DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 26 * * All Arts News On the Web * * June 9, 2022

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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SUMMER SOUNDS

HIGHGATE--Plan ahead. The Summer Sounds tradition continues on the lawn at the Highgate Arena. New concerts each Sunday will feature music, food, bouncy castles, drinks from 14th Star Brewing, and more. The 31st season of Summer Sounds will combine exceptional performances "from away" with groups rarely heard here in Franklin County including the Tenderbellies, July 10; Mark Shelton, July 17; the Thunderballs, July 24; Troy Millette and the Fire Below, July 31; the Tyler Mast Band, August 14; Neon Spoon, August 21; and Chad Hollister, August 28.
      Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.


PANDEMIC NEWS

     The Vermont Department of Health will close all free, state-run COVID-19 testing sites on June 25. This includes PCR testing and take-home tests, which can be picked up through June 25 at the state testing sites. The end comes as both federal funds for testing and demand for PCR testing declines. The Health Department said that take-home tests and testing through primary care providers should adequately serve Vermonters' needs going forward. click here for more info.
      30 Vermonters died from COVID-19 in May, making it the deadliest month of the BA.2 surge in the state. Vermont reported 1,310 new COVID-19 cases statewide last week. Franklin County reported 97 cases in the 14 days ending Saturday. As of the May 26 CDC update, Franklin County was one of seven of Vermont's 14 counties with "low" COVID community levels.
      Vermont relies on self reporting. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests from COVIDtests.gov. Need other tests? COVIDtests.govalso has for links for at-home tests at retailers and pharmacies, insurance reimbursement for at-home tests, and the 20,000 no-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 test sites nationwide. Most major chains including Walgreens and Price Chopper locally should have free N95 masks for distribution.
      Whether you have contracted and recovered from this coronavirus or haven't yet received a booster or even if you have done it all, immunity has waned for many of us. That lowered resistance leads to infections and increased transmission of the virus. The fourth booster is available for those over 50. Here's my own advice. Get the COVID shot(s), get the booster(s), and take precautions, particularly if you are inside with other people--that means wearing a mask indoors. Statewide, about 317,400 Vermonters or 69% of the eligible population have completed vaccination and gotten a booster. Franklin County remains at about 64% of the people having completed the vaccine and the additional dose. Only Essex County with 56% vaccinated and boosted, and Orleans County at 63% have lower rates.
      No vaccine is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Keep wearing an N95 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 because so many parents refused to vaccinate their kids. Bonus: it will also help protect you from pollen, summer colds, and the winter flu.
      Call 855.722.7878 or healthvermont.gov for more info about the first or second dose and for booster shots of the vaccine. You can also walk-in at Costco, CVS, Hannaford, Price Chopper/Market 32, Rite Aid, Shaw's, Walgreens, or Walmart, or get an appointment with CVS, Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, or UVMMC Outpatient Pharmacies.


ART ON DISPLAY

MONTGOMERY--Who is Irene Klein?
      The Montgomery Center for the Arts has come upon drawings, paintings, and pastels on paper by Irene Klein. It may be a lifetime of work that "was amazing and should be shown." The MCA will exhibit her work throughout June.
      The MCA knows she loved ART, was an Impressionist, traveled to France, worked in water color on paper, as well as pastel and pencil. That's all they know so far. If anyone has information about the Ms. Klein, email curator Sebastian Araujo.


ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park reopen on Saturday and will remain open until mid-October, on Thursday - Sunday plus holidays at 12 noon-6 p.m. They offer an admission-free, immersive opportunity to stroll five rolling meadows with about sixty large-scale sculptures from five decades of work by nationally-known artist, David Stromeyer. Inspired by the rhythms, forms, patterns, and undulations of the Vermont landscape and committed to integrating his sculptures with the landscape, Mr. Stromeyer and his wife, Sarah, open their land to all who wish to experience these works in the quiet, contemplative Cold Hollow setting.
      Email or click here for more info.


WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

MORRISVILLE--River Arts offers two workshops this week.
      The June Open Studio Figure Drawing today at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. is a community facilitated group with no formal instructor present. June will be a clothed session with quick two minute poses, five minute poses, 20 minute poses, and a long pose at the end. The cost is $15 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info.
      Intro to Stained Glass with Dayna Sabatino moves through the techniques of stained glass pattern making, glass cutting, and soldering on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Each student will create a stained glass feather and leave with a finished piece and basic knowledge of the process. The cost is $90 with reduced tuition available. Click here to enroll and for more info.


MILTON--Learn Origami with Jason and Alissa of DeskPets at the Milton Artists' Guild on Saturday at 10 a.m. The ancient Japanese art of paper folding, origami was typically given as good luck tokens and gifts during holidays. The cost is $30 for members or $35 for non-members. Click here to register and for more info.


JEFFERSONVILLE--The Bryan Memorial Gallery continues with the two-day Clouds and Skies in Landscapes en Plein Air led by Douglas David on Monday and Tuesday at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The class will cover the basic principles of oil painting for painting clouds and skies in landscapes. Painting out-of-doors, en plein air, will be the major focus after the basics are covered.
      The cost is$225 for gallery members and $275 for non-members. Thanks to the James M. Quimby, SR., Scholarship Fund, one artist will be chosen for a full scholarship (workshop only) for this workshop. Click here to register, to apply, or for more info.


ON STAGE LIVE

     Here's my own plan as our precautions wane. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the first booster, and I take precautions because no vaccine is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") and a surgical mask where ever I can't control the airflow. It isn't much of a burden and it mostly protects me from all the people without masks I see in stores and concerts.


Thursday, June 9
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with music today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SOUTH HERO--The 2022 Snow Farm Summer Concert Series continues their 25th anniversary season with the Hitmen this evening. The Burlington band covers a variety of songs, from the classics thru today with guitar, bass, keys, drums, and stirring harmonies. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. but "come as early as you would like." Click here for more info.


SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts solo acoustic singer/guitarist Jeff Shelley with "everything from Neil Diamond to Pearl Jam to The Beatles" this evening at 5:30 - 8 p.m.


Thursday-Saturday, June 9-11
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Mark Abair unplugged tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, King Me at 4 p.m., and then Phantom Airwaves for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Maple and Hanson live on Saturday night at 7 p.m. Call 802.878.3309, email, or click here for more info.


Friday, June 10
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Kyle Stevens on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The teriyaki chicken buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $13 per person ($7 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. Click here for more info.


SHELDON--The Abbey Live Music Series continues with John Gratton and Andrew James singing classic, country/roots rock songs, Citizen Bare classics, and new music in the Pub on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post has the Phil Abair Band featuring Keeghan Nolan on Friday at 7 - 10 p.m.
      "We plan on an outdoor show at this time." If the weather doesn't cooperate (due to cool temperatures or light showers) the show will be brought indoors from 8 - 11 p.m.


ST. ALBANS--It is PRIDE Weekend at the Depot as CTUD Productions returns with a special PRIDE Drag Show on Friday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. Admission is $25 - $40. Click here for tickets and more info.


Friday-Sunday, June 10-12
JOHNSON--Freedom Flower presents: Hick Jam 2022: the Return with M.C. Gary Wade, a three day festival, at Moog's Joint on Friday 5 p.m. - 2 a.m., Saturday 12 noon - 2 a.m., and Sunday 12 noon - 8 p.m
      Friday's lineup includes the Shady Trees, Dead Man's Waltz, and Multibeast. On Saturday, Gary Wade & Friends, the Lloyd Tyler Band, Conscious Roots, the Seth Yacovone Band, and Lee Ross blast the stage. And Sunday has Dale & Darcy, Strum Dumpster, Chris Lyons Band, and Seth Yacovone & Friends with special guest Ian Wade and Brian Laurie and Mr. Charlie.
      Admission is $25 - 100. Click here for tickets. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405, find them on Facebook, or click here for more info.


