| VOLUME 28 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | January 11, 2024 |
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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MORRISVILLE--River Arts seeks a Programs Manager for oversight of all adult and youth programs, as well as summer camps, community events, and special programs. Email or click here for more info. JOB! JOIN A COMMUNITY ARTS ORGANIZATION
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council seeks local artists to teach art classes or lead other arts programing this year. Funding is available both to pay for supplies and to pay a stipend to the teacher/leader. All art programming will be free to participants. Programming can be done in person, or virtually, as appropriate. Email Ali Boren for more info.
SWANTON--The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association features certified fine, decorative, and performing artists. This week, they focus on traditional beadworker Vicki Blanchard who also makes stoneware and earthenware. Click here for her story and a look at her work. ART ON THE WALLS
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Vermont's kaleidoscope landscape with the pastel Vermont Blues by Jacob Aguiar on Facebook.
The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The Stowe location is open 11 - 5 on Thursday, and Sunday, and 11 - 6 on Friday and Saturday but the main showcase in Jeffersonville is closed for winter break. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company holds the weekly Maker's Market in the Taproom on Sunday from 1 - 3 p.m. The pop-up booths host local crafters and makers every Sunday afternoon. Find them on Facebook for more info. ART FOR SALE
ONLINE--Vermont Humanities offers Monumental Mobility: The Memory Work of Massasoit with historian Jean O'Brien as a digital event on Zoom on Wednesday at 7 p.m. HUMANITIES
A monument depicting Massasoit welcoming the Pilgrims marked the 300th anniversary of the landing of the English. The discussion will reckon with settler colonialism and narratives of national origins. Click here to register and for more info.
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
MORRISVILLE--River Arts offers Collaborate & Connect Through Art with Jen Volanksy in the Mindful Art Series today at 5:30 p.m. The process-based session is to create art in games invented by Surrealists, designed to stimulate creativity through collaboration. Tuition is $30. Click here to enroll and for more info.
COVID-19 is still here. COVID NEWS
The weeks around the holidays mean more Vermonters require medical help for COVID infections. As of December 30, there were 56 hospitalizations statewide, up from 52 the prior week. That includes 16 new admissions in Franklin County, up from 12 last week. COVID levels have risen in wastewater samples in Essex Junction, Montpelier, and South Burlington. Hospitalizations are also rising nationally. There were six more COVID-related deaths reported statewide in the week ending November 18 for a pandemic total of 1,061 in Vermont.
Vaccines are available for COVID, the Flu, and RSV, the three main viruses that cause people to end up in a hospital in the Fall and Winter respiratory virus season. According to the state COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination Dashboard just 14% of Franklin County residents have received the new COVID vaccine, trailed only by Essex County. That compares to about 21% of Vermonters who have had the latest COVID-19 vaccine and 33% of Vermonters who have gotten a flu shot.
COVID vaccines are 100% free to everyone 6 months and older living in the United States, regardless of immigration or insurance status. The free shots are available via health insurance, Medicare, and through federally qualified health centers, pharmacies participating in the federal Bridge Program, or district health department offices. Free N95 masks are also available at many of the same locations. Pharmacies in Vermont may now give COVID-19 shots to kids ages 3 and older. Click here for more info.
Every U.S. household may order four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to home. The state and many municipalities also still have home antigen tests, available in libraries and town halls or food pantries. Click here for more info.
Some health plans will also 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.
The 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, especially since our precautions have waned and the new COVID variant dodges our current immunity. 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, January 11 ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Rebecca Padula for Acoustic Thursday this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, January 11-13
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Left Eye Jump tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, King Me at 5 p.m., and then Toast returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Elizabeth Begins at 5 p.m., and Lawless at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, January 12
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Chris and Issy for a night of live acoustic music in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Off The Rails at One Federal often has live performances in the lounge on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, January 12-14
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has double header weekends in January with Giovanina Bucci on Friday and then Amerikana Blue on live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Saturday, January 13
ST. ALBANS--The Depot presents 90 Proof for dancing songs and classic rock favorites on Saturday night at 9 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge. Food for purchase and cash bar will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, January 17
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Erica Couture & Emilie Paquette for a night of live music in The Room on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
This year's "looking forward columns" are spread over two weeks. Last week, we showcased upcoming Arts Council and Opera House events. This week we look at the Four Franklin County Festivals and our Town Bands plus Humanities and Other Major Presenters' plans. There could be 300 concerts, exhibits, recitals, and shows from more than 40 organizations. LOOKING FORWARD
COLD HOLLOW SCULPTURE PARK ARTS CENTERS AND GALLERIES 2024
The admission-free, immersive Park will re-open June 10 for the summer. David Stromeyer is making "quite a puzzle" of curlicues for a piece yet to be named. It will be installed for the 2024 season. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The MCA has plans for increased children's programming, free public events, exhibits, and opportunities in the arts. They are looking for volunteers and interested participants. MCA-Kelton Hall is available year-round to rent for workshops or events. Click here for more info.
