6a5-48bd-8d64-7bfb873d0d25/Vermont+Plank+Flooring+scaled.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Folk, Roots, & Americana Music Festival

$10 General AdmissionExperience Harold Lloyd's beloved 1923 comedy Safety Last! with a live improvised score by pianist and composer Peter Tavalin. A graduate of Berklee College of Music and a lifelong jazz improviser, Tavalin has been accompanying silent films since 1980, creating expressive, in-the-moment soundtracks that bring classic cinema vividly to life.Drawing on his skills as both composer and improviser, Tavalin crafts a unique musical experience for each performance, responding in real time to the action, emotion, and humor unfolding on screen. No two presentations are ever exactly alike.For this event, Tavalin chose Safety Last! for its enduring charm and comic brilliance. “These days we can all use a good laugh,” he says, “and Harold Lloyd shows us that he definitely rates as one of the great silent film comics in the same class as Charley Chaplin and Buster Keaton.”Join us for an evening of laughter, cinematic history, and live musical artistry as one of silent film's most iconic comedies springs to life with a freshly created score.

Peter Tavalin Accompanies "Safety Last!" Live

FreeEmily Margaret Band blends R&amp;B-flavored pop, jazz-rock, and soulful storytelling into a captivating live experience. Led by vocalist and songwriter Emily Margaret, whose “dynamic, velvet-soft voice” was praised by Seven Days Vermont, the band delivers original songs rich with nuance, emotion, and musical sophistication. Their performances also celebrate the artists who inspire them, featuring beloved classics by Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and more. With intimate vocals, skilled musicianship, and songs that resonate long after the final note, Emily Margaret Band creates an evening that is both uplifting and deeply moving.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1ByO4U52M6Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Emily Margaret Band

$25 Advance / $30 Door / $10 LivestreamNext Stage Arts and Twilight Music present swamp-Yankee one-man-band The Suitcase Junket and Canadian-American singer/songwriter Rachael Kilgour.The Suitcase Junket — the internationally touring project of artist Matt Lorenz — thrives in the tension between the grand and the solitary: grand in imagery, sound, and staging; solitary in thrift and self-reliance. NPR calls Lorenz a “master of musical imagination.” The instruments he uses are built from scratch and salvaged materials, and the parts that might normally require a full band are performed entirely by one musician. The result is a riveting one-man show that recalls legendary feats of invention, showmanship, and raw creativity.Lorenz, who homesteads in western Massachusetts, grounds all of that spectacle in deeply compelling songwriting. His songs create a vivid world populated by unforgettable characters, layered narratives, and striking sonic landscapes — from mountain throat singers to roadhouse jukeboxes, from echoes of environmental collapse to visions of renewal and survival. His latest album, The End Is New, was released on Renew Records/BMG, and he has recently returned to the studio to record new material.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9xa_ph8o2Zc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Singer/songwriter Rachael Kilgour writes in search of truths she can live with. Her intimate live performances radiate sincerity, warmth, and humor, balancing poignant, literate songwriting with quick wit and engaging storytelling. Kilgour was awarded a prestigious McKnight Music Fellowship in 2025, was an official showcasing artist at the 2025 Folk Alliance International Conference, and previously won both the Kerrville New Folk Contest and the Newsong Songwriting and Performance Competition.Rolling Stone praised Kilgour’s “unapologetic lyrics,” while Billboard highlighted her “master crafted indie folk” sensibilities — both of which shine through in her delicately woven songs.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p6ilvjaA6Eo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

The Suitcase Junket and Rachael Kilgour

$12 Adults / $5 Youth 18 &amp; UnderWith his annual fundraising gala fast approaching, where is the councilman’s daughter? If the papers discover she’s been playing “Shipyard Sally” with those bohemians down by the docks, his campaign is finished! Will Otto, the hired gun, rescue her in time? Will Louisa the maid claim the reward for herself? Can they succeed before the banker demolishes their historic hotel headquarters?Action, intrigue, romance, international affairs, and so much more — “My Lady of Whims” has it all! Join The Vermont Suitcase Company as they unravel tangled threads and tie up loose ends in this silent film adaptation.

My Lady of Whims

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series.&nbsp;An electrifying music documentary capturing a landmark 1970s concert event staged alongside one of boxing’s most iconic championship matches. Featuring unforgettable archival performances from legendary soul and R&amp;B artists, the film offers a vibrant snapshot of music, culture, and history at a pivotal moment on the global stage.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

Venue: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/naKzrDp7Py5ATugt6">Cooper&nbsp;Field,&nbsp;41&nbsp;Sand&nbsp;Hill&nbsp;Road,&nbsp;Putney</a>$24 Advance / $28 Gate / Kids under 12 freeFood from&nbsp;Saffron RestaurantWe've recently partnered with Dancenjoy, a group from Northampton, who will lead a free salsa dance class from 5:45-6:15 before the performance — no experience necessary. Join us a little early to get some dance moves in before the concert starts.Experience the electrifying sound of Las Guaracheras, a dynamic all-female Latin music sextet from Cali, Colombia, whose performances pulse with rhythm, virtuosity, and purpose. Since their formation in 2017, the group has been redefining the boundaries of salsa, blending Afro-Caribbean traditions with influences from Colombia’s Pacific coast while centering a powerful message of women’s visibility and empowerment in the music industry.Rooted in the rich musical legacy of their hometown—widely considered a global capital of salsa—Las Guaracheras bring a fresh, contemporary vision to the genre. Their distinctive sound features the vibrant interplay of percussion, piano, bass, vocals, and the rarely spotlighted vibraphone, creating a layered and expressive sonic landscape. With a strong emphasis on improvisation, each performance becomes a living, breathing exchange between musicians, offering moments for every member to shine as both collaborator and soloist.At the heart of their music is a commitment to storytelling. Through original compositions and bold arrangements, Las Guaracheras weave narratives of resilience, identity, and collective strength. Their lyrics serve as a manifesto—uplifting women’s voices and honoring their essential role in shaping Latin music, past and present.From international festival stages to extensive tours across Latin America and North America, Las Guaracheras have built a reputation for high-energy performances that are as musically sophisticated as they are deeply felt. Whether delivering driving salsa grooves or exploring jazz-inflected improvisations, they invite audiences into a celebratory and empowering musical experience.Join us for an unforgettable evening with Las Guaracheras—where tradition meets innovation, and every beat carries the spirit of strength, joy, and community. <iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gprwDVnKINg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This concert is sponsored in part by Against the Grain.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/12d32f84-6097-4233-86de-26d0b3f692d7/Against+the+Grain.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Las Guaracheras

$10 Suggested DonationComposer Lei Liang returns this June to continue an extraordinary exploration of listening, sound, and the hidden musical worlds around us.Several years ago, Yellow Barn musicians performed Liang’s Six Seasons for Eva Mondon — a work inspired by recordings made 300 meters beneath the Arctic Ocean by oceanographer Joshua Jones of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Using hydrophones placed on the sea floor north of Alaska, scientists captured the sounds of shifting ice, ocean currents, and marine mammals inhabiting one of the most inaccessible places on Earth. Liang transformed these recordings into a composition that invites performers and listeners alike into a profound act of listening: to the environment, to one another, and to the fragile boundary between sound and awareness.This year’s young musicians will again perform Six Seasons on the 30th, revisiting a work that asks performers not simply to interpret sound, but to inhabit it.In this special presentation and conversation, Liang opens the next chapter of this exploration. Human hearing — and human music — typically occupies a range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. But beyond that familiar territory lies an immense world of sound: infrasonic vibrations below perception, ultrasonic signals beyond our hearing, and vast streams of acoustic information constantly surrounding us.Beginning with recordings of marine mammals whose voices are normally inaudible to human ears, Liang will guide audiences through a spectrum of sound ranging from 10 Hz to 160 kHz. The journey then turns toward ourselves: the sounds humans generate but rarely perceive, and the hidden “music” embedded in our technologies, environments, and daily lives.What are we hearing without listening? What are we creating without knowing? And what becomes possible when we extend the ear beyond the limits of the body?Let’s find out.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NgJoI9B32LY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

The Inaudible Human: What kind of “music” are we making yet not aware of?

FreeFlagship Romance is an alternative folk duo known for breathtaking vocal harmonies, inspired songwriting, and a dynamic live show that leaves audiences feeling like they’ve just made two new best friends. Singer-songwriters Shawn Fisher and Jordyn Jackson create a larger-than-life sound from just two voices and an acoustic guitar. Fresh off the release of their self-titled double album, the duo is currently on a six-month cross-country U.S. tour.The Rough &amp; Tumble — the acclaimed duo of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler — bring magnetic harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and unmistakable onstage chemistry to every performance. Blending folk, Americana, and pop-leaning melodies, their songs explore love, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life. Whether trading verses, harmonizing in unison, or drawing audiences into the moment, The Rough &amp; Tumble create performances that feel both deeply personal and joyfully communal.

