DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 25 * * All Arts News On the Web * * July 15, 2021

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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BIG MUSIC WEEKS

FRANKLIN COUNTY--The Big Music Weeks of Summer begins this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. Summer Sounds celebrates 30 years of concerts in Highgate. There are shows in Bakersfield, Brandon, Enosburg, Essex, Essex Junction, Highgate Center, Milton, Morrisville, North Hero, Sheldon, St. Albans City, St. Albans Town, and South Hero.


OUT OF THE GARAGE AND INTO THE SUNSHINE

HIGHGATE--Ray's Extrusion Dies and Tubing, the All Arts Council, and the Town of Highgate continue the 30th year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with the Davis Boys on the new stage on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. "Get your selfies with the band at 6:30 p.m."
      We let the Davis Boys out of the garage! Eighth generation Vermonters, brothers Rick, Jeff, and Dave Davis formed the famed Davis Brothers Garage Band with a cousin and a brother from a different mother to do covers of Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and so much more from here to Colorado. Summer Sounds gets all three real brothers making them the Boys. Featuring original songs by Brother Dave, "This is a politics event-free event," Brother Rick said. "Please show up for any reason."
      Rick Davis is already a Summer Sounds favorite with his usual opening act, "Dick Prescott."
      Just before the concert, come to the Summer Sounds Social in the Park starting at 6 p.m.
      The Summer Sounds concerts are sponsored by the Town of Highgate and the All Arts Council, and underwritten by Chevalier Drilling Co. Inc, Desorcie's Market, Drummac Septic Service, Hampton Inn of St. Albans, O. C. McCuin and Sons, and Ray's Extrusion Dies and Tubing.
      The community based All Arts Council brings the performing arts to northwestern Vermont. The concerts are always on Sunday evenings, always at 7 p.m., always on the Highgate Arena Lawn, and always free. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for the outdoor family music and festivities. The rain site is the Highgate United Methodist Church. click here for more info.


RESTART NEWS

     Area restaurants and venues are offering live music while other artists and venues continue live streaming online. Despite the good news--72.7% of Franklin County residents age 12 and over have received at least one shot--the Vermont Dashboard showed a total of 24,457 cases, up by 11 from last week. There have been 258 deaths but none last week. Franklin County had 7 new cases in the last two weeks. Vermont is the safest state in the Union but the infection is still here.


BIG DEAL

     The Big Deal Raffle comes to a head with a drawing on Saturday at 11 a.m. The fundraiser for Local Arts Organizations supports partners across Vermont. Proceeds will be donated to the Artist in Residence, the Milton Artists' Guild, the Swanton Arts Council, and the Vermont Dance Alliance.
      The Grand Prize is $5,000 in cash. Other prizes include MAG gift cards. Tickets cost $5 or 5 for $20. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ART ON THE WALLS

     Vermont has lifted all statewide COVID-19 restrictions.
      Here's my own current advice, updated to today. Get the shot(s) and take precautions. The vaccines are extraordinarily effective but nothing is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Wear a mask where you can't control the airflow around you until we reach the same herd immunity we have for smallpox and once had but lost for measles. Bonus: it will also help protect you from summer colds and the winter flu.


SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council presents a Friday Night Art Smash at the Swanton Free Public Library tomorrow evening at 6 p.m.


WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library presents Summer Sounds favorite Jon Gailmor's Adult Songwriting Workshop at the Library on Saturday, July 24, at 3:30 p.m.
      In this special workshop for adults, Mr. Gailmor will teach how to write, compose, and perform original music. Whether you're a newcomer or an old musical hat, there will be something to learn and enjoy. He has taught music and stagecraft for over 40 years; the workshop is courtesy of a grant from the Children’s Literacy Fund.
      Click here for free tickets and more info.


MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild will host Watercolors with Gary Eckhart at the MAG Art Center this Tuesday, plus July 22 and July 27, all at 6 p.m. The three in-person sessions of painting in watercolor will be devoted to the utilization of textures to develop dynamic paintings that are more exciting and desirable by collectors.
      The cost is $80 for members or $85 for non-members. Find them on Facebook for more info and to reserve a space.


MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts Wednesday Night Live at Oxbow park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Facilitators help all ages complete art projects while local musicians play the stage. Admission is free.


