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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BIG MUSIC WEEKS
CALIFORNIA SOUNDS
Each concert will bring back a group that played the first decade of this popular series. We introduced a folk duo from Massachusetts shortly after they married in 1997:Anderson-Gram play an easy-going blend of folk, country, and bluegrass, often originals that paint pictures of everyday life. Gayle Anderson has a fine contralto folk voice, often called "a little bit sweet" and usually takes the lead. Bob Gram brings the strong baritone harmonies as well as lead vocals. They have played together since they met at an open mic 24 years ago.
The husband and wife duo disappeared to California shortly after playing Summer Sounds (yes, that was a coincidence) and have returned to their Massachusetts roots this summer. They have played Bethlehem Musikfest, Cambridge Center For the Arts, San Francisco Folk Festival, Seafest of Nova Scotia, Sonoma Songwriters Showcase, and many more.
Anderson-Gram can be heard on folk and acoustic radio stations and radio shows across North America, in Belgium and Siberia. They have released four albums, Across the Great Divide, Ring of Fire, Small Town Saturday Night and released Cover to Cover in 2013.
The Summer Sounds concerts are sponsored by the Town of Highgate and the All Arts Council, and underwritten by Chevalier Drilling, Desorcie's Market, Drummac Septic Service, O. C. McCuin & Sons, and Ray's Extrusion Dies Tubing.
The community based All Arts Council brings the performing arts to northwestern Vermont. The concerts are always on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m., always in a town park, and always free. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair as you settle in to enjoy outdoor family music and festivities. Click here for the schedule.
ART ON THE WALLS
Come for the fine art, stay for the food and music. Or come for the music. And so on. Participating artists include A.I.R. members woodworker Toby Fulweiler and folk artists Larry Langlais and Barbara Langevin of Highgate, plus Martha Ohliger of Fairfax, young artist honoree Natalie Reed and many more.
Click here for more info.
CALL FOR PLAYERS
The week of jamming, songwriting, and playing in bands is for students in grades 4 to 8. Andrew Frappier will guide bands that form fluidly based on the campers' interests. Campers will cover the elements of music, improve their instrumentals, and jam.
The camp ends with a performance on Friday, August 14. The cost is $75 for the week and $50 for each additional child in the family. Call 802.933.6171 or click here for more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
ST. ALBANS--The One Fed Summer Concert Series presents Tyme's Up this evening at 7 p.m.
The four piece rock cover band plays driving, classic rock from Harlequin, Journey, The Police, Santana, and more with Tim Campbell, keyboards, guitar, vocals; Brian Gratton, guitar and lead vocals; Pete Coutu bass guitar and vocals, and Tom Reardon, drums, sampling effects, vocals.
The summer concert series has performers under the tents every Thursday, rain or shine.
Thursday through Sunday
BURLINGTON--The Breakwater Cafe and Grill summer series features Summer Sounds favorites Mango Jam Band tonight starting at 6 p.m. and Mr. French on Friday evening, plus Franklin County favorites Nightrain on Saturday, and the Island Time Steel Drums on Sunday.
The summer schedule has performers playing Wednesday through Sunday but it is weather dependent so call the cafe (802.658.6276) or Click here for more info.
Friday
ST. ALBANS--The Downtown Summer Concert Series presents No Left Turn in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
The concert is free. Food and drink will be available.
Friday and Saturday
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs presents Coon Hill John on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Next up, Almost Nowhere takes over on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Call 802.524.1405 or click here for
more info or booking requests.
Saturday
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place hosts Hammer Jam, the 12 hours of music Benefit for Habitat for Humanity on Saturday starting at noon. More than 25 acts include the Starline Rhythm Boys, Kohn Gailmor, Blue Fox, Mark LeGrand, Sweet and Lowdown, and MC Rusty Dewees.
Admission is $13 in advance and $15 at the gate. Tickets are available at Moog's, Lost Nation Brewing, and more. Click here for more info.
STOWE--The Trapp Family Lodge features singer-songwriter Carol Ann Jones with Jon Sochin on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Schoolhouse Learning Center hosts a family contra dance with caller Mark Sustic and the Woodbury Strings Band Lab and Fiddleheads on Saturday at 3 p.m. "This will be a super fun dance!" Mr. Sustic said. Participants who are also musicians may sit in with the band
Admission is by a suggested donation of $8 for adults, $15 family, any donation for ages 12 - 18, and free for under 12.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Justice is doing the Backstage Boogie at the Backstage Pub and Restaurant on Saturday, August 8 at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday
BURLINGTON--UVM presents the Nobby Reed Project in a free summer concert in front of the Dudley Davis Building on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Vermont's own blues trio includes Eric Belrose, percussion, Ray Bushey, bass, and Mr. Reed on lead guitar and vocals.
Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Citizens Concert Band returns to the Downtown Summer Concert Series in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Under the direction of Kevin Loomis, the Band seats about 45 musicians in all ages from high school soloists to working professionals. Vocalist Claire Chevalier Hungerford is renowned for her role in Counterpoint.
Call 802.868.7185 or click here for
more info.
The rain site for this concert is St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
FILM
Kids who bring a box that they can fit inside will turn it into a car to "drive up" and watch the outdoor movie. SAC volunteers are needed to help the kids who bring a box that they can fit inside turn it into that car to drive up.
Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a family of four or more. Email if you want to help during the event.
