| VOLUME 25 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 26, 2021 |
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 Summer Sounds celebrates 30 years of concerts with a blowout bash in Highgate, Snow Farm hits a triple, Island Arts has a double header, and the Meeting House goes banjo wild. There are shows in Colchester, East Fairfield, Essex Junction, Grand Isle, Highgate, Milton, Montgomery, Morrisville, North Hero, Sheldon, South Hero, St. Albans City and Town. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
HIGHGATE--Summer Sounds has a lot to celebrate and it's time to throw a party! The All Arts Council and the Town of Highgate wrap the 30th year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with a Summer Blowout Bash on the new stage on the Highgate Arena lawn on Sunday beginning at the special time of 5 p.m. Lots of continuous music from Jon Gailmor, Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers, the Carol Ann Jones Trio, Mark Shelton, and more. Games. Fair food. More. It's going to be great! IT'S A PARTY
Carol Ann Jones is joined by her Superchargers bandmates Will Patton, guitar, and Gary Spaulding, drums, for an intimate performance of her original music, Americana, and more. Did I say intimate? They may get a little loud.
Jon Gailmor asked us for a "prenatal through prehistoric audience." Highgate can expect an eclectic, emotional, exhilarating, optimistic, and provocative concert from an entertainer equally at home fronting a flagpole in the village park or fronting the Vermont Symphony in the Flynn. Listen for original music, children's songs, ballads, witty ditties, and more. Mr. Gailmor's music is low in cholesterol, high in total audience involvement, and full of hope. He has released six albums, including Checking In. 6 p.m.
Highgate loves the "Hillbilly Cat" and our old friend, Mark Shelton, for his Elvis and Gospel shows but tonight, we've asked him to bring just his astounding voice and maybe Captain Radical for a dynamic performance of music from the 50s to the 70s.
Jazz will mesmerize as Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers take us home. With Glendon Ingalls, bass; Gus Zeising, horns; Chuck Miller, keys; and Felix Anderson, drums; Ms. Johnson is jazzy, bluesy, funky, and nearly perfect. "We'll definitely do the standards," she said, "and I hope my 'Junkettes' will join us!" The Junkettes are Highgate's own young people who have grown up dancing and singing to Ms. Johnson's performances here. 8 p.m.
The Summer Sounds Social in the Park will be in full swing with a little help from Pickle's Snack Shack of Highgate with fried tacos, fresh cut fries, burgers, frickles and more.
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. Find All Arts on Facebook or click here for more info.
Vermont reported 594 new COVID-19 cases last week. The seven-day average test positivity rate averaged about 3% all week. 85.2% of eligible Vermonters have received at least one shot giving us the highest vaccination rate in the nation. Still Delta is twice as contagious as the coronavirus subtype that drove the first wave of the pandemic. And Franklin County lags; 75% of people here in the county have received one or more shots. RESTART NEWS
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 pollen, summer colds, and the winter flu.
Area restaurants and venues are offering live music while other artists and venues continue live streaming online.
MONTGOMERY--ART is ALIVE@the MCA presents the Montomery Art Center's first show and sale in over a year with a viewing of current works by the "Enfant Terrible" of Montgomery VT, artist Drew Lalonde, at a wine and cheese opening at the MCA on Saturday at 4 - 7 p.m. ART ON THE WALLS
Find them on Facebook for more info.
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. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts Intro to Stained Glass with Dayna Sabatino on Saturday at 10 a.m. Spend the day moving through the techniques of stained glass pattern making, glass cutting, and soldering by creating a botanically-inspired piece in colorful glass.
The cost is $125. Click here to enroll and for more info.
COLCHESTER--Once Upon A Rock and the Spanked Puppy host Pebble Art on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Jean Ferguson picks up a rock or a stone or a pebble and "sees a thousand possibilities." She "shops" for rocks and stones on beaches and shorelines all over Vermont. This workshop will use pebbles, rocks, stones, driftwood and lake glass to create artwork. From framed pieces to Christmas ornaments to candle holders, each piece is unique.
The cost is $35. for tickets and more info. Limited seating is available so spaces will go quickly.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts a Wetland Sketching Treasure Hunt with artist Susan Abbott and ecologist Allaire Diamond on Sunday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The drawing and nature workshop starts the morning at MAG to learn sketching techniques, then will caravan to a nearby wetland on a conserved farm for a guided "sketching treasure hunt" of the plants and animals of the small ecosystem. Bring bug spray, a hat, long pants with closed shoes for tick protection, and a picnic lunch.
The cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members, or $15 for families. Click here to reserve a space.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts an Art Social at Fiddlers on the Green restaurant at the Champlain Country Club on Saturday at 6 p.m. IN THE SAC
No plate or greens fees. Grab drink and enjoy. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide COVID-19 restrictions. ON STAGE LIVE
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 pollen, summer colds, and the winter flu.
