Benefit Concert at the Chaffee March 26

WEST RUTLAND MUSIC TEACHER PASSES FOLK MUSIC ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION

“Folk music is timeless,” says West Rutland School music teacher Phil Henry. “I’m not surprised that it’s connecting with this younger generation.” West Rutland’s new ensemble, “Westside Roots” will present a concert, along with Phil Henry and Mitch Barron, at the Chaffee Art Center on Wednesday, March 26th, at 6:30pm. Proceeds benefit the West Rutland School Music Department.

Westside Roots is the newest addition to West Rutland’s performing ensembles, which have been making an impact in the area – the Marching Band won Best Costumed Marching Unit in last year’s Halloween Parade, and the school’s Rock Lab was invited to perform at Governor Scott’s “Experience the 14” inaugural gala. This ensemble is driven by acoustic instruments, including guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, cello, melodica, and upright bass. The repertoire is mostly traditional songs, drawing from American “roots” music: Appalachian and English folk songs, blues, bluegrass, and most recently, Irish session tunes. The ensemble is composed of high school students who are also members of the school’s Chorus, Band, Rock Lab, and Jazz Ensembles.

“These songs often have a darker undercurrent. There are themes of death and love and family. Teenagers have no problem connecting with this music,” muses Henry.

Phil Henry is no stranger to the folk tradition. As a performing singer-songwriter over the last 25 years, he has graced esteemed stages such as Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs, New York, the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, and voted a “Most Wanted Emerging Artist” at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Connecticut. As part of the evening, he will play a set of original folk music, accompanied by upright and fretless bassist Mitch Barron, who is known for his collaborations with folk trio Bread and Bones, songwriter Dana Robinson, and bluegrass unit Marsh Lights. The concert will conclude with some songs all together with Westside Roots.

Tickets are available at the door for $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Additional donations for the music department will be gratefully accepted. Light refreshments will be provided by the school’s Food and Cultures class. The Chaffee Art Center is a noted art gallery located at 16 S. Main Street in Rutland, VT. The building is wheelchair accessible and parking is available behind the building.

Contact:

Phil Henry, West Rutland School

Phone: 802-779-4769