| VOLUME 28 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 1, 2024 |
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 with Franklin County Field Days this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. There are live shows in Colchester, East Burke, Enosburg Falls, Essex Junction, Georgia, Highgate Center, Jeffersonville, Milton, North Hero, Sheldon, South Hero, St. Albans City and Town, and Stowe. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
HIGHGATE--Today through Sunday, Vermont's finest country fair takes to the fields of Highgate as the 48th Franklin County Field Days brings a lineup of the best music, arts and crafts (and weeds, of course) that Franklin County has to offer. The musical lineup includes great music every day. The four best days of summer begin today at noon. A VERMONT TRADITION
There will be ongoing demonstrations of woodworking, knitting, chair weaving, felting, and more in the Homemaker's Barn. The Arts and Crafts exhibits and demos are bigger than ever. There are train rides and mechanical bull rides every day. Events include rides, the horse and pony pull, ATV pulls, poker tournaments, tractor pulls and the demolition derby. There are exhibits galore. Field Days has also established a scholarship fund in memory of the past directors; they award at least one $500 scholarship each year.
Field Days has headliners each day. Bad Horsey starts the music in McKee's Saloon after the Demo Derby this evening at 8 p.m.
Tomorrow, comedian and ventriloquist Al Getler opens the Main Stage at 10 a.m., returns at 2 p.m., and moves to the Gazebo at 6 p. m. The Old Man Garage Band takes over the Main Stage at 11. Aaron and Alaria build up the stage at 3 p.m. There is Square Dancing on the Main Stage at 6 p.m. and Friction glides in to the biggest show yet on stage at 7:30 p.m.
Comedian and ventriloquist Al Getler starts the entertainment on the Main Stage on Saturday at 10 a.m., returns at 1 p.m., and moves to the Gazebo at 3 p. m. The Missisquoi River Band with Will Patton paddles in at 1:30 p.m. Spoony gathers a crowd when Neon Spoon rides into town at 4 p.m. Chris and Erica anchor the show at 7:30 p.m.
Al Getler opens the Main Stage at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday and returns at 1:30 p.m. to close out the day, In between the Dale & Darcy Band with Will Patton lights up Sunday morning at 11 a.m. And there will be Green Mountain Wrestling behind the Main Stage at 1 p.m. I hope none of the wrestlers are hypnotized.
Field Days has "One Price" admission of $20 per day for all ages, every day of the fair. It includes all midway rides, the tractor pull exhibits, the track events, live entertainment, parking, and more. A limited number of rides may be available for small children.
Email or click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on fabric artist Chris Bessette, printmaker and painter Kristina Bolduc, stained glass artist and teacher Lindsay DiDio, and quilter Anne Standish with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists online and on Facebook. ART ON THE WALLS
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.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park hosts the monthly Walking Tour on Sunday at 1:15 p.m. for a tranquil walk through the park to explore the stories behind David Stromeyer's sculptures. Admission is free but registration is required. Click here for free tickets and more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Vermont Solitude by James Daly in the 40 Years Together Show and on Facebook .
The gallery has exhibits of the landscape painters of New England. The main showcase in Jeffersonville is open Wednesday-Sunday 11 - 4 and the Stowe Gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11 - 5, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 6. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association features certified fine, decorative, and performing artists officially labeled as "American Indian" under Federal law.
Jeanne Morningstar Kent leads others out of the darkness into the light, a teacher. Her gourd art contains Native American symbols and designs of the Wabanaki. Click here for her story and a look at her work.
THE SECOND ANNUAL PEOPLE'S ART SHOW--The free, non-juried, uncensored exhibition at Montgomery Center for the Arts will celebrate all forms of creativity, diversity, and imagination. The exhibition is open to everyone, and all entries will be exhibited. Click here for more info. CALL FOR ARTISTS
ST. ALBANS--VTDigger reports that the "Ballet School of Vermont gets 'en pointe' with solar energy." With financing assistance from VEDA and Vermont Federal Credit Union, the school was able to purchase their new building and install rooftop solar panels which generate enough electricity for the needs of the ballet school. Click here to read the whole story. DANCE
ST. ALBANS--Vermont Humanities presents Ellen "LN" Bethea for Words in the Woods in Kill Kare State Park on Saturday at 11 a.m., rescheduled from July. Ms. Bethea has long been inspired by Desmond Tutu's words, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." The Spoken Word Poet has performed across Vermont from Morrisville to Brattleboro. HUMANITIES
Register in advance to attend this in-person program. Entrance to the park will be covered by Vermont Humanities. Email Jacob Pelletier, call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or Click here to register and for more info.
