| VOLUME 26 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | June 23, 2022 |
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. STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS
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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SWANTON--The Reflections on Swanton Art Show opens with a reception at the Swanton Free Public Library on Friday at 6 p.m. The two best-in-show winners will receive cash prizes. ART ON THE WALLS
This free community exhibit is open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Swanton Historical Society, the Swanton Arts Council, and the Library.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The 2022 Jeffersonville Art Jam brings art vendors and live music to Main Street on Sunday at 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Presented by Cambridge Arts Council, Visions of Vermont Fine Art Galleries, the Northern Vermont Artist Association, and Bryan Memorial Gallery, Art Jam repeats the July 4 Weekend. Call 802.644.1418, find them on Facebook, or click here for more info.
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 Saturday 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. PANDEMIC NEWS
Last week, Gov. Phil Scott said COVID-19 is not going away but we now have better control over it. He spoke about the administration's work to overcome and stabilize impacts from the pandemic and to reverse any harm that resulted from early mitigation efforts.
About 71,000 eligible Vermonters age 5 and older have not yet received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; children 5 - 11 years old have the lowest vaccination rate of any age group. Children who have received the vaccine can now get a booster shot through the child's health care provider, pharmacy, or one of the walk-in clinics listed at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years old should be available in state now.
Vermont reported 680 new COVID-19 cases statewide last week. Franklin County reported 70 cases in the 14 days ending Saturday. The health department said last Wednesday that Vermont has "low" COVID levels, based on its recent case rate, its hospital admissions for Covid, and the percentage of hospital beds taken up by Covid patients, according to its weekly report.
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 320,000 Vermonters or 69% of the eligible population have completed vaccination and gotten a booster. In Franklin County, still about 65% of the people have completed the vaccine and the additional dose. Only Essex County with 57% 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.
The National Gallery of Art offers Artle, an online game to guess an artist's name. Each guess must be a valid artist's name. After an incorrect guess, they'll display a different work by the artist to help you guess. You get four tries and there is a new Artle each day. ARTLE
Founded as a gift to the nation, the center of visual art, education, and culture has more than 150,000 paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photographs, prints, and drawings that span the history of Western art. The National Gallery offers special exhibitions and public programs free of charge 363 days a year.
Click here to play.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two events this week. ART YOU CREATE
River Arts pottery instructors Lisa and Jude host the in-person, June Sip n' Slurry--Handbuilt Mugs as the pottery twist on a Paint n' Sip on Friday at 6 p.m. Learn basic hand-building techniques like slab rolling, coil building and surface techniques to make a clay an unusual mug. The cost is $45. Click here to enroll and for more info.
Wednesday Night Live in Oxbow Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. facilitates art projects at the free art and music series. Get creative with color in Painted Flower Pots this week by painting a small planter pot. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts the Vermont Creative Network Free Networking Mixer this evening at 6 p.m. MIXER
The VCN is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working in six zones across the state to advance Vermont's creative sector including performing and visual arts; crafts; design; film and media; culture and heritage; specialty foods; and literary arts. The mixer is an opportunity for creatives in the region to meet each other, strengthen community, enjoy social gatherings, and consolidate the creative sector's voice. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MILTON--Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sundays at 1 p.m. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Admission is free but registration is required. Click here for free tickets and more info.
Here's my own plan as U.S. deaths approach one million and 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. ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, June 23
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with live 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 Vermont's "Best Cover Band," Sticks and Stones, this evening. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. but "come as early as you would like." Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Cooie Sings at the Blue Paddle Bistro this evening at 6 - 8 p.m. She'll be at the Paddle about every third week. Find them on Facebook for more info for the schedule.
Thursday-Saturday, June 23-25
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Uncle Jimmy tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Mark Abair Unplugged at 5 p.m., and then 90 Proof for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with the Duncan McLeod Trio at 5 p.m., and the five-member Free Range Band starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, June 24
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents the Buck Hollers on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The tacos 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.
