| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | January 9, 2025 |
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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ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight starts the new year with landscape, sky-scape, and wildlife photographer and painter Natalie Larocque . 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 On the Nature of Daylight a "dreamy and imaginative landscape" by John Rivers. It is in the Stowe Gallery 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.
ST. ALBANS--Awaken Yoga & Creative Arts Studio and Kreations by Katherine host a Sea Turtle Adventure Black Light Paint Party on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The party includes all materials, and a black light bulb to take home! Reduced admission available for those who don't need the bulb. The cost is $45-50. Click here for tickets or Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info. ART YOU CREATE
ENOSBURG (January 15)--Propose a show by Wednesday. The Opera House at Enosburg Falls invites directors to direct and produce one of three or more musicals this summer. Choose from Matilda, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or another title that can showcase large, multigenerational ensembles. Click here for submission guidelines and more info. CALL FOR DIRECTORS
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Pola Negri in Barbed Wire on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The 1927 silent romance film is set in World War I. The free presentation includes the show, the popcorn, cocoa, and tea. This showing is an after-hours event. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info. FILM
JEFFERSONVILLE and ONLINE--Vermont Humanities has two events this week. HUMANITIES
First, travel through Canada with books to discuss Canada's cultural diversity. This event will focus on Canoe Lake by Roy McGregor at Varnum Library on Saturday at 2 p.m. Click here for more info.
Political Science professor Dr. Shannon McQueen will discuss How Can Gender Help Us Understand Elections at Orwell Free Library and online on Wednesday at 7 p.m. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or Click here to register and for more info.
FAIRFIELD--Learn Create with Canva at the Bent-Northrop Memorial Library workshop on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The graphic design platform is free to use online. All skill levels are welcome. Bring questions and a laptop. Registration is appreciated but not necessary. Click here to register or call 802.827.3945 during library hours 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.
About 22 percent of Vermonters have gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccine and 31 percent have gotten a flu shot, according to the Vermont Department of Health dashboard. Franklin County residents have even lower rates of protection: only 16% have the updated COVID-19 vaccine and 27 percent have gotten a flu shot. COVID NEWS
COVID-19 is still here whether Vermonters get the shot or not. Variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to emerge. XEC is the dominant circulating variant although KP.3 and MC.16 specimens are still prevalent. The current vaccine formula protects against serious outcomes of all current variants of the virus.
COVID hospitalizations and deaths are rising. 138 cases were reported in the week ending December 21. In total, 1,235 pandemic deaths have been reported as of December 24, meaning COVID claimed six more Vermonters' lives during the holidays.
Vermont's wastewater monitoring shows increases in virus levels since Thanksgiving and that the levels of the virus spiked up significantly in Montpelier last week. 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." 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, including the new COVID-19 vaccine and an updated flu shot. Medicare continues to cover vaccines without cost sharing. Most adults with health insurance and all children can continue to get the vaccine without cost-sharing. Vermont's universal vaccine program covers the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines at all primary care offices for adults without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover all costs. We can now order four free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. The tests available for order are rapid antigen, at-home tests requiring no lab drop-off. Many COVID-19 tests have longer shelf life and extended expiration dates.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the current variants dodge all but the most up-to-date immunity. I got the COVID, Flu, and RSV 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, January 9 ON STAGE LIVE
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Blues Night with Jim Branca, this evening at 5 - 9 p.m. The Winter Blues will continue on the first and third Thursday of each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, January 10
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Next Stop Comedy live in The Room on Friday at 6 p.m. The former Boston Comedy Club brings stand-up comedians to local venues. Admission is $25. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info or Click here for tickets.
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.
