| VOLUME 28 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 15, 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 as some of our friends play multiple gigs. There are live shows in Alburg, Burlington, Colchester, Enosburg, Essex, Georgia, Jericho, Milton, North Hero, Shelburne, Sheldon, South Hero, St Albans City and Town, and Stowe. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on the visual arts of potter Barbara Colgrove . 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 Sunrise Reflections in oil by Liane Whittum freshly installed in the Legacy Collection 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.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts begins the Montgomery Quilting Show on Sunday at 12 noon - 4 p.m. The gallery has display quilts by 14 quilters from in and around Montgomery. The exhibit continues on Saturdays and Sundays through September 1. 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. The Nulhegan Abenaki Drum has a unique sound as they perform all over the State of Vermont. Click here for their story and a video of the Warrior's Song.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts opens the barn doors to the joy of community dancing to lively music for Community Folk Dancing with instructor Leslie Alpert in the North Hero House Inn on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. DANCE
All dances are taught. No partner required. No experience required, and new students are always welcome. Bring your water bottle. Classes will continue every Tuesday through July 30. Admission is free, but donations to Island Arts are appreciated. Call 802.372.3418 to register (drop-ins are also encouraged) or click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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. 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 concludes at MAG on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. They have worked on a different art/craft design each week. This workshop is free for participants thanks to a Vermont Arts Council grant for Creative Aging. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Bryan Memorial Gallery offers a Cartooning Class with painter, kinetic sculptor, and cartoonist Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr on Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Covering the basics of creating cartoons, the topics include: designing characters, caricaturing famous people, how to set up panels, writing speech balloons, inking and pencils, adding color, and creating cartoons using digital technologies. Attendees will need drawing paper, pencils, erasers, ink pens, colored pencils, and a straight-edge (ruler or triangle). This workshop is geared those age 15 and up.
The cost is $175. Use promo code BMGMEMBER for discounted member pricing. Click here to register and for more info.
NORTH and SOUTH HERO--Island Arts has two unusual workshops this week.
Soprano Sarah Cullins offers the second of three Group Singing Lessons at the South Hero Congregational Church over three days on Monday at 5 - 6 p.m. Classes are 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.
Pat Brennan presents a Handcrafted Greeting Card Workshop at 275 South Street on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Brennan will teach basic card-making with two one-of-kind card kits with envelopes. The cost is $10 plus, at your first class, 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 to register and 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
In addition to the COVID news, mosquitoes have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. A Vermonter here has contracted EEE for the first time since 2012. COVID NEWS
COVID-19 is still here. The number of cases in Vermont has quadrupled since the beginning of summer and there have been 1,159 total pandemic deaths in the state.
Vermont's wastewater monitoring has shown 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.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends multiple vaccines this fall, including the coming new COVID-19 vaccine and an updated flu shot. Updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be widely available in September. RSV vaccines are currently available. HHS reports 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 15 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Cooie Trio 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 Butterfields returning with a mix of traditional folk, blues, Caribbean, popular, and contemporary favorites 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--A House on Fire ("the coolest band in the northeast") plays 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 15-17
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with McMaple tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the Natural Selection at 5 p.m., and then the Lloyd Tyler Band returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Kyle Stevens at 5 p.m., and Justice 3 returns with new songs in a revamped set list 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 Carol Ann Jones and Will Patton tonight at 6:30 p.m. plus McMaple on Friday 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 16
Many offices are closed for Bennington Battle Day.
BURLINGTON--Burlington City Arts Summer Concert Series presents Sap Line with traditional music from New England, Appalachia, Scotland, Ireland, and beyond on Friday at 12:30 p.m. Sap Line is Old Time fiddler Fiona Stowell, Old Time banjo player Emmett Stowell, Scottish fiddler and tenor banjo Owen Kennedy, Irish fiddler and dancer Fern Tamagini-O'Donnell, and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Grace Martin, all with ties to the Young Tradition Vermont Touring Group. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Kyle Stevens on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The taco 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.
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELBURNE--The Pierson Library Summer Concert Series presents Michele Choiniere with Will Patton, David Gusakov, and Dono Schabner on Friday at 7 p.m. The Smithsonian Folkways and Putamayo Records recording artist brings French folk songs and music from Vermont, Quebec and France.