RICHFORD and PARIS, FRANCE--As athletes have geared up for the Olympics, children across the state have learned about the rich cultural history of the games and Ancient Greece in Vermont Humanities Camps this summer. The tie-in is especially felt in Richford, where Richford High School alumnus Elle St. Pierre is competing on the USA track team
PLAN AHEAD--Annie opens with an all-star cast next Thursday, August 8, at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls. The run continues through August 11. Click here for tickets and more info. THEATER
MORRISVILLE--The August Open Studio Figure Drawing at River Arts offers a full nude session today at 3:30 p.m. There will be a combination of short and medium-length poses, and a a longer-form pose at the end. River Arts limits nude sessions to ages 16 and older. This session isn't just for figure drawing; sculptors, painters, and photographers are welcome. The cost is $15 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ST. ALBANS--St. Albans Community Arts has several ongoing workshops, classes, or arts groups in the Ralston Building each week.
Creative Connections continues with workshops on Friday and Wednesday at 4 - 7 p.m. Working on a creative project? Want to try something new but need special tools, an extra set of hands or a material swap? Have donations? SACA co-director Jennifer Kostuck has creative pointers and equipment. The open studio class is held every Wednesday and Friday. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. In an effort to maintain supplies for class growth, the second Wednesday each month will remain a free class all other workshops will be by donation. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Explore the Story Wilds, the SACA writing group, meets on Saturday at 11 a.m. Read more...
The Blackout Poetry series continues on Tuesday at 1 - 2 p.m. Also called "redacted poetry" and "erasure poetry," it works like this: participants receive a page from an old book and a sharpie to black out sections of the page to create new artwork in the "found poetry." Many decorate the redacted areas to enhance the new pieces. The group will meet every Tuesday through August 27. This is an all ages, free event. Donations help SACA continue to keep the doors open and are always appreciated. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Open Studio Music Group meets on Wednesday at 2 - 4 p.m. This is a time to bring an instrument you are learning, want to learn, or already know. "Hang out and make music with other community members and maybe meet your future band members." Find them on Facebook for more info.
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.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts holds a Duct Tape Extravaganza with a "REAL Duct Tape Artist" on Saturday at 3 - 5 p.m. All supplies are provided to explore the opportunities for crafting with duct tape. This is a free event but donations are appreciated. Click here to register and for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts has two unusual workshops this week.
The Jazz Combo Class with Tony Pietricola is a five day workshop at the Island Arts Center running Monday through Friday at 9:30 - 11 a.m. The class is an opportunity to hone your musical skills and learn new techniques with the long time music teacher and others. All attendees are invited to open for the Vermont Jazz Ensemble at the Island Arts Center on August 18. The cost is $50 for the week. Click here to register and for more info.
The Folded Book Christmas Angel Making Classes are a two-day workshop with Lucie Faulkner in the Island Arts Center starting Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. - noon. The Christmas Angel appears by folding pages from a book. The class is free but donations are accepted and registration is required. Click here to register and for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council will hold a Board Meeting and Updates in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info. IN THE ARTS CENTERS
MORRISVILLE--Viva! In the Garden, River Arts' outdoor benefit, celebrates the arts and the generosity of their community members, partners, and local businesses on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food, and an auction. The event is a fundraiser to support Arts for Everyone to make affordable, enriching programs for the community. Click here for more info.
After a very quiet spring, Vermont's sewage shows that COVID-19 is increasing among state residents again. According to the Vermont Department of Health, wastewater data shows some of the COVID-19 in the community "because an infected person sheds into the water no matter if they're sick or not." The number of emergency department visits with COVID has also increased since June, in lockstep with the wastewater virus detections. Obviously those of us on septic systems (mound systems, tanks, or cesspools) are not included in the data so the actual numbers are higher. COVID NEWS
Two more Vermonters have died from COVID-19 in July. There have been 1,159 total pandemic deaths as of July 25.