SOUTH HERO--She Was Right plays the Winter Wine Down inside the tasting room at Snow Farm Vineyard on Friday 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.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub presents the powerhouse duo of Sleeveless Tease featuring Narah Sparks for an evening of Pop/Rock favorites, sultry jazz, and show standards on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--NightHawk returns to On Tap for late night rockin' and rollin' and whatnot on Saturday starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot celebrates Elias Green's birthday with an lineup of local hip hop artists in Greenout on Friday night at 9 p.m. Doors at 8:30. There will be exclusive merch, jewelry, and art for "a feast for the senses" as well as a Green Raffle. $5 cover. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, January 10-12
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in January. Kyle Stevens does Karaoke on Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project plays live on Saturday night. Music starts about 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in January. Jenni + Jesse of the Dead Winter Carpenters play Friday. O & Schu (Dave Ogrodowczyk and Mike Schuster) perform original tunes by Dave O and selected covers 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 Cooper on Friday, then Cooie Sings 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.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Library and Community Center continues the Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour on Monday at 10 a.m. The program is a community connect to brainstorm opportunities for senior support. Each week will also include coffee and tea, as well as fresh pastries. The program will run every Monday morning and is free for anyone 55 and older. Registration is mandatory as space is limited. Call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and for more info. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ST. ALBANS--Two St. Albans Free Library book groups meet this week.
The SFL Book Group meets to discuss the 100 Year-old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared by Swedish writer Jonas Jonathan on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The 2009 comic novel tells the story of a man not interested in his birthday party who goes on an adventure instead, taking a suitcase of illegal drug money along for the ride.
The Banned Books Group meets to discuss To Kill a Mockingbird, the Pulitzer Prize winning first novel by Harper Lee on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Both Book Groups meet after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The monthly SPL Book Club meets to discuss The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides at the Swanton Free Public Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The psychological thriller is the story of a woman who shoots her husband five times and the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Click here for more info.
This year's "looking forward columns" are spread over two weeks. Last week, we showcased upcoming Arts Council and Opera House events. This week we look at more Art Centers, the Four Franklin County Festivals and our Town Bands plus Humanities and Other Major Presenters' plans. There could be 300 concerts, exhibits, recitals, and shows from more than 40 organizations. LOOKING FORWARD
Happy New Year!
CORLISS BLAKELY ARTISTS AND ARTS CENTERS IN 2025
Franklin County's seventh generation Vermont artist will host another Garden Art Show in her backyard this summer.
COLD HOLLOW SCULPTURE PARK
The admission-free, immersive Park will re-open June 8 for the summer. David Stromeyer is making new pieces to be installed for the 2025 season. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The MCA has plans for increased children's programming, free public events, exhibits, and opportunities in the arts. They are looking for volunteers and interested participants. MCA-Kelton Hall is available year-round to rent for workshops or events. Click here for more info.
VERMONT ABENAKI ART ASSOCIATION
The Abenaki Art Association has a membership of certified fine, decorative and performing artists, skilled in wood, horn, bone, and stone working, clothing and fashion accessories, painting and sculpture, song, dance, and storytelling. They offer context with historians and consultants. Their Deep Roots, Strong Branches exhibit returns to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in May. The 2025 Abenaki Heritage Weekend will take place in June.
Taken together, the four major Franklin County area Festivals attract around 100,000 people to extravaganzas of outdoor arts and entertainment here. The schedules may very well change in the coming months. THE FESTIVALS 2025
VERMONT MAPLE FESTIVAL
Totally eclipsed by Vermont Maple! The 58th Vermont Maple Festival is on the calendar for April 25-27; it is the first major outdoor festival of the year. St. Albans City and Town host three days of family education and entertainment including the Sappy Art Show at the Village Frame Shoppe. The parade will wind through Downtown. The Main Street stage will offer entertainment. Lots of contests including Photo, Art, Maple Products, Maple Cooking, Ambassador, and Window Displays. Rides, Main Street concession stands, and Taylor Park Entertainment with clowns, balloon making, and face painting. The annual Pancake breakfast is a great "sit-down" start to the day and Nellie's Donuts, Maple Candy, and Maple Cotton Candy keep you on your feet. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
VERMONT DAIRY FESTIVAL
The 69th Vermont Dairy Festival spotlights Franklin County performers in a benefit weekend for the Lions Club traditionally held on the first weekend of June. In addition to the continuous music, there are dairy competitions, the Parade, Abe's Cabin, the famed chicken BBQ, the Milk Run, Super Bingo, and so much more.
