PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present contemporary folk singer-songwriters Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White at Next Stage on Friday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Wheeler's songwriting includes what organizers describe as both the “most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene,” and ones that “shred the mores of our gossipy, greedy, trend-obsessed culture.
“Wheeler emerges as a delightful, gifted and openhearted performer,” organizers state in a news release. “Wheeler always aims enough darts at herself to never seem sanctimonious.”
Her songs have been hits for such mainstream stars as Suzy Bogguss and Dan Seals; and have been recorded by the likes of Bette Midler; Maura O'Connell; Peter, Paul and Mary; Kenny Loggins; Holly Near; and Garth Brooks.
Kenny White began his singer-songwriter career in the 1970s, touring exclusively as the keyboard player for Jonathan Edwards and then with Livingston Taylor.
White has produced and arranged hundreds of commercials for TV and radio, contributed to numerous film soundtracks, and worked with the likes of Gladys Knight, Aaron Neville, Merle Haggard, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, Marc Cohn, and Judy Collins.
In 2001, he cut his first album, Uninvited Guest. He has made many recordings since then and toured internationally while continuing to perform with Wheeler.
Next Stage serves southeastern Vermont as a regional cultural hub, arts producer, and instigator of meaningful cultural experiences. Founded in 2010 as a nonprofit organization, Next Stage Arts is a transformative, community-centered project dedicated to revitalizing Putney's cultural and economic village center through excellence in arts programming valuing diversity as a springboard for nurturing community.