Friday-Saturday, June 24-25
NORTH HERO--The Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House presents The Fabulous Wrecks on Friday and Sergio Torres live on Saturday. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. 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 25
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Bryan Memorial Gallery presents composer-pianist David Feurzeig in concert on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Mr Feurzeig's genre-defying recitals bring together music from ancient and classical to jazz, avant-garde, and popular traditions. He is the silver medalist of the 2001 World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest, recipient of the 2003 "Best New Rag" competition of the Old-Time Music Preservation Association, and has performed with and been commissioned by the VSO, the Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble, and Bella Voce.
Admission is free. This event is part of Mr. Feurzeig's Play Every Town 251-concert series and is held in conjunction with the Jeffersonville Art Jam.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Young Tradition Vermont continues the 2022 Summer Concerts on the outdoor stage at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Three of New England's top young fiddlers--Hilary Menegaz Weitzner, Fern Tamagini-O'Donnell, and the 2021 Junior US National Fiddle Champion, Owen Kennedy--will perform. Young Tradition Vermont supports young musicians and dancers with over 30 programs, including the Touring Group and showcase performances by individuals and small ensembles. The mission is to ensure that children, youth and young adults have opportunities to be inspired, to learn, to perform and to serve communities they live in and visit.
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.
ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Amerikana Blues Music at Mill River Brewing on Saturday at 5 p.m. MRB plans live music all summer long. Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the old school blues of the Blue Fox Duo on Saturday at 5:30 - 8 p.m.
ESSEX--The Whitcomb House has the ultimate barn dance with Eleven on Saturday at 6 p.m. There is a $10 cover. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the Mullets of Rock for a night of live music in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. MOR covers the music of the 80s hair band genre, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Whitesnake and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents Root 7 and Boom City Improv for a night of Music and Comedy on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30.
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 and comedian Liam Welsh has been added to the lineup. There may be some booty shakin'. Garcia's Bistro and 14th Star will have food and beverages.
Admission is $15. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com or at the door. Click here for more info.
Saturday-Sunday June 25-26
ST. ALBANS--Rail City Fan Fest! RCFF is a two day festival featuring artists and vendors from the New England area who specialize in all things pop culture. All are welcome to take part in our cosplay contest, kids art show, or any featured panels! A show for all ages, Rail City Fan Fest is sure to have something for the whole family to enjoy!
Admission is $10 - 28. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, June 26
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Grazers continue the Sunday Brunch Sessions: Ryan Hanson live in The Room on Sunday at 12 noon - 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Donna Costes presents the Royal Towne Brass in the finale of the spring Church Street Sounds of the Season at St Luke's Episcopal Church on Sunday at 3 pm. The quintet includes David Ellis and David Heintz on trumpet, Thea Calitri-Martin on French horn, Denis Lambert on trombone, and Summer Sounds favorite Bill Keck on tuba.
Admission is by donation ($10 suggested for those who can).
ESSEX--The Nobby Reed Project plays the Joe Moore Benefit at the Double E on Sunday at pm. Click here for more info
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Claire Black, solo piano works of the Schumanns and Beethoven, in the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 7 p.m.
The Burlington-based pianist presents a curated program of solo piano works. Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
Tuesday, June 28
ENOSBURG FALLS--The Enosburg Town Band plays a Summer Concert in the Park at the Lincoln Park bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. There will be music, friends and family, popcorn or ice cream sundaes, and a craft table for the "littles of all ages." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, June 29
NORTH HERO--Bob Gagnon & Tony Petricola play live in the Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Look for plenty of jazz standards from the long-time collaborators and seasoned jazz veterans. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts' Wednesday Night Live is the free art and music series in Oxbow Park every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series presents the Nobby Reed Project in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. El Gato Cantina food truck will be on site. Admission is free. The concerts will move to 14th Star Brewery if it rains. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series in the Village Green Park on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Saint Albans Museum hosts historian Jason Barney to share his most recent research on Northern Vermont during the Revolutionary War period in the Bliss Room on Friday at 7 p.m. HUMANITIES
Benedict Arnold and Benjamin Franklin spent time in the Champlain Valley. George Washington tracked events in the region as raiding parties descended on Vermont communities. The waters of Missisquoi Bay were as vital as any waterway in America and the Lake Champlain islands formed some of the most strategic territory in the thirteen colonies. Mr. Barney will explore and unveil our area's forgotten past.
This talk is free and open to the public. Click here for more info.
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. ON THE 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 ... |
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Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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