The Lions are always looking for dedicated women and men to join because it is the people who serve who make the real difference. They will determine this year's plans within the next few weeks. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
JIG IN THE VALLEY
The 33rd Jig in the Valley benefits the East Fairfield Community Center with a family day of music and picnicking on the last weekend in July. This concert helps raise funds and awareness. They will determine this year's plans for the 33rd Jig within the next few weeks. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS
The "Four Best Days of Summer," Franklin County Field Days is looking for a new home. They have swelled Highgate with crafts, exhibits, agricultural exhibits, cattle judging, antique tractor pulls, rides, and more but the state and the Federal Aviation Administration say they must move from the Franklin County Airport.
They will determine this year's plans for the 49th Field Days with hopes of filling the tents, the grounds, the buildings, and the stage with popular bands and solo performers from near and far. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule and perhaps the location.
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE HUMANITIES
The weekly program series will have eight presentations this Spring in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack. This season includes an Alaskan Cruise & Land Tour, discussions about Aquaponics and Hydroponics, Electric Aircraft, NOTCH, and more. Spring 2025 registration is now live. Click here for more info.
SAINT ALBANS MUSEUM
The museum is currently closed for the season and will reopen in May. The Bliss Room remains open year-round. The Museum will have a lineup of performances, exhibits, and educational programs. The Valentine's Dance fundraiser comes next month. Their History from Home is a free online portal has galleries with Model Medicine and Untold Stories, community history videos, articles, and activities for all ages. Click here for more info.
VERMONT HUMANITIES COUNCIL
The Vermont Humanities Council engages Vermonters in ideas, fosters a thoughtful culture, and inspires a lifelong love of reading and learning. They offer a combination of wide-ranging in-person and online programming including the arts, book discussions, film, history, Vermont Reads, and more. The VHC 1st Wednesdays recordings are online for anyone who missed a talk. The VHC statewide, one-book program, Vermont Reads, continues with Gather by Kenneth Cadow through June. Click here for more info.
MAJOR PRESENTERS ON STAGE 2025
Bay Day, the BFA Performing Arts Center, Church Street Sounds of the Season, and the eclectic Music at Grace schedules are all still uncertain at press time.
Celebration of Expressive Arts is beginning to plan CEA 2025 at the INN. They've asked that anyone with specific artists or broad ideas and requests to comment or message them on Facebook.
Comedy for a Cause can raise a few thousand dollars for a non-profit or someone else's worthy cause as an event hosted through Twiggs. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Events for Tom an eclectic mix of performances including the annual Farewell Reunion Concert at Grace Church, all to help support families of childhood cancer patients. Email or Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Meeting House on the Green holds outdoor events in East Fairfield and has a "sneak(y) preview" of the 10-concert Summer 2025 Music Series: starting with the famed Vermont Mandolin Trio in March, then Beg, Steal or Borrow, the Austin Tango Project, Coane, Rowell & Schabner, the Bob & Sarah Amos Band and much more. The series raises money for restoration projects. The Meeting House is a coveted venue; players and audiences alike have discovered the magic of the small and intimate setting for some of the best music in northern Vermont. Click here to learn more and donate online or send a contribution to MHG, Box 16, East Fairfield, VT 05448.
Northwest Access TV offers room for classes, more studio shows, and new equipment for community use. They have courses, movies in the parks, as well as concerts and arts programming. And, of course, they have local shows and events. Click here for more info.
Restaurants in and beyond Franklin County had some art on the walls and music in the halls last year. We expect the Abbey, the Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue, Arrowhead Golf Course, the Blue Paddle Bistro, Church Street Sounds of the Season, the Depot, the Double E, Foam Brewers, 14th Star Brewing Company, the INN, Irons & Ale at Champlain Country Club, the Jericho Cafe and Tavern, Kraemer & Kin, Mill River Brewing, Moog's Place, the North Hero House, Northwest Farmers Market, On Tap, the weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series, Snow Farm Vineyard, the Spanked Puppy, Sparky's, the Taphouse at Mill River, the Summer Concert Series in Taylor Park, Twiggs and the Clothier and the monthly Blues Jam at Twiggs, Von Trapp Brewing, and more to feature artists and exceptional music with a regular roster of Franklin County musicians several nights each week.
