| VOLUME 26 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 7}, 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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FRANKLIN COUNTY--The Big Music Weeks of Summer continue this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. Summer Sounds begins a new season and there are live shows in Alburgh, East Fairfield, Enosburg Falls, Essex Junction, Franklin, Highgate, Milton, Morrisville, North Hero, South Hero, and St. Albans City and Town. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
HIGHGATE--The Town of Highgate begins the 31st year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with the Tenderbellies in the first free Summer Sounds concert of the season on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at the new time of 5:30 p.m SOUNDS OF SUMMER
The Vermont-based acoustic quintet will take listeners through many corners of American music and beyond with original songs, harmonies, and strong improvisation. The first concert of the season will feature rowdy bluegrass and heart-wrenching blues to jazz standards and rock n' roll.
The Summer Sounds Social in the Park also continues with food, bouncy castles, drinks from 14th Star Brewing, and more.
Summer Sounds welcomes our 2022 sponsors of this popular series: Big Al's Snack Bar, Desorcie's Market, and LaShures Pro Shop. The concerts are always on Sunday evenings, always at 5:30 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 Arena. Click here for the entire summer schedule.
Vermont National Guard soldiers and airmen have been supporting Vermont's COVID-19 response since March 23, 2020. The mission officially ended July 1. The first mission began when soldiers established a medical surge facility in Barre and airmen began logistical operations at the Strategic National Stockpile. Since then, the Guard has collected 34,314 test samples, administered 80,154 vaccinations, made 27,000 close-contact calls, shipped 3 million sample kits, shipped 13.6 million items from the SNS, and delivered 2,931,698 meals all while continuing regular training and operations. PANDEMIC NEWS
Vermont continues vaccinating young children against COVID-19. The state reported 557 new COVID-19 cases statewide last week. Franklin County reported 48 cases in the 14 days ending Saturday. At least two people I know had symptoms and tested positive after a wedding last weekend.
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.gov also 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 321,400 Vermonters or 69% of the eligible population have completed vaccination and gotten a booster. Franklin County remains at about 65% of the people who have completed the vaccine and the additional dose. Only Essex County with 57% vaccinated and boosted, and Orleans County at 64% 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.
The Village of Swanton offers a free walk-in vaccine clinic at 120 1st Street today from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 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. Providers and pharmacies must give vaccines at no cost to the patient.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on one-of-a-kind jeweler Terry Buehner, painter Marianne Marshall, and the themed painting series of El Towle with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The monthly Featured Artists Receptions have returned to the gallery on the first Thursday each month. A.I.R. will also continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists online and on Facebook. ART ON THE WALLS
The art and fine craft 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, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Downtown Art and Sidewalk Sales take over Downtown on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. Hours may vary by store. Email for more info. ART FOR SALE
ST. ALBANS--It's Paint Night at the Saint Albans Museum. Local artist and Paint and Sip VT founder Meagan Van Woert hosts a night of masterpieces in the Bliss Room on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Registration is $30/person. Click here for reservations and more info. ART YOU CREATE
MORRISVILLE--River Arts offers Wednesday Night Live in Oxbow Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. facilitates art projects at the free art and music series. Learn more about Guatemalan culture while making a set of worry dolls this week. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Intuitive Painting with instructor KirstenM. Watson at MAG on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to learn a new approach to painting developed at River Gallery School. The cost is $55 for members or $60 for non-members. Click here for more info and to reserve a space. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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.
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.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council will hold a Board Meeting and Updates in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Monday at 6 p.m. IN THE SAC
Meetings are usually held on the first Monday of each month but this meeting was deferred for Independence Day. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info.
Here's my own plan as U.S. deaths top 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, July 7
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Friction today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The 2022 Snow Farm Summer Concert Series continues their 25th anniversary season with Dirt Road this evening. 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 She Was Right this evening at 6 - 8 p.m. Formerly "the Hubcats," the quartet plays popular covers.
