| VOLUME 28 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 8-14, 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 get Supercharged. Summer Sounds continues this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs across the region. There are live shows in Alburg, Barre, Colchester, East Fairfield, Enosburg, Essex, Ferrisburgh, Highgate, Jericho, Milton, Morrisville, North Hero, Sheldon, South Hero, St Albans City and Town, Stowe, and Swanton. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
ENOSBURG--The Opera House at Enosburg Falls presents Annie on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. THEATER
The musical has music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, all based on the 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie. Act 1 starts in 1933 with eleven-year-old Annie in a New York City orphanage with many other girls her age. The book incorporates the history of the Depression and the real people of note at the time including FDR, Louis Brandeis, J Edgar Hoover, and singing cabinet members Cordell Hull, Frances Perkins, Louis Howe, Harold Ickes, and Henry Morgenthau Jr.
Admission is $18 - 22. Click here for tickets, the cast, and more info.
HIGHGATE--Summer Sounds continues its 33rd season in Highgate with Sean Jarvis on the lawn at the Highgate Arena on Sunday at 6 p.m. "A guitar has been in my hands for as long as I can remember," he said. SUMMER SOUNDS
The concerts are always on Sunday evenings, always at 6 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 Arena. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on sculptor Rebecca Nase Chomyn whose work includes sculptures for people, wineries, galleries, and Burning Man as well as the illustrated children's book Who Paints the World. The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 38 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. ART ON THE WALLS
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Erik Koeppel's painting Bather in a Waterfall at the Galler 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.
Graphic artist and musician Jon Manitouabe8ich designs advertising for marketing campaigns and, with his band, performs a variety of music in many different languages. Click here for his story and a look at his work.
ST. ALBANS--The Clothier presents RevolVT with their first "out of studio show" on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. Admission is $15 to pre register on punchpass, $20 at the door, or $10 for new students. The past weekend was Pole in the Park on the state house green in Montpelier. Find them on Facebook for more info. DANCE
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association hosts the 2024 Abenaki Land Link Project Heritage Festival with traditional performances and food at the Wheeler Homestead on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be music, interactive exhibits, workshops, and storytelling sessions. HUMANITIES
The program is free but donations are appreciated. Email Click here for more info.
NORTH and SOUTH HERO--Island Arts has two unusual workshops this week. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Soprano Sarah Cullins offers Group Singing Lessons at the South Hero Congregational Church over three days starting Monday at 5 - 6 p.m. Classes will be held August 12, 19, and 26. The vocal technique classes focus on body and breathing coordination, enabling singers of any level to enhance their projection, clarity of tone, and efficiency of breath control while minimizing common tensions. The classes are suitable for beginners as well as experienced singers. Students will have access to online exercises for ongoing practice. The cost is $40 for the set of three classes. Click here to register and for more info.
The Folded Book Christmas Angel Making Classes conclude the two-day workshop with Lucie Faulkner in the Island Arts Center on 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.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week.
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.
The six-week Workshop for those with Dementia and their Caregivers with Tina Lesperance continues at MAG on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. They will work on a different art/craft design each week through August 20. This workshop is free for participants thanks to a Vermont Arts Council grant for Creative Aging. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Saint Albans Community Arts is taking August off, closing down the space in the Ralston Building, and moving back to City Hall. Find them on Facebook for more info. IN THE ARTS COUNCILS
The Vermont Supreme Court affirmed a lower court decision that the state and the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union were immune from legal challenges brought by the parents of a student who received a COVID-19 vaccine against their wishes. The 2005 federal PREP Act bestows immunity from liability to government officials administering "countermeasures" during a public health emergency. COVID NEWS
COVID-19 is still here.
Updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be widely available in September. RSV vaccines are currently available. AARP reported that the federal government no longer covers the cost of the vaccines, but HHS states that COVID vaccines are 100% free to everyone 6 months and older living in the United States. Most people with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance are definitely covered. 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 8 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Dirty Looks Band 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 Cooper, Bob Recupero, for Acoustic Thursday this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Blues & BBQ night with Jim Branca, 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--The Summer Concert Series is Supercharged at Snow Farm Vineyard as Summer Sounds favorites Carol Ann Jones and the Superchargers take the stage 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 8-10
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Ryan Sweezey tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Shane's Apothecary at 5 p.m., and then the Jerborn Band debuts with tripled shenanigans thanks to Axe and Seth for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Mitch & Devon at 5 p.m., and Moonbird with blues, rock and some pop at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale has a weekend of music at Champlain Country Club with Troy Millette tonight at 6:30 p.m. then the Nobby Reed Project on Friday night at 7 p.m., plus Chris & Erica 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 9
BARRE--Nathan Michaud plays Gusto's on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Summer Music at Grace presentation of Full Circle at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Susan Reit and Mary Ann Samuels with Beth London has been CANCELLED to account for the weather and flood advisories. They hope to reschedule the evening of music for harp, recorder, and hammered dulcimer. 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. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Carol Ann Jones with Will Patton on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The boneless spare ribs 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.
