DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 25 * * All Arts News On the Web * * July 22, 2021

STUFF YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

      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.


     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.

Search ArtBits


BIG MUSIC WEEKS

FRANKLIN COUNTY--The Big Music Weeks of Summer begins this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. Summer Sounds celebrates 30 years of concerts in Highgate. There are shows in Burlington, East Fairfield, Enosburg, Essex and Essex Junction, Milton, Montgomery, Morrisville, North Hero, Shelburne, Sheldon, South Hero, and St. Albans City and Town.


THE KEY TO SUMMER!

BREAKING NEWS: Bad News and Good News
THE BAD: John Bartus checked in with Allegiant for their flight, drove to Fort Lauderdale whereupon Allegiant cancelled their flight. No warning. No help rescheduling. No apology. He on his phone and I here couldn't get them into Burlington or Plattsburgh before 11 p.m. tonight.
THE GOOD: Singer-songwriter Andy Hoadley will step in! Live music starts at 7 p.m.
HIGHGATE--The Hampton Inn St. Albans, the All Arts Council, and the Town of Highgate continue the 30th year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with singer-songwriter Andy Hoadley flying in from East Berkshire to the new stage on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at 7 p.m.
      I was so glad to entice John to bring his guitars for another visit and for a northern CD Release Party for his long-awaited CD, After the Storm. The lead-off single, Blue Zone, premiered on YouTube and the songs "can be downloaded and streamed from most of the usual places." He'll have a few CDs with him for sale as well. This will be the most fun we can have without driving to the Keys.
      Very few towns or cities could ever claim that their Mayor was a smokin' hot guitar player. The island city of Marathon in the Florida Keys is one of those towns. "While politics is a temporary call to service, music is a life sentence," he said. Mr. Bartus, a full-time pro with four decades in as musician, singer, songwriter, and city councillor, continues to raise the bar with his groundbreaking solo show. He has love songs, love-gone-wrong songs, and story songs about characters like the fun-loving Joe from Vegas Town, the Drifter from Hit the Road Again, and the smuggler who ran out of luck in Kiss Your Life Goodbye. There are songs about dealing with life and death and the tribute to the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia astronauts as well as Mr. Bartus' father, a Saturn IB launch engineer. And, of course, there are the Trop Rock songs that show the influence of living in a tropical island town for 30 years.

      Just before the concert, come to the Summer Sounds Social in the Park starting at 6 p.m.
      The Summer Sounds concerts are sponsored by the Town of Highgate and the All Arts Council, and underwritten by Chevalier Drilling Co. Inc, Desorcie's Market, Drummac Septic Service, Hampton Inn of St. Albans, O. C. McCuin and Sons, and Ray's Extrusion Dies and Tubing.
      The community based All Arts Council brings the Performing arts to northwestern Vermont. The concerts are always on Sunday evenings, always at 7 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 United Methodist Church. Click here for more info.


ART ON THE WALLS

     Vermont has lifted all statewide COVID-19 restrictions but the case count is rising again, even here.
      Here's my own current advice, updated to today. Get the shot(s) and take precautions. The vaccines are extraordinarily effective but nothing is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Wear a 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. Bonus: it will also help protect you from summer colds and the winter flu.


ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery has asked members to participate in their People's Choice Event. Member artists have entered a piece of art for the theme "Eye to Eye."
      All gallery visitors are asked to look for the People's Choice artwork and to vote for their favorite. The two members with the most votes at the end of July will have bragging rights; the winning artwork will be made into cards and sold to benefit AIR.
      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.


WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library presents Summer Sounds favorite Jon Gailmor's Adult Songwriting Workshop at the Library on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
      In this special workshop for adults, Mr. Gailmor will teach how to write, compose, and perform original music. Whether you're a newcomer or an old musical hat, there will be something to learn and enjoy. He has taught music and stagecraft for over 40 years; the workshop is courtesy of a grant from the Children’s Literacy Fund.
      Click here for free tickets and more info.


MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild will host the second installment of Watercolors with Gary Eckhart at the MAG Art Center today with the third on July 27, both at 6 p.m. The three in-person sessions of painting in watercolor will be devoted to the utilization of textures to develop dynamic paintings that are more exciting and desirable by collectors.
      The cost is $80 for members or $85 for non-members. Find them on Facebook for more info and to reserve a space.


MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts Wednesday Night Live at Oxbow park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Facilitators help all ages complete art projects while local musicians play the stage. Admission is free.


BIG DEAL

     Congratulations to the Big Deal Raffle winners; there were so many entries, they had to stir them with a canoe paddle in a wading pool. The fundraiser for Local Arts Organizations supported the Artist in Residence, the Milton Artists' Guild, the Swanton Arts Council, and the Vermont Dance Alliance. The Grand Prize is $5,000 in cash. Other prizes include MAG gift cards. Find them on Facebook for the drawing.