FRANKLIN--A quirk in the schedule means the Citizens Concert Band performs on the Town Green on this evening at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Jeff Shelly tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Kyle Stevens at 5 p.m., and then Eleven rocking the house for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Elizabeth Begins at 6 p.m., and Shellhouse starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. And to confirm. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, July 8
MORRISVILLE--Music on Main begins a new season with Breathwork on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Bring a chair every Friday in July and August for free music at the gazebo. Music on Main is a collaboration between Morrisville Alliance for Culture and Commerce and River Arts
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Dennis Fox & Friends on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The pork roast 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, July 8-9
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, July 9
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2022 Summer Concerts continue with American folk music icon Dave Mallett returning to the outdoor stage at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m.
One of America's true original troubadours, Mr. Mallett's career spans four decades with 17 albums and performances in clubs, concert halls and festivals across the US, Canada and Europe. Known for his carefully written, poetic offerings including the American folk classic "Garden Song" [Inch by Inch], his work has been covered by Alison Krauss, Pete Seeger, Hal Ketchum, Emmylou Harris, John Denver and the Muppets. Bass player Michael Burd will accompany him.
Admission is $20 and advanced tickets are required. 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--Cooie and Adlai play live in the Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Coming from New Orleans, DOSE brings a night of NOLA blues to The Room at 14th Star on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis presents the Nobby Reed Project for an evening of blues on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic, B.Y.O.B. Admission is $10 and premium seating is available. Find them on Facebook for more info
Sunday, July 10
FRANKLIN--Uncle John's Band plays at Due North Winery on Skunk's Misery Road on Sunday from 12 noon - 3 p.m. in a benefit for the Haston Library. Admission is by $10 suggested donation.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Grazers continue the Sunday Brunch Sessions with soulful country blues rock singer and songwriter John Gratton live in The Room on Sunday at 12 noon - 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Town of Highgate begins the 31st year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with the Tenderbellies in the first free Summer Sounds concert of the season on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at the new time of 5:30 p.m
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for the outdoor family music and festivities. The rain site is the Highgate Arena. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro presents Cooie's Jazz Trio on Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. Robert Gagnon, guitar; Andy Smith, bass; and Rob Zollman, drums; join Cooie DeFrancesco for the musical journey. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents an A Capella Lollapalooza at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Picnic on the green starting at 5:30 PM (weather permitting).
The concert features three ensembles of different styles. The Counterpoint chamber ensemble headlines, with the Green Mountain Chorus and the Chordination barbershop quartet. The programme will range from folksongs, African-American spirituals, sacred music of many traditions, and concert works by classical composers to barbershop close four-part harmony, and unaccompanied singers with pop, folk, and Broadway traditions, arranged in the Barbershop Style.
Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
Tuesday, July 12
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, July 13
ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Madeleine with Jeff Anderson live at Mill River Brewing on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Fabulous Wrecks play live in the Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series presents Still Kickin' 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.
NORTH HERO--The Citizens Concert Band with singer Jennifer McConnell continues its summer series in the Island Arts Center on Wednesday at the special time of 6:30 p.m. Picnic on the green starting at 5:30 (weather permitting). Admission is $15. Click here for tickets and more info.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Mike Chapman and Scott Aaron Martell took International Make Music Day live in Swanton on Facebook
Summer Sounds favorites Woods Tea Company in the semi-classic lineup of Chip Chase, Howard Wooden, Mike Lussen, and Rusty Jacobs played the Festival on the Green 2000 was on YouTube. Bruce Morgan and Mr. Jacobs started Woods Tea Company in Burlington in 1981, taking its name from a "Woods Tea Co." wooden storage box the latter owned. Mr. Lussen joined the band almost a year later. One of my favorite trios, they usually had four and sometimes five members. We would bill them as the world's largest trio. RIP Rusty and Mike.
Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Gospel on Facebook on Sunday morning. He will be in Highgate Center next Sunday. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
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
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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