Flagship Romance and The Rough & Tumble

$22 Advance / $26 Door / $10 LivestreamStéphane Wrembel is widely regarded as one of the world’s most extraordinary guitarists, celebrated for his dazzling fusion of jazz, gypsy swing, and global musical traditions. Originally from Fontainebleau, France, Wrembel has captivated audiences around the world with a sound that is both technically masterful and deeply expressive. Rolling Stone called him “…a revelation.”A prolific composer as well as performer, Wrembel’s original music has been featured in acclaimed films including Midnight in Paris (“Bistro Fada”) and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (“Big Brother”). His work on Midnight in Paris contributed to the Grammy Award®-winning soundtrack for Best Compilation Soundtrack. In 2012, he was personally invited by Hans Zimmer to perform in the “All Star Band” at the Academy Awards® alongside artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Pharrell Williams, and Sheila E.With more than 20 albums to his name—including projects under his ensemble The Django Experiment—Wrembel continues to push creative boundaries. His 2024 release Triptych, recorded with pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, earned critical acclaim from DownBeat, Guitar Player, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and New York Jazz Record. His latest album, Django New Orleans II: Hors-Série (2025), blends New Orleans brass and rhythms with his signature “Jazz Manouche” style, featuring new originals and even his debut as a vocalist.Wrembel has shared the stage with an extraordinary range of artists, including Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, The Roots, John Scofield, Medeski Martin &amp; Wood, and Sam Bush, and has been featured on NPR’s Mountain Stage and WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour. His music defies genre boundaries and speaks to listeners across musical worlds. As Wrembel puts it: “I just play my own music. It’s not only for the rock music lover, the Django Reinhardt lover or jazz lover. It’s for the music lover.”Don’t miss this chance to experience Stéphane Wrembel live with his world-class band: Adrien Chevalier (violin), Ari Folman-Cohen (bass), and Nick Anderson (drums).Quotes “…a revelation.” – Rolling Stone “Stéphane Wrembel just might be the greatest acoustic guitarist alive.” – The Aquarian “Stéphane Wrembel repeatedly soars whether performing his own music or classics by Django Reinhardt and Duke Ellington.” – San Diego Union-Tribune<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z-yBJVuPNjY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Stéphane Wrembel Band

Venue: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/kukBuabHH4u8HSoP9">Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Rd, Putney</a>$24 Advance / $28 Gate / Kids under 12 freeFood from Smokin’ BowlsProclaimed an “institution” by Questlove, Rev. Vince Anderson and his five-piece band, The Love Choir, bring three decades of electrifying “Dirty Gospel” to the stage. Featuring musicians who have performed with TV on the Radio, Nick Waterhouse, and Burnt Sugar, this powerhouse group has captivated audiences in New York City and around the world.Leading from the piano, Rev. Vince delivers a raucous, revival-style performance that fuses gospel, blues, psychedelic soul, and rock into a high-voltage, joy-filled experience. His dynamic presence and infectious energy transform every show into a full-on musical celebration. Rev. Vince is also the subject of the award-winning documentary The Reverend.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QumS8Sfq75U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This concert is sponsored in part by Community Bank.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/c437b65a-2ac6-4dd2-834e-e4a69f863466/CBNALgo_V_4C_C+copy.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Reverend Vince Anderson & His Love Choir

Tickets are FREE but reservations must be made in advanceSmart, silly, and endlessly fun, this high-energy musical brings the beloved songs of Schoolhouse Rock! to life. From “Conjunction Junction” to “I’m Just a Bill,” these iconic tunes transform grammar, math, history, and science into joyful, theatrical storytelling. Packed with humor and heart, the show invites audiences of all ages to laugh, sing along, and rediscover just how fun learning can be.This free touring production is performed by artists from Weston’s Young Company and will be presented at community partner venues throughout Southern Vermont.

Schoolhouse Rock, Live!

$22 Advance / $26 Door / $10 LivestreamTone Forest is a groundbreaking contemporary jazz ensemble featuring three world-class musicians: Miro Sprague (piano), Jason Ennis (6- and 7-string guitars), and Marty Jaffe (bass). Longtime friends and collaborators with shared roots in Western Massachusetts, their music fuses jazz, world music, and free improvisation into a genre-defying sound that is lyrical, adventurous, and deeply grounded in beauty and groove.Tone Forest is a truly collaborative trio with an improvisational ethos that makes every performance unique and alive. Drawing inspiration from nature, their compositions and performances take listeners on a cinematic journey through a rich spectrum of musical colors, dynamics, and emotions — from the most delicate passages to the most danceable grooves. Along the way, they weave in rhythms and influences from a wide range of folk and global traditions, including swing, samba, baião, New Orleans street beats, and more.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RcZAnJ6nvME" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Tone Forest

$10 Adults / $5 Youth 16 &amp; UnderNew Clothes is a feature film adaptation of a Hans Christian Andersen fable as told by a touring theatre company from Vermont. It was shot in seven days on the fourth floor of an apartment building in downtown Brattleboro. The action takes place in a timeless kingdom where painted canvas and cardboard live comfortably next to refrigerators and radiators. Two poor swindlers set out to scheme their way into the royal palace, where they will attempt to get rich by tricking the Emperor and his court out of the clothes on their backs.Vermont Suitcase Company has toured fast, funny, accessible theatre around Vermont since 2018. They travel to bars, pizza parlors, performance venues, and community centers all over the state with four poles, one big curtain, and a dozen suitcases filled with costumes and props. New Clothes is their feature film debut, and they're so excited to be able to bring their group's passion for theatrical storytelling and fun, scrappy aesthetics to a broader audience.A discussion with members of the creative team will follow the screening.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HmrumR66-4o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

New Clothes

FreeHigh and Loathsome is a band that drifts between song and improvisation, structure and atmosphere, intention and spontaneity. Drawing on decades of experience as musicians, composers, and sound explorers, the quartet creates music that is at once grounded and searching.The group brings together Michael Roberts (founder of Wooden Dinosaur and leader of The Rear Defrosters), drummer and educator Stefan Amidon, bassist and sound engineer Max Adam, and experimental musician John Levin, a longtime force in Brattleboro’s creative music scene.High and Loathsome first came together in the summer of 2025 to record songs Roberts wrote while living and traveling in East and North Africa. What began as a straightforward recording session quickly evolved into something more expansive. In the hands of Amidon, Adam, and Levin, the songs opened into moments of minimalism, free improvisation, and richly textured soundscapes before returning to familiar forms.Inspired equally by the earthy intimacy of Michael Hurley and the exploratory spirit of Miles Davis, High and Loathsome creates music that feels both deeply rooted and endlessly unfolding.

High and Loathsome

Venue: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/cptqh1nuWA3NMvxp9">Putney Central School Field, 182 Westminster W Road, Putney</a>$28 Advance / $32 Gate / Kids under 12 free&nbsp;Food from Putney General Store, Taza, and The Blue PigJoin us for an afternoon of creativity, play, and performance for all ages! Fun Fest for Kids and Kids at Heart brings together puppetry, live music, hands-on activities, and circus thrills in a lively, family-friendly celebration.Experience the magic of Sandglass Theater: Punschi—an enchanting hand-puppet show performed under a giant umbrella. Originally created by Sandglass co-founder Ines Zeller Bass and now brought to life by her daughter, Jana Zeller, Punschi draws on the rich tradition of German fairground puppetry. Expect humor, music, and plenty of audience participation in this charming, interactive performance.Feel the energy of The DiTrani Brothers, whose genre-bending sound blends Balkan influences with early American jazz and swing. Their original songs and reimagined classics deliver a lively, rhythmic soundtrack that’s equal parts playful and thought-provoking.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/42wJPEJCXGs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="649" width="649" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed> Celebrate young local talent with performances by the Putney Central School Middle School Modern and Jazz Bands. These elective ensembles in the PCS Middle School program feature 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who meet twice a week and select their own repertoire. The Modern Band writes and performs an original song each semester, while the Jazz Band focuses on improvisation incorporated into the pieces they perform. The groups recently showcased their talents at PCS’s Putneypalooza (Modern Band) and the end-of-year Ice Cream Social Concert (Jazz Band).Modern Band Students: Charlotte Bredbeck - Drums Finn Grutta - Guitar Karson Stevens - Drums Logan Bosse - Guitar Lucas Wilcox - Guitar Milly Chaney Morvant - Bass, Bells Mohsin Latif - Vocals, Keys Ella Pero - Vocals, Keys Lucca Caviola - Bass Mae Abate’ - Vocals, Aux. Percussion Raziq Latif - Keys Yona Kingsbury - Vocals, BellsJazz Band Students: Kelsey Fellows - Alto Sax Mohsin Latif - Bass Rosalie White - Flute Raziq Latif - Keys Finn Grutta - Trombone Milly Chaney Morvant - Trombone Clementine Hoogerhyde - Trumpet Laila Abdul Sater - Trumpet Jack Buser - Drums Logan Bosse - GuitarThroughout the afternoon, there’s even more to explore:<ul><li>Try your hand at the flying trapeze with NECCA</li><li>Enjoy whimsical balloon creations by Doug the Devil Stick Man (4:00–5:30 PM)</li><li>Contribute to a collaborative community art project led by Amber Paris</li><li>Visit tables hosted by area organizations offering activities and resources</li></ul>Whether you come to watch, play, or participate, Fun Fest for Kids and Kids at Heart is a joyful celebration of imagination, community, and the arts.This event is sponsored in part by The Greenwood School.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/5457d2b9-3353-44b6-82f5-a0449f59b23f/Greenwood+School+copy.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Fun Fest for Kids and Kids at Heart

$10 General AdmissionA Q&amp;A with director Charles Light, commune resident&nbsp;Verandah Porche, and composer and performer Patty Carpenter will follow the screening.Far Out: Life On &amp; After the Commune is a compelling documentary that traces the remarkable fifty-year journey of two New England communes founded in the turbulent summer of 1968 by radical journalists from Liberation News Service. What began as an escape from New York City and national political infighting became a transformative experiment in communal living, organic farming, grassroots activism, and cultural reinvention in rural Vermont and Western Massachusetts.Through intimate interviews and archival footage, the film follows a generation of writers, artists, and activists as they learned to farm, build community, challenge their own assumptions, and ultimately become leaders in the national anti-nuclear movement. From Sam Lovejoy’s dramatic toppling of a 500-foot weather tower in protest of a proposed nuclear plant to collaborations with artists including Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, and John Hall at the legendary No Nukes concerts, Far Out captures the idealism, contradictions, and lasting impact of a movement that helped reshape both the region and the people within it.Honest, inspiring, and deeply human, Far Out explores the enduring questions of activism, equality, environmentalism, and what it means to create a different way of living together.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7XSrtb_eGqQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" height="480" width="640" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Far Out: Life On & After the Commune

Join your neighbors to envision the future of Putney Village on Thursday, June 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Next Stage Arts.The town is developing a comprehensive plan for the village to guide improvements to housing, business opportunities, streetscapes, public spaces, parking, and more. This event is the first part of a two-part design workshop.The June 11 session at Next Stage Arts will be a listening session featuring facilitated small-group discussions. Participants are invited to share their experiences of Putney Village and discuss its strengths, challenges, and opportunities.The second part of the workshop will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Putney Central School. This session will focus on hands-on design activities, including modeling exercises to help envision the future of the village.Come to one or both events and help shape the future of the heart of our community.