WALKING WITH WORDS

NORTH HERO--The Vermont Humanities Council presents Words in the Woods with Verandah Porche at Knight Point State Park on Saturday at 11 a.m. In this live presentation, the southern Vermont poet leads an in-person visit at the state park.
      Email organizer Rachel Edens or click here for more info.


ON STAGE LIVE

     Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide COVID-19 restrictions but the case count is rising again, even here.
      Here's my own current advice, updated to today. Get the shot(s) and take precautions. The vaccines are extraordinarily effective but nothing is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Wear a 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. Bonus: it will also help protect you from summer colds and the winter flu.


Thursday, July 22
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Summer Concert Series has Quadra at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery this evening at 6:30 p.m. The famed 40 year old band will rock and roll the night away.
      The live summer series offers a variety of music, from classical to jazz to swing to bluegrass to classic rock. Concerts are held every Thursday evening into September, weather permitting. Picnicking begins at 5 p.m. Wine and a local craft beer are available for purchase. Bring your own chairs and blankets. click here for more info.


BURLINGTON--Abby Sherman and the Way North plays Nectar's this evening at 8:30 p.m. Doors at 5:00. The original blues/rock show is free. Click here for more info.


Thursday-Saturday, July 22-24
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle on the Bay has adjusted their directional sign. They continue a summer of live music nights with Some Hollow Duo this evening, Cooper and Corn on Friday, and the Flycatchers live on Saturday. Music begins at 6 p.m. each evening.
      Call 802.372.4814 for reservations or find them on Facebook for more info.


ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has Shane's Apothecary tonight, two shows Friday night, the Trevor Ryan Duo at 5 p.m., and then NightHawk for late night music starting at 9 p.m., and Jeff Shelley live on Saturday night. Music usually starts at 5:30 on Thursday and 6 p.m. other nights. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. And to confirm. Click here to reserve a table.


Friday, July 23
MORRISVILLE--River Arts and Music on Main presents Stefani Capizzi blending soul, country, blues, and folk music at the Union Bank gazebo on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
      The downtown music series is a partnership of River Arts and the Morristown Alliance for Culture and Commerce (MACC). Bring a chair, get a bite to eat from a local restaurant, and enjoy the downtown while listening to local musicians. Admission is free. click here for more info.


MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Sean & Gerry on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The meatball subs buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m.
      The buffet costs $12 per person ($5 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.


SHELDON--The Abbey 2021 Summer Music series continues with Laura Fedele-Rasco on the Back 40 Farm Wagon on Friday at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting or in the Pub if it rains. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Eleven at Mill River Brewing on Friday at 7 p.m.
      Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday-Saturday, July 23-24
ST. ALBANS--The Two Towns Band makes their Twiggs debut on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Vermont indie rockers Zac Young, lead singer and rhythm guitar, and Hunter Myers, lead guitar, have a busy summer touring across New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Then, on Saturday, Tom Caswell and Scott Totten team up to play "sweet blues" in the window starting at 6:30.
      Call 802.524.1405, find them on Facebook, or click here for more info.


Saturday, July 24
ENOSBURG--Country Boy Classics presents Bonfire: A Tribute to AC/DC on the custom stage across the covered bridge on Saturday at 5 p.m.
      Admission is $20. Terry and Joanne Magnan Email or click here for more info.


NORTH HERO--Blue Rock Boys play live in the Steamship Bar and Grill at North Hero House on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Cliff Crosby, vocals, acoustic guitar, and harp; Eric Bushey, vocals,4 and 5-string banjos, and electric guitar; and Sabina Perkins, vocals and percussion; blend originals and covers of old fiddle tunes, vintage county, R&B, jazz, and classic rock. Find them on Facebook for more info. NHH has live music on Wednesday and Friday or Saturday evenings.


ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Chris & Erica for a night of live music in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SHELBURNE--The Vermont Symphony Orchestra returns to its July open-air concerts with Summer Under the Stars featuring singer-songwriter Francesca Blanchard and conducted by Matt LaRocca at Shelburne Museum on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Gates at 5:30.
      Admission is $5 - 28. Click here for tickets and more info.


Sunday, July 25
HIGHGATE--The Hampton Inn St. Albans, the All Arts Council, and the Town of Highgate continue the 30th year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with singer-songwriter Andy Hoadley on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Click here for more info.


EAST FAIRFIELD--The Jig is back. The 29th annual Jig in the Valley takes over the Meeting House green for the party on Sunday starting at noon.
      Eight hours of music includes the Dale and Darcy Band, Christine Malcolm and the Beautiful People, Missisquoi River Band, the Oleo Romeos' Big-Ass Variety Show, and the Nobby Reed Project. Special guests include Vermont sax man Joe Moore, Telecaster master George Lewis, New Orleans trumpeter Al Zanzler, and West Virginia's Phil Rolleston.
      There will be flea market vendors, a silent auction, the world famous pie table, and free ice cream. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family. All proceeds go to supporting the Fairfield Community Center programs. Concerts are held outdoors. Call 802.827.6626 or click here for more info.


