PUTNEY-Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of contemporary folk music Saturday, May 2, at Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hill. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:45 p.m.
This singer-songwriter showcase brings together four artists — Alice Howe, Freebo, Sam Robbins, and Halley Neal — for an in-the-round performance that organizers say will highlight both individual artistry and collaborative spirit.
In this shared-concert format, performers will take turns presenting original songs while also joining one another onstage, offering audiences a dynamic and spontaneous musical experience.
Howe, winner of Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards for her 2023 release, Circumstance, was produced by Freebo and recorded at the legendary FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It “showcases her poetic lyricism and melodic depth,” said organizers in a news release.
Freebo (Daniel Freeborg), a folk, rock, and blues musician, is widely known for his decade-long tenure as bassist with Bonnie Raitt. Over the last forty years, his fretless bass playing has been featured on recordings by artists such as John Mayall, Ringo Starr, Neil Young, Aaron Neville, and Maria Muldaur. A multi-award-winning songwriter, Freebo has appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, The Midnight Special, and in concert with the legendary Spinal Tap.
Robbins is an emerging voice in contemporary folk, “an ‘old soul’ troubadour whose thoughtful songwriting has earned national attention,” said organizers. Touring widely behind his 2025 album So Much I Still Don’t See, Robbins has been named one of Atwood Magazine’s “Artists to Watch.” He has appeared on The Voice, and has shared stages with artists including Jason Mraz and Liz Longley. He has also performed at major festivals such as Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, and Wheatland.
Neal, a Boston-based singer-songwriter originally from Nashville, brings award-winning vocals and “uplifting, peace-centered themes” to her music. She has received national recognition for her performances at leading folk festivals, including Kerrville, Rocky Mountain, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
Tickets are $24 in advance, $28 at the door, and $10 for the livestream. Tickets and more information are available at nextstagearts.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.