Holiday stress already setting in? Feeling like you need to let off a little steam?
Then head to the Shea Theater Arts Center at Turner’s Falls on Saturday night, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m., and you can scream, sing and dance along to the raucous rock music of Bella’s Bartok.
The band, which is based in Northampton, is known for its rowdy, foot-stompin’, theatrical, over-the-top shows that are bursting with energy from beginning to end. Local bands, including the chamber-pop band Cloudbelly and the punk rockers Rocking Puppies, are also part of the lineup, adding to the party atmosphere.
Bella’s Bartok, led by singer/songwriter Asher Putnam, has been a presence on the local scene for many years. They have released five records, toured throughout the U.S. and have a strong following here in western Mass. Their sets are also a highlight at the annual Wormtown and StrangeCreek Campout music festivals in Greenfield.
The group, which took its name from Hungarian composer Bela Bartók, formed in 2008. They went on a lengthy hiatus a few years into their run, but returned to performing in 2012. As you would expect, a band that has been around for as long as they have has gone through various lineup changes and musical shifts.
You may remember when their music was described as ‘bohemian klezmer punk’ or ‘folk punk.’ Back then, the band featured a mandolin player, a horn section, and a clarinet player. After their folk-punk days they played ska for a while, but more changes would soon come.
“COVID kind of switched a lot of things up for us,” said Asher Putnam in a recent phone conversation. “Some folks moved on, then we split ways with some others. We collected a bunch of new bandmates, and we are from all walks of life, yet we all share a similar vision.”
A significant part of the new lineup is the addition of Julia Posin, who joined the band in 2020. She not only plays the washboard but also sings, sharing lead vocals with Putnam. With her engaging and dynamic stage presence, Posin is the perfect partner for Putnam’s energetic performance style.
“The band actually started with a female lead singer, Heather Fish,” recalled Putnam. “She left and we went on a break. When we returned, it was just me singing. I actually like sharing vocal duties, it’s fun.”
The group’s shared vision, combined with each member’s various influences and interests, led the band to its current incarnation. Bella’s Bartok define their current sound as glam rock, and I’d emphasize the “rock” part. Gone are the brass and clarinets and in their place is a heavy guitar sound as the band now cites influences like Queen and System of a Down.
“I really enjoy ska and horn-based music, and I love folk music from the east Balkans, but after COVID and the years since it didn’t really get my ‘yeah yeah’s out’ as it were,” said Putnam. “Harder music tends to elicit a different emotion, and I think the emotion of anger and justice denied translates better to harder music.”
Putnam mentioned that his songwriting has naturally changed over the years. Although the band continues to use melody and tries to create music that is dance-focused, weird and theatrical, it is definitely heavier and electric.
Bella’s Bartok has always been a band that expresses their political views while conveying a message of hope and resistance.
“Now is the time to be loud,” said Putnam. “So we’re trying to be loud and keep it community-oriented because I think if we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that the government is not going to help us. We’re going to help us.”
We can’t talk about community without discussing the community that Bella’s Bartok has established with its audience. The band has a devoted group of fans, known as the “Strange Ones,” that continues to grow.
“They’ve gotten us through this year, they got us through Covid, and you know it’s back-and-forth,” Putnam said. “People come to the shows — not for therapy — but I’ve been told many, many times over the years that it’s therapeutic. They get the frustration out, and the energy they give to us, we’re gonna give right back.”
When we talk about energy at this show, let’s not forget the other two bands as this is a lineup guaranteed to get you out of your post-turkey tryptophan haze.
“We love Cloudbelly, they’re our homies,” said Putnam, who added he is equally excited about Rocking Puppies, the punk band of 10-year-old Pema Crigler and her dad, Michael. Pema also happens to be Putnam’s niece.
Rocking Puppies are known for raising the roof every time they play, and they are the perfect choice to kick off this incredible evening of music.
Also expect to hear some new music from Bella’s Bartok, who hope to release a new album in 2026. Cloudbelly also has plans for a new album in the new year.
“So come out, please support your local venues,” Putnam said with great emphasis, expressing his dismay over the loss of music venues in the Valley and across the country. “And come out and dance! Let’s forget about the horrors of reality for at least three hours. Come together and let’s come together, keep warm and get sweaty.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. All ages. Tickets available at sheatheater.org or at 413-648-SHEA
Mr. Sun performs the Nutcracker Suite
If you are ready for some holiday music, you couldn’t make a better choice than to celebrate the season with Mr. Sun who will perform at Whately Town Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The quartet, which typically plays progressive acoustic roots music, will be playing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite “as rearranged by Duke Ellington, as re-re-arranged by Mr. Sun.”
If you are a fan of string band music, then you are well familiar with this supergroup of players. First and foremost is legendary fiddle player Darol Anger — hearing him play is a treat in itself. The group also includes contemporary mandolin player Joe K. Walsh, standout acoustic guitarist Grant Gordon, and masterful bassist Aidan O’Donnell.
This show is the perfect way to get your Christmas season off to a strong start.
Tickets at watermelonwednesdays.com
Pop-up Box Office for Green River Festival Tickets
Last week we told you about the early line-up scheduled for the Green River Festival 2026 and let you know that ticket prices will increase on Dec. 1. There will be a pop-up box office event at the Iron Horse, 18 Center St. in Northampton, on Saturday, Nov. 29, from noon-5 p.m. No fees will be charged on cash sales, and reduced fees will apply to credit card sales. So get those tickets now!
Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.