Missisquoi River Band, the Oleo Romeo's Big-Ass Variety Show, and the Nobby Reed Project. Special guests include Vermont sax man Joe Moore, Telecaster master George Lewis, New Orleans trumpeter Al Zanzler, and West Virginia's Phil Rolleston.
      There will be flea market vendors, a silent auction, the world famous pie table, and free ice cream. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family. All proceeds go to supporting the Fairfield Community Center programs. Concerts are held outdoors. Call 802.827.6626 or click here for more info.


MONTGOMERY--The monthly Celebration of Expressive Arts continues at the INN with comedy and music on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. The event officially includes everything but dancing, but there is always hope. Come early for dinner; service begins at 5 p.m.
      This month, the featured comedian is jokester, prankster, and storyteller Jane A. Peters. The featured musician is Cooie DeFrancesco. The local artists, writers and musicians gather to share original and thought provoking work. Make reservations online or by phone (802.326.4391). Find them on Facebook for more info.


Wednesday, July 28
ESSEX--The Essex Experience presents Trucks Taps and Tunes with family-friendly live music, cold beer, and food on the Essex Green each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents Daniel Rahilly 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.


NORTH HERO--Dale and Darcy play live in the Steamship Bar and Grill for at North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info. NHH has live music on Wednesday and Friday or Saturday evenings.


SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro continues their summer of live music with Carol Anne Jones and Jon Sochin on Wednesday at 6 p.m. They will play every other Wednesday evening this summer. No cover charge. Enjoy outdoor tent seating by reservation. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series presents Squirrel in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. There will be no food or beverage sales this summer. Admission is free.


NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents the Citizens Concert Band with singer Jennifer McConnell in a concert at the Homer Knight Barn on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The concert will include traditional band favorites, jazzy numbers, and show and pop tunes.
      Admission is $10 Click here for more info.


ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE

     Live events have returned and artists are seeing fewer online visits so this is the final roundup of virtual music and events.

Thursday, July 15
      On the Frost Jazz Hour UM, the Troy Roberts and Tim Jago Quartet plays live on Facebook today at 11 a.m. The University of Miami Jazz Department broadcasts live from WDNA 88.9 FM studios every Thursday at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Anyone on or off Facebook is invited. Find future events on Facebook.


Friday, July 23
      Summer Sounds favorite John Bartus will perform Social Distancing Concert 66, Live from the Florida Keys, thanks to Facebook Live at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Find him on Facebook for the watch party. He will join us for Summer Sounds in Highgate on Sunday.


Wednesday, July 21
      Big Heavy World presents Rocket Shop, the original local music radio hour hosted by Tom Proctor, every Wednesday night from 8 - 9 p.m. Vermont artists from across the state perform live in every genre on 105.9FM The Radiator in Burlington and as a podcast on bigheavyworld.com.


Ongoing
      This extended version of Beck's Bolero with his backwards guitar at the end features Jeff Beck (lead guitars), Jimmy Page (12 string rhythm), John Paul Jones (bass), Keith Moon (drums) and Nicky Hopkins (piano). The 1966 instrumental track is on YouTube.
      By contrast, composer Maurice Ravel's own Bolero is on YouTube.


      Practice.
      Carnegie Hall Selects presents Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin on www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2021/07/23/Carnegie-Hall-Selects-Tchaikovskys-Eugene-Onegin-1200PMCarnegieHall.org on Friday at 12 noon. In a concert filmed at the 2007 Salzburg Festival, Daniel Barenboim conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with a cast led by Peter Mattei and Anna Samuil.
      Presented as part of Live with Carnegie Hall, the series of free concert films from stages around the world will feature some of the greatest performances of music important to Carnegie Hall's history. A new film will be released each Friday through August 13; each will stream for one week exclusively on the Hall's website.


      Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Elvis by Request on Facebook on Friday. He's on tour but managed an evening of gospel on Facebook on Sunday.
      Follow him on Facebook for a link to future offerings.


ON THE 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 ...
All Arts Council of Franklin County
Cambridge Arts Council
Franklin County Regional
Chamber of Commerce
Island Arts
St Albans Community Arts
Swanton Arts Council
Young Tradition Vermont

Music!

Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County
Summer Sounds
Summer Music at Grace
Downtown Summer Concert Series
Summer Evenings with
Vermont Treasures
Citizens Band
Wednesday Night Live
Enosburg Town Band


SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!


AAC dancing logo

All Arts Council of Franklin County

Support Free Speech on the Internet
Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us

Go to [ Dick Harper | All Arts Index | ArtBits Archive ]

      This article may also have originally been published in the traditional print media. It is Copyright © 2021 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.