Eagle Times Staff
PUTNEY, Vt. — The Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series will present Afrobeat ensemble Armo, at 6 p.m., Friday, at the Retreat Farm, 45 Farmhouse Square, in Brattleboro, Vt.
Armo’s intimate and energetic sound focuses on classic and contemporary Afrobeat.
Founded by longtime Antibalas bandmates vocalist/keyboardist Amayo, trumpeter/percussionist Jordan McLean, percussionist/vocalist Marcus Farrar, guitarist/keyboardist Nikhil P. Yerawadekar, drummer Kevin Raczka, and bassist Justin Kimmel, Armo creates spontaneous arrangements of the music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, The Daktaris, Ebo Taylor, William Onyeabor, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, and original rhythm-based music.
This 5-8 piece band features a revolving cast from the Daptone Records family and New York Afrobeat scene. Members of the band now include Dave “Smoota” Smith on trombone/keyboards, bassists/guitarists Binky Griptite and Timothy James, saxophonist/keyboardist Tony Jarvis, and drummer Dylan Fusillo.
Collectively the members of Armo have performed thousands of concerts around the world working with such luminaries as David Byrne, Angelique Kidjo, Public Enemy, TV on The Radio, Sharon Jones & The Dapkings, Ornette Coleman, and in the band for the Tony Award winning musical FELA!
The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from early May through mid-October. More than 20 performances ranging from a diverse group of musical styles, circus arts, dance, and theater will take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Windham County.
Kids under 12 always get in for free, and a dedicated play area will be available at all shows.
Refreshments are sold onsite, including the return of the hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails, Lawson’s Finest beers, and food from Crossroads Tacos and Vermont Gelato. Bring a picnic and a blanket or fold-up chair to enjoy the concerts.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate and children under 12 get in free. Next Stage will provide a cash bar.
Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org. For information, call 802-387-0102 or visit nextstagearts.org.
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