| VOLUME 27 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | June 22, 2023 |
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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ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park presents Perspectives 2023: Amazing Makers featuring Fabiola Mendez at the Park on Saturday at 2 p.m. Ms. Mendez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, teacher, and composer. She will perform and discuss music from her latest album Afrorriqueña that pays tribute to the African influences in Puerto Rican culture and the Jíbaro, farmers and iconic symbols of traditional Puerto Rican country life who drove many populist political and artistic movements. Admission is free but tickets are needed. Click here for free tickets and more info. ART ON THE WALLS
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Paint and Sip Lady Liberty, a BYOB event with Sylvia Oblak at the MAG Art Center this evening at 6 p.m. This painting will use glow-in-the-dark paints under the black lights, with fireworks lighting up the night sky and reflecting off the water. The cost is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. Click here to register and for more info. ART YOU CREATE
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the in-person, June "Sip n' Slurry: Garden Tiles" with Ally Howell as the pottery twist on a Paint n' Sip on Friday at 6 p.m. Come as a beginner to learn the basics or join with experience for a new perspective on hand-building.
The cost is $55. Click here to enroll and for more info.
SOUTH HERO--With three classes taking over the space, Tuesday will be a big day for art at Snow Farm Vineyard.
Acrylics in the Islands with Lynn Cummings starts the day to do summer-themed subjects and learn some new techniques. The cost is $85. Email to register and to get the address to send your check.
Snow Farm and Once Upon A Rock have two sessions for an afternoon of Pebble Art. Class #1 meets at 12 - 2 p.m. and class #1 at 3 - 5 p.m. The cost is $35. Click here to register and for more info.
STOWE--The 7th annual Vermont Renaissance Faire returns to the Events Fields on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Faire includes Medieval-inspired artisans and craft vendors, mead and cider makers from around Vermont, food from local chefs, musicians, dancers, acrobats, historical demos, encampments, a joust, Vikings, fairies, knights, jesters, pirates and even a unicorn. Adult admission is $20 for one day or $30 for two days. Click here for tickets and more info. FESTIVALS
JEFFERSONVILLE--The 2023 Jeffersonville Art Jam continues on Main Street with a concert by Mary McGinniss and the Selkies Trio on Saturday at 1 p.m. Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts What is Art? a talk with Professor David Mills at 3 p.m.
The weekend Art Jam has multiple shows on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Cambridge Arts Council Sidewalk Art Fest has over 20 artist booths. 60 artists in the NVAA June Juried Show in the Sugarhouse. Landscape Masters is in the Carriage Barn at Visions of Vermont. The Creative Process, Nature's Resilience, and Legacy 2023, are all at Bryan Memorial Gallery. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Rail City Fan Fest takes over the Collins Perley Center on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The first Comic-Con in St. Albans will have pop culture vendors and attractions from around New England. Expect movies, comics, cosplay, art, collectibles and more. Admission is $12 - 20. Click here for tickets and more info.
ONLINE--Kizos. Not much sun this week for the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Abenaki Word of the Week. They will share Abenaki words alongside English translations every week. Find them on Facebook for this week's word. HUMANITIES
SWANTON--The Abenaki Totem Pole will be dedicated on the Swanton Village Green on Saturday at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Call Debbie Lavoie (802.868.6255), Email, or click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts council hosts a Character Creation Class with Janet Soavi at the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. The free art project is made possible by a generous anonymous donor "in hopes of spreading art and the creation of art throughout our community." Pre-registration is required. Visit or call the library (802.868.7656) or click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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.
SOUTH HERO--Island Arts hosts a Handcrafted Greeting Card Workshop with Pat Brennan on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon. Ms. Brennan will teach basic card-making. Tickets are $10 per person. The class fee includes two card kits per class. First timers are also required to buy a tool kit ($7) that includes a dispenser with double-sided tape, glue dots, sponge daubers, and a little bling. Bring scissors if you have them. Click here for the location and more info.
"It ain't over till it's over." COVID NEWS
The Vermont Department of Health tracked six active COVID outbreaks at long-term care facilities and is monitoring eight other situations which could lead to outbreaks. 20 residents and six staff at the Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury tested positive.
COVID is still here. The state and many municipalities still have home antigen tests, available in libraries and town halls. The federal vaccine supply should last through this summer, which means COVID-19 shots will remain free to the public for that long. After the federal supply is gone, the COVID vaccine will be treated like other vaccinations, and the cost will depend on insurance plans.
The federal vaccine supply should last through this summer, which means COVID-19 shots will remain free to the public for that long. After the federal supply is gone, the COVID vaccine will be treated like other vaccinations, and the cost will be dependent on insurance plans.
Some health plans will offer partial coverage of COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid but that will be plan dependent. The changes at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont go into effect on July 1. As always, check with your insurer for specific information on your plan.
Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, the Vermont 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 with over 1.1 million U.S. deaths, especially since our precautions have waned. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the boosters, and I still 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") 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, June 22 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening into September. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The 2023 Snow Farm Summer Concert Series continues with the six-piece Pen Hits this evening at 6:30 p.m. to pay homage to Ron "Pig Pen" McKernon, a founding member of the Grateful Dead. Click here for more info
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Yang Bao and Kenneth Renshaw, piano and violin, at the Island Arts Center this evening at 7 p.m. The concert of piano favorites in celebration of the life of long time Island Arts supporter Bob Foley. The program will include some of Mr. Foley's favorites by Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Schubert.
Yang Bao's association with Island Arts began in 2014 while he was still an undergraduate piano student at the New England Conservatory of Music. He continued to appear with Island Arts for six seasons.
Mr. Foley and his wife, Priscilla Rose, recruited Yang Bao and underwrote those early concerts which made classical music a popular feature on the Island Arts calendar. The Priscilla Rose Talent Scholarship will also continue as a valuable resource for Grand Isle youth to study in the arts.
The event is free but registration is suggested. Click here for reservations and more info.
Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts off another weekend of music with Third Shift tonight at 6 p.m., two shows Friday night, Chris & Erica at 5 p.m., and then the Devon McGarry Band for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Sibling Reverie at 5 p.m., and Pony Truck starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, June 23
ST. ALBANS--"All good things come to an end eventually and the end is here for Eleven." The last show brings it home to the Taphouse at Mill River on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents the Buck Hollers on the deck on Friday at 6 p.m. The tacos buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $14 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 Jonny Hick and The Kickers straight from Franklin County 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 Friday Night Music Series continues in the Pub on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--Summer Music at Grace offers an album release event with Josh Worman and His Band, Members [sic] at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Alert Franklin County music afficianados will recognize a striking similarity to Uncle John's Band. There may be a chance of knocking a champagne bottle over the lead singer's head. Admission is free but donations are always welcome. Bring your own beverage, a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the concert, and a dessert to share.
The Album, Music Therapy, is now available on several platforms. Click here for sample cuts and more info.
Friday-Sunday, June 23-25
COLCHESTER--Live Music in June fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. Barbie-n-Bones kick it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by the Uncle Jimmy Band on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Chris & Erica on Sunday afternoon at 1 - 4 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Call 802.524.1405 or find them on Facebook for more info. Click here to book a reservation or to visit the art on the walls.
Saturday, June 24
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park brings the music of the cuatro as they present Perspectives 2023: Amazing Makers featuring Fabiola Mendez at the Park on Saturday at 2 p.m. Ms. Mendez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, teacher, and composer. She will perform and discuss music from her latest album Afrorriqueña that pays tribute to the African influences in Puerto Rican culture and the Jíbaro, farmers and iconic symbols of traditional Puerto Rican country life who drove many populist political and artistic movements. Admission is free but tickets are needed. Click here for free tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--Northwest Farmers Market fills Taylor Park with live music, handmade crafts, locally grown food, prepared foods, free kids activities on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Meet at The Meeting House for a Summer Concert on the Green with the Left Eye Jump Band on the outdoor stage on Saturday at 5 p.m. Dennis Willmott, vocals and guitar; Joseph Moore, saxophone and vocals; Dan Whalen, vocals and guitar; Jeff Salisbury, vocals and drums; and Kenny B., bass will bring an evening of blues music with the authentic sounds of Chicago, Texas, New Orleans, California, and the Delta of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
There will be plenty of room on the Green to "Grab a piece of pie, sit back and enjoy the wonder of it all." Light dinner fare and desserts will be available, or BYO.
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 masks required and limited seating available. "Grab and go" light fare will be available for sale or bring your own picnic. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.
MILTON--The Painted Lady Cafe has Summer Sounds favorite Carol Ann Jones in a special solo gig on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 25
ST. ALBANS--14th Star has a Patio Jam with Troy Millette and the members and friends of the Fire Below on Sunday at 1 - 4 p.m. The blend of folk, pop, and rock and roll will be free and live on the outdoor stage. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The monthly Celebration of Expressive Arts continues the 2023 season at the INN on Sunday at 7 p.m. The CEA officially includes everything but dancing, but there is always hope. Come early for dinner; service begins at 5 p.m. This month has a big cast, with poet Charles Rossiter, artist and art teacher Brandi Yeatman, and a "time travel of blues, folk, jazz, and rock" with Blue Fox. The local artists, writers and musicians gather to share original and thought provoking work. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, June 27
ENOSBURG FALLS--Summer Concerts in Lincoln Park continue as the Enosburg Town Band continues on the Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. There will be a variety of music, arts and crafts for the kids, popcorn and drinks, and even ice cream sundaes (when available) every Tuesday evening. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, June 28
ESSEX JUNCTION--Trucks Taps & Tunes continues with Good Gravy on the Green at the Double E for live music, food trucks, and local beer on Wednesday at 5 - 8 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
GEORGIA--The Concert on the Green presents Summer Sounds favorite Carol Ann Jones Trio with Will Patton and Gary Spaulding in front of town hall on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Summer Concert Series continues with Still Kickin' in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. 14th Star and Pickle's Snack Shack will be on site. Admission is free. The concerts will move to 14th Star Brewery if it rains. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series on the Swanton Village Green on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Plan Ahead
SHELDON--The Abbey hosts the 2023 Riverside Country Fest with gen-you-wine Nashville Artists in the Abbey River Rapids Pavilion on Friday, June 30. Tickets are available online or in the pub. Click here for tickets and 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. 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
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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