Week 11 - The Beat Goes On - Drums Keep Pounding Rhythm to My Brain
Propulsive rhythms and beautifully complex drumming are the hallmarks of the 7-piece Boston-based Brass ensemble Kotoko Brass, set to return to Henniker for the third year as the 2023 Henniker Concert Series continues on Tuesday evening August 22, 6:30 PM, at the Angela Robinson Bandstand, Community Park. For two summers in a row, they have been the second highest rated band at the summer series.
Inspired by the traditional drum rhythms of Ghana, Kotoko Brass has created a unique, joyful, and improvisational style of West African dance music described by the Boston Globe as “propulsive, infectious party music”. The drums provide the heart and soul of Kotoko Brass — merging syncopated African percussion polyrhythms with hard-hitting dance grooves on the drum set. The horns blend traditional sounds of New Orleans with the famous West African brass band sound heard from Ghana to Nigeria, and the guitar, keys, and bass evoke classic African and Caribbean styles of highlife, afrobeat, and reggae. A celebratory and energetic synthesis of music, people, and cultures from around the world, Kotoko Brass features musicians from Ghana, Antigua, Japan, and the United States playing together in unity. Kotoko Brass has shared the stage with Angelique Kidjo, Red Baraat, Femi Kuti, the California Honeydrops, Vieux Farka Toure, In-nov Gnawa, Take 6, the Boston Pops, Rubblebucket, and more.
Massachusetts brothers Ben and Brian Paulding form the nucleus of this powerhouse group. At its core, Kotoko Brass music is a celebration of tradition, diversity, and unity. The Henniker Concert Committee is pleased to continue its efforts to provide attendees with a varied musical experience that spans age, ethnicity, and nationality. We are pleased to again welcome Pats Peak as our sponsor for this concert. The Patenaude family has welcomed residents and visitors to its 28 well-groomed trails, terrain parks, a snowtubing park and night skiing and snowboarding each winter since 1963. During Banquet Season, Pats Peak is the perfect location for wedding receptions, parties, company meetings, or any social gathering.
The Henniker Summer Music Series is sponsored by the town of Henniker. All concerts are free (although donations are welcome), begin at 6:30 PM and take place at the Angela Robinson Bandstand at Community Park, Main Street. Should there be inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the adjacent Community Center. Stake out a space, bring a chair, spread a blanket, visit a local restaurant, have a picnic supper on the lawn or try some of the fare from the night’s featured Food Vendor: TOLA‐Rose Italian Eats Food Truck and join your neighbors and friends in this community‐building event at our bandstand. Check our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/HennikerConcert or the town's website: www.henniker.org to receive updated weather information and schedule changes.