PUTNEY, VT – Prepare for a transcendent musical evening as Next Stage Arts presents a special duo collaboration featuring Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block and master kora player Yacouba Sissoko on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM. This rare performance will blend West African storytelling and classical cello mastery in an unforgettable fusion of cultures and sound.

🎟️ Tickets:

• Advance: $20
• At the Door: $25
• Livestream: $10
  📲 Get Tickets Here

Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar.

🎻 Mike Block – Grammy-Winning Cellist & Musical Innovator

Mike Block is a celebrated multi-genre cellist, composer, and educator renowned for pushing the boundaries of cello performance across musical styles. Recognized as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene” by Gramophone, Block’s innovative techniques and collaborations have earned him widespread acclaim.

Key Highlights:

• Member of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma
• Winner of a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album
• Recognized for his vital, rich-hued solo performances by the New York Times
• Blends classical, folk, jazz, and world influences for a genre-defying sound

🎶 Yacouba Sissoko – Master of the Kora & West African Tradition

Hailing from a renowned Djeli family in Kita, Mali, Yacouba Sissoko is a master kora player who uses music as a tool for cultural preservation, peace, and unity. The kora, a 21-stringed harp-lute, has been passed down through generations of Djelis—musical storytellers and keepers of oral tradition.

Key Highlights:

• Began learning the kora and oral traditions from his grandfather at age 9
• Transforms traditional West African stories into modern-day messages of peace, love, and harmony
• Performances highlight the rich history of Mali while connecting audiences to universal human experiences

🌍 A Fusion of Cultures on Stage

This special collaboration merges the rich melodic storytelling of West African tradition with the harmonic depth of classical and contemporary cello music. Together, Mike Block and Yacouba Sissoko will create a captivating sonic experience blending:

• Ancient African traditions with modern instrumental innovation
• Emotional storytelling paired with virtuosic musicianship
• Improvisational elements from both classical and folk traditions

🎟️ Event Details Recap:

• What: Mike Block & Yacouba Sissoko – Live in Concert
• When: Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Where: Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT
• Tickets: $20 Advance | $25 At the Door | $10 Livestream
• Ticket Link
• Contact: 802-387-0102 | heather@nextstagearts.org

Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar.

🎭 About Next Stage Arts

Founded in 2010, Next Stage Arts serves southeastern Vermont as a regional cultural hub, producing dynamic arts programming while revitalizing Putney’s community center. With a commitment to diversity and cultural exchange, Next Stage continues to be a beacon of music, art, and creative expression.

📍 Learn more and explore upcoming events at nextstagearts.org.