VERMONT ABENAKI ART ASSOCIATION
The Abenaki Art Association has a membership of certified fine, decorative and performing artists, skilled in wood, horn, bone, and stone working, clothing and fashion accessories, painting and sculpture, song, dance, and storytelling. The offer context with historians and consultants. Their Beyond The Curve Special Exhibit continues this month. The 2024 Abenaki Heritage Weekend will take place in June.
Taken together, the four major Franklin County area Festivals attract around 100,000 people to extravaganzas of outdoor arts and entertainment here. The schedules may very well change in the coming months. THE FESTIVALS 2024
VERMONT MAPLE FESTIVAL
Totally eclipsed by Vermont Maple! The 57th Vermont Maple Festival is on the calendar for April 26-28; it is the first major outdoor festival of the year. St. Albans City and Town host three days of family education and entertainment including the Sappy Art Show at the Village Frame Shoppe. The parade will wind through Downtown. The Main Street stage will offer entertainment. Lots of contests including Photo, Art, Maple Products, Maple Cooking, Ambassador, and Window Displays. Rides, Main Street concession stands, and Taylor Park Entertainment with clowns, balloon making, and face painting. The annual Pancake breakfast is a great "sit-down" start to the day and Nellie's Donuts, Maple Candy, and Maple Cotton Candy keep you on your feet. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
VERMONT DAIRY FESTIVAL
The 68th Vermont Dairy Festival spotlights Franklin County performers in a benefit weekend for the Lions Club traditionally held on the first weekend of June (on June 6-9 this year). In addition to the continuous music, there are dairy competitions, the Parade, Abe's Cabin, the famed chicken BBQ, the Milk Run, Super Bingo, and so much more.
The Lions are always looking for dedicated women and men to join because it is the people who serve who make the real difference. They will determine this year's plans within the next few weeks. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
JIG IN THE VALLEY
The 32nd Jig in the Valley benefits the East Fairfield Community Center with a family day of music and picnicking on the last weekend in July. This concert helps raise funds and awareness for the NMC regional health center, pre-school, Head Start, Teen, and Senior Citizen programs. They will determine this year's plans for the 30th Jig within the next few weeks. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS
The "Four Best Days of Summer," Franklin County Field Days is looking for a new home. They have swelled Highgate with crafts, exhibits, agricultural exhibits, cattle judging, antique tractor pulls, rides, and more but the state and the Federal Aviation Administration say they must move from the Franklin County Airport.
Find them on Facebook for more info or Click here for more info. They will determine this year's plans for the 48th Field Days with hopes of filling the tents, the grounds, the buildings, and the stage with popular bands and solo performers from near and far. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule and perhaps the location.
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE The weekly program series will have eight presentations this Spring in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack. This season includes the Scottish Highlands, How Our Minds Influence the Effects of Sleight-of-Hand Magic, discussions about St. Albans, and more. Registration opens soon. Click here for more info. HUMANITIES
SAINT ALBANS MUSEUM
The Museum will have a lineup of performances, exhibits, and educational programs. The Valentine's Dance fundraiser comes next month. Their History from Home is a free online portal has galleries with Model Medicine, Untold Stories, and Our Historic Church Street community history videos, articles, and activities for all ages. Click here for more info.
VERMONT HUMANITIES COUNCIL
The Vermont Humanities Council engages Vermonters in ideas, fosters a thoughtful culture, and inspires a lifelong love of reading and learning. They offer a combination of wide-ranging in-person and online programming including the arts, book discussions, film, history, Vermont Reads, and more. The VHC 1st Wednesdays recordings are online for anyone who missed a talk. The VHC statewide, one-book program, Vermont Reads, continues with Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo through June. Click here for more info.
MAJOR PRESENTERS ON STAGE 2024
Bay Day, the BFA Performing Arts Center, Church Street Sounds of the Season, and the eclectic Music at Grace schedules are all still uncertain at press time.
Celebration of Expressive Arts is beginning to plan CEA 2024 at the INN. They've asked that anyone with specific artists or broad ideas and requests to comment or message them on Facebook.
