PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of brass-fueled, swinging music of New Orleans by the Soggy Po' Boys, as part of the 2022 Next Stage “Bandwagon Summer Series,” on Saturday, August 20 at 6 p.m. at Cooper Field, 41 Sand Hill Road. This jazz septet brings “The Big Easy” to street corners, clubs, festivals, and concert halls, celebrating the sounds and stories of New Orleans.
“The Soggy Po' Boys have spread the good news of New Orleans music across the Northeast and beyond since 2012,” state organizers. Stu Dias (vocals, guitar), Eric Klaxton (clarinet, soprano sax), Zach Lange (trumpet), Nick Mainella (tenor sax), Mike Effenberger (piano), Brett Gallo (drums), and Scott Kiefner (bass) explore musical traditions of New Orleans, looking beyond jazz to include traditional Caribbean tunes, Meters funk, soul, and brass band/street beat music.
“The Soggy Po' Boys lit up a full house at Next Stage on a cold December Saturday night with the uplifting sounds and spirit of New Orleans,” said Next Stage production director and Twilight Music's Barry Stockwell in a news release. “We're thrilled to bring the party outdoors as part of the Bandwagon Summer Series.”
The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from early May through mid-October. More than 20 performances, ranging from diverse musical styles, circus arts, dance, and theater will take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Windham County.
Kids under 12 always get in for free, and a dedicated play area will be available at all shows. Refreshments are sold onsite, including the return of last summer's hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails, and the new addition of some selections from Mad River Distillers.