PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of inventive folk, roots music, and exceptional songwriting with The Suitcase Junket and Rachael Kilgour on Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill in Putney.
The Suitcase Junket is the internationally touring one-man-band project of western Massachusetts musician Matt Lorenz, whose singular performances combine homemade instruments, salvaged materials, and remarkable musical ingenuity. NPR has called Lorenz a “master of musical imagination,” and audiences are continually amazed by his ability to create the sound and energy of a full band entirely on his own.
Built from scratch and assembled from found objects, Lorenz’s instruments become part of a captivating live performance that blends showmanship, invention, and deeply compelling songwriting. His songs inhabit a vivid world filled with memorable characters, layered narratives, and evocative soundscapes, exploring themes that range from environmental collapse to resilience, renewal, and survival. His latest album, The End Is New, was released on Renew Records/BMG, and he has recently returned to the studio to record new material.
Opening the evening is acclaimed Canadian-American singer/songwriter Rachael Kilgour, whose intimate performances are marked by sincerity, warmth, humor, and masterful storytelling. Kilgour’s songs balance literary depth with emotional honesty, creating a powerful connection with audiences.
In 2025, Kilgour received a prestigious McKnight Music Fellowship and was selected as an official showcasing artist at the Folk Alliance International Conference. She is also a winner of both the Kerrville New Folk Contest and the Newsong Songwriting and Performance Competition. Rolling Stone has praised her “unapologetic lyrics,” while Billboard has highlighted her “master crafted indie folk” songwriting.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for the livestream. Advance tickets and information are available at nextstagearts.org.
Next Stage Arts is located at 15 Kimball Hill in downtown Putney, Vermont. Twilight Music presents outstanding regional, national, and international roots and acoustic music in southern Vermont.