| VOLUME 27 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 6, 2023 |
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.
... FROM THE ARTBITS DESK ...
E-Mail Delivery
Sign up to receive the free weekly ArtBits
newsletter by e-mail
or by RSS feed.
FRANKLIN COUNTY--The Big Music Weeks of Summer begin this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. There are live shows in Alburgh, Colchester, East Fairfield, Enosburg, Essex, Highgate Springs, Milton, North Hero, St. Albans City and Town, Sheldon, and South Hero. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on wood turner Barry Genzlinger, decorative fiber artist Maureen Genzlinger, potter Martha McGinn, and photojournalist and mixed media artist Cat McKeen with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery continues the online segment Legacy: The Artist's Collection on Facebook and in the gallery. This week's Legacy artist is Nathaniel Williams with a technique demo of a "serene composition and an intensely soft blue sky."
The Bryan Gallery is open Wednesday - Sunday from 11 - 5 or by appointment. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts has a Retrospective Landscape solo exhibit of works by Michael Domina "unless the smoke and smell is too much." The gallery is open Saturday 12 - 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
And Quiet Space Sunday begins each Sunday at noon thru September for a guided meditation followed by conversation, music and art in the historic Kelton Hall. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Downtown hosts a two-day Art and Sidewalk Sale on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Look for visual art, books, live music, and more at businesses across the district. Find them on Facebook for more info. ART FOR SALE
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild offers the Milkweed and Monarch BYOB Paint and Sip with Linda Oakes Carvalho at the MAG Art Center this evening at 6 p.m. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly. The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Click here to register and for more info. ART YOU CREATE
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council has two card workshops this week.
The Swanton Free Public Library hosts Stampin' Up! Cardmaking with Barb in the Maker Space of today at 2 - 4 p.m. All supplies are provided and the $5 fee is credited to any supplies ordered through Stampin' Up.
The library also starts the four-week Christmas in July series with Christmas Cards with Barb in the Maker Space on Saturday at 11 a.m. This is a free art project thanks to a generous anonymous grant to the Swanton Arts Council.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call Barb Switzer (802.752.7917) or Email or the Swanton Library , to register or for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts continues community dancing to lively music in International Community Folk Dancing with instructor Lesley Alpert in the Island Arts Center on Monday at 6 - 7 p.m. DANCE
All dances are taught. No partner required. No experience required, and new students are always welcome. Bring your water bottle. Classes will continue every Monday through July 24. Admission is free, but donations to Island Arts are appreciated. Email Lesley Alpert to verify the class schedule or click here for more info.
ONLINE--Ahki or Aki. The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park land the Abenaki Word of the Week. They will share Abenaki words alongside English translations every week. Find them on Facebook for this week's word. HUMANITIES
MILTON--Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sunday at 1 p.m. Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Click here for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info. IN THE SAC
Despite the "claw back" of funds, COVID cash remains available for Franklin County libraries to perform maintenance and other upgrades. The Vermont Department of Libraries has up to $980,587 in grant funding from Housing and Urban Development and the American Rescue Plan for 185 public libraries in the state. The 16 libraries here serve people in small rural communities. Click here for more info. COVID NEWS
COVID is still here. The state and many municipalities still have home antigen tests, available in libraries and town halls. The federal vaccine supply should last through this summer, which means COVID-19 shots will remain free to the public for that long. After the federal supply is gone, the COVID vaccine will be treated like other vaccinations, and the cost will depend on insurance plans.
Some health plans will offer partial coverage of COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid but that will be plan dependent. As always, check with your insurer for specific information on your plan.
Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the Vermont Health Department still recommends following best practices. Call 855.722.7878 or visit healthvermont.gov for more info about the first or second dose and for booster shots of the vaccine.
My own plan remains unchanged with over 1.1 million U.S. deaths, especially since our precautions have waned. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the boosters, and I still take precautions because neither vaccine nor "natural immunity" is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") plus 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, July 6 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Shane Murley Band today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening into September. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The 2023 Snow Farm Summer Concert Series continues with rock and blues band B-Town this evening at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, July 6-8
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Cooper tonight at 6 p.m. three shows Friday night, Third Shift inside and Dan Parks with Mark Steffenhagen on the deck at 5 p.m., and then Mark Abair and his All Star Band for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Kyle Stevens at 5 p.m., and Soul and Soda starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, July 7
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Cooie and Adlai Friday evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--Jonny Mop plays high energy, high volume rock in the live and free Friday Music Night at the Spanked Puppy on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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 loin roast buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $14 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 Friday Night Music Series continues in the Pub on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX--The Double E continues the Old Stage Summer Series on the Green with Melvin Seals and JGB on Friday at 7 p.m. The series will have nationally-known acts including hometown stars and award-winning tribute bands. Admission starts at $40. Click here for tickets and more info about the show.
