DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 24 * * All Arts News On the Web * * January 2, 2020

STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

      ArtBits always features a calendar of the goings on of Franklin County artists. Check out these events around Franklin County. Each issue includes the entire text of our weekly newspaper column.


     Franklin County's arts and music gatherings bring new opportunities, gossip, "show-and-tell" and occasional workshops. There are also booked and acoustic Open Mic Nights that feature music, readings, and more from the best new artists in Vermont.

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      Happy New Year. Welcome to the Roaring, Soaring 20s.


MANDO MIRVANA

AROUND THE STATE--The Vermont Mandolin Trio begins a four-show, statewide tour at the Light Club Lamp Shop in Burlington on Wednesday, January 8, at 9 p.m.
      The trio of Grammy-nominated Matt Flinner, ground breaking jazz mandolinist Jamie Masefield, and Franklin County's own world traveler Will Patton with bassist Pat Melvin brings together three Vermont mandolins for bluegrass, jazz, and roots music. The group performs the music of Bill Monroe, Django Reinhardt, J.S. Bach and everything in between.
      "I'm over the moon to be playing with these guys and doing this 4 show tour in Vermont. Mando-nerd heaven," Mr. Patton said.
      Admission to the Lamp Shop is $10 per person. The tour continues at Artistree in Woodstock on January 10, at Burnham Hall in Lincoln on January 11, concludes at the Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro on January 12. Admission varies to the other events.


ART ON THE WALLS

ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on fiber artist Donna Blatchly, beadwork jeweler Arlene Jarvis, and photographer Wayne Tarr.
      The A.I.R. gallery hosts a free meet-the-artists reception with refreshments and a raffle today 4:30 - 7 p.m. The exhibit continues through the end of January.
      The Artist in Residence art cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 40 Franklin County and surrounding area artists. It is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors. The gallery on South Main Street is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for more info.


MORRISVILLE--River Arts presents Thank our Farmers for the View with an Opening Reception and discussion with artists, farmers, and community members on Friday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m.
      The Lamoille County Conservation District, local artists, and high school students have partnered for an exhibit bring awareness to the fragile beauty of Vermont's agricultural landscape. Artists Jess Graham, Jennifer Hubbard, and Rett Sturman with People's Academy AP Art & Literature students created the images of Lamoille County farms. These pieces will be displayed alongside photos of the farms.
      Admission and refreshments are free. All donations will support agriculture education in Lamoille County and the purchase of a no-till drill for the county's farmers. Click here for more info.


ART YOU CREATE

SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council begins the year with a "sc(roll)work" class with Judy Paxman in the Swanton Free Public Library this evening, January 2, at 6 p.m.
      The First Thursdays Workshops Pre-registration is required. Email for more info.


IN THE SAC

SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Art Journaling Group meets at the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. Note the new date and time.
      Meetings will now be held at the library on the first Saturday of every month. Art journals, junk journals, art pages and more are on the table and make for fun for artists, writers, scrap bookers, and more. The group meets to share ideas and to take time to create. If you need supplies to get started, check out the library's Makerspace or email for more info.


SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council will hold its monthly board meeting and update at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 6 p.m. All are welcome for creative ideas, events, and company. For this month, please bring any 2020 calendar dates to help build a schedule for the year.
      Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Click here for the agenda.


FILM

ST. ALBANS--Film School at the Grind Cafe continues its 12-week term for kids from 5th-8th grade on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Making a Short Film for Youtube will teach film production from start to finish. On the last day of class, the parents will be invited to a premier of the film that they created. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ON STAGE LIVE

Thursday, January 2
ST. ALBANS--Singin' and Wingin', singer/songwriter Jesse Agan begins his January Residency live at Mill River Brewing on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
      The lead guitar of Shake the Band promises half price wings every Thursday in January. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday, January 3
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard features singer/songwriter Carol Ann Jones solo for Wine Down Friday on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
      Call 802.372.9463 for info or reservations.


ST. ALBANS--The Clothier presents classically trained pianist Jonathan Kaplan with blues, improvisation and the Grateful Dead, on Friday at 7 p.m.
      The Clothier is the 1920's era speakeasy next door to Twiggs. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday-Saturday, January 3-4
ST. ALBANS--The Old Foundry at One Federal presents the irrepressible Cooie Sings on Friday and Paul Asbell of Unknown Blues Band and Kilimanjaro fame on Saturday. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m.
      Call 802.524.0330 or find them on Facebook for more info.