Putney Village Design Workshop, Part 1

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series.&nbsp;In the early Eighties, before hip hop even had much of a national profile (let alone the global dominance it would eventually attain), this PBS-produced film chronicled the emergent culture in its infancy. The documentary&nbsp;focused on the battle between graffiti writers and city officials, each side fighting to see who would determine the literal look of New York at the time. The city itself appears as an almost mythically gritty character in the film; its heroes are the young black and Latino kids trying to create their own identity while giving the drab urban spaces color and life; its villain is mayor Ed Koch, glibly patting himself on the back not giving these kids the death penalty. And the music on hand gives you a taste of the art form’s early landmarks, from Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” to the Fearless Four’s “Rockin’ It.”Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

$12 Advance / $15 DoorGordon Clark and his Vermont Comedy All-Stars return for an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy.Bitsy Biron has been performing comedy across Vermont and New England since placing in Vermont’s Funniest Comedian Contest in 2014. She has opened for comedians including Dave Attell, Emo Phillips, and Nick Thune at the Vermont Comedy Club, and has also shared stages with Dan Bolger, Jimmy Tingle, and Tony V in Boston. After hosting her own comedy venue, Femcom, in central Vermont and touring throughout New England, Bitsy is making her return to stand-up — starting at Next Stage Arts.A regular performer at Boston’s Comedy Studio, Raoul Biron has opened for Jordan Jensen and hosted his own stand-up showcase, Chuckles Comedy Extravaganza, in Harvard Square. Drawing on his unique life experience and natural charisma, Raoul brings an energetic presence to the stage and a contagious sense of fun, alerting audiences to one fact: Raoul is having a good time. Not generally, but like, right now.Maddie Cross is a Burlington-based stand-up comic who has performed throughout Northern New England. She has opened for nationally touring comedians including Kelsey Cook, Laurie Kilmartin, Casey Balsham, and Phil Hanley. Her mom describes her comedy as “smart” and “confusing.” Hopefully audiences will half-agree.Dan Geurin is the guy next door—who also happens to be a stand-up comedian. His relatable, everyday observations have made him a regular at comedy clubs including The Funny Bone, The Laugh Factory, and The Comedy Works. He has performed in New York City, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City, and was a longtime member of The Not Too Far From Home Comedy Tour. Dan has shared the stage with comedy heavyweights such as Gilbert Gottfried, Gary Gulman, Nick DiPaolo, and Tom Arnold. His writing credits include celebrity roasts and corporate events, and his comedy has been featured on SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, and numerous podcasts. Dan will show you that our everyday lives are funny and that you never really know what the guy next door is up to.Gordon Clark, the show’s producer and host, is the director of the nonprofit Vermont Comedy All Stars, which creates stand-up comedy specials throughout Vermont. Since 2020, he has produced 108 shows, including multi-year runs at the late, iconic Nectar’s in Burlington, Bent Nails Bistro in Montpelier, Zen Barn in Waterbury, and Next Stage Arts in Putney. Gordon also happens to be the oldest regularly performing comedian in Vermont—and sometimes he sure feels that way. He lives in Burlington with his wife, cat, and dog.

FreeThe Vermont Jazz Center Sextet is the VJC’s community outreach ensemble. Through weekly rehearsals, the group has developed programs performed in schools, assisted-living facilities, and libraries, bringing live jazz into more informal community settings.Through these performances and clinics, audiences who might not otherwise attend concerts at the VJC are introduced to the music of Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and others, along with original compositions and arrangements often written by members of the ensemble.The VJC Sextet features Rob Freeberg (trumpet), Bill Ballard (alto saxophone), Ron Kelley (tenor saxophone), Cathy Martin (piano), Wim Auer (bass), and Steve Rice (drums).

Vermont Jazz Center Sextet

$22 Advance / $26 At the Door / $10 LivestreamBrooklyn-based Baklava Express brings a vibrant, high-energy sound that feels like the soundtrack to an open-air Mediterranean market. Blending ancient and modern instruments, the ensemble performs original compositions that draw from Turkish, Greek, Armenian, Arab, Mizrahi, and Sephardi traditions—while weaving in subtle touches of jazz, flamenco, and rock.Their latest release, Sabába, reflects a band that has grown into its sound—joyful, fluid, and deeply collaborative, with room for spontaneity and improvisation. Led by oud player and composer Josh Kaye, the group creates music that honors tradition while forging something distinctly their own.With roots in diverse musical and cultural backgrounds, Baklava Express offers an inviting, border-crossing musical experience—an instrumental “meeting place” where listeners can find their own meaning in the music.Ensemble: Josh Kaye – oud/composition Sarah Mueller – violin James Robbins – bass Jeremy Smith – percussion<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/96B9p0MkAXY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="541" width="961" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Baklava Express

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Celebrate the launch of The Gatepost, a gripping new novel by acclaimed author Tim Weed. This special evening invites readers into a haunting and thought-provoking story that blends literary fiction with elements of mystery, science, and the supernatural.In The Gatepost, Esme Weatherhead returns to her rural Vermont home two decades after her father’s unexplained disappearance. As she sets out to write his story, Esme uncovers a hidden world of cryptic journals, psychedelic experiments, and a long-lost cave buried deep in the forest. With the help of a local geologist, she begins a search that challenges the boundaries of reality and leads to profound revelations about love, loss, and the resilience of life itself.The event will feature a reading from the novel, a conversation with the author, and an opportunity for audience Q&amp;A. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.Tim Weed, author of the award-winning The Afterlife Project, brings his rich storytelling and deep curiosity about the natural and metaphysical worlds to this compelling new work. Don’t miss this chance to engage with an author whose work has been widely recognized for its imagination, emotional depth, and literary craft.Join us for an evening of storytelling, exploration, and celebration.

Tim Weed: The Gatepost

Opening reception 5:00-7:00pmJoin us for the opening reception of Forgotten Not Gone, a new body of work by Brattleboro-based artist Joey Morgan. This suite of 12 mixed media collage works emerges from the recovered fragments of Have You Ever Loved Me?, an earlier project that was largely destroyed in a flood. From this loss, Morgan has created a deeply resonant and intimate new narrative—one that traces the contours of personal betrayal and transformation.While Have You Ever Loved Me? examined a public unraveling—centered on a politician’s on-camera suicide and the perceived betrayals of the media—Forgotten Not Gone turns inward. Reassembling salvaged drawings into a wholly new form, the work reflects on the quieter, more personal ruptures that shape human connection. The collages carry the marks of their own history, where absence and fragmentation become essential elements of meaning.Morgan’s multidisciplinary practice is rooted in drawing, with materiality playing a vital role in grounding her conceptual explorations. Her work navigates the spaces between image, object, and projection—those “gaps” that act as synapses, giving breath and movement to the whole. The imagery, often drawn from fleeting or overlooked moments, hovers between sense and nonsense, inviting viewers into a shifting, participatory experience.Since relocating to Vermont in 1998, Morgan has incorporated elements of the region’s sensory landscape—its sounds, textures, and remnants—into her visual vocabulary. Though her work may begin from a singular voice, it is ultimately shaped by the viewer, evolving through interpretation and presence. However abstract its framework, the work delivers an immediate emotional impact.Joey Morgan’s work has been exhibited widely in site-specific installations and gallery settings across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. She has represented Canada at major international exhibitions including the Sydney Biennial and 96 Containers in Copenhagen, and her work has been shown at institutions such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Morgan lives and works in Brattleboro, Vermont.Celebrate the opening of this compelling new exhibition and meet the artist at the reception.This show will be on exhibit May 8-August 9. The Next Stage Gallery is open during events, and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@nextstagearts.org">info@nextstagearts.org</a> or (802) 387-0102.

Joey Morgan: Forgotten Not Gone

$10 General AdmissionRobert Elfstrom &amp; David Hoffman, 1h 10mReleased in 1972, this film comes from early in the career of local filmmaker Alan Dater, who served as the film’s sound recordist.&nbsp;Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn are among the country music stars featured in this concert film. Captured live onstage at the Ryman Auditorium during the Grand Ole Opry’s annual birthday celebration in October 1969, the film showcases performances straight from the source. It also offers a glimpse of notable sights around Nashville, providing a broader sense of the city’s musical roots.Before the screening, Alan Dater will present a short video interview with the film’s director. He will also be present to introduce the film and take part in a discussion afterward.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZWVyaAWwU2I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="585" width="780" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

The Nashville Sound

$10 suggested donation. Performers and audience alike help support the space—thank you!Vermont Timbre (Amelia Struthers and Mike Mrowicki) hosts an Open Mic evening.This is an open, supportive space for musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers of all kinds to share their work. Sets will be 10–15 minutes.The sign-up list for May’s event is already full, but please email Mike at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mmrowicki@gmail.com">mmrowicki@gmail.com</a> for more information about this event.To RSVP as an audience member, please click the button above.Come to perform, come to listen, or come to do both—community, creativity, and great music guaranteed.