School art shows include FNESU's annual Art Gala and the annual Maple Run Art Show. The shows bring together hundreds of two and three dimensional pieces in schools and halls around the County.
The Sunset Park Concerts in Key Colony Beach concerts begin January 26 with Brothers of Others and run through March 23. Music by the Inch at Inch Beach bookends the Sunset Park events with concerts on January 19, March 30, and April 6. "Music is a powerful tool that brings people together and creates memories that last a lifetime."
Summer Sounds, Franklin County's premiere outdoor concert series, enters its 34th season on the Highgate Arena lawn and under the leadership of the Highgate Rec Director. This summer will offer a lineup of bluegrass, classical, country, folk, jazz, pop, opera, and classic rock-n-roll, all supported by the best public-private partnership in the state. The concerts are always on a Sunday night, always in a Town Park, always at 6 p.m. and always free.
The Vermont Youth Orchestra season begins with Screen Time at the Double E and the Joy of Playing Music. They will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue and hold Summer Symphony plus OrchestraPalooza, and more, live at the Flynn or at the Elley-Long Music Center. There will be virtual master classes, lesson programs, and endangered instruments. This season, over 300 musicians in grades 1 - 12 from 60 elementary, middle, and high schools in 41 towns from across Vermont and neighboring states including several from Franklin County. Programs are based at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College. Click here for more info.
Young Tradition-Vermont's traditional music and dance give young people opportunities "to be inspired and inspiring, to learn and teach, to perform, and to serve the communities they live in and visit." They offer Touring Group, Fiddle Heads, Trad Camp, Young Tradition Festival, the Instrument Petting Zoo, the Instrument Loan Program, and Fam Jam. YTV became part of Vermont Folklife in 2022. Click here for more info.
TOWN BANDS
The Citizens Concert Band season includes outdoor concerts on alternating summer Wednesdays plus select winter events. Click here for more info.
The Enosburg Town Band should begin rehearsals for the 2025 season this spring. Everyone above the beginner level is welcome to participate. Email with questions or to join the band or click here for more info.
New members (high school age through adult) are always welcome at both bands.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
The Eloquent Page is the only independent book store in the county. The Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association will hold an antiquarian book fair in May. They sponsor a game day, host book release parties, and the Fantasy and Mystery Book Clubs.
County-wide, our public Libraries have a slew of plans including readings, lunchtime concerts, art shows, and kids' performers including Vermont Reads. Your local library has community programs, events, and more. And thousands of books hot off the press or ready for your e-reader.
At Bent-Northrup Memorial Library, look for Franklin County Photogs, the unique online photography club that welcomes everyone, meets on the fourth Tuesday. The Franklin County Beekeepers takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month. Create with Canva the
free graphic design platform. Pick up Weyward by Emilia Hart this month for the February Book Discussion. BNML will have an open seat on their Board of Trustees to fill. See Sarah at the Library for the details. The To Bid silent auction netted a little over $9000, while the raffle yielded nearly $2500. Click here for more info. Muffin Mondays are going on now at the Highgate Library and Community Center. Other programs include the ongoing Curbside Craft, day passes, and more. Email or Click here for more info.
The St. Albans Free Library has Mah Jong on Mondays and Thursdays; the Book Cellar and Book Group on Tuesdays; Classic Movie Night; Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries; and a host of other events and services. Click here for more info.
The Swanton Free Public Library has computers and printing, book sales, online databases for research, museum and park passes, Learning Express, two book clubs, and home learning. They offer homeschool resources, Terrific Tuesdays, Knitting Circle, Crafts, ASL, and much more. Click here for more info.
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
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