Comedy for a Cause can raise a few thousand dollars for a non-profit or someone else's worthy cause as an event hosted through Twiggs. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Events for Tom an eclectic mix of performances including the annual Farewell Reunion Concert at Grace Church, all to help support families of childhood cancer patients. Email or Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Meeting House on the Green holds outdoor events in East Fairfield and has a "sneak(y) preview" of the 10-concert Summer 2024 Music Series: Michael Hurley is coming to town in April and the Atlas Tango Project returns at the other end of the season in October. In between, they have Beg, Steal or Borrow; the Paul Asbel Quartet featuring Michael Zsoldos; Lewis Franco & the Missing Cats, Annie and the Hedonists, and more. The series raises money for restoration projects. The Meeting House is a coveted venue; players and audiences alike have discovered the magic of the small and intimate setting for some of the best music in northern Vermont. Click here to learn more and donate online or send a contribution to MHG, Box 16, East Fairfield, VT 05448.
Northwest Access TV offers room for classes, more studio shows, and new equipment for community use. They have courses, movies in the parks, as well as concerts and arts programming. And, of course, they have local shows and events. Click here for more info.
Restaurants in and beyond Franklin County had some art on the walls and music in the halls last year. We expect Twiggs and the Clothier, 14th Star, the Abbey, Arrowhead Country Club, Bayside, the Blue Paddle, the Depot, the Double E, the INN, Mill River Brewing, Moog's, North Hero House, Off the Rails, On Tap, the St. Albans Bay Farmers Market, the Taphouse, and more to feature artists and exceptional music with a regular roster of Franklin County musicians several nights each week.
School art shows include FNESU's annual Art Gala and the annual Maple Run Art Show. The shows bring together hundreds of two and three dimensional pieces in schools and halls around the County.
The Sunset Park Concerts in Key Colony Beach begin January28 with the Lady A Band in the new tiki. Summer Sounds favorite John Bartus will anchor the new season. "Music is a powerful tool that brings people together and creates memories that last a lifetime."
Summer Sounds, Franklin County's premiere outdoor concert series, enters its 33rd season on the Highgate Arena and under the leadership of the Highgate Rec Director. This summer will offer a lineup of bluegrass, classical, country, folk, jazz, pop, opera, and classic rock-n-roll, all supported by the best public-private partnership in the state. The concerts are always on a Sunday night, always in a Town Park, always at 6 p.m. and always free.
The Vermont Youth Orchestra season including the Turning Pointe and Summer Symphony plus OrchestraPalooza, and more, will be live at the Flynn or at the Elley-Long Music Center. There will be virtual master classes, lesson programs, and endangered instruments. This season, over 300 musicians in grades 1 - 12 from 60 elementary, middle, and high schools in 41 towns from across Vermont and neighboring states including several from Franklin County. Programs are based at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College. Click here for more info.
Young Tradition-Vermont's traditional music and dance give young people opportunities "to be inspired and inspiring, to learn and teach, to perform, and to serve the communities they live in and visit." They offer Touring Group, Fiddle Heads, Trad Camp, Young Tradition Festival, the Instrument Petting Zoo, the Instrument Loan Program, and Fam Jam. YTV became part of Vermont Folklife in 2022. Click here for more info.
TOWN BANDS
The Citizens Concert Band season includes outdoor concerts on alternating summer Wednesdays plus select winter events. Click here for more info.
The Enosburg Town Band should begin rehearsals for the 2024 season this spring. Everyone above the beginner level is welcome to participate. Email with questions or to join the band or click here for more info.
New members (high school age through adult) are always welcome at both bands.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF, PART II
Your local library has community programs, events, and more. And thousands of books hot off the press or ready for your e-reader.
At Bent-Northrup Memorial Library, look for Franklin County Photogs, the unique hybrid photography club that welcomes everyone, meets in person or online on the second Tuesday. The Franklin County Beekeepers takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month. Adult Art with Ben Raymond is back by popular demand to spark your creativity on Thursday, January 30. Pick up Feed Me: A Story of Food, Love, and Mental Illness by Vermont author Erika Nichols-Frazer this month for the February Community Book Discussion. BNML will have an open seat on their Board of Trustees to fill on Town Meeting Day. See Sarah at the Library for the details. Click here for more info.
The Winter Reading Club for Baby/Toddler, Child, Teen, and Adult readers is going on now at the Highgate Library and Community Center. Upcoming for the Adult Virtual Book Club is The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. Other programs include Needle Felting with Carolyn Kittell, the ongoing Curbside Craft, day passes, and more. Email or Click here for more info.
The St. Albans Free Library has Mah Jong on Mondays and Thursdays; the Book Cellar and Book Group on Tuesdays; Classic Movie Night; Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries; and a host of other events and services. Click here for more info.
The Swanton Library has computers and printing, book sales, online databases for research, museum and park passes, Learning Express, two book clubs, and home learning. They offer homeschool resources, Terrific Tuesdays, Knitting Circle, Crafts, ASL, and much more. Click here for more info.
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
email us
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