Open Mic

$26 Advance / $30 Door / $15 Livestream“…the leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement.” – Rolling Stone From his early days at Godfrey Daniels in Pennsylvania to stages across the U.S. and Europe, John Gorka has built a career on soulful storytelling, masterful songwriting, and a voice that resonates with warmth and depth. With 11 acclaimed studio albums, collaborations with folk icons, and a dedication to artistic integrity, Gorka continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Join us for an unforgettable evening of timeless folk music from one of the genre’s true masters.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/doIh-VLn0FM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

John Gorka

$22 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamCellist, vocalist, and composer Queralt Giralt Soler brings her deeply expressive trio to the stage for an evening of genre-blurring original music and inspired reinterpretations. Blending classical training with Catalan folk traditions, jazz, and contemporary sounds, Giralt Soler weaves cello and voice into a singular, intimate musical language.Based between the U.S. and Catalunya, she has performed internationally and collaborated with renowned artists including Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, and Latin Grammy winners Las Migas, with performances heard at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Detroit Jazz Festival. Joined by Mahya Hamedi&nbsp;on piano, percussion, and vocals, and Bahar Badiei on oud and vocals, the trio will present Giralt Soler’s original compositions alongside reimagined works by influential composers such as Hermeto Pascoal and Paco de Lucía—music that is lyrical, adventurous, and deeply personal.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o4FIFBpG3Jk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/f4476891-acea-4860-af60-c251e1ae2556/NEFA_black_RGB_small_0+%281%29.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Queralt Giralt Soler Trio

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series.&nbsp;Filmed over several years, this documentary chronicles the volatile rise of two closely linked indie-rock bands whose ambitions pull them in sharply different directions. What begins as camaraderie slowly curdles into rivalry, revealing how ego, obsession, and substance abuse can fracture both creative partnerships and personal lives. Darkly funny and deeply uncomfortable at times, the film becomes a cautionary portrait of how talent alone is never enough to hold a scene—or a friendship—together.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

$10 General AdmissionDavid Hoffman &amp; Harry Wiland, 1h 18mProduced in 1973, this film comes from early in the career of local filmmaker Alan Dater, who served as the film’s sound recordist. B.B. King, Joan Baez, and other legendary artists performed at New York’s Sing Sing Prison, delivering one of the best shows of their lives. B.B. called it one of his greatest performances, and the New York Daily News hailed it as one of the greatest moments in live entertainment.Before the screening, Alan Dater will present a short video interview with the film’s director, David Hoffman. He will also be present to introduce the film and take part in a discussion afterward.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LWLAAzOBoBI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="585" width="878" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Sing Sing Thanksgiving

Tickets $10 / $5 livestreamJoin us for a conversation with acclaimed author Victoria Redel about her highly anticipated new novel, I Am You. Set in 1600s Amsterdam, this unforgettable love story explores art, politics, gender, and identity through the lives of Gerta Pieters, a young girl raised as a boy in service to a Dutch family, and Maria van Oosterwijck, a skilled painter navigating the Golden Age. Inspired by historical fact, Redel’s novel is a meditation on love, artistry, and the perils faced by women in history.Redel’s I Am You has been recognized as a Bustle Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025, a Zibby Books Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025, and a Book Riot Exciting New LGBTQ Historical Fiction Pick. It has received a Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review, been highlighted as an Amazon Editor’s October Best in Literature and Fiction, and named a People’s Best New Book. Foreign rights have sold in Dutch, Ukrainian, UK, and German markets.The conversation will be hosted by Robin MacArthur, award-winning author and educator, whose debut short story collection, Half Wild, won the PEN New England Award, and whose work has appeared in Orion, LitHub, The Washington Post, and on NPR.Experience an evening of literary insight, historical intrigue, and a deep dive into the creation of a remarkable novel.&nbsp;ByWay Books will be on site selling copies of I Am You&nbsp;and select backlist by both authors.

Victoria Redel in Conversation with Robin MacArthur

$24 Advance / $28 At the Door / $10 LivestreamNext Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of contemporary folk in-the-round with singer/songwriters Alice Howe, Freebo, Sam Robbins, and Halley Neal. Each artist will perform solo and collaborate with the others in a unique shared-concert experience.Freebo is a folk, rock, and blues icon, best known for his decade as bassist with Bonnie Raitt. His fretless bass has also been featured on recordings by John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills &amp; Nash, Maria Muldaur, Joe Walsh, and Dr. John, among others. A multi-award-winning songwriter, Freebo has appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, The Midnight Special, and in concert with the Legendary Spinal Tap.Alice Howe, named Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards, captivates with the natural, unvarnished beauty of her voice. Her poetic lyrics and melodic sensibilities shine on her latest solo album Circumstance, produced by Freebo and recorded at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-8Pk1CVdUHU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="533" width="948" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Sam Robbins is an “old soul” singer/songwriter and modern troubadour. Touring across the U.S. with his acclaimed 2025 album So Much I Still Don’t See, Sam was named one of Atwood Magazine’s “Artists to Watch,” has performed on The Voice, and has shared stages with Jason Mraz and Liz Longley. He has also appeared at major festivals including Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, and Wheatland.Halley Neal, a Boston-based folk singer and songwriter formerly from Nashville, brings award-winning vocals and uplifting, peace-centered themes to her performances. She has earned national recognition performing at renowned folk festivals such as Kerrville Folk Fest, Rocky Mountain Folks Fest, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7X3st5K_eLM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="533" width="948" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Singer/Songwriter Showcase

$22 Advance / $26 At the Door / $10 LivestreamInternationally acclaimed kora master Ablaye Cissoko joins forces with celebrated French diatonic accordionist Cyrille Brotto for an intimate and transcendent musical experience. Their new project, Djiyo—meaning “water”—flows like a river across cultures, seamlessly blending Manding and Occitan traditions into a sound that is at once meditative, lyrical, and deeply human.Following nearly three years of touring and over a hundred concerts worldwide, the duo reunites with a renewed artistic connection, crafting a luminous dialogue between kora, voice, and accordion. The result is a graceful, emotionally rich conversation—at times contemplative, at times quietly ecstatic—imbued with warmth, melancholy, and profound musicality. Hailed as “a gem from start to finish” (Songlines UK), Djiyo invites listeners on a spiritual journey that clears the mind and awakens the senses.Ablaye Cissoko, one of the world’s foremost kora players, is known for his fluid virtuosity, soulful voice, and boundary-crossing collaborations spanning world music, jazz, and classical traditions. Cyrille Brotto, a leading figure in the European folk scene, brings remarkable sensitivity and inventiveness to the diatonic accordion, creating music that is both richly textured and deeply rooted in tradition.More than a collaboration, this is a meeting of kindred spirits—a musical conversation shaped by friendship, respect, and a shared devotion to the transformative power of sound.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQB5Ms17HMI?list=PLLy0CRfQQe0BxyDAcE4mPIiifwQVm8lu5" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="533" width="948" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto

Series Pass - Admit 1 - $165 (a 28.9% savings!) Series Pass - Admit 2 - $325 (a 30% savings!)The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from June through September. Featuring a diverse range of musical styles, puppetry, and circus arts, performances take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Putney, Brattleboro, and Bellows Falls.Kids under 12 always get in free, and a dedicated play area is available at every show. Refreshments are sold onsite, including a bar and food from local vendors. Bring a picnic, along with a blanket or fold-up chair, and enjoy the concerts in a relaxed outdoor setting.The complete series calendar can be found <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nextstagearts.org/bandwagon-summer-series#/events">here</a>. Save money by purchasing a series pass, and let us plan your summer social calendar!

2026 Bandwagon Summer Series

$22 Advance / $26 At the Door / $10 LivestreamFemale mariachi singer, musician, and Latin American folkloric dancer and choreographer Veronica Robles has become a cultural icon for Boston’s Latino community. Through her powerful use of music, dance, and cultural traditions, she brings people together while celebrating the richness and importance of diversity.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9iKILqw7_Xg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="587" width="783" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Veronica Robles Quartet

$20 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamKids under 12: $10 Advance / $12 DoorJoin us for a special free wine tasting before the concert - details and RSVP <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nextstagearts.org/events-calendar#/events/177676">here</a>.Two of the most exciting ensembles in contemporary klezmer and Yiddish music unite for a memorable double bill. Each draws from a distinct branch of the klezmer tradition: one rooted in old-world European string band aesthetics, the other inspired by the clarinet-led sound of the mid-20th century. Together, they bridge eras of Ashkenazic musical history, creating a fresh and original soundtrack of the diaspora.Jake Shulman-Ment &amp; Abigale Reisman: Two StringsViolinists Jake Shulman-Ment and Abigale Reisman are among the most highly regarded klezmer musicians working today. Their collaboration, Two Strings, is a powerful new string band project that unites breathtaking virtuosity, deep grounding in Yiddish and Eastern European musical traditions, and a fearless spirit of improvisation.With striking authenticity as both instrumentalists and vocalists, Jake and Abigale weave together original compositions, new settings of early 20th-century radical Yiddish poetry, and recently rediscovered works from forgotten manuscripts. Haunting and ecstatic, their music blurs the line between old and new, sounding equally at home beneath a wedding canopy, in a concert hall, or in a raucous tavern. They are joined by longtime collaborators Pete Rushefsky on tsimbl and Raffi Boden on cello.Ira Temple &amp; Michael WinogradIra Temple and Michael Winograd are central figures in New York City’s vibrant klezmer and Yiddish music community. Together, they have performed at concerts, festivals, weddings, and coming-of-age celebrations, and are both recent members of the cast and orchestra of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway.Accordionist and songwriter Ira Temple is the founder of the radical Yiddish music project Tsibele, longtime director of the Aftselakhis Spectacle Committee Purimshpil, and a former member of New York’s activist street band The Rude Mechanical Orchestra. Their newest solo album, Strange Tongue – Mistame-Loshn, to be released this October on Borscht Beat Records, reimagines traditional Yiddish songs through English-language expansion, blending queer and trans songwriting with the urgent, living breath of Yiddish culture as practiced today in Brooklyn.Clarinetist Michael Winograd lives in Brooklyn, where his band The Honorable Metnshn has helped bring klezmer and Yiddish music to audiences around the world. He has performed and collaborated with leading figures in Jewish music, including Itzhak Perlman, Frank London, the Klezmatics, and the Klezmer Conservatory Band. Featured on dozens of recordings—from The Beautiful Game to Live at Madison Square Garden with Vulfpeck—Winograd’s music has also appeared in film, television, theater, and dance. His upcoming release, TANZ! Live in New York City, re-creates the iconic 1956 klezmer album TANZ!, originally featuring clarinetists Dave Tarras and Sam Musiker.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFqRyK9VQrE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This performance is sponsored in part by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/ebf005b1-0618-47d6-9cfa-254031844f94/HGF+LOGO_2016+COLOR.jpg?content-type=image%2Fjpeg">

Jake Shulman-Ment & Abigale Reisman: Two Strings and Ira Temple & Michael Winograd

FreeKick off your evening in style with a complimentary wine tasting before Friday’s concert. Join us as Jason Dennis of Vermont Wine Merchants pours a curated selection of 4–5 wines, sharing insights, stories, and tasting notes along the way.Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, this relaxed and welcoming tasting is the perfect way to ease into the night. Stick around after the tasting to enjoy your favorites—these featured wines will be available for purchase by the glass at the bar between the tasting and the concert.