Friday-Sunday, July 7-8
ST. ALBANS--14th Star goes live for the "Downtown" weekend. Smokin Gun starts with a night of rock music on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info. Singer/songwriter and star on the rise Breanna Elaine plays live on Saturday night at 6 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 or find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to book a reservation or to visit the art on the walls.
Saturday, July 8
ST. ALBANS--Northwest Farmers Market fills Taylor Park with locally grown food and live music, plus handmade crafts, prepared foods, and free kids activities on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Meet at The Meeting House for a Summer Concert on the Green with Summer Sounds favorites Mango Jam on the outdoor stage on Saturday at 5 p.m. The six piece Burlington dance band play straight-ahead Zydeco as well as New Orleans funk, reggae and ska with Gus Ziesing, accordions, saxophones and vocals; Mimi Ryan, alto saxophone and vocals; Peter Riley, bass and vocals; Dennis Willmott; guitar and vocals; Bill Mullins, guitar; and Michael Bradshaw on drums.
There will be plenty of room boogie on the Green and grab a piece of pie. Light 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River hosts Cooie and Adlai on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue starts its summer season with the Nobby Reed Project featuring special guest Joe Moore on sax on Saturday at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium seats. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Saturday-Sunday July 8-9
NORTH HERO--Island Arts has a busy weekend.
Burlington Taiko Drummers lead two, special, 45-minute drum sessions at the Island Arts Center at the Homer Knight Barn on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. Admission is free for kids with GISU vouchers or $10 for adults. Click here for tickets and more info.
Lake Sorbet Poetry & Guitar with Friends take over the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. Sorbet offers an evening of words and song with poet Kathy Fisher and singer-songwriter Juliana Just Costa with special guests. Admission is $20 in advance at local outlets or $25 online and at the door. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday us the day for an A Cappella Lollapalooza at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The outside concert brings the option to picnic on the green at 5:30, weather permitting; otherwise, concert will move inside the barn. Three ensembles will perform: The Root 7 ensemble appears with Summer Sounds favorites Green Mountain Chorus and the Chordination barbershop quartet.
Root 7 is a contemporary mixed a cappella group with songs by Pink, James Bay, Rusted Root, and more. The Green Mountain Chorus have sounded the chords of Barbershop harmony for over 70 years. The Chordination quartet offers pop, folk, and Broadway in the Barbershop Style. Admission is $25 Click here for tickets and more info.
Tuesday July 11
ENOSBURG FALLS--Summer Concerts in Lincoln Park continue as the Enosburg Town Band continues on the Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. There will be a variety of music, arts and crafts for the kids, popcorn and drinks, and even ice cream sundaes (when available) every Tuesday evening. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, July 12
ESSEX JUNCTION--Trucks Taps & Tunes gets Raised by Hippies on the Green at the Double E with live music, food trucks, and local beer on Wednesday at 5 - 8 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Summer Sounds favorites Carol Ann Jones with Will Patton play live on the Pier at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River taps Julia Parent for Wicked Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series continues with kilt rock with Prydein in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. 14th Star and Pickle's Snack Shack will be on site. Admission is free. The concerts will move to 14th Star Brewery if it rains. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the Lloyd Tyler Band on Wednesday at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE SPRINGS--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series at the Little White Church on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts take place outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Plan Ahead
HIGHGATE--The Town of Highgate begins the 32nd year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with the return of the Tenderbellies in the first free Summer Sounds concert of the season on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday, July 16.
Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for the outdoor family music and festivities. The rain site is the Highgate Arena. Click here for more info.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival's Gloria Chien and Soovin Kim are also Artistic Directors of Chamber Music Northwest in Portland, Oregon, as CMNW explores Poetry in Music. This year's festival will include music from Schubert, Brahms, Faur, and Bolcolm set to the words of Heine, Rickert, Vaerlaine, Angelou, and Dickinson. Opening Night for Poetry in Music premieres Friday at 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton is Captain Radical, the Pirate King of Rock and Roll™ with original music on Spotify, iTunes, and Amazon. He sang gospel on Facebook. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page has a Local Author Open House during the two-day Art and Sidewalk Sale on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Vermont writers will meet the public and sell their books on the sidewalk both days. Find them on Facebook 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 ... |
||
Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
||
Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us
|
This article may also have originally
been published in the traditional print
media. It is
Copyright © 2023 by Richard B. Harper. All rights reserved.
Archival material is provided as-is. Links are not necessarily maintained
(if a link in this article fails, try Google.com or your favorite search engine). Thanks to recent misuse of copyright material on the Internet by individuals and archival firms alike, we emphasize that your rights to this article are limited to viewing it and printing it for personal use only. You must receive explicit permission from the All Arts Council and the author before reprinting or redistributing this article in any medium. Visit our Trademarks and Copyright page for more information. |