| VOLUME 26 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 21, 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. There are live shows in Alburgh, East Fairfield, Enosburg Falls, Essex Junction, Highgate, Milton, North Hero, Sheldon, South Hero, St. Albans City and Town. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
HIGHGATE--The 31st year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate continue with the Thunderballs on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at the new time of 5:30 p.m SOUNDS OF SUMMER
The roots reggae band is led by Jamaica singer-songwriters, NL Dennis who wrote the cult classic singles Help I Jah, Spelling Reggay, and My Twenty Eight. The anthology album, the Golden Voice of Jamaica: NL Dennis & the Thunderballs, is on streaming platforms now and will be released as a CD in August.
The Summer Sounds Social in the Park also continues with food, bouncy castles, drinks from 14th Star Brewing, and more.
Summer Sounds welcomes the 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 and here for more info about the band.
LAND & LIGHT & WATER & AIR (July 31)--The Bryan Memorial Gallery's 2022 exhibit has opened oline submissions. Prizes include the Alden Bryan Medal and cash. This year the gallery has added three new prize categories including Best Work by Artist 35 Years and Younger, Best Work by Artist New to the Gallery, and Viewer's Choice. Entry fee. CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Bryan Gallery is open daily from 11 - 5 or by appointment. Click here for more info.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMS (August 15)--The Lake Champlain Basin Program wants pre-proposals for Artist-in-Residence programs for 2023 and 2024. They are recruiting artists to use scientific data, cultural trends, or historical facts to interpret natural resources in the Lake Champlain basin. LCBP will accept proposals for up to $40,000 for a two-year program and plans to award three grants to support work in New York, Quebec, and Vermont. Call Jim Brangan (802.372.3213), email or click here for more info.
The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is driving a small surge in cases nationwide and Vermont also reports an increased proportion of BA.5 cases. As of July 7, the CDC reported that most Vermont counties had "low" COVID-19 levels. As of July 13, COVID hospitalizations have been the lowest since last August; ten people are currently hospitalized but none are in intensive care. Four people have died of COVID-19 statewide so far in July. PANDEMIC NEWS
The state reported 470 new COVID-19 cases statewide last week (up from 390 the week before). Franklin County reported 49 cases in the 14 days ending Saturday. Both are numbers I find increasingly questionable. 90 people incarcerated at at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield were positive for COVID as of last Friday.
Vermont relies on self reporting. You can report self-test results by following instructions on your test kit to automatically provide your results to your local health department or with the Vermont COVID-19 Self-Test Result Reporting Form. If you test positive, stay home and isolate for five days. You can leave your home on day six if your symptoms have improved and you have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine that reduces fevers.
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 322,900 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.
Call 855.722.7878 or visit 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.
The Vermont Farm Show is canceled again for 2023 because of COVID-19.
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. Abracadabra! Learn more about magic wands and empower creativity. Click here for more info. ART YOU CREATE
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Barn Quilts with Marie Speer at the Swanton Free Public Library on Friday at 6 p.m. The free class will show how to create and paint a barn quilt. All supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Sunflower Painting Class with instructor Cathy Coulombe at the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. The free class will show how to paint a bouquet of sunflowers in a watering can. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Click here to register and for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts begins a three-class Handcrafted Greeting Card Workshop with instructor Pat Brennan at the Island Arts Center on Wednesday at 10 - 11:30 a.m.
An Islander since 1969, Ms. Brennan has been giving card classes that cover basic card-making for five years. The cost is $15 per class plus a one time $6 tool kit. Please bring scissors. Click here to sign up and for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts How to Make Clay Whistles with instructor Robert Brunelle at MAG on Saturday at 8 a.m. - 12 noon to use air dry clay to create and tune whimsical clay whistles and ocarinas. The cost is $50 for members or $55 for non-members. Click here for more info and to reserve a space.
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.
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The Saint Albans Museum hosts a free screening of No Other Lake at St. Albans Bay Park on Friday at 6 p.m. Gates at 5:30. FILM
Jordan Rowell meets and talks with characters of interest about the future of Lake Champlain during a two week kayaking trip along its 120-mile length. Set 50 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act, the film is an adventure-conservation documentary about our unique natural world.
Admission is free. Click here for more info about the showing and here for more info about the film and to watch the trailer.
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 21
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Nobby Reed Project 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 Quadra this evening. The boys have been rocking and rolling for 40 years. 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 the Shane Murley Band this evening at 6 - 8 p.m. The American singer-songwriter was born and raised in Texas and has traveled to pick up Americana, country-folk, and alternative rock with a twist of soul-funk. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, July 21-23
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music getting Jerborned with Jerborn tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Funky Friday night, Dan Parks with Mark Steffenhagen at 5 p.m., and then Cozy O'Donnell for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus the Fabulous Wrecks live on Saturday night at 5 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, July 22
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 meatball sub 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.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Burlington's Staircase 24 for a night of upbeat live music in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Modern Pop with DJ Daniel Rochester and singer Tracy DeCoste at the Island Arts Center on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Picnic on the green starting at 5:30. A chair or blanket is suggested.
Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Live Music Series returns with Nobby & Slim in the Pub on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents an Evening with Jimmy Branca's Blooz and Beyond Review with Second Hand Blues on Friday at 7pm. Doors at 6:30. A musician/guitarist/bandleader/singer/songwriter/artist, Mr. Branca has "learned a lot in life in spite of [his] education" and will share it in song. The opening act, Second Hand Blues, is a new local Vermont blues band based around Enosburg. Phoenix on the Fly will be on site with a cash bar and food truck.
Admission is $15. Tickets are available at the door or for tickets and more info.
Friday-Saturday, July 22-23
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Phil Graziano in the front window on Friday and Bare Bones live on Saturday night. Music starts on the new sound system about 6:30 p.m.
Dave Contois from Soli Music in Essex recently completed installation of Twiggs' new state-of-the-art sound system which will "vastly step up the live music offerings." Mr. Contois offers a quick tour on Facebook.
Call 802.524.1405 or find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to book a reservation or to visit the art on the walls.
Saturday, July 23
ST. ALBANS TOWN--Saturday Night Live at the Lake presents A Heart's Journey--One Night, Two Tributes at St. Albans Bay Park on Saturday from 4 - 10 p.m. Chris Powers opens. Scarab brings the Journey experience and Heartless, the tribute to Ann Wilson of Heart and Led Zeppelin. "The Bay never sounded so good."
Admission is $25. Find them on Facebook for more info or click here for tickets.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Boogie on the Bayou. The live Meeting House on the Green Summer Concerts continue with Mango Jam on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The six-piece dance band, a Summer Sounds and Meeting House favorite, plays straight-ahead Zydeco as well as New Orleans-inspired Funk, Reggae and Ska. They will rock the green with a magical musical miasma straight from the swamp lands of Louisiana as well as the original songs of guitarist and singer, Josie Ritter. Band members also include Gus Ziesing, accordions, saxophones, vocals; Dana Lavigne, guitar, fratois, vocals; Mimi Ryan, alto saxophone, vocals; Lee Beckwith, bass, vocals; and Allen Bilson, drums. Bring your dancing shoes. Or your bare feet.
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 mask required and limited seating available. "Grab and go" light fare will be available for sale or bring your own picnic. Call 802.827.6626 or click here for more info.
Plan ahead for the 30th annual Jig in the Valley, the Fairfield Community Center's biggest fundraiser of the year, next Sunday, July 31.
NORTH HERO--Popular duet Chris & Erica play live in the Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Look for acoustic rock, country, and pop music. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis presents Deuces Wild on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with Roger Pigeon and Tony Nichols, the stage may be oriented to the south. 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 24 ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Grazers continue the Sunday Brunch Sessions: Rockin' Ron Gagnon live in The Room on Sunday at 12 noon - 2 p.m. for mix of classic rock and country. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Town of Highgate continues the 31st year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with the Thunderballs on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at the new time of 5:30 p.m. Mr. N L Dennis, the Golden Voice of Jamaica, and his full band will fill the evening with reggae.
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 hosts the Brett Hughes Duet on Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. The Burlington mainstay hosted Honky-Tonk Tuesday at Radio Bean. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Jazz: The Andric Severance Trio at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 7 p.m.
Mr. Severance, piano and vocals, who will "play the heck out of" Charles Pratt's concert grand piano; Caleb Bronz, drummer; and Art DeQuasie, bassist will offer familiar jazz standards, obscure mystical jazz songs, and many delightful surprises. This concert honors the musical heritage and generosity of Vermont's Charles Pratt who had the gift of music and was, among other things, the house pianist for the Tyler Place.
Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
Monday, July 25
SHELDON--High summer is here and Village Harmony returns to Summer Music at Grace on Monday at 7 p.m. They will host a potluck meal at 5:30 (bring a dish that can help feed the musical guests). Led by Lysander Jaffe, Megan Henderson, Carl Linich, and Liam Kantor, the 12 singers of Teen Ensemble II will feature songs from Greece, Albania, Corsica, and Georgia, traditional and contemporary American shape-note music, a baroque work with instrumental accompaniment, and more.
Founded in 1989 and based in central Vermont, Village Harmony studies and performs ethnic singing traditions from around the world. The organization sponsors 9 - 10 different study-performance ensembles with teen and adult singers, usually with five in the United States and the others overseas.
Admission is by free will donation. Email or find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, July 26
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 27
NORTH HERO--Caswell & Company play live in the Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. "I'm extremely excited to get this tight new unit off the ground," English blues guitarist Tom Caswell said. The band features Missisquoi Slim, organ/keys, Ben Weber, bass; and Jeff Salisbury, drums/vocals. "It is beyond a joy to play alongside them." Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Laura Fedele-Rasco live at Mill River Brewing on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series presents Mad Mojo 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 Swanton Arts Council Writers' Group meets live in the Swanton Free Public Library this evening at 6 p.m. They meet the third Thursday of each month to share progress and join in the discussion about longer projects and anything else about writing, reading, publishing, and more. Email Becky Rupp or the Swanton Library for more info. FRANKLIN COUNTY 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 ... |
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Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
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