BHW ALL AGES CONCERT SERIES: KUDU STOOGE; DOCTOR RICK; ULA KLEIN
Kudu Stooge, Doctor Rick, and Ula Klein will be performing at Big Heavy World, a substance free venue, on June 29th. Burlington lost a historic all-ages music venue when 242 Main was closed in December, 2016. It was located inside Memorial Auditorium, which was shut down pending long term structural repairs. Big Heavy World — the independent Vermont music office staffed by volunteers — is making an effort to fill that gap in local culture until 242 Main is reinstated. The nonprofit organization is hosting a substance-free, all ages concert series at their headquarters inside the SEABA Center. Big Heavy World is a vocal advocate for reigniting 242 Main as Memorial Auditorium is redeveloped; a petition supporting this cause at save242main.com has gathered more than 1,700 signatures and a documentary film is in production. Big Heavy World is substance-free and wheelchair accessible, located at the SEABA Center, 404 Pine Street, in the heart of Burlington’s South End Arts District. A $5 donation is suggested to support the artists. The concert series is made possible in part with generous support from AARP. Big Heavy World maintains an environment of safety, dignity and mutual respect for people of any ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or ability. The concert series provides an opportunity for teens to participate in event production and promotion as volunteers, to learn skills and support the local music community. Big Heavy World also hosts a weekly drop-in program, ‘Band House’, that makes a full backline available to teen musicians to practice on, jam, or explore different instruments.
Ula Klein
Ula has spent time traveling and playing music throughout Europe while studying in Scotland at the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow School of Art. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Ula Klein now lives in Stowe, VT where she continues to expand her musical and artistic horizons. Inspired by her travels and her love of the people that she has met along the way, Ula’s storytelling is as insightful as it is real. Her “melodic funk”, jazz-infused guitar, and honest nature will leave your glasses empty and your hearts full.
Kudu Stooge
This enigmatic emergence brings a blend of genres influenced by blues, psych-rock, funk, and jazz artists. Viciously headed and shredded by lefty and righty guitarists, accompanied by a rhythmic ensemble of funky fresh bass and savagely precise drums, and topped off with the melodic stylings of saxophone and keys, this group brings a new taste to rock.
The 5-piece formed at the University of Vermont after years of jamming and playing with one another in separate settings. Kudu Stooge works with a community of artists stationed in Burlington, and thrives off a DIY attitude. All imagery, and production is created in the old colonial houses scattered throughout the New England landscape. The strengths of the band are found in their energetic live performances highlighted by face melting guitar chops, soul wrenching sax solos, and hip moving funk grooves which translate into recordings beautifully.
Doctor Rick
Forged in the dimly-lit, beer-soaked bowels of UVM's basement scene, Doctor Rick was put here for one reason: to help you get your fix. Brennan Kensey (Bass, Vocals) and Zach Santarsiero (Drums, Vocals) consistently hold down an infectiously groovy rhythm section, casually sprinkling in improvised solos while constantly pushing the energy higher. Patrick Callahan (Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals) keeps listeners on track with catchy, super-relatable lyrics that will be stuck in your head days after a show, all while trading licks with the Big Bad Booty Daddy himself, (E)Rick Soszynski (Lead Guitar), who shreds through solos and melodies with effortless levity.
Beginning in 2015, Doctor Rick has been honing their craft up in VT for 3 years now, playing frequently at places like Nectar's and Higher Ground. These guys work hard to combine everyone's favorite aspects of blues rock, funk, and bluegrass into a cocktail delivered with surgical precision, straight to the brain. Now operating on a stage near you, dishing out blistering dueling guitar riffs backed by bombastic drum fills and tone-perfect bass bombs, the Doctor has a fix for whatever ails you. Need your face melted? Come on down. Wanna dance yourself outta your shoes? Stop by. These guys are just what the Doctor ordered. No appointment necessary.