Saturday, January 4
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs presents singer-songwriters Chris & Erica on Saturday at 7 p.m.
      Call 802.524.1405 or click here for more info.


BARRE--The Barre Opera House hosts a Young Tradition Touring Group concert with special guests Pete Sutherland and Jeremiah McLane on Saturday at 7 p.m.
      The concert of traditional music and dance features the 25 member teen group that will tour Japan in April with artist leaders Oliver Scanlon and Romy Munkres.
      Admission is by $15 suggested donation. Call 802.476.8188 or click here for more info or click over here for more info about the Touring Group.


SOUTH BURLINGTON--Eleven kicks off 2020 at the Old Post on Saturday at 8 p.m.
      Taylor Arsenault, vocals; Scott Belisle, bass and vocals; and Scott Guptill, guitar and vocals play a musical barrage of hits from the 70s to the 90s. "It's our first time playing here, so we hope to see all of our Chittenden County fans and more." Mr. Guptill said. "What better place to start than at The Old Post!"


Monday, January 6
ST. ALBANS--Chris Parker starts the New Year at Twiggs with Open Mic on Monday at 7 p.m. Come get your song on the first Monday of every month.
      Call 802.524.1405 or click here for more info.


Tuesday, January 7
BURLINGTON--Young Tradition Vermont presents the Bach Project with Zach Mayer and McKinley James at the Burlington Violin Shop on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
      The Bach Project is an initiative to show Bach in a new light, Bach as another type of folk music. Mr. Mayer and Ms. James have composed a duet version of the Bach Cello Suites, with Zach improvising soprano sax over the original cello line. The saxophone sound plays in and around the steady cello, shaking up the familiar music so that you hear the harmonies and the intricacies of Bach in an entirely new way. They are founding members of the band Night Tree, which won the New England Conservatory Honors Ensemble award.
      Admission is by $20 suggested donation. Email for reservations and other info.


Wednesday, January 8
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed, and the House Band on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.

LOOKING FORWARD

      2020 will be another busy year in the arts with closer to 300 concerts, exhibits, recitals, and shows from more than 40 organizations. This week, we have info about upcoming Arts Council and Opera House events plus the Four Franklin County Festivals and our Town Band plans. We will cover Other Major Presenter plans next week.
      Happy New Year!

ALL ARTS COUNCIL ACTIVITIES
      Summer Sounds, Franklin County's premiere outdoor concert series, enters its 30th season with a lineup of bluegrass, classical, country, folk, jazz, pop, opera, and classic rock-n-roll, all supported by the best public-private partnership in the state. The concerts are always on a Sunday night, always in a Town Park, always at 7 p.m. and always free.
      The All Arts Council's three primary goals haven't changed: continuing our popular programs, continuing our support of artists and other presenters, and continuing our partnerships. The AAC may also host several one-time shows. Email the All Arts Council if you would like to suggest or host a show.
      AAC will hold exhibits for artists in all media and pays actual cash money for bands and solo performers. If you are one or know one, email the All Arts Council .

ALL ARTS COUNCIL WISH LIST
      Every Franklin County presenter has planned another blowout year so we all need money and volunteers. From All Arts to Young Tradition-Vermont, please remember that volunteers and a permanent base make up the "back room" that each of these groups needs to continue the programming you enjoy.
      This is my final year in Summer Sounds so we're actively searching for someone to be me. If you want to lead Summer Sounds, write this column, or do anything else in the arts, email the All Arts Council . The AAC also needs volunteers to provide the marketing and technical help, have resources, and to host meetings and exhibits, and concerts and workshops for artists, other groups, and local presenters.
      If you have an advertising budget to spend or space to lend for the year, email the All Arts Council . If you want to run an arts program, email the All Arts Council faster.

2020 IN ST. ALBANS CITY

      St. Albans Community Arts is looking forward to a vibrant arts scene in the city and is busy "working alongside the city to do behind-the-scenes stuff." There will be art walks, music, the Festival of Trees, and more.

2020 IN THE SWANTON ARTS COUNCIL
      Swanton Arts Council will celebrate SAC's fifth birthday on February 3. Join them at the Swanton Enhancement Projects Community Gathering to celebrate.
      The Swanton Arts Spectacular, an entire day of art, music and entertainment, will take over the Village Green on September 12. SAC plans more film and discussion groups, several Paint & Sips, the fifth annual Youth Art Show, the Art Nook, gallery and Pop-Up Gallery showings for local artists, artist gatherings, art journaling, the barn quilt challenge, pinwheels, sidewalk chalk day, Handmade Craft Sale, the SAC writers' group, workshops and skills classes, and more. The regular SAC meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Click here for more info.