Saturday, June 11
EAST FAIRFIELD--Beg, Steal or Borrow continues the 2022 Summer Concerts on the outdoor stage at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 pm. Jeremy Sicely, guitar and vocals; Geoff Goodhue, mandolin and vocals; Roland Clark, violin; Fran Forim, bass and vocals; and Luke Auriemmo, banjo and Vocals make up "everyone's favorite bluegrass band" where everyone but the fiddler gets to sing. Their acclaimed debut album is Old Mountain Time in 2013.
      Tyrone Shaw promises the "weather will be perfect with plenty of room on the Green to kick up your heels and shake off winter's doldrums!" Lite dinner fare and desserts will be available, or BYO!
      Admission is by suggested donation of $10 at the door with those under 16 admitted free. Concerts are held outdoors. In case of rain, concerts are either canceled or moved indoors with masks required and limited seating available. "Grab and go" light fare will be available for sale or bring your own picnic. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.


NORTH HERO--The Lloyd Tyler Band plays live in the Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Look for mix of acoustic guitars, bass and harmonica and folk, country, rock, blues and Americana music. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the Old Man Garage Band to rock The Room with classic tunes on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Sunday, June 12
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Grazers continue the Sunday Brunch Sessions: Bare Bones (Jenn and Mark DiNatale of Barbie N Bones) live in The Room on Sunday at 12 noon - 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


COLCHESTER--John Gratton is live at the Spanked Puppy on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Outback is officially open. The country/blues/rock singer and songwriter is busy across northern Vermont this month.


SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the Donna Thunder Review with her own outlaw country, bluegrass, rock and roll, and "right into heaven originals" Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info about this special show.


Tuesday, June 14
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Cambridge Arts Council presents Poetry People under the Full Moon and the huge event tent behind Visions of Vermont Gallery on Tuesday at 7 - 8:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Wednesday, June 15
ST. ALBANS--Troy Millette Presents: Sample Sets on the Taproom Stage at 14th Star on Wednesday from 6 - 9 p.m. Mr. Millette's special "flight" will have three new acts from established solo acts, to fresh new faces, to special guest appearances every Wednesday evening. Act One begins at 6 p.m., Act Two at 7, and Act Three at 8 all with no cover charge. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Saturday, June 25
ENOSBURG--Plan Ahead. The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents a night of Music and Comedy upcoming on Saturday, June 25. Root 7, the "small," mixed ensemble a capella group in the Champlain Valley and the cool weirdos doing improv, Boom City Improv will mix it up on stage. There may be some booty shakin'.
      Admission is $15. Click here for tickets and here for more info.


ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE

     Virtual music and events continue this week.


      The BFA-St. Albans Chorus performs One Day by Matisyahu, arranged and accompanied by Armand Messier on Facebook.


      Dick Van Dyke at 89 with his wife Arlene and the Dustbowl Revival on the cut, Never Had To Go from their 2015 release With A Lampshade On on YouTube.


      Howard Mitchell reminisced, "Recording this album and performing with John Cassel was such a rich experience for me on drums and percussion. We had Bobby Militello on sax and flute, the Burbeck brothers on keyboards, Dave Ellis on trumpet, Will Patton on bass and many more great musicians ...all the names I can't recall. But give this title track a listen. A sweet 5/4 groove." Jade Lady is on YouTube


      Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Songs from the Back Room on Facebook on Tuesday. "No clue, really. I'm going to try to sing some rarer songs, that may just turn into songs you know. It should be fun." Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.


HUMANITIES

SHELDON--The Sheldon Historical Society Museum reopens its door on Thursday at 9 a.m. Over the past two years, members have completed an addition with a lift, acquired new artifacts, and improved the quality of the historic displays. The museum is free and open to the public. Regular hours are Thursdays 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Saturdays 1 - 4 p.m. Email Harold Smith for more info.


MONTGOMERY--Vermont Humanities presents Vermont's Remarkable Sharpshooters with Howard Coffin live in Pratt Hall on Wednesday at 6 p.m. This state sent far more snipers per capita to the Union armies than any other state. They played a little-known but major role at Gettysburg that changed the course of the Civil War. Mr. Coffin's recent research shows the reasons why Vermont may have been so well-represented in this elite group of marksmen. click here for more info.


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
Music at the Meeting House
Citizens Concert Band
 
Enosburg Town Band


SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!


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