Thursday, August 26
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The St. Albans Bay Farmers Market offers Eleven live in the Town Bay Park this afternoon at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Summer Concert Series has Contraband covering classic rock at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery this evening at 6:30 p.m.
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.
Thursday-Sunday, August 26-29
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has the Robin Gottfried Band tonight at 5 p.m., two shows each on Friday night, Jerborn with Boxbanger at 5:30 p.m., and then IncaHoots for late night music starting at 9 p.m., and Mitch & Devon at 5:30 p.m., and then Let the Wookie Win for late night music live at 9 p.m. 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.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle on the Bay continues a summer of live music nights live music nights with Cooie singing in the Bistro and the Shane Murley Band on the Bay this evening, the Hubcats on the Bay on Friday, the Nobby Reed Project live on Saturday night on the Bay, and Sugarleaf in the Bistro on Sunday. Music begins at 6 p.m. each evening.
Call 802.372.4814 for reservations or find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, August 27
MORRISVILLE--River Arts and Music on Main presents the Take 5 Jazz Ensemble 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.
COLCHESTER--The Spanked Puppy Summer Music Series presents the Nobby Reed Project on Friday at 6 p.m.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Bob Recupero on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The pulled pork 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.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Raised by Hippies for a night of live music in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey 2021 Summer Music series continues with a girl and her guitar, 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.
Friday-Saturday, August 27-28
NORTH HERO--Dave Miller plays live in the Steamship Bar and Grill on Friday and Jeff & Gina return on Saturday at North Hero House. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info. NHH has live music on Friday or Saturday evenings.
Saturday, August 28
EAST FAIRFIELD--The live Meeting House on the Green Summer Concerts continue with Summer Sounds favorites VT Bluegrass Pioneers on Saturday at 5 p.m. Brothers Banjo Dan and Willy Lindner, plus Sam Blagden, and Danny Coane share lead and harmony vocals for hard-driving, first-generation bluegrass.
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.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents an A Cappella Lollapalooza Concert with Chordination, Green Mountain Chorus, and High Voltage Quartet in the Island Arts Center at The Homer Knight Barn on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Gates at 5:30 for a "bring-it-yourself" picnic.
Admission is $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Click here for tickets and more info.
COLCHESTER--The Spanked Puppy Summer Music Series presents Shake on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Special Series presents Rusty Dewees and the Logger's Mack Truck Comedy and Music Show with fiddler Patrick Ross at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $20. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts the Flycatchers on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Call 802.524.1405, find them on Facebook, or click here for more info.
ESSEX--The Double E presents Bella's Bartok and West End Blend on the Essex Experience Green on Saturday at 8 p.m. Doors at 7.
This group and event has nothing to do with Franklin County but they sound good and I like the name. It's a tossup whether Franz Liszt or Béla Bartók was Hungary's greatest composer so I have always wanted to meet Bella's Bartok. OK, maybe not since they have "evolved" from street-punk performers to an electric, brass-filled, accordion-based spectacle. I had kind of figured on head banging but I'm not sure you can bang anything with an accordion.
Admission is $20. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, August 29
GRAND ISLE--Island Arts presents 19th Century American Charm in Song and Dance with soprano Allison Steinmetz and tenor Cameron Steinmetz accompanied by keyboardist Artis Wodehouse on harpsichord in the United Methodist Church on Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Williston-based duo will sing popular tunes from 19th century America and recreate two of the iconic social dances of the period, the waltz and the polka. Ms. Wodehouse will play an 1864 foot-pump melodeon, a revival bentside spinet harpsichord, and modern piano.
Admission is $20. Click here for tickets and more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Special Series presents Island Stage with an evening of short plays by New England playwrights at the Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery on Sunday at 6 p.m. Twelve actors playing sixteen roles directed by six directors have comedic, dramatic, and quirky adventures exploring the way that perceptions can be unreliable, uproarious and ultimately unifying.
Admission is $12. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--Summer Sounds is throwing a party to wrap the 30th year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate in a Summer Blowout Bash with Jon Gailmor, Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers, the Carol Ann Jones Trio, Mark Shelton, all on the Highgate Arena lawn and more on Sunday beginning at the special time of 5 p.m. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The monthly Celebration of Expressive Arts continues at the INN with art 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 artist is graphic designer Roxanne Brault. The featured musician is singer-songwriter J.D. Thompson. 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, September 1 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 Alex Cohen Acoustic 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.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro continues a summer of live music with Andy Hoadley on Wednesday at 6 p.m. No cover charge. Enjoy outdoor tent seating by reservation.
Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX--The Hubcats continue their summer residency at the Tavern at the Essex Resort on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. "Folk music without borders," the local group plays covers and original music. The evenings continue through September 1.
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. ON THE 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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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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