Pre-Concert Wine Tasting

$22 Advance / $26 Door / $10 LivestreamÉ.T.É brings a fresh, contemporary vision to Québécois trad music. Violinist Élisabeth Moquin, bouzouki player Thierry Clouette, and cellist Élisabeth Giroux blend jazz, progressive rock, and classical influences to craft original compositions and inventive arrangements of Québécois and Acadian repertoire. Their rich vocal harmonies, infectious groove, and onstage chemistry transform every kitchen party into an unforgettable show. Since their 2017 debut Le bois des midnights, they’ve earned multiple awards—including OPUS “Discovery of the Year,” the Linda Lemay Award, and a GAMIQ “Lucien”—and toured across Canada, the U.S., Scotland, Belgium, and Australia. Their latest album, Sur ces eaux, was released in November 2022.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_skPgE7Q4x4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Keith Murphy and Yann Falquet are masters of contemporary Celtic guitar, representing the compelling textures, harmonies and rhythms that the guitar has brought to traditional songs and instrumentals since the Celtic music revival in the 1970s.As singers, they bring a rich blending of the Franco and Anglo song traditions. Falquet comes with a wealth of songs from the French-Canadian tradition. He is probably best known for his work with the Québécois trio, Genticorum, with whom he has been a driving force since the group’s inception. Murphy is a highly respected traditional singer and brings a song repertoire filled with gems from his native Newfoundland as well as Québec and his current home, Vermont. He was a founding member of the groundbreaking trio, Nightingale.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MMcdShoIcfw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="520" width="924" style="--tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: ; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgb(59 130 246 / .5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: ; --tw-brightness: ; --tw-contrast: ; --tw-grayscale: ; --tw-hue-rotate: ; --tw-invert: ; --tw-saturate: ; --tw-sepia: ; --tw-drop-shadow: ; --tw-backdrop-blur: ; --tw-backdrop-brightness: ; --tw-backdrop-contrast: ; --tw-backdrop-grayscale: ; --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: ; --tw-backdrop-invert: ; --tw-backdrop-opacity: ; --tw-backdrop-saturate: ; --tw-backdrop-sepia: ; color: rgb(33, 32, 31); font-family: Roboto, -apple-system, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Sponsored in part by Délégation du Québec à Boston.<img src="https://frenchlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/BD-2015-Logos-4x3_0005_Quebec-300x225.png">

É.T.É and Keith Murphy & Yann Falquet

Come celebrate National Poetry Month at Next Stage with an evening of poetry, conversation, and dancing! Join Diana Whitney for the release of her new book, Girl Trouble, which readers are calling “unstoppable” and "deeply subversive.”&nbsp;Girl Trouble is an excavation of female adolescence, a brazen journey through rape culture from the ‘80s to #MeToo. Diana Whitney’s earthy poems spill secrets, make trouble, reckon with stories of desire and harm, and explore the agency and oppression of women and girls. Deeply rooted in the natural world, Girl Trouble grieves the planet’s degradation while celebrating queerness and seeking healing for the next generation. By the end, a myriad of voices builds to a full-throated roar and we feel the power and release in truth-telling. This is a book for survivors and advocates, for mothers and daughters, for anyone moving through trauma with resilience.Diana Whitney is a queer writer and educator who believes fiercely in the power of poetry to connect us to ourselves and to one another. She is the editor of the bestselling anthology You Don’t Have to Be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves, winner of the Claudia Lewis Award, and the author of two poetry collections, Wanting It and Dark Beds. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Kenyon Review, The San Francisco Chronicle, and many other publications. An advocate for survivors of sexual violence in her Vermont hometown and beyond, Whitney works as a developmental editor and community organizer for a rural LGBTQ+ nonprofit.Diana will be in conversation with poet Eve Alexandra, whose prize-winning collection&nbsp;None of Us in White&nbsp;was released in 2025.&nbsp;There will be snacks, a cash bar, and books available to purchase from Everyone’s Books.&nbsp;

Diana Whitney: Girl Trouble

Admission is by donation and All Are Welcome!More info: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Simoninvermont@gmail.com">Simoninvermont@gmail.com</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mmrowicki@gmail.com">mmrowicki@gmail.com</a>

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series.&nbsp;A poignant and unflinching look at an outsider musician, this documentary explores the beauty and vulnerability of his art alongside the challenges he faces in daily life. Thoughtful and compassionate, it examines the complex relationship between creativity, mental health, and those who love and support him, offering a moving portrait that lingers long after the music ends.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

$22 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamAfrican, Caribbean, funk, reggae, and Latin grooves collide with traditional fiddle music in a bold, genre-bending vision of the future of the past.The Gaslight Tinkers fuse global rhythms with a core of New England old-time and Celtic fiddle traditions, creating a joyously danceable sound fueled by melody, song, and boundless positive energy. Since forming in 2012, the band has lit up stages across the East Coast, West Coast, and Caribbean, headlining clubs, dances, and major festivals.Described by The Valley Advocate as “music that consistently fizzes and pops with unexpected textures and turns,” Gaslight Tinkers shows deliver delightful surprises, elated crowds, and exuberant musicianship. The sound and energy of I-Shea, Clara, Garrett, Elie, and Peter are universally irresistible.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G6fBX553aVg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Luke Concannon’s earliest memories are of falling asleep at Irish family parties, surrounded by guitars, singing, and dancing. He’s been making music in community ever since.As lead singer and co-writer of the UK No.1 chart act Nizlopi—best known for The JCB Song, and a key influence on a young Ed Sheeran—Luke now works as a solo artist. His 2022 album Ecstatic Bird in the Burning debuted at No.12 on both the UK and US folk charts and received rave reviews.

Dance Party with The Gaslight Tinkers plus Luke Concannon

$10 suggested donation. Performers and audience alike help support the space—thank you!Vermont Timbre (Amelia Struthers and Mike Mrowicki) hosts an Open Mic evening, featuring a special performance by Peter Siegel of The Gaslight Tinkers.This is an open, supportive space for musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers of all kinds to share their work. Sets will be 10–15 minutes, depending on how many folks sign up.To perform, email Mike at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:mmrowicki@gmail.com">mmrowicki@gmail.com</a> to reserve a spot.To RSVP as an audience member, please click the button above.Come to perform, come to listen, or come to do both—community, creativity, and great music guaranteed.

$12 Advance / $15 DoorGordon Clark and his Vermont Comedy All-Stars return for an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy.Zoe Bernstein is a local comedian, the daughter of one of the state’s great comics, and the proud owner of a 2014 Toyota Corolla. She has performed at venues around Vermont and has featured at the Vermont Comedy Club for nationally touring comedians including Ryan Hamilton and Danny Jolles.Julia Colasanti is originally from the Midwest and has performed at the Laugh Factory Chicago, the Vermont Comedy Club, and comedy clubs and festivals throughout the country. She has opened for national headliners such as Amy Miller, Jay Larson, and Yamaneika Saunders. Julia also produces a monthly themed comedy show at Lincoln’s in Burlington, where the crowd is known to hoot and holler as much as the comics.Tracy Dolan is a Burlington-based comedian who teaches stand-up comedy and has been featured at the Boston Women in Comedy Festival, NYC’s She-Devil Comedy Festival, and the Kickass Writer’s Festival. Drawing from her own journeys in romance and her imperfect efforts at parenting, Tracy’s comedy offers relatable connections for every audience. A regular performer at the Vermont Comedy Club, she has opened for national acts including Gary Gulman, Hari Kondabolu, and Cameron Esposito.Mo Doukhi is a Burlington-based stand-up comedian with a fascinating history. Originally from Lebanon, he came to the U.S. via Europe after growing up as a Palestinian refugee. He has opened at the Vermont Comedy Club for national acts such as Sam Tallent. Mo pairs a wickedly dark sense of humor with a charming smile—so you don’t realize what you’re laughing at until it’s too late.Eric Dreiblatt is a Vermont comedian currently living in Brooklyn. He placed second in the 2022 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament’s Palindrome Contest and hosts Project XOXO, a comedy showcase in Brooklyn. Eric has opened for Jenny Zigrino and Joyelle Johnson, produced and hosted shows from Burlington to New Orleans, and was a featured performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.<hr>Gordon Clark, the show’s producer and host, is the director of the nonprofit Vermont Comedy All Stars, which creates stand-up comedy specials throughout Vermont. Since 2020, he has produced 108 shows, including multi-year runs at the late, iconic Nectar’s in Burlington, Bent Nails Bistro in Montpelier, Zen Barn in Waterbury, and Next Stage Arts in Putney. Gordon also happens to be the oldest regularly performing comedian in Vermont—and sometimes he sure feels that way. He lives in Burlington with his wife, cat, and dog.

Vermont Comedy All Stars Live Stand-up Comedy Showcase!

