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KT Tunstall will perform Saturday, Nov. 24, after the first Giant Slalom run.
KILLINGTON— This year, the FIS Ski Women’s World Cup at Killington Resort is picking up the pace with world-class live music line-up, with DJ Paul Oakenfold, KT Tunstall, Michael Franti and Guster all playing free outdoor concerts. All concerts will be held in the Festival Village at the K-1 Base Area at Killington Resort.
Paul Oakenfold will be kicking off the events Friday night Nov. 23 after the athlete bib presentation that begins at 5:45 p.m. His performance will be followed by a fireworks display, ending the first night of events.
Oakenfold has never been to Killington, but came to Vermont last year for an event.
“This is only my second time in this part of the world, so I’m really looking forward to it. I very much enjoyed it last time, so I’m excited to head over,” Oakenfold said.
He said Killington will be a different kind of show. “What I mean is, I’ll probably dig deep into the classics I’ve worked on, produced and made. I’ll play some of the big remixes … but you’ll hear those in a different way. There will be some new music from my album …” said Oakenfold.
KT Tunstall is the second act to take to the stage on Saturday, immediately following Giant Slalom run 1 (which begins at 9:45 a.m.). Tunstall is looking forward to returning to Vermont. She spent time in Burlington and used to play on Church Street. She explained, “One of my most prized pieces of paper is the ‘Busking Permit for Life’ I got from the city of Burlington. I’m allowed to busk for free anytime I like. Vermont’s a very special place in my heart. It’s very similar to Scotland so it felt a lot like home.”
“I cannot wait. I’m an extremely keen skier and have been since [age] 4. I’m so excited to be a part of it. I’m happy just to be there, just to watch,” Tunstall said..
Later Saturday, following the Giant Slalom awards is Michael Franti, frontman of the band Spearhead – a world-renowned musician, filmmaker, and humanitarian who is recognized as a pioneering force in the music industry. Franti believes in using music as a vehicle for positive change and is revered for his energetic live shows, political activism, worldwide philanthropy efforts and authentic connection to his global fanbase. Franti returns to the region after having performed in Rutland as part of his “Stay Human 2” tour back in October.
Guster will be the first band to play on Sunday, immediately following Slalom run 1 (which begins at 10 a.m.), featuring members Adam Gardner, Ryan Miller, Brian Rosenworcel, and Luke Reynolds. Guster has never played Killington, but Adam Gardner has, with supergroup Yukon Kornelius, a group that was started for charitable purposes. They were asked to ski in Warren Miller’s “Children of Winter” and played a concert at the Pickle Barrel here in Killington. Gardner’s a big skier and being in the film turned into a comical highlight in his life.
“My three seconds of skiing the bumps in the movie was the proudest moment for my parents. That’s funny to me because I have this rock band, too. Remember when you saw us play to a sold-out crowd at Radio City? They’re like, ‘Ya that was cool… but Warren Miller!’” Gardner said.
Gardner is looking forward to skiing at Killington. “That’s one of my favorite things to do,” he said.
