| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | May 29, 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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Music is definitely in the air as several big series start their summer seasons this week with perfectly combined food and music. The St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series and the Music in the Vineyard summer concert series begin today. The 23rd Farewell Reunion Concert begins the Summer Music at Grace season on Friday. Beg, Steal or Borrow continues the 2025 Summer Concerts on the Green on Saturday. SUMMER MUSIC
JEFFERSONVILLE--Visions of Vermont hosts the Northern Vermont Artists Association 94th June Juried Show with an opening reception at the Sugar House Gallery on Sunday at 1 - 3 p.m. The NVAA show continues through June 28. ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on jewelry creator Holly Spier in Jeffersonville. 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features Geese on an Antique Map of Lake Champlain by Susan Bull Riley. It combines the familiar lines of an old Vermont map with a rendering of a family of geese. It is in the Jeffersonville Gallery and on Facebook . There will be an Opening Reception with the artist in the Stowe gallery on July 5.
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 through Sunday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The Fairfield Community Center hosts a special gathering for Rural Vermont's 40th anniversary with live music by Rusty Bucket on Sunday at 3 - 6 p.m. The guest of honor will be Doug Flack of Flack Family Farm. There will be block printing cards and screen printing tees, and shared stories, plus wood-fired pizza, and potluck sides. Email or call 802.223.7222 to RSVP. Click here for more info. SPECIAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts a special pop-up showing of the Swanee Series in the pop-up movie theater in a night of music, corn hole, face painting, and music with Third Shift Vermont, all at Family Night on the Village Green on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Call 802.309.0650, email or click here for more info. FILM
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for The Arts presents Elliot Cluba to discuss Vibrant Health in a Dirty World on Sunday at 2 p.m. The cost is $20. Click here for tickets and more info. HUMANITIES
GRAND ISLE--Vermont Humanities continues the Vermont Reads Series at the Grand Isle Free Library with Vermont writer Kenneth Cadow to read from and sign his novel Gather on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The award-winning debut novel tells a challenging coming-of-age in rural Vermont story. It was the 2024 Vermont Reads book. An audience Q&A and light snacks and refreshments will follow. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts begins a new, three-workshop series, Stitch by Stitch, with Carmella Cyr on Saturday at 1 p.m. The first Boro-inspired fiber arts workshop is bracelets. Classes will be held each Saturday through June 14. Tuition is $40 for a single workshop or $105 for all three. Click here to enroll and 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.
SOUTH HERO--Snow Farm Vineyard hosts Watercolor Painting at Snow Farm with Lynn Cummings on Wednesday at 9 a.m - 4 p.m. The workshop will show how to simplify landscapes and make interesting, small, still life paintings. The cost is $110. Email to register; the supply list will be provided with registration. Click here for the menu and 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. IN THE SAC
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info.
COVID-19 indicators have fallen to their lowest levels since early summer 2024 after very low levels that spring. Cases and hospitalizations began to rise during the summer. They peaked in late summer/early fall and again in mid-January this year. The Vermont pandemic death toll stands at 1,291 as of May 10. One of those Vermonters died in the previous week. COVID NEWS
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the FDA will now prioritize COVID-19 immunizations for people at highest risk for serious complications from the disease. That could make it harder for many other people to get the shots. The current vaccine approval process for people ages 65 and older and younger people with health problems that put them at high risk will continue. The change also makes it likely insurers will deny payment for vaccinations.
Thursday, May 29 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly 2025 St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series begins with Nighthawk today from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. They have live music every Thursday evening into September. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Summer Sounds favorites, the Tenderbellies kick off the Music in the Vineyard summer concert series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The Winter Wine Down Music Series continues inside the wineries with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday through March 28. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, May 22-June 1
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in May. Phil Rosenblum leads Open Mic Night tonight. The Naughty Weeds burn a few notes on Friday. Drew LaFrenz comes in on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Jim Charonko is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, May 30
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts a night of music with Third Shift Vermont at Family Night on the Village Green on Friday at 5:30 p.m. There will also be corn hole, face painting, and a special pop-up showing of the Swanee Series in the pop-up movie theater. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Next Stop Comedy on Friday at 7:30 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.
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.
ENOSBURG--Two For Flinching--Liam and Cait--makes their debut at the Rail Trail Pub on Friday at 7 p.m. The acoustic sibling duo "plays the songs that you forgot you knew." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--Summer Music at Grace begins the season with the 23rd Farewell Reunion featuring Owen Marshall and Jenna Moynihan at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m. Versatile and inventive, Ms. Moynihan is one of the best of the best in the new generation of fiddle players. She was graduated from Berklee College of Music with honors and was a recipient of both the Fletcher Bright Award and the American Roots Award. Guitar/mandolin/banjo player Owen Marshall has emerged as one of the foremost accompanists of traditional music. He has toured and recorded with the Seamus Egan Project, Copley Street, Dervish, Liz Carrol, Riptide, Pine Tree Flyers, the Press Gang, and a Christmas Celtic Sojourn.
Admission is by $20 per person suggested donation at the door. Bring a desert to share at intermission. There are no advance tickets. email for more info and reservations or Find them on Facebook for more info.
