Sumcommon to Present Josh Panda and the Hot Damned, 2/6

SunCommon is teaming up with Middlebury's Town Hall Theater to bring Josh Panda to town! All proceeds from the February 6 concert will go to Just Power, an Addison County-based energy advocacy organization, to support their efforts to promote clean energy and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

When asked why a solar company is bringing a musician to town, SunCommon's R.J. Adler answered, "Why not? We aim to bring communities together to discuss our clean energy future. Why not at a concert?" SunCommon will host a solar question and answer session during intermission, a "solar halftime show."

Josh Panda is quickly becoming a regular in the Vermont music scene. Born in North Carolina, Panda spent the first 14 years of his life following in the footsteps of his gospel-singing mother. The music, the sermon, the life was all about giving into the moment. At age 29, Panda has left the south and continues to weave the organic and vulnerable influence of his Carolina roots into his music.

After Panda's performance at this year's Festival On The Green, one Middlebury fan said, "He breaks through the wall between the singer and the audience evoking a feeling of unity, as the crowd feels they are reaching for that note with him."

Joining Panda is his original band, the Hot Damned featuring Steve Hadeka on drums, Lowell Thompson on electric guitar, Leon Campos on organ and synthesizer, and Special Guest Brian Axford on bass and piano.

"Brian is one of the best piano players I've ever heard," Panda said, "He'll only be here with us for this one show, and when he and Leon play together it's going to be something magical."

WHAT: Josh Panda and the Hot Damned concert

WHEN: February 6, 2015 8-11 p.m.

WHERE: Middlebury Town Hall Theater

TICKETS: $10 at the Middlebury Town Hall Theater box office. 382-9222 or townhalltheater.org