| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | April 10, 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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HIGHGATE-MVU presents Once Upon a Mattress for four performances in the Trahan Theater this evening, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Admission is $10, free for children 5 and under. Tickets are available at the door or email for reservations. THEATER
ST. ALBANS--Knock Knock. BFA-Fairfax Drama moves their one-act comedy to the state competition after winning against three other schools. They will compete against their peers statewide and they "have an extra special bus story to tell!" BFA-St. Albans is also moving on to the state drama festival. Their comedy, The Brothers Grimm: Spectaculathon, combines many classic fairy tales.
The BFA-St. Albans Theater Department hosts the Vermont States Drama Festival in the Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday. The two day event will bring together regional One Acts Festival winners from all over the state. The winner will advance to New England's in Massachusetts. Tickets cost $5 per show or $15 for the full festival.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on April's featured artist and musician Patrick Murphy. His unexpected Maxwell House can is on Facebook . 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
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts "Winging It: Embracing Personal Expression" with Jen Volansky today at 5:30 p.m. Create wings in a mixed media workshop that draws inspiration from butterflies, birds, and more and uses collage, painting, and assemblage. The cost is $30. Click here to enroll and for more info. ART YOU CREATE
ESSEX--Sparky's hosts Art by Anna Lena for a Highland Cow Paint & Sip today at 6 p.m. The cost is $45.02 and includes all materials. Find them on Facebook or click here for tickets and more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Glass Etching with Barb in the Maker Space of the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required. Call Barb Switzer (802.752.7917) or Email or click here to register or for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Bryan Memorial Gallery inaugurates a spring Sketch & Sip on Wednesday from 5 - 6:30 p.m. "The vibe is low-key." Props, objects, and tables will be available to create unique still lifes. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own drawing tools, beverages of choice, and even headphones. They hope the event will become a monthly series at the gallery. The suggested donation is $10. Click here for more info.
CULTURAL RECLAMATION (May 16)--The Creative heART seeks works by Vermont Abenaki citizens for Cultural Reclamation: Struggles of an Indigenous Identity, an exhibit at the Missisquoi Abenaki Heritage Celebration. All ages are welcome. Click here to register. CALL FOR ARTISTS
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Harrison Ford as The Fugitive on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, Richard Kimble escapes from prison to find her killer and clear his name. Tommy Lee Jones plays Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard who won't stop until he puts Kimble back behind bars. 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
The Endless Chain will be a documentary exploration into Pete Sutherland's life. In the film, Mr. Sutherland reflects on his lifelong journey of making music, his philosophy of teaching, and his dedication to preserving and evolving musical traditions.
Mark Sustic wrote, "The production team [Larry Edelman, Fletcher Fischer and Mr. Sustic] is working hard to ensure the film is worthy of Pete's trust.
"Fundraising has started for the Pete Sutherland film. It's been 2½ years of planning, collecting, meetings, making connections, and more. We've spent some part of every day since Pete passed in late November 2022 tracking down materials and sources, watching video, listening to recordings, looking at photos. That is far from complete and will continue. But moving forward with production requires financial resources."
The Vermont International Film Festival will be the fiscal sponsor for the film so all donations for the film made through VIFF are tax-deductible. Click here for the donation link and for more info including a video teaser and find Mr. Sustic on Facebook for his full introduction to the project.
ST. ALBANS--Osher Lifelong Learning Institute concludes the Spring program series with Susan Kuecker to discuss Forgotten Heroes: Vermont Regiments at the October 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack this morning at 11 a.m. The battle in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley assisted in the re-election of Abraham Lincoln. There were more Vermont troops at this battle than any other battle in the Civil War. HUMANITIES
This semester has offered eight lectures, held from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on most Thursdays. Call 802.656.8407 or Email for registration questions. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Arrowhead Senior Center hosts a Local Historical Society and Museum Showcase on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The historical societies and museums in the region will exhibit for the opening bell of the Vermont museum season. Refreshments will be available including the sweetness of the season, Maple Treats. Click here for a PDF with more info.
