Courtesy of KPAA
Robert Randolph is in the lineup for Cooler in the Mountains.
KILLINGTON–The lineup for the free Cooler in the Mountains summer concert series was officially announced June 3. Kicking off on July 16 in conjunction with the Killington Wine Festival, the concert series runs for eight consecutive Saturdays and features a variety of national acts.
“This year’s lineup features a dynamic selection of musical artists,” said Amy Morrison, Killington-Pico Aarea Association director. “The slate of artists represents a variety of genres and offers something for everyone.”
The concerts, beginning Saturdays at 3:30 p.m., will take place at Killington Resort’s Snowshed Adventure Center. As an added feature, everyone in attendance will have a chance to win a 2016-2017 Killington season pass.
The lineup
July 16–NRBQ. NRBQ, or the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, is that rare group that’s eclectic, stylistically innovative, and creatively ambitious while also sounding thoroughly unpretentious and accessible. At its best, NRBQ’s music casually mixes up barrelhouse R&B, British Invasion pop, fourth-gear rockabilly, exploratory free jazz, and dozens of other flavors while giving it all a stomp-down rhythm that makes fans want to dance and express a sense of joy and easy good humor that comes straight from the heart.
July 23–The Oh Hellos. The Oh Hellos are an American independent folk rock duo formed in 2011 in San Marcos, Texas, consisting of siblings Tyler and Maggie Heath. Raised in a musical family, the Heaths were encouraged to play music together from a young age. When playing live they are often joined by a large ensemble of musicians as their backing band.
July 30–Adam Ezra Group (AEG). The Adam Ezra Group’s songwriting is making waves around the country. A tireless touring outfit, the AEG played upwards of 200 shows in 2015, often devoting their time to local charities and always going out of their way to connect with fans. Together they are creating a powerful, inclusive community around AEG shows that is beginning to be compared to a social-movement as much as a traditional music fan-base.
August 6–Robert Randolph. Robert Randolph and the Family Band is an American funk, blues/rock and soul band led by pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who was recognized by Rolling Stones as one of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Other band members include drummer Marcus Randolph, bass guitarist Danyel Morgan, vocalist Lenesha Randolph, keyboardist and guitarist Brett Andrew Haas, and one of three rotating rhythm guitarists: Joey Williams of Blind Boys of Alabama, Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff, and Cousin Ray-Ray.
August 13–Ultimate Aldean. Greg West as “The Ultimate Aldean Experience,” a Jason Aldean tribute that looks and sounds like Jason Aldean himself. So similar, in fact, that the fans even have a hard time telling them apart! Bound by the striking resemblance and the talent he has as a musician, Greg leads the way as the nation’s top Jason Aldean tribute act.
August 20–Funky Dawgz Brass Band. Featured on Live for Live Music’s “Brass Bands You Need To Know,” the Funky Dawgz have exploded onto the live music scene playing a mix of traditional New Orleans R&B, original music, and today’s top hits with a brass twist. One of the biggest up-and-coming touring acts, these high-energy horns are bound to get everyone around them dancing to that irresistibly funky music!
August 27–Santa Mamba. With one foot in the Latin dance traditions of Spain, the Caribbean, and South America, and the other in classic American rock, Santa Mamba has created a sound like none other in today’s industry. This multicultural collective achieves the rare balance of colorful, charismatic personalities, focused musicianship, and a commanding live show born of the joy of playing. With infectious, memorable songs and kinetic, relentless rhythms, Santa Mamba is always sure to keep crowds from all walks of life happy and grooving!
September 3–Rustic Overtones. Rustic Overtones are a seven-piece rock band from Portland, Maine, with a discography that spans 20 years. The band’s unique version of indie rock is strongly influenced by soul music, garage punk, jazz and psychedelic music of the 60’s and 70’s. The Rustic Overtones have collaborated and recorded with David Bowie, Imogen Heap, Ray Lamontagne, Eric Krasno, Funkmaster Flex and Naughty by Nature, as songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, arrangers, and composers. They also have toured nationally as direct support for De La Soul, Steel Pulse, and Run DMC, among others.