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Joint presents the return of the Seth Yacovone Band for two sets of SYB music on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Ron Gagnon this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard hosts a very special Henry's Village Event with a live concert by the Kat Wright Band on Saturday at 6 - 9 p.m. A long list of Vermont food and beverage sponsors for the Fundraising Dinner support For Henry AHC. The event will include a complimentary beer or wine, an auction, and professional photography by Colette Kulig.
For Henry AHC's mission is to fund research to develop a treatment for Henry and others with AHC. Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a rare neurological disorder with symptoms that mimic other conditions. It requires lifelong care. Click here for more info.
ESSEX--Summer Music at the Double E as the All Night Boogie Band with Lara Cwass and Josh Dobbs plays the Allman Brothers live at the Double E on Friday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6. It's an evening of timeless radio hits, blues-rock rippers, and innovative instrumentals. The space offers a 180 degree stage view, elevated standing area, and the "new chill lounge area." Admission is $15-20. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 9-11
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Concert Series fills the weekend with Jim Branca and Tom Buckley on Friday and the Third Wheel trio on Saturday night, Music starts at 5:30. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in August. Roger Giroux plays Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Jerborn starts jerborning live on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music this weekend. The Jolly Roger Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Kyle Stevens 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 Cooper, Bob Recupero, on Friday and Kippincoe featuring Kip de Moll 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 10
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.
ST. ALBANS BAY--The Town of St. Albans hosts the St. Albans Brewfest in St. Albans Bay Park on Saturday at noon. Rushmore will play live. There will be food trucks and, of course, beer on site. "Band only" admission is free. Brew Fest and Band Admission is $45. Click here for tickets or Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--Swanton Rec offers live music, food, and drink at the Swanton Corn Fest on Saturday at 2 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Worthy of note, Swanton, Ohio, is also having a Corn Festival on Saturday.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The Meeting House and the Fairfield Community Center have Pizza and the Panhandlers for this week's Summer Concert Series event at the Pavilion by the Community Center on Saturday at 5 p.m. The summer evening starts with homemade, gourmet, wood-fired pizza from 5 - 7 p.m. and the 12-piece steel drum band brings the sounds of the Caribbean to East Fairfield from 6 - 8 p.m.
There will be plenty of room on the Green to "kick up your heels and dance the night away." That scrumptious pizza as well as Mimi's Apple Cider Mini Donuts and beer from the Frost Brewery will be available for sale or bring your own picnic.
Admission is $10 at the door. Kids under 12 are free. Concerts are held outdoors. In case of rain, concerts are either canceled or moved indoors. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents acoustic trio AmerikanaBlue for a night of folk, rock, protest, blues, and country live in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURG--The Alburg Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presentation of Ron Gagnon on Saturday has been CANCELLED to account for the weather and flood advisories. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 11
FERRISBURGH--The Sugar in the Pan Trad Band plays the Rokeby Pie & Ice Cream Social at the Rokeby Museum on Sunday at 1 p.m. Ari Glasser, Isabella Rotler, and Henry Kervick, all musicians with the Young Tradition Vermont Touring Group play traditional music from New England, Quebec, Maritime Canada, and beyond. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Troy Millette on Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. He was a finalist in Daysie 2024 "Best Folk Artist/Group."
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Summer Sounds favorites the Dixie Six returning to the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 6 p.m. Picnic on the green starting at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, this outside concert will move inside the barn.
Vermont's Dixie Six focuses on the sound and repertoire of Louis Armstrong's All Stars of the 1950s and 1960s, famed for hits such as Blueberry Hill, Mack the Knife, and Hello, Dolly! which blew the Beatles off the top of pop charts.
Admission is $15 online and at the door. Chairs or blankets are suggested. Click here for tickets and more info.
HIGHGATE--Summer Sounds continues its 33rd season in Highgate with Sean Jarvis on the lawn at the Highgate Arena on Sunday at 6 p.m. The rain site is the Highgate Arena. Click here for more info.
Monday, August 12
NORTH HERO--Ron Gagnon plays classic rock to country and blues on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, August 13
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 14
ESSEX--Grill & Chill Wednesdays hosts their End of Summer Bash 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--Cooie's Trio with Adlai Waxman and Patti Shannon bring the spirit of musical adventure to the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues with the Citizens Concert Band in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at the special time of 7 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.
JERICHO--The Mills Riverside Park Concert Series presents the Smokey Newfield Project on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The monthly Blues Jam continues at Twiggs, hosted by Vermont's leading blues man, Nobby Reed and the House Band, on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Blues Jam blows out the speakers at Twiggs on the second Wednesday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The book is loaded with a mysterious Library, a professional spy, an enigmatic assistant, and a mission in an alternate universe. By the time they arrive, the book they seek has already been stolen. FRANKLIN COUNTY 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 ... |
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Music!Links to the Summer Music series in Franklin County |
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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