Appalachian, Jazz and Tap
Loudoun County, Virginia
If there’s one thing you can count on at the Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage, it is the presence of multi-instrumentalist and musical genius Danny Knicely. You can also be sure he’ll be up to something new. Danny has the uncanny ability to thrive in and elevate most any musical situation, and often melds the Appalachian folk music of his youth with the expansive types of music he has encountered in the diverse cultural communities of the U.S. and the world. He has shared his music and collaborated with musicians in four continents, including U.S. State Department tours in Russia, Tunisia, Morocco and Cabo Verde, as well as participated in the celebrated Mountain Music Project with traditional musicians from Mongolia.
For his 2024 Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage performance, Danny will be joined by tap dancer Baakari Wilder who’s known internationally for starring in the hit Broadway show Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk. At the age of 12, Baakari opened for tap legends Harold Nicholas, Sandman Sims and Brenda Bufalino at the Kennedy Center. At 15, he won the Steve Condos Award which granted him a scholarship to one of the first American tap festivals, in Boulder, Colorado. At 18, Baakari did his first tap dance recording for the series Making The Music, with the legendary Jazz artist Wynton Marsalis. His dancing has delighted audiences around the world in places such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and overseas in France, Africa, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Russia.
Bassist John Previti, best known for his 18-year stint with the amazing guitar master, Danny Gatton, will join Danny and Bakaari. John has performed with many other top guitarists including Les Paul, Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd.
Danny has graced our stage more than any other artist in our 20 years producing the Virginia Folklife CCV Stage, and we have no doubt that this powerful trio will add yet another memorable performance to thrill the audience.