MORRISVILLE--River Arts pottery instructor and "kiln god" Lisa Wolfgang hosts the in-person, July "Sip n' Slurry creative experience" as the pottery twist on a Paint n' Sip on Friday at 5:30 p.m. BYOB. Craft functional and sculptural vessels while learning hand building techniques. The bar is not serving due to COVID restrictions.
      The cost is $35. Click here to enroll and for more info. Email to book a table.


ST. ALBANS--Patrick Murphy and Saint Albans Art Supply hosts an art class on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
      The "small town Art Supply store" will host classes in different mediums. $35 per person. Limited spots are available so overflow reservation will take place the following week. Call the store (802.528.5194) for reservations. COVID restrictions apply. Find them on Facebook for a quick look.
      The art store also carries acrylics and oil paints, watercolor papers, sketch pads and canvas, Artograph lightpads, brush sets, brush cleaners, and more plus materials for kids. The store, located at 118 North Main Street, directly across from Ace Hardware, is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


JULY ART DEADLINE

COMMUNITY YOUTH MURAL PROJECT (July 31)--Natalie LaRocque created the original mural at Marble Mill. Now it's time to update it.
      Swanton Arts Council seeks designs with the theme "One Swanton" for the Marble Mill wall. All designs will be reviewed by the youth-led creative team and SPAN. Community paint events will complete the mural in the Fall.
      Email for more info.


ON STAGE LIVE

     Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide COVID-19 restrictions.
      Here's my own current advice, updated to today. Get the shot(s) and take precautions. The vaccines are extraordinarily effective but nothing is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Wear a mask where you can't control the airflow around you until we reach the same herd immunity we have for smallpox and once had but lost for measles. Bonus: it will also help protect you from summer colds and the winter flu.


Thursday, July 15
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The St. Albans Bay Farmers Market offers Eleven live in the Town Bay Park this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Summer Concert Series has singer and keyboardist Ashley O'Brien Band at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery this evening at 6:30 p.m.
      The live summer series offers a variety of music, from classical to jazz to swing to bluegrass to classic rock. Concerts are held every Thursday evening into September, weather permitting. Picnicking begins at 5 p.m. Wine and a local craft beer are available for purchase. Bring your own chairs and blankets. Click here for more info.


Thursday-Saturday, July 15-17
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle on the Bay continues a summer of live music nights with Tim Comings this evening, Amerikana Blue on Friday, and the Hubcats on Saturday. Music begins at 6 p.m. each evening.
      Call 802.372.4814 for reservations or find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday, July 16
NORTH HERO--The Fabulous Wrecks play live in the Steamship Bar and Grill for an evening of acoustic folk, rock, pop, soul, blues, and jazz at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info. NHH has live music on Wednesday and Friday or Saturday evenings.


MORRISVILLE--Cooie sings as River Arts and Music on Main presents Cooie DeFrancesco at the Union Bank gazebo on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
      The downtown music series is a partnership of River Arts and the Morristown Alliance for Culture and Commerce (MACC). Bring a chair, get a bite to eat from a local restaurant, and enjoy the downtown while listening to local musicians. Admission is free. Click here for more info.


MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents the Hubcats on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The BBQ chicken buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m.
      The buffet costs $12 per person ($5 for each child). You don't have to be a member; the public is welcome. Be sure to come early, usually around 6, to get a good seat.


SHELDON--The Abbey 2021 Summer Music series continues with Kelly Struber on the Back 40 Farm Wagon on Friday at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting or in the Pub if it rains. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday-Sunday, July 16-18
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night, Kyle Stevens at 5:30 p.m., and then Let the Wookie Win for late night music starting at 9 p.m., and the Trevor Ryan Duo live on Saturday night. Music usually starts at 5:30 on Thursday and 6 p.m. other nights. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. And to confirm. Click here to reserve a table.


ST. ALBANS--Twiggs presents Eric Bushey on Friday and Love Me Bradley--Samantha and Chris Bradley--live on Saturday night. Music starts at about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405, find them on Facebook, or click here for more info.


Saturday, July 17
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Special Series presents the Singer/Songwriter Event with Julia Parent at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery on Saturday at 1 p.m. Click here for more info.


ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company will Rock the Parking Lot to celebrate their ninth birthday with craft brews, food, outdoor games, and live music, in the 14th Star will parking lot on Saturday starting at noon. Sisters of Anarchy will serve farm-to-cone ice cream at 4:30 - 9 p.m. Local power trio Eleven takes over the outdoor stage at 6 - 9 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Dan & Sean Jarvis at Mill River Brewing on Saturday at 5 p.m. Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.


ENOSBURG--Country Boy Classics presents the Sarah Montgomery Band with Bad Horsey on the custom stage across the covered bridge on Saturday at 5 p.m. Direct from Nashville, Ms. Montgomery has become one of the most popular bands in Music City.
      Admission is $20. Click here for more info


ST. ALBANS TOWN--The St. Albans Bay Farmers Market and the Town of St. Albans present Saturday Night Live at the Lake with the Phil Abair Band and Bon/FireVT for a night of music, food, and fun in the Town Bay Park on Saturday starting at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
      Admission is $20. Proceeds will go toward the historic Stone House and park upgrades. Click here for tickets.


Sunday, July 18
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro continues a summer of live music with Cooie's clear and vibrant vocal stylings on Sunday at 6 p.m. No cover charge. Enjoy outdoor tent seating by reservation. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Wednesday, July 21
ESSEX--The Essex Experience presents Trucks Taps and Tunes with family-friendly live music, cold beer, and food on the Essex Green each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


NORTH HERO--Bob Gagnon and Tony Petricola play live in the Steamship Bar and Grill for an evening of jazz standards at North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info. NHH has live music on Wednesday and Friday or Saturday evenings.


SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro continues a summer of live music with the Tim Brick Duo on Wednesday at 6 p.m. No cover charge. Enjoy outdoor tent seating by reservation. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series presents Shake the Band in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. There will be no food or beverage sales this summer. Admission is free.


BAKERSFIELD--The Citizens Concert Band continues an active summer schedule with a concert on the Bakersfield Town Green on Route 108 on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Click here for more info.


BRANDON--Music at the Riverbend presents the Will Patton Ensemble behind the Brandon Inn on Wednesday at 7 p.m.       Admission is free. Call the Chamber (802.247.6401), email or click here for more info.


ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE

     Here's the roundup of virtual music and events for this week.

Thursday, July 15
      On the Frost Jazz Hour UM, the Nicolle Garcia plays live on Facebook today at 11 a.m. The University of Miami Jazz Department broadcasts live from WDNA 88.9 FM studios every Thursday at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Anyone on or off Facebook is invited.


Friday, July 16
      Summer Sounds favorite John Bartus will perform Social Distancing Concert 65, Live from the Florida Keys, thanks to Facebook Live at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Find him on Facebook for the watch party. Mr. Bartus played Social Distancing Concert #64 on fire and live from the studio last Friday on Facebook. He will join us for Summer Sounds in Highgate on July 25.


Wednesday, July 21
      Big Heavy World presents Rocket Shop, the original local music radio hour hosted by Tom Proctor, every Wednesday night from 8 - 9 p.m. Vermont artists from across the state perform live in every genre on 105.9FM The Radiator in Burlington and as a podcast on bigheavyworld.com.


Ongoing
      Practice.
      Carnegie Hall Selects presents Dvorák's New World Symphony with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Jirí Belohlávek on CarnegieHall.org on Friday at 12 noon.
      Presented as part of Live with Carnegie Hall, the series of free concert films from stages around the world will feature some of the greatest performances of music important to Carnegie Hall's history. A new film will be released each Friday; each will stream for one week exclusively on the Hall's website.


      Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Gospel on Facebook to start the 30th season of Summer Sounds in Highgate last Sunday; we lost the cellular signal about 18 minutes in but what we got was darned good. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.


ON THE BOOKSHELF

      ArtBits features a quick weekly peek at library events in and around Franklin County. That popular feature has a page of its own at the Franklin County Bookshelf here on the AAC site at AllArtsCouncil.org/books. We also take an occasional peek at the bookshelf or night stand of the folks you know in and around Franklin County. Those reviews can be found on the ArtBits Bookshelf.


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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