Proceeds from the concert benefit the Tom Sustic Fund, supporting families with children with life-threatening/life-altering conditions including hospitalization and transplantation. The Fund has distributed over $150,000 to families.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents Chris & Issy for live music at Champlain Country Club on Friday 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.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Laura Fedele Rasco sings all your favorite songs live at Sparky's on Friday at 5 p.m. "Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Quadra opens the patio for a new concert season at the Old Post on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in May. Shane McGrath plays Friday and the Jaded Ravens 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 May. The John Daly Band plays Friday. The Blue Rock Boys perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. The Maple Grove Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Karaoke with Jenny Red on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Dan Parks on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. She Was Right take the stage on Friday and Matt Hagen plays live on Saturday. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. Summer Sounds favorite John Geno from incaHOOTS plays one of his legendary solo shows on Friday and then Rockin' Ron Gagnon is back 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, May 31
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. Eric George plays and there is a petting zoo this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Beg, Steal or Borrow continues the 2025 Meeting House Music series on the outdoor stage at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. Jeremy Sicely, guitar and vocals; Geoff Goodhue, mandolin and vocals; Roland Clark, violin; Fran Forim, upright bass and vocals; and Luke Auriemmo, banjo and vocals make up "everyone's favorite bluegrass band" where everyone but the fiddler gets to sing. Their most recent album is One Eye for the Sun.
There will be plenty of room on the Green to "kick up your heels and dance the night away." Grab and Go light fare and desserts will be available for sale or bring your own picnic.
Admission is $10 at the door with those under 12 admitted free. Concerts are held outdoors, weather permitting or moved indoors if not. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Get Jerborned. Or Jerbanded. On Tap has the Jerband for late night music live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Sunday, June 1
ALBURGH--The North East Fiddlers Association hosts an Old Tyme Fiddle Jam at Sunset Plaza on Sunday at 12noon-4-m. "Bring your instruments and dancing shoes." Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The Fairfield Community Center hosts a special gathering for Rural Vermont's 40th anniversary with live music by Rusty Bucket on Sunday at 3 - 6 p.m. There will be wood-fired pizza, and potluck sides. Email or call 802.223.7222 to RSVP. Click here for more info.
Monday, June 2
NORTH HERO--"Break out the raincoats and raise your glass—the Pier Bar is officially open" at the North Hero House. Dave Miller plays easy listening and sing-a-long on the Pier Bar on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, June 3
HIGHGATE--MVUHS hosts the Spring Band Concert in the Trahan Theater on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
Wednesday, June 4
BURLINGTON--The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival opens with Origins in a free show at the FlynnSpace on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Look for Student Bands Wednesday, the Flynntones Jazz Ensemble, Jon McBride, Grippo Sklar, Jam Sessions, and more on Wednesday. Click here for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post begins the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival with Phantom Airwave on Friday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Bring your dog for the first outdoor dining night of the season with music by Jeff Shelley live at the Blue Paddle Bistro on Wednesday evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. "We’ve got new picnic tables and the flowers are popping!" And dogs are welcomed with water bowls and biscuits. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--MVUHS hosts the Spring Choral Concert in the Trahan Theater on Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
ST. ALBANS--The BFA Performing Arts Center hosts the BFA Instrumental POPS Concert on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
BURLINGTON--The Film House Theater of Main St Landing hosts Paul Asbell for a "coming-out party" for his book, Stages: Ruminations, Rants, and Reminiscences on a Life In Music on Sunday at 4 p.m. The multimedia presentation will have "photos, cool illustrations, vibey music interludes to accompany the stories, jugglers, and sword swallowers" but we are told the fire-eating competition was banned. The will be a bar and munchies. Find them on Facebook for more info. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Library Book Club reads We Will Be Jaguars by Nemonte Nenquimo today at 3 p.m. A Zoom link will be available for anyone who wants to attend remotely. Call 802.849.2420 or email to borrow a copy of the book or request the Zoom link. All are welcome.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library book discussion group scheduled for today has been rescheduled.
HIGHGATE--Summer is just around the corner and the Highgate Library and Community Center Summer Programming plans have a theme of Color Our World. Click here for more info about upcoming special events for children, teens, and adults.
The Muffin Monday Senior Social Hour continues 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--The Vermont Antiquarian Bookseller's Association presents the 31st Spring Book, Card & Ephemera Fair at St. Albans City Hall on Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. This year St. Albans Community Arts adds even more book activities.
VABA will have books, postcards and unique collectibles from booksellers across the state, including our own Donna Howard from the Eloquent Page. Local bookbinders will show how books are bound and repaired. There will be book appraisals and talks on writing and publicizing. Local writers will show, discuss, and sell their books. Featured writers include Catherine Bodnar, Eleanor Brodeur, Charlie Brooks, Dan Close, Dawn Densmore-Parent, Filip Deptula, Pat Esden, Kent Gramm, Jean-John Synchronicity Bleue, Ron Krupp, Laura Napoli, William Mckone, Nate Methot, Stephen Payne, Rick Norcross, Sara Stewart, Matt Thomas, Michelle Willard, and Eileen Williams. Admission is free. Call Ms. Howard (802.527.7243) or Find them on Facebook 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
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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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