The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program</a> has been in existence for 50 years, offering free tax help to people who cannot afford professional assistance. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and undergo a comprehensive training program. Tax preparers must pass annual certifying exams to prove their understanding of relevant tax laws and proficiency of e-filing and tax preparation methods using IRS-approved software.&nbsp;SEVCA also provides assistance to Vermont residents that aren’t required to file a tax return, but need help with their Homestead Declaration, Property Tax Credit Claim, or Renter Credit Claim. We can support you year-round.&nbsp;

Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Assistance (VITA) Program

Join the Putney Historical Society for a book launch with local historian Bill Darrow celebrating the publication of Putney Then and Now: A Vermont Town in Photographs, 1885–2025. This handsome softcover volume pairs rare historic photographs from the 1880s and early 1900s with contemporary images, revealing how Putney has changed over the past 100–140 years.Through detailed commentary, Darrow places these images within their broader historical context, highlighting Putney’s buildings, landscapes, and notable residents. Bill will be joined by his brother Evan, who assisted in exploring many of the historic sites featured in the book, as they discuss their research and discoveries.Copies of the book will be available for purchase for $35, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Putney Historical Society. Bill Darrow will be on hand to sign books.

Putney Then and Now: A Vermont Town in Photographs, 1885-2025

$22 Advance / $25 At the Door / $10 LivestreamEarly Risers, Jake Klar, and Lizzy Mandell will open the evening with a special in-the-round set, leading into Andrea von Kampen’s debut performance at Next Stage.Hailing from Nebraska’s Great Plains, Andrea von Kampen is a singer-songwriter celebrated for her introspective storytelling and captivating melodies. She has shared the stage with Watchhouse, Punch Brothers, The Wood Brothers, and Anaïs Mitchell’s Bonny Light Horseman; released three studio albums; and performed at the Newport Folk Festival and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. Her headlining tours across North America and Europe have helped her reach a global audience, amassing more than 55 million Spotify streams. In 2022, Andrea made her acting debut in the independent film A Chance Encounter, starring in the film and writing and recording its soundtrack. This fall, she will release a powerful protest EP—an urgent collection of songs confronting resurgent hateful rhetoric in American politics and calling for justice and solidarity.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fkiBLdCAYGs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="606" width="1079" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Early Risers craft rootsy, lyric-driven songs marked by close vocal harmonies and rich, varied instrumentation, including banjo, guitar, mandolin, piano, and shruti box. After pursuing solo careers, Ashley and Putnam joined forces in 2015 and have since toured widely across the U.S. and Canada. Their debut album, Making Life Sweet, reached #1 on the Folk DJ Charts, with four songs landing in the top ten.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L0iXb_nGV14" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="606" width="1079" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Blending rhythm and groove with grit and honesty, Jake Klar brings a modern Americana sound that weaves rock and pop influences into folk sincerity. His music transforms simple tunes into emotionally resonant stories that linger long after the last note.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G8oE7a3H9SE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="606" width="1079" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Lizzy Mandell has released two albums: Made for Flying, which won Times Argus/Rutland Herald Tammie Awards for Best Singer/Songwriter and Best Album in 2012, and To the Moon (2025), created in partnership with fellow Vermonter and multi-instrumentalist, producer, and vocalist Colin McCaffrey.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jey7AweMGvU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="606" width="1079" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

$20 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamRACE AND SONG is an exploration of history and current events through the lens of race, using the powerful tool of music. Veteran musicians and storytelling troubadours Pamela Means and Alastair Moock draw on their long-standing friendship to engage audiences in thoughtful, generous conversations about race, class, gender, and history.In musical dialogue, Pamela and Alastair share lived experiences through song (which always helps the medicine go down!) alongside historical and personal photos. The program features songs such as “Wade in the Water,” “Freight Train,” “It’s a Mighty Long Way,” “This Little Light of Mine,” and Moock’s own “Be a Pain.” These songs—and the stories behind them—amplify and provide historical context for Pamela Means’ and Alastair Moock’s life stories and perspectives.Over the past few years, Pamela Means and Alastair Moock have brought meaningful, accessible conversations about race to a wide range of audiences and spaces. One of their greatest strengths as a duo is their ability to meet audiences where they are. Race and Song has toured nationally to theaters, performing arts centers, houses of worship, libraries, senior centers, and schools of all kinds—from elementary and high schools to colleges and universities.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="GKQb5 _9HA3o" href="https://www.openingdoorsproject.org/bios/pamela-means/artist">Pamela Means</a>&nbsp;has been compared to Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, a cross between Suzanne Vega and Jimi Hendrix, and an heir to the legacy of Nina Simone. She's&nbsp;“one of the fiercest guitar players and politically-rooted musicians in the industry today" (Curve Magazine), who has worn a hole in two of her guitars with her "insanely brilliant" (Press Herald, Portland ME) playing and “stark, defiant songs.” (New York Times).&nbsp;<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WsI1hmWyKVQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="479" width="718" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="GKQb5 _9HA3o" href="https://www.openingdoorsproject.org/bios/alastair-moock/artist">Alastair Moock</a>&nbsp;is an award-winning singer-songwriter, GRAMMY-nominated family musician, social justice and songwriting educator, and co-founder of The Opening Doors Project.&nbsp;The Boston Globe&nbsp;calls Alastair “one of the town’s best and most adventurous songwriters.”&nbsp;The Washington Post&nbsp;says “every song is a gem.”<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRUYIJfUfME" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="479" width="718" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This performance is part of the&nbsp;“Voices Rising” series by the Opening Doors Project.Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/f4476891-acea-4860-af60-c251e1ae2556/NEFA_black_RGB_small_0+%281%29.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Race & Song: A Musical Conversation

Join us after the March Putney Community Supper for an evening of joyful singing in the main performance space.Led by guitarist and song leader Rich Grumbine, this community sing-along invites everyone to take turns choosing favorites from a digital songbook of 100+ well-loved tunes. Lyrics will be projected on a big screen, so all can sing along with ease. Expect songs from many traditions—folk, golden oldies, gospel, Beatles, classic pop and rock, children’s songs, and show tunes.The event is free, open to all, and accessible to people with disabilities.For more information, contact Rich Grumbine at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:richgrumbine1@gmail.com">richgrumbine1@gmail.com</a> or Next Stage Arts at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@nextstagearts.org">info@nextstagearts.org</a>.

Need a Fresh Headshot? We've Got You Covered.Next Stage Arts is hosting a Pop-Up Headshot Studio on Thursday, March 12 with professional photographer Justin Altman.Quick. Professional. Painless. 10-minute sessions designed for busy professionals who need updated headshots for LinkedIn, websites, business cards, or email signatures.Three convenient time windows: • Morning: 8am–9am • Lunch: 12pm–1:30pm • Evening: 5pm–7pm$150 per person includes a professionally retouched headshot delivered within 7 days. Book and pay online—your slot is secured immediately.Perfect for small business owners, remote workers, job seekers, real estate agents, nonprofit leaders, or anyone who's had "update headshot" on their to-do list for way too long.Book your session: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://justinaltman.com/popup">justinaltman.com/popup</a>Questions? Contact Justin at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:justin@justinaltman.com">justin@justinaltman.com</a>

Pop-Up Headshot Studio

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film SeriesThis high-energy concert documentary drops viewers into a restless moment in British New Wave music history, capturing one live performance after another from a wide range of touring acts. The result is loose, loud, and unpredictable—less a polished showcase than a raw snapshot of a scene in motion. From tense, provocative moments to playful bursts of pop energy, the film offers rare glimpses of artists who didn’t always make it into the history books, alongside performers on the verge of much wider recognition.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

$22 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamKalos is a trio of innovative interpreters and composers of Celtic roots music: Eric McDonald, Ryan McKasson, and Jeremiah McLane. Masters of tradition, they purposefully explore its shadowed edges, delivering music of striking complexity, spontaneity, and joyful exuberance. Their sound sets a high bar for traditional repertoire, driven by a pulsing rhythmic energy and deep artistic integrity.Each member brings a remarkably diverse musical background. Eric studied jazz and bluegrass mandolin at the Berklee College of Music before finding his voice on DADGAD guitar. Ryan holds a degree in viola performance and is among the youngest musicians ever to win the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship. Jeremiah, raised with Scottish roots, has studied Indonesian gamelan, West African drumming, and the works of minimalist composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass; his award-winning compositions have also been featured in film.Kalos is a band made for the stage—live performance is their heart and strength. Their close musical partnership, rooted in long-standing friendships, comes alive through an engaging and playful stage presence. Drawing from Celtic, Breton, American, and other traditions, Kalos forges a bold and contemporary path on accordion, guitar, fiddle, and vocals.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k1REEyFr2Rw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>While firmly rooted in the rich traditions of Scottish music, If You Must Know (harpist Rachel Clemente and piper Dan Houghton) bring a gritty, avant-garde edge that places them at the forefront of New England’s Celtic folk scene. Both are avid composers, and their repertoire blends original works with traditional melodies. Clemente was crowned U.S. National Scottish Harp Champion in 2016 and earned a bachelor’s degree in traditional Scottish music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow in 2018.Houghton, a Scottish piper, flautist, and DADGAD guitarist, has won numerous competitions, including the Scottish Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society “Open Borderpipes” and “New Composition” events, as well as the St. Chartier “Maître de Cornemuse.” He has toured and taught extensively across Britain, Europe, Ireland, America, Asia, and the Antipodes, performing both as a soloist and with ensembles such as Cantrip, the salsa-fusion band Salsa Celtica, Parcel of Rogues, the Celtic rock band Prydein, and Piper’s Den.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6r8erTrmbs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="608" width="1080" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Kalos plus If You Must Know

