DANCE - FINE ARTS - MUSIC - THEATER - WRITING

ARTBITS by Richard B. Harper


VOLUME 26 * * All Arts News On the Web * * June 29, 2022

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.

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BIG MUSIC WEEKS

FRANKLIN COUNTY--The Big Music Weeks of Summer begin this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. There are live shows in Colchester, East Burke, Enosburg Falls, Essex, Fairfax, Franklin, Georgia, Milton, North Hero, St. Albans City, St. Albans Town, South Hero, and Westford.


PANDEMIC NEWS

      Vermont has begun vaccinating young children against COVID-19. Still, about 71,000 eligible Vermonters age 5 and older have not yet received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
      The Vermont Department of Health reported June 22 that cases and hospitalizations continue to decline and are considered "Low." Levels are at their lowest since the surge in cases that began last August. COVID-19 has caused total of 682 deaths in the state so far; ten people had died by mid-June alone after 32 died in May. The state reported 574 new COVID-19 cases statewide last week. Franklin County reported 47 cases in the 14 days ending Saturday.
      Vermont relies on self reporting. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests from COVIDtests.gov. Need other tests? COVIDtests.govalso has for links for at-home tests at retailers and pharmacies, insurance reimbursement for at-home tests, and the 20,000 no-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 test sites nationwide. Most major chains including Walgreens and Price Chopper locally should have free N95 masks for distribution.
      Whether you have contracted and recovered from this coronavirus or haven't yet received a booster or even if you have done it all, immunity has waned for many of us. That lowered resistance leads to infections and increased transmission of the virus. The fourth booster is available for those over 50. Here's my own advice. Get the COVID shot(s), get the booster(s), and take precautions, particularly if you are inside with other people--that means wearing a mask indoors. Statewide, about 320,700 Vermonters or 69% of the eligible population have completed vaccination and gotten a booster. In Franklin County, about 65% of the people have completed the vaccine and the additional dose. Only Essex County with 57% vaccinated and boosted, and Orleans County at 64% have lower rates.
      No vaccine is 100% foolproof. Wash your hands. Keep wearing an N95 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 because so many parents refused to vaccinate their kids. Bonus: it will also help protect you from pollen, summer colds, and the winter flu.
      The Village of Swanton offers a free walk-in vaccine clinic at 120 1st Street today from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Call 855.722.7878 or healthvermont.gov for more info about the first or second dose and for booster shots of the vaccine. You can also walk-in at Costco, CVS, Hannaford, Price Chopper/Market 32, Rite Aid, Shaw's, Walgreens, or Walmart, or get an appointment with CVS, Kinney Drugs, Walgreens, or UVMMC Outpatient Pharmacies. Providers and pharmacies must give vaccines at no cost to the patient.


ART ON THE WALLS

JEFFERSONVILLE--The 2022 Jeffersonville Art Jam concludes this weekend with art vendors and live music on Main Street on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
      Presented by Cambridge Arts Council, Visions of Vermont Fine Art Galleries, the Northern Vermont Artist Association, and Bryan Memorial Gallery. Call 802.644.1418, find them on Facebook, or Click here for more info.


JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery went live with an Artist Round Table for the show, Parks & Recreation on Facebook. The gallery is open daily from 11 - 5 or by appointment. Click here for more info.


ART YOU CREATE

MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two events this week.
      Wolf Whitney leads the Learn to Make Clay Tiles; Relief Carving Class on Saturday at 10 a.m. Relief carving takes a page from Vermont's long tradition of granite carving and transfers it to making functional ceramic tiles. The cost is $65. Click here to enroll and for more info.
      Wednesday Night Live in Oxbow Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. facilitates art projects at the free art and music series. Play with twisting wire to create a tiny Bonsai Tree this week. Click here for more info.


WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

SWANTON--the Swanton Free Public Library hosts award-winning cartoonist Rick Stromoski with Ocean Cartoons on Friday at 6 p.m. Attend in-person at the library or Zoom in from home.
      The free class will teach how to draw ocean animals including sharks, octopuses, dolphins, sea horses, and even a giant whale! The class is free but you must Click here pre-register.


SWANTON--Self-publishing coach and writer Joy Choquette leads a workshop on Book Publishing Options at the Swanton Free Public Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Attend in-person at the library or Zoom in from home.
      Ms. Choquette will explain indie (independent) publishing, hybrid publishing, and what to do to secure a traditional publishing contract including the benefits and downsides of all three publishing options. The class is free. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required. Click here to register.


MILTON--Social Sundays continue at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center with free weekly art classes for families at MAG on Sundays at 1 p.m.
      Each week offers a different project. Stay for 30 minutes or the whole two hours. Admission is free but registration is required. Click here for free tickets and more info.


ON STAGE LIVE

     Here's my own plan as U.S. deaths approach one million and our precautions wane. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the first booster, and I take precautions because no vaccine is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") and 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, June 30
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Sibling Reverie today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening. Find them on Facebook for more info.


ESSEX--The Old Stage Summer Series continues with American guitarist and singer-songwriter Duane Betts at the Essex Experience this evening at 6:30 p.m. General admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
      The Old Stage, an original Vermont hand hewn barn originally constructed in 1792, was relocated to the Double E last summer.


SOUTH HERO--The 2022 Snow Farm Summer Concert Series continues their 25th anniversary season with Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots this evening. The band plays everyone's favorite modern pop dance music, classic rock, and country rock. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. but "come as early as you would like." Click here for more info.


ST. ALBANS--Twiggs goes all out this evening with hometown legend and Summer Sounds favorite Jamie Lee Thurston in an all acoustic show this evening at 7 p.m. If the weather cooperates this concert is free to everyone. Watch from Taylor Park (bring a lawn chair).
      "More comfortable on stage than off," the Nashville singer-songwriter wanted to throw an early party to celebrate the holiday. He released The Window, his ninth album, in 2018.
      Call 802.524.1405, find them on Facebook, or Click here for more info.


SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Texas-born singer-songwriter Shane Murley Band this evening at 5:30 - 8 p.m. The evening will fill with Americana, country-folk, and alternative rock with a twist of soul- funk. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Thursday-Saturday, June 30-July 2
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Jerborn Jerborning tonight at 6 p.m. three shows Friday night, Kyle Stevens at 5 p.m. and Bob Recupero at 5 p.m., and then the Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus the Rough Suspects live on Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. And to confirm. Click here to reserve a table.


Friday, July 1
COLCHESTER--The Smokey Newfield Project returns live to the Spanked Puppy to kick off the holiday weekend at the Outback on Friday at 6 p.m. With Bill Valliere, aka Smokey Newfield, guitar, Cathy Cameron-Muscente, guitar and bass; Tom Chadwick, drums; and Laura Chadwick, keyboard/melodica, violin, bass, mandolin and guitar; SNP fuses rock, folk, country, and adult contemporary music.


MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Nobby & Slim, Scott Dubois and Nobby Reed, on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The grilled chicken buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $13 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.


ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Montreal husband and wife indie rock duo Jitensha for an interesting night of live music in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


FAIRFAX--The Town of Fairfax presents Carol Ann Jones plus Aaron & Alaria for fireworks, food, and fun for the family at the annual Party in the Park in the Fairfax Recreation Park on Friday at 7 p.m. Food includes KC's Red Hots, YUM Food truck, Palmers Maple, Greene Mountain Smoothies and more. Fireworks will start around 9:30. Click here for more info.


ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents southern Vermont string trio Moon Hollow for live original music at Mill River Brewing on Friday at 6 p.m.
      Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.


Friday-Saturday, July 1-2
NORTH HERO--The Steamship Pier Bar and Grill at North Hero House has a double header this weekend with American singer-songwriter Shane Murley on Friday and the country, Americana, and folk of Chris & Tristan live on Saturday. Music starts at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.


Saturday, July 2
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The 41st Bay Day Festival kicks off a day with lots more than fireworks in St. Albans Town Bay Park all day this Saturday. Yep, Saturday! The legendary Great Race, afternoon activities, games, food, and live music all evening capped by the fireworks.
      Live music with Bon/Fire VT starts at 5:30 p.m. and plays into the fireworks at dusk. The tribute to the musical career of Bon Scott formed in 2014 to pay homage to early years of AC/DC. Pat Rielly, lead vocals; Jamie O’Keefe, lead guitar; Gene Sanborn, rhythm guitar; Pete Holbrook, bass; and Denny Boardman, drums; can take you down the "Highway to Hell" and remind you that "Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be."


ST. ALBANS--Vermont singer and guitar player Michael Stridsberg returns to Northwest Vermont Farmers Market for "a Saturday of musical fun" from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.


EAST BURKE--Mike's Tiki Bar presents Vermont's best known blues trio, the Nobby Reed Project, on Saturday at 5 p.m.
      Vermont's first outdoor summer tiki bar is behind the Pub.


Sunday, July 3
ST. ALBANS--14th Star and Grazers continue the Sunday Brunch Sessions: John Geno live in The Room on Sunday at 12 noon - 2 p.m. for a solo performance from a Summer Sounds favorite. Find them on Facebook for more info.


WESTFORD--Aaron & Alaria anchor the Westford Benefit Concert on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The proceeds benefit the Brick Meeting House on the Eastern end of the Town Common. Find them on Facebook for more info.


SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Jeff & Gina on Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. They will bring you R&B with vocal duets, soaring instrumentals, familiar and unique jazz standards, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info


Monday, July 4
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the blended harmony of the Bettenroo Duo in a special Independence Day performance on Monday at 12 noon - 3 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info


Tuesday, July 5
ENOSBURG FALLS--The Enosburg Town Band plays a Summer Concert in the Park at the Lincoln Park bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. There will be music, friends and family, popcorn or ice cream sundaes, and a craft table for the "littles of all ages." Find them on Facebook for more info.


Wednesday, July 6
ESSEX--14th Star Brewing Company and The Essex Experience present Apollo Suns with instrumental, jazz, rock, and psychedelic music in Trucks, Taps, & Tunes on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
      Trucks, Taps, & Tunes is a rotating series of live music, food trucks, and 14th Star beer every Wednesday on The Green.


ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series presents Rushmore in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. El Gato Cantina food truck will be on site. Admission is free. The concerts will move to 14th Star Brewery if it rains. Click here for more info.


GEORGIA--Gatherings on the Green continue with Carol Ann Jones with Will Patton and Gary Spaulding on the Georgia Town Commons on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The mid-week get togethers have food, drinks, live music, and the Farmers Market. Find them on Facebook for more info.


FRANKLIN--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series on the Town Green on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.


ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE

     A note that "Sometimes a song gets 'the treatment' once it becomes picked up by other bands," sent me down the Almost Live rabbit hole. This is how Louis Prima's classic Sing Sing Sing sounded the very first time around. No Keely Smith and a very fast beat for a foxtrot on YouTube.
      It was just over 16 months later that Benny Goodman recorded his famous 8½ minute Gene Krupa-rhythm version for Victor Records on YouTube.
      And here's Mr. Krupa with Lionel Hampton, 34 years later on YouTube.
      Finally, Ms. Smith did cover it later with Swing Swing Swing on YouTube.


FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF

ST. ALBANS--The Weekly Writer's Club gathers at 14th Star every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Writers of all skill levels are welcome to share, discuss, and work on skills. It's free.
      "If you're interested in doing some writing and meeting new people," Messenger staff reporter Josh Ellerbrock wrote, "it's a great avenue for all you creatives out there." Find them on Facebook for more info.


      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
Music at the Meeting House
Citizens Concert Band
 
Enosburg Town Band


SUPPORT LIVE ARTS IN YOUR TOWN!


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