PUTNEY-Next Stage Arts presents a double bill of swing blues music from the 1930s with The Smack Dabs, and Gypsy jazz from Rhythm Future Quartet, on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
The Smack Dabs feature the songs of 1930s blues musicians Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, The Harlem Hamfats, and many others. This group features a variety of musical styles, ranging from mournful blues to joyful celebrations, with solos and group improvisations.
The core band includes Mark Earley on guitar, vocals, and kazoo; David Sparr on piano; Jim Gray on upright bass; Mark Berney on cornet; Kit Buckley on saxophone and clarinet; and Jon Kraus on washboard.
The acoustic jazz ensemble Rhythm Future Quartet has a straightforward agenda, their website says: "to keep the spirit of Gypsy jazz alive and expanding in today's musical universe."
The foursome, named for a Django Reinhardt tune, offers up a sound influenced by the classic Hot Club of France. Founded by violinist Jason Anick, the quartet performs arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms.
Max O'Rourke, Henry Acker, and Greg Loughman round out the quartet.
Next Stage is located at 15 Kimball Hill in downtown Putney. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for access to the livestream. For information, call 802-387-0102. Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.