Updated 2024-2025 vaccines are available for COVID and RSV. COVID vaccines are 100% free to everyone 6 months and older living in the United States. Click here for more info.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the current JN.1 variant dodges all but the most up-to-date immunity. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the boosters, and I still take precautions because neither vaccine nor "natural immunity" 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 everywhere 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, August 1 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Soulshine today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening into September. "The rain date will always fall on the following Friday." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the Shane Murley Duet for Acoustic Thursday this evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Blues & BBQ night this evening at 6 - 9 p.m. BBQ will be available after 5 p.m. Blues & BBQ will continue every Thursday through the end of the summer. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Blues for Breakfast plays "Grateful Americana" in the Summer Concert Series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. Food will be catered, call Kristen (802.922.8074) for all pre-order food requests. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, August 1-3
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale has a weekend of music at Champlain Country Club with the Duo tonight at 6:30 p.m. then Sarah Bell on Friday night at 7 p.m., plus Ryan Hanson live on Saturday night at 7 p.m.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to close every day with pub fare from nachos and chicken wings to salads, burgers, salmon, and chicken to dinner options and libations.
Friday, August 2
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Jerborn and Axel on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The teriyaki chicken 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 Corner Junction Bluegrass for a night of live music in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. Neil Brown, bass; Allen Gratton, mandolin; George Seymour, banjo; Willy Dallas, fiddle; and Ernie Minetti, guitar; bring deep harmonies, strong leads, and bluesy sound. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Summer Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Sean Jarvis in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery presents Bushey/Bedell on Friday at 7 p.m. They're staying open later for Islands Night Life with Eric Bushey and Justin Bedell!
Friday-Sunday, August 2-4
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Concert Series fills the weekend with Cooie and Friends on Friday and Dee Davis & Mark Gwinn on Saturday night, Music starts at 5:30. Click here for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music this weekend. Toast kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Chris & Issy on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host BFA grads Nic Farinaccio and Will Austin returning on Friday and Cooie and Adlai live on Saturday night. 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, August 3
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.
SHELDON--Hartman Farm Stand presents a Chicken BBQ and An Afternoon of Music with Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton on Saturday at noon - 4 p.m. There will be classics, oldies, Elvis, Gospel and more plus tons of food, fun, and ice cream. And Hartman's now offers products from Breezy Acres Farm including bacon, sausage and pork chops. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The first Brewster River Bluegrass Festival takes over Martell's at the Red Fox on Saturday from noon - 11 p.m. The lineup includes the Heavy Nettles, Wadenick with Al Lemery, the Dale & Darcy Band, Otter Creek, the Brothers Miller, the Stragglers, Forest Station, and Beg Steal or Borrow. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST BURKE--Mike's Tiki Bar presents Vermont's best known (and possibly largest) blues trio, the Nobby Reed Project, on Saturday at 5 p.m. Vermont's first outdoor summer tiki bar is behind the Pub.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs hosts Cooie and Adlai live on Saturday at 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.
Sunday, August 4
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the Blue Rock Boys for an eclectic blend of old fiddle tunes, rock n roll, vintage county, R&B, and everything in between on Sunday at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents A Capella Lollapalooza indoors in the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Lollapalooza features three ensembles of different styles: the Chordination Barbershop Quartet Vermont, the Green Mountain Chorus, and the VLQ (Very Large Quartet), Offshoots. Admission is $25. Click here for tickets and more info.
Monday, August 5
NORTH HERO--Jerborn goes jerborning to the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, August 6
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, August 7
ESSEX--Grill & Chill Wednesdays continue with the Tyler Mast Band live on the Green on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Bring your own blanket, chair, umbrella, factory sealed water bottles, empty refillable bottles, picnic food, and good attitude. Food from the Double E grill and EE restaurants will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Jeff & Gina sing vocal duets of R&B, jazz standards, and much more at the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
GEORGIA--The Georgia Gathering on the Green presents NightHawk in concert in front of the Town Clerk's Office on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues with Rushmore in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Concerts are free for all every Wednesday evening through August 28. 14th Star Brewing Company, Pickle's Snack Shack, and Mama Llama Bakeshop will be on hand for food and drink. If the weather turns squishy, the concerts will move to 14th Star. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE CENTER--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts take place outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Under the direction of Jeremy Berger, the community band plays a series of free, outdoor summer concerts in towns around Franklin County. Their rich history dates back to 1947. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Explore the Story Wilds, the SACA writing group, meets in the Saint Albans Community Arts Space on Saturday at 11 a.m. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
The generative writing session and writer support group meets the first Saturday of every month for a tarot-based writing prompt with 45 minutes of writing, a discussion of how the prompt went, and 30 minutes of group coaching to discuss writing questions, including writers block, story idea brainstorming, and publishing questions, and more. 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 ... |
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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
email us
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