FAIRFIELD--Local history comes alive at Bent Northrop Memorial Library as historians Jason Barney and Christine Eldred discuss their latest book, Hidden History of Lake Champlain on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ONLINE and ESSEX JUNCTION--Vermont Humanities continues the weekly Snapshot Series with Stephanie Yu to discuss Vermont School Funding: Equity and Affordability online and at Brownell Library on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Vermont shares school taxes but that hasn't solved the problem of all schools getting the resources they need. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or click here or here to register and for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Molly of Brick House Vermont leads a class in Needle Felting at Snow Farm Vineyard on Saturday at 3 p.m. She will guide participants through the steps to create a decorative owl. The class is for anyone interested in creating with wool. The cost is $35 and all materials are included. Click here 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.
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. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info. IN THE SAC
Thursday, April 10 ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, April 10-16
MORRISVILLE--"April is gonna be great." Moog's Place fills with music almost every night but Sunday this month. Michael Kerry leads Open Mic this evening. Dead Sessions Lite returns Friday. Evan Jennison and Matt Schrag play live on Saturday night. Seth Yacovone plays acoustic on Monday. Long Gone John has come back on Tuesday. And Jim Charonko wraps up the week on Wednesday. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, April 11
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Dan Parks live on Friday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the Duel 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 often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Chris and Erica this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents Rockin' Ron Gagnon at Champlain Country Club 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. Find them on Facebook for more info .
Friday-Sunday, April 11-13
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has two shows Friday night, WD-40 at 5 p.m., followed by the Lloyd Tyler Band for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Mirage live on Saturday night starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in April. Jacob Green plays Friday and the Buck Hollers are live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in April. The Stragglers play Friday. The Smokey Newfield Project performs 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 Fairfax guitarist Ethan Sawyer on Friday and Highgate's Phil Graziano of the Allman Brothers tribute band, Soulshine Revival, for a solo 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.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Public House often has two or more days of music every weekend in April with Jerborn on Friday and the famed TBA live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Saturday, April 12
ST. ALBANS--The 14th Star 11 Bravo Release Party has live music with Jerborn, Troy Millette and the Fire Below, and Barbie N Bones, all on Saturday beginning at noon.
The special event honors PFC Joshua R. Pallotta, a member of the Vermont Army National Guard ALPHA Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry, 86 IBCT (Mountain). He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of the Guard's Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. He succumbed to his ongoing battle with Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries and ended his life in 2014. The Josh Pallotta Fund supports Vermont service members and veterans struggling with PTS with the ultimate goal of helping to end the tragedy of Veteran suicide.
Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents bluesman Jim Branca playing solo and eclectic live on Saturday night at p p.m. This is a BYOB event. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
NW Access TV broadcast the Richford Hometown Follies including music, singing, comedy, and acting in the yearly tradition. It's on YouTube
For more than 100 years, the Haskell Free Library & Opera House has been a symbol of friendship and unity between the U.S. and Canada. In Stuck in Vermont, Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger visited the library to see the new Canadian entrance and talk with the mayors of Newport and Stanstead. Click here for the video.
FAIRFIELD--Bent Northrop Memorial Library hosts Fireside Fiber Arts in person on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. It's a group to sip coffee or tea while you knit, crochet, cross stitch, embroider, felt, quilt, or just chat. All ages and abilities are welcome, but there's no instruction. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Group discusses "The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy at the library on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. Her first novel in a series of historical fiction was published in 1905 after her stage play of the same title enjoyed a long run in London. The premise of a daring hero with a secret identity disguised by a meek or ineffectual manner endured in the later Zorro, the Shadow, the Phantom, Superman, Batman and more. Call 802.285.6505, email, or drop in at the library to reserve a copy of the book.
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.
ST. ALBANS--Local writer R J Batchelor comes to the Eloquent Page to sign her newest book, Lost Tsar of Russia, as well as her debut novel, Lost King of England, on Saturday at 11 - 3 p.m. The truth behind the execution of the Romanov family is revealed by the surviving grandson of Tsar Nicholas II, the last full blood Prince of Russia. Books one and two in the "Lost Kings Series" discuss the history in detail with a touch of fiction. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss George Orwell's 1984 on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The dystopian novel and cautionary tale was published in 1949 as Orwell's ninth and final completed book. Taking place in an imagined future, the novel examines the role of truth and facts within societies and the ways in which they can be manipulated. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists Guild and the Vermont Cantonese Club will read The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin and eat baos from Morning Light Bakery at the MAG on Saturday at 11 a.m. The art center and gallery is in Milton Square behind the Milton Post Office. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The monthly But I Progress book club takes up Nickel and Dimed--On Not Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich 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.
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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