SHELDON--Frevo returns to Summer Music at Grace at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Featuring Peter Matthews, guitar; Wendy Matthews, flute; Steve Klimowski, clarinet; and Bonnie Thurber Klimowski, cello; the quartet offers fresh arrangements of music old and new.
Admission is free but a generous donation supports the musicians. Bring your own beverage, a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the concert, and a dessert to share. Click here for more info.
ESSEX--Josh Panda joins Summer Sounds favorites Joe's Big Band for a vocal extravaganza backed by big band arrangements of jazz, blues, and funk in the Double E Performance Center on Friday at 8 p.m. Admission is $20. Click here for tickets and find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, August 16-18
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Concert Series fills the weekend with the blues and jazz of Jesse Leone and Brendan Casey on Friday and She Was Right for pop and rock 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. Cooper, Bob Recupero, plays Friday and Dan and Sean Jarvis are live on Saturday. Music starts about 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. B-Town kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by jonny mop on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Ryan Hanson on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Café and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in August. The Celestials play Friday. Canyon Dreams perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Acoustic Mayhem with Arthur James and Bee Wild on Friday and Dan Parks returning 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 17
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 Nobby Reed Project plays this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents with Mitch and Devon with original rock from Burlington on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Haiduck & Heckendorn to sing a play the Great American Songbook at the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. The informal cabaret-style evening will feature a jazz quartet of Mr. Haiduck, clarinet; Mr. Heckendorn, piano; J.D. Haenni, double bass; Dan Ryan, drums; plus a special surprise guest to be announced. This year features the music of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Lerner & Loewe, Matt Dennis, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Mercer, and more.
Admission to the concert is $25. Reserve a table online or at the door for seating Table tickets are an additional $14 for a 2-top, $20 for a 4-top, and BYOB, first come-first served. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, August 18 NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents the Vermont Jazz Ensemble at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 4 p.m. Picnic on the green starting at 3:30, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, this outside concert will move inside the barn. Vermont’s own big-band swing/dance group has been swingin' for over 40 years.
Admission is $25 online and at the door. Chairs or blankets are suggested. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Blue Northen for a night of live music in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Donna Thunder returns to the Blue Paddle Bistro for another wild Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m.
ESSEX--The Double E presents Fleetwood Mac tribute Tusk in the Old Stage Summer Series on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tusk has been cris-crossing the country since 2008 as "the Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute." The concert will be held outdoors. Admission is $30-45. Click here for tickets and Find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, August 19
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River hosts the Nobby Reed Project on Monday at 5 p.m. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Singer/songwriter Roger Giroux plays pop country and rock 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 20
ENOSBURG FALLS--Summer Concerts in Lincoln Park conclude as the Enosburg Town Band plays the final concert of the season 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). Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, August 21
NORTH HERO--Jim Branca and Tom Buckley bring American roots music 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 Bad Horsey in concert in front of the Town Clerk's Office on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues with "new time string band" The Stragglers 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.
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 St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries this morning at 10:30 a.m. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month. Click here for more info. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page celebrates the 5th annual Bookstore Romance Day on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. They will focus on romance readers and writers all day with book signings by local authors Alice Martin and Sara Stewart. And there will be free candy and more. The national event builds and strengthens the relationship between independent bookstores and the community. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--Two Swanton Free Public Library book clubs meet this week.
The monthly SPL Book Club meets to discuss the Hidden History of Lake Champlain by Jason Barney and Christine Eldred on Monday at 6 p.m. Our lake is one of America's most historic waterways. It played a vital route in commerce and in war. Note the date change. The monthly SPL Book Club meets the third Monday of each month. Click here for more info.
But I Progress takes up Cat's Eye, the story of a controversial painter who returns to the city of her youth for a retrospective of her art and to confront her haunting memories of Toronto by Margaret Atwood on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The readings generally focus on writers who "identify as women, with particular attention to Women of Color and nonbinary women, who are under represented in literature. Today women's works are priced lower, more seldom purchased, and not receiving proper credit." There will be snacks, reviews, discussion, ideas, and good conversation. Click here 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
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