| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | June 5, 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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ENOSBURG FALLS--June is National Dairy Month! FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
The Vermont Dairy Festival returns today and continues through Sunday in downtown Enosburg Falls.
The Enosburg Falls Lions Club celebrates 69 years of Dairy Days this weekend with more entertainment and magical family activities than ever before. Most of the music and entertainment is on two stages around Lincoln Park. The Dairy Scholarship Pageant returns tonight and the Fireworks will return to light up the sky on Saturday. There are pig races all weekend long. on Stebbins Street. All the outdoor entertainment is free.
The Mooooving Parade starts Saturday at 10:30. With marching bands and mobile mooving murals, it is one of Vermont's largest parades.
THURSDAY--The Vermont Dairy Festival Scholarship Pageant, this evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Opera House at Enosburg Falls, highlights the scholastic achievements, talents, and enthusiasm of college-bound high school senior girls in Franklin County. The competition includes poise and appearance, stage interviews, and youth fitness.
The Enosburg Lions offer scholarship prizes ranging from $125 to $750. Tickets will be available at the door.
FRIDAY--EFMHS Rock Show winner The Revival opens the Dairy Days stage at 6 p.m.
Ryan Sweezy & the Midnight Walkers play original music and classic rock covers at 7 p.m.
SATURDAY--The Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Bubbles will roam the parade route ahead of the parade.
Singer/songwriters Chris & Erica start the live music day at noon.
Pirate Man Dan thrills in a cloak of comedy and his Land Moving Ship at 1:30, 7 p.m. and roaming at 9 p.m.
One man band Jacob Green plays blues roots music at 2:15.
Farmer Tom and Farmer Mack bring songs to the Petting Zoo at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.
Marko the Magician may disappear the new Enosburg skyscraper and will hypnotize the audience at 3:30 p.m.
Troy Millette & the Fire Below does 90s country at 5:30 p.m.
The Maple Grove Band returns for a special performance at 8 p.m. right through the fireworks.
Fireworks will shoot over the mighty Missisquoi about 9:30 p.m.
SUNDAY--Pirate Man Dan begins roaming at 11 a.m. and sails his Land Moving Ship on stage at 1:15 and 3:30.
EFMHS Rock Show winner The Mountain Says No opens the Sunday music at 11 a.m.
Hot Pickin' Party plays bluegrass at 12 noon.
The Car Show opens on Main Street.
Acoustic artists Aaron and Alaria Doane play original music at 2 p.m.
The men and women of the Enosburg Lions volunteer their time to conduct service projects and raise funds for the local community. They contribute to senior citizens' programs, area school projects, community health services, the Enosburg public library, family assistance and drug/alcohol programs, fire and ambulance services, other non-profit organizations, scholarships, as well as to the Lions International sight and hearing programs. The Vermont Dairy Festival is the Enosburg Lions' primary source of funding for these programs with thousands of man-hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to the community.
The Vermont Dairy Festival midway opens at 6 p.m. this evening. Entertainment on the bandstand starts Friday evening at 7 p.m. and the weekend activities begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday in downtown Enosburg Falls. Admission to the grounds is free and most events are also free, rain or shine. Cows go about their business regardless of the weather, and so does the Vermont Dairy Festival. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The eight annual Celebration of Life Festival fills Martell's Red Fox with a day full of music with seven bands, face painting for the kids, vendors, and food tents all on Saturday at 12 - 8 p.m. Look for Gary Wade at noon Blackwolf at 1 p.m., George Murtie at 2, Rockin' Ron Gagnon at 3, Kyle Bowler at 4, the Missisquoi River Band at 5, and Soul Stew from 6-8 pm.
This year's event is in memory of Katie Munson of Fairfax. All proceeds will go to gastric cancer research in her name. Admission is by donation. Email for more info or to donate.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on jewelry creators Terry Buehner and Karen Mulkey, ceramic artist Wendy Everhart, and painter Jaimie Katon, with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will continue celebrating the monthly Featured Artists online and on Facebook. ART ON THE WALLS
The art and fine craft cooperative features paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, sculpture, lamps, pottery, folk art boxes, scarves, hats and more by 40 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.
ENOSBURG--"The grass is taller, the days are longer, and the sculptures are ready and waiting!" Cold Hollow Sculpture Park reopens Saturday for another season "on the path to inspiration." The admission-free, immersive art experience is an outdoor exhibit of 70 sculptures by artist David Stromeyer. The park is open June 7 - October 13, Thursday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts an opening reception for Viatcheslav Protopopov Capturing The Light on Saturday at 5 - 7 p.m. The classically trained Russian artist, oil painter, and iconographer offers a "vivid glimpse into the landscapes and people of Oklahoma." Mr. Protopopov's daughter, Montgomery resident Sasha Elliott will describe the life and work of her father. There will be traditional Russian food and drinks. The show is open through June 22 on Saturdays and Sundays 12 noon - 4 p.m. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery contrasts Sun & Shadow, Hartland VT by Tom Waters with George Van Hook's My Serene Valley. Both are 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 through Sunday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Island Arts Artisan Market, hosted by Jennifer Pratt, will fill the Homer Knight Barn on Saturday at 9 - 4 p.m. There will be handcrafted sterling jewelry from Bijoux Gervais, driftwood/wool owls from Champlain Island Creator, artisan pottery from Serendipity Studio, paintings from Jarrett Gamache Art