$22 Advance / $26 Door / $10 LivestreamCorey Harris is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader who has carved out a singular place in contemporary blues. Since beginning his career as a New Orleans street singer, Harris has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, Brazil, the Caribbean, West Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.In his early twenties, Harris lived in Cameroon, West Africa for a year—an experience that profoundly shaped his musical voice. Deeply rooted in blues tradition, his work expands the genre by weaving in elements of reggae, soul, rock, and West African music. His 1995 album Between Midnight and Day paid homage to acoustic blues traditions, while more than a dozen subsequent releases chart his evolution from interpreter to visionary songwriter.Harris has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, R.L. Burnside, Dave Matthews Band, Tracy Chapman, Wilco, and Natalie Merchant. In 2003, he was featured as artist and narrator in Martin Scorsese’s film Feel Like Going Home, which traced the blues’ journey from West Africa to the American South.In recognition of his innovative and eclectic work, Harris received a MacArthur Fellowship (“Genius Grant”) in 2007, the same year he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Bates College. With one foot firmly in tradition and the other in bold experimentation, Corey Harris remains a truly distinctive voice in modern music.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8vGwzV8QYLU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Sunny Lowdown is a master of slide guitar, known for deep grooves, slow-burning blues, and a raw, hypnotic sound steeped in tradition. His career began early—at just sixteen, he played his first professional gig backing John Lee Hooker—and has since included collaborations with blues legends such as Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Otis Rush, George “Wild Child” Butler, R.L. Burnside, and Cedell Davis.Lowdown’s 2018 release Down Loaded earned a Blues Blast Music Award nomination, and in 2019 he won the Vermont Blues Challenge, advancing to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Whether playing electric or acoustic guitar, Sunny’s approach is understated and powerful—his strength lies in tone, phrasing, and feel rather than flash.This concert is co-sponsored by the Vermont Blues Society. The Vermont Blues Society is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to preserving the heritage of blues music through concerts, workshops and education, enhancing opportunities for Vermont-based blues musicians, and insuring that the future of this uniquely American art form is alive and well in Vermont. Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.vermontbluessociety.org">https://www.vermontbluessociety.org</a>Facebook:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/VermontBluesSociety">https://www.facebook.com/VermontBluesSociety</a><img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/ad9ea685-366e-4e1c-bbb2-4aa75f473ce8/VTLogo+scaled.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Corey Harris with Sunny Lowdown

$10 General AdmissionRobert Elfstrom, 1h 34mProduced in 1968, this film comes from early in the career of local filmmaker Alan Dater, who served as the film’s sound recordist. It follows Johnny Cash on the road and in concert with the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, and Carl Perkins. The film includes rare footage of Cash recording with Bob Dylan at Columbia Studios, where they work together on several songs.The filmmakers also spent time with Cash and June Carter at their home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, as well as with Cash’s parents and children in California. The film returns with Cash to his childhood hometown in Arkansas and features a moving sequence filmed at the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.Alan Dater will be present at the screening to introduce the film and take part in a discussion afterward. Prior to the screening, a short video interview with the film’s director, Bob Elfstrom, will be shown, discussing the making of the film.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNHFURd7vQE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="608" width="1080" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Johnny Cash! The Man, His World, His Music

$10 suggested donationThe Putney Historical Society presents a video screening of The Equivalent Lands, a play written by Joe Greenhoe in 1976. The production dramatizes 18th-century land disputes in the Connecticut River Valley—conflicts between New York and New Hampshire that involved early settlers in southeastern Vermont and are often seen as a precursor to the Revolutionary War. Based on documented historical events, the play features characters whose descendants still live in the region today. A $10 donation will be requested at the door to support the work of the Putney Historical Society.

The Equivalent Lands

Opening reception 3:00-5:00pmArtist’s StatementMy process is about the act of reaching out to make sure I know where I am—to check my coordinates, to mark a signpost for my memories—as if to say, “This is where I am now.” My paintings serve as a tether to a place and a time, to a mood or disposition. Through painting, I recognize and affirm the connection I feel to the land. It becomes a kind of rite, a way of assuring myself that I am looking, that I am aware, and that I am part of this place—this Home Land.BiographyFinn Campman is a Putney School alum who studied printmaking, poetry, and literature at Sarah Lawrence College. In 1991, he joined Sandglass Theater and later founded Company of Strangers, whose production Moth and Moon received a UNIMA Citation of Excellence in 1999. He has toured extensively worldwide performing his theater work, created the video component for the Brattleboro Music Center’s production of Divine Chemistry, and presented work at three Puppetry in the Green Mountain festivals. More recently, Finn collaborated as a composer and puppeteer with Bodel Dance Arts on forecasts &amp; findings. He is currently focusing his creative energy on painting and electronic music with his band, The Brothers Chorizo, and has taught English and Art at Hilltop Montessori School for 25 years.This show will remain on exhibit through May 10. The Next Stage Gallery is open during events, and by appointment with the artist or by contacting Next Stage at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:info@nextstagearts.org">info@nextstagearts.org</a> or (802) 387-0102.

Home Land: Paintings by Finn Campman

$8 suggested donationJoin us for the next installment of the NXT Rockumentary Film Series, featuring a feature-length documentary that transports audiences to one of the most legendary large-scale music gatherings of the early rock era. Set over several unforgettable days in 1970, the film captures the electrifying live performances, the spirit and idealism of the crowd, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of staging a festival at the height of countercultural momentum. With stunning concert footage and candid moments on and off the stage, this screening offers a vivid portrait of a pivotal moment in music history.Due to licensing restrictions, we’re unable to publicly list the film title. To find out what’s screening, join our mailing list or contact us directly.

$10 in advance / $15 at the doorGet ready to hit the dance floor! Join us for a high-energy dance party with DJ Bob Thies, spinning your favorite hits from the ’80s and ’90s. From classic pop anthems to throwback dance tracks, it’s a night of nonstop nostalgia, great vibes, and irresistible grooves. Come dance, relive the era, and party with friends—no experience required, just bring your best moves.

Dance Party with DJ Bob Thies

$22 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamHailing from Finland and celebrated worldwide, Frigg is one of the most exhilarating and innovative bands in contemporary folk music. This sizzling Nordic sextet are true masters of the Finnish folk tradition, delivering heart-bursting, life-affirming tunes with astonishing precision and joy.Named after the Norse goddess of love and fertility, Frigg have forged their own unmistakable sound—“Nordgrass”—a captivating fusion of Nordic folk and American bluegrass. The result is music that feels both ancient and fresh, equally beloved by folk, world, and classical audiences. Their signature violin-driven sound, propelled by ringing strings and the deep pulse of double bass, is hypnotic, infectious, and irresistibly dance-worthy.With eleven albums, nearly a thousand performances across thirty countries, and numerous accolades—including Finnish Folk Album of the Year and Songlines Top of the World recognition—Frigg are renowned not only for their virtuosity but for their prolific original songwriting. Recent releases FRIXX and Heritage reaffirm their deep roots in Finnish tradition while pushing boldly forward.Now approaching their 25th anniversary, Frigg’s passion burns brighter than ever. Expect a thrilling live performance filled with warmth, energy, and the unmistakable spark that has made them one of Finland’s most exciting musical exports.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8VsaplLkEck" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Teho. is a Finnish power-fiddle duo rooted in Nordic folk traditions yet unafraid to push musical boundaries. Hailing from Central Ostrobothnia—a region renowned for its rich folk music culture—Tero Hyväluoma and Esko Järvelä blend Finnish fiddling, Norwegian Halling, Swedish Polska, Bebop, Western Swing, and contemporary folk into a seamless, dynamic sound.Their music balances virtuosity and improvisation, earning praise from Konsta Jylhä Competition director Hannu Saha, who called them “extremely versatile professionals…mastering their instruments on a virtuoso level, giving them unlimited musical possibilities.” Both accomplished musicians and cross-genre freelancers, Teho. has performed worldwide, including Finland, Norway, the U.S., Canada, Estonia, Germany, and Luxembourg. Their debut album was nominated for a Finnish Grammy (Emma Awards) in 2018.“…virtuosic and occasionally off-the-wall Finnish fiddle duo Teho.” – Seán Purser, Songlines, Celtic Colours 2018<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-8g_LRtpfvE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="521" width="927" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Frigg with Teho.

Come sweep out the midwinter cobwebs! Teas and coffee provided. Bring treats to share. Bring your knitting or whathaveyou.ENTRY: $10-20 DONATION TO SUPPORT NEXT STAGE + ARTISTS STUDENTS FREE / ALL ARE WELCOME&nbsp;

Endless Butter

$15 in advance / $20 at the doorFour-time Grammy Award–winning cellist Eugene Friesen and actor/writer Court Dorsey collaborate on Poems with Wings, an improvised performance featuring poems from Dorsey’s Tiger Stripes collection alongside works by other poets. Friesen’s passion for improvisation has taken him to concert halls worldwide, performing with Paul Simon, the Paul Winter Consort, and Trio Globo. Dorsey brings over 50 years of experience as an actor, poet, and playwright, and released his mystical poetry collection Tiger Stripes in 2024.

Poems with Wings

$20 Advance / $25 Door / $10 LivestreamSouthern Vermont–based singer-songwriters Jason Scaggs, Emily Margaret, and Michael Roberts open the evening with an intimate in-the-round set, followed by Nashville-based folk duo Paper Wings.Paper Wings—Emily Mann and Wila Frank—craft warm, pastoral folk songs shaped by close harmonies, delicate banjo, and deeply sincere songwriting. Their music draws thoughtfully from classic American folk traditions while maintaining a distinct, modern voice. Themes of wilderness, solitude, and shared human experience run throughout their work, inviting listeners into wide-open sonic landscapes. The duo met as young fiddle players at music camps and festivals and later settled in Nashville, where they recorded their self-titled debut Paper Wings (2017) and sophomore album Clementine (2019).<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8exjnqCmAVQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="532" width="946" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Jason Scaggs blends Appalachian roots with the adventurous spirit of Southern Vermont. Grounded in bluegrass but unafraid to bend tradition, his songs feature groove-forward rhythms, improvisation, and a warm, lived-in vocal style that feels both intimate and expansive.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8VbqpGD9lik" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="532" width="946" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Emily Margaret, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Guilford, VT, began performing at a young age and has already shared stages with artists including The Boxcar Lilies and Lake Street Dive. Influenced by R&amp;B and jazz, and inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse and Hiatus Kaiyote, her music pairs emotional honesty with a voice that moves effortlessly from subtle to powerful.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JK6g8l1oVCc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="532" width="946" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Michael Roberts is a Vermont-based guitarist, improviser, and songwriter whose work spans indie folk, Americana, and ambient music. Founder of Wooden Dinosaur and leader of The Rear Defrosters, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Newport Folk Festival, and beyond. Seven Days Vermont calls him “a Vermont treasure.”<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XI_naAirrEA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="594" width="946" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Cabin fever getting you down? It’s time to break the routine and get the kids out of the house! Join us in the Community Room for a fun, family-friendly morning kickoff.We’ll start with a delicious build-your-own cereal bar, plus classic board games, card games, and Twister (about 30 minutes of play). Once everyone is fueled up and awake, we’ll turn up the volume for a high-energy sing-along of the famous K-pop–powered supernatural action film (95 minutes of action!).Details &amp; Pricing Kids and Students: $5 Adults: FreeNote: All children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Cereal & K-Pop: Cabin Fever Cure!

$8 General AdmissionBob Dylan’s life has been studied and analyzed more than almost any other artist of the 20th Century. But Martin Scorsese still managed to create a revelatory documentary about his early days by fusing together never-before-seen footage from the Dylan vault along with new interviews with Joan Baez, Allen Ginsberg, Liam Clancy, Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, Suze Rotolo, Dave Van Ronk, and many other key figures from his past. Dylan himself even sat for a rare on-camera interview. “I had ambitions to set out and find…like an odyssey, going home somewhere,” Dylan says near at the beginning. “I was born very far from where I’m supposed to be, and so I’m on my way home.” The centerpiece of the film is thrilling footage from the 1966 tour with the Hawks where Dylan was booed most nights for playing electric music, including the fabled moment in Birmingham, England where a furious fan calls him “Judas.” — Rolling StoneDue to its length, No Direction Home: Bob Dylan will be screened over two consecutive Wednesdays — January 14 and January 21. The first evening traces Dylan’s early life, rise to fame, and groundbreaking folk years, culminating with his electrifying 1965 Newport performance. The second evening follows Dylan’s transition to rock, his mid‑60s controversies, later albums, and enduring influence on music and culture.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rhpp3sFG17Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="527" width="937" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005) - Part 2

$10 General AdmissionJoin or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr., Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly… What can we do about it?Kora Skeele, a developer of&nbsp;BEE, a new discovery tool that connects folks with local activities and volunteer opportunities, will&nbsp;lead a post-screening discussion.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HrmJpjzveRw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="527" width="937" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Join or Die

$8 General Admission / $13 for both nightsBob Dylan’s life has been studied and analyzed more than almost any other artist of the 20th Century. But Martin Scorsese still managed to create a revelatory documentary about his early days by fusing together never-before-seen footage from the Dylan vault along with new interviews with Joan Baez, Allen Ginsberg, Liam Clancy, Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, Suze Rotolo, Dave Van Ronk, and many other key figures from his past. Dylan himself even sat for a rare on-camera interview. “I had ambitions to set out and find…like an odyssey, going home somewhere,” Dylan says near at the beginning. “I was born very far from where I’m supposed to be, and so I’m on my way home.” The centerpiece of the film is thrilling footage from the 1966 tour with the Hawks where Dylan was booed most nights for playing electric music, including the fabled moment in Birmingham, England where a furious fan calls him “Judas.” — Rolling Stone<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rhpp3sFG17Q" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="527" width="937" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005) - Part 1

$20 / $10 StudentsJoin acclaimed tap dance company Subject:Matter for a dynamic performance showcasing the work they’ve been creating during their residency at Next Stage. This special evening brings together brand-new material developed onsite with selections from their first two celebrated albums, With Far Hand and Songbook.Expect an inventive, high-energy blend of live music and tap dance, where rhythm, improvisation, and artistry collide. A rare chance to experience Subject:Matter’s creative process in action—culminating in a performance that bridges their past, present, and emerging work.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OG6sSqyCDbk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="527" width="937" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This residency is supported by South Arts' Jazz Road Creative Residency award.<img src="https://www.southarts.org/sites/default/files/Artboard%201%403x.png">

Subject:Matter

$22 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 livestream($35 advance for both The Mushroom Cure and Before I Forget) CLICK <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/the-mushroom-cure-before-i-forget-special-offer-2025-10-17-next-stage-arts-putney-02cf55">HERE</a> TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL OFFER!What’s worse: forgetting who you are, or remembering every mistake? Before I Forget is a ferociously funny true tale about the impossibility of getting life right, told by a man trying to outrun his genes, his past, and his search history. Ancient Greece, artificial intelligence, Alzheimer’s, and open relationships collide in a wildly inventive odyssey through memory, mortality, and meaning.Developed with and directed by Jonathan Libman.Warning: May contain mushrooms, existential dread, and trace amounts of hope.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HffnT0p2S-M" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="658" width="370" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Jonathan Libman is a New York-based writer and director focused on new work. A member of the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit, he has directed projects featuring Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale), NEA recipient David Libman, Guggenheim Fellow Christina Masciotti, and Dramatist Guild Fellow Nicole Pandolfo. He holds a BFA from NYU Tisch and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC).

Adam Strauss: Before I Forget

$22 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 livestream($35 advance for both The Mushroom Cure and Before I Forget) CLICK <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/the-mushroom-cure-before-i-forget-special-offer-2025-10-17-next-stage-arts-putney-02cf55">HERE</a> TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SPECIAL OFFER!The Mushroom Cure is the true story of how comedian Adam Strauss attempted to treat his debilitating OCD using psychedelics. Critics have praised the show widely: The New York Times writes that it “mines a great deal of laughter from disabling pain,” The Chicago Tribune calls it “arrestingly honest and howlingly funny,” Michael Pollan describes it as “brilliant, hilarious, and moving,” and Time Out New York named it a Critics’ Pick, calling it “a true-life tour de force.”Developed with and directed by Jonathan Libman.Jonathan Libman is a New York-based writer and director focused on new work. A member of the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit, he has directed projects featuring Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale), NEA recipient David Libman, Guggenheim Fellow Christina Masciotti, and Dramatist Guild Fellow Nicole Pandolfo. He holds a BFA from NYU Tisch and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC).<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PVTIhMjZyho" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="658" width="370" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Adam Strauss: The Mushroom Cure

Due to wintry weather, the Community Tap Jam originally scheduled for Tuesday, 1/6 has been moved to Wednesday, 1/7, same time. We appreciate your understanding and hope you’ll join us then!Free • Open Level • All Are WelcomeStep into the rhythm! Join Boston-based tap ensemble (and Next Stage Artists-in-Residence)&nbsp;Subject:Matter for an energizing, open-level Community Jam where dancers and musicians come together to explore the art of tap with live music.Whether you’ve never tapped before or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, this welcoming, class-style jam invites you to learn, play, and move at your own pace. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join the improvisation.Come make some noise, try something new, and be part of a joyful, collaborative tap experience!This residency is supported by South Arts' Jazz Road Creative Residency award.<img src="https://www.southarts.org/sites/default/files/Artboard%201%403x.png">

Community Tap Jam with Subject:Matter

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with an afternoon of holiday cheer, creativity, and community at Next Stage! This family-friendly event offers something for everyone:Festive Cookie SwapBring a batch of your favorite cookies to share and receive a delightful mix from your neighbors! Simply drop off your cookies (2 or 4 dozen) with your recipe between 2:00–3:00 PM, and pick up your mixed box later, 4:00–4:30 PM. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuVTlf7G-9CL9b1quL340c5ROSwhkjymi1R22gtIpTSJzz6g/viewform">Sign up here</a>.Luminaria Bag Decorating2:00–3:00 PM: Decorate luminaria bags to line the walkway and light up the season. A fun activity for all ages!Holiday Community Sing-AlongFrom 3:00–4:30 PM, join Rich Grumbine on guitar for a joyful community sing-along. Sing from a 60-song holiday songbook featuring traditional, secular, and children’s favorites. Lyrics will be projected on the main theater screen so everyone can join in.Enjoy cookies, music, and the warmth of community as we celebrate the longest night of the year together. This event is free and open to all!

Winter Solstice Celebration & Community Sing

$22 Advance / $26 At the Door / $10 LivestreamNext Stage and Twilight Music present a captivating evening with two acclaimed singer-songwriters whose work blends vulnerability, imagination, and social consciousness.Antje Duvekot is celebrated for her deeply personal, poetic songwriting and the luminous intimacy of her voice. Born in Germany and raised in the U.S., she has built a career turning private stories into shared truths — songs that transform fear into resilience and isolation into community. A winner of top honors including the John Lennon Songwriting Award and the Kerrville “Best New Folk” Award, Duvekot has performed at the Newport Folk Festival, Celtic Connections, and NPR programs nationwide. Her albums, produced by the likes of Mark Erelli and Richard Shindell, feature collaborators such as Anaïs Mitchell and John Gorka.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7RwiFRoPvF0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="585" width="1395" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>Seth Glier, the Grammy-nominated artist from Western Massachusetts, brings a visionary voice to the modern folk landscape. His latest album, Everything, explores our connection to the natural world, reimagining the bond between humanity and the planet through songs that balance urgency with hope. Glier’s work as a cultural diplomat for the U.S. State Department and collaborations with artists worldwide reflect his belief in music as a bridge for empathy and change.Together, Antje Duvekot and Seth Glier create an evening of luminous storytelling — songs of heart, conscience, and connection that remind us how art can illuminate both the inner and outer landscapes of our lives.<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qSBjcil9WGc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="594" width="1056" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>This performance is supported in part by AARP Vermont.<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/66e1dc7b25ddef1b82d352cd/82270acb-b1d6-4a2a-bf2e-4d7a44559ab9/aarp_VT_4c.png.png?content-type=image%2Fpng">

Antje Duvekot and Seth Glier

$12 Adults / $5 Youth 18 &amp; UnderAs part of Next Stage’s 15th anniversary celebration, two of its founders, Anita Dunlap and Rebecca Waxman, will be honored at this event.Back by popular demand! Join King Wenceslas and his loyal page as they embark on snowy new adventures with Vermont Suitcase Company. Vermont Suitcase Company will be joined by Heedless of the Gale singing songs of the season. Bring your friends and family and celebrate with laughter and song!

Next Stage Arts Project

@nextstageartsproject