2020 AT THE OPERA HOUSE
      The Opera House at Enosburg Falls plans a mix of major productions, touring, and community events from vocalists in concert, musicals, and theatricals, to talent shows and art shows. The new season begins in March and continues through December.
      The Opera House already has some productions for this year but wants proposals for now and for upcoming theatrical seasons. Productions are volunteer-based with small honorariums granted based on the proceeds of the show. The 300 seat historic center of the performing arts serves 14 local communities and more.
      Email or click here for more info.


THE FESTIVALS
      Taken together, the four major Franklin County area Festivals attract around 100,000 people to extravaganzas of outdoor arts and entertainment here.
      The 54th annual Vermont Maple Festival in April is the first major outdoor festival of the year. St. Albans City and Town host three days of family education and entertainment. The Festival will have six shows at the BFA Performing Arts Center children on Saturday alone plus the return of the popular dog show in the park, face painting, Joepetto's Magic Toy Shop, sugar house tours, and more. The Photo Contest continues at the Village Frame Shoppe. Entertainment includes the popular talent show and the fiddler's variety show. The free Main Street stage will have , plus there will be the best of Vermont music, said Andre Maquera). The Maple Fest offers a huge craft show with art. It embraces many other community events and offers the biggest parade in Vermont. There will even be some traditional fair food for those who do not want all maple. It is a Top 10 Summer Event this April 24-26. Click here for more info.
      The 64th annual Vermont Dairy Festival will spotlight Franklin County performers in a benefit weekend for the Lions Club traditionally held on the first weekend of June, on June 4-7 this year. Continuing this year will be the scholarship pageant, the parade on Saturday, free entertainment on three stages, a midway with rides and games, horse pulling, "the wonderful vendors, and a complete selection of yummy fair food." The Lions are always looking for dedicated women and men to join because it is the people who serve who make the real difference. Click here for more info.
      The 28th annual Jig in the Valley will benefit the East Fairfield Community Center with a family day of music and picnicking on the last weekend in July. This concert helps raise funds and awareness for the NMC regional health center, pre-school, Head Start, Teen, and Senior Citizen programs. July 28 (always the last Sunday in July). Click here for more info.
      The 45th Franklin County Field Days swells Highgate with crafts, exhibits, agricultural exhibits, cattle judging, antique tractor pulls, rides, and more at the Franklin County Airport. This long running event fills a tent, the grounds, and the stage with popular bands and solo performers from near and far on August 2-5. Click here for more info.

TOWN BANDS
      The Citizens Concert Band begins a new season of outdoor concerts starting in June and alternating on Wednesdays between St. Albans City, St. Albans Bay, Swanton, Highgate Springs, and Highgate Falls, all under the batons of director Jeremy Berger and assistant director Jennifer McConnell. click here for more info.
      Enosburg Town Band will begin rehearsals for the upcoming 2020 summer concerts in April. Everyone above the beginner level is welcome to participate. They will post exact times, dates and rehearsal space in March. Email with questions or to join the band or click here for more info.
      New members (high school age through adult) are always welcome at both bands.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
      The Vermont Humanities Council continues "A Reflection on Reading about Racism." The Vermont Reads book for 2020 is The Hate U Give, a powerful choice by Angie Thomas.
      "I've seen it happen over and over again: a black person gets killed for just being black, and all hell breaks loose. I've tweeted RIP hashtags, reblogged pictures on Tumblr, and signed every petition out there. I always said that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world knew what went down.
      "Now I am that person, and I'm too afraid to speak."

      ArtBits features weekly links to library events in and around Franklin County. That popular feature has a page of its own at the Franklin County Bookshelf on the AAC site at AllArtsCouncil.org/books.


Good News!

There are so many events around the region that we miss some of them.
Be sure to check these calendars for what's happening near you ...
All Arts Council of Franklin County
Cambridge Arts Council
Franklin County Regional
Chamber of Commerce
Island Arts
St Albans Community Arts
Swanton Arts Council
Young Tradition Vermont

Music!

Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County
Summer Sounds
Summer Music at Grace
Downtown Summer Concert Series
Summer Evenings with
Vermont Treasures
Citizens Band
Wednesday Night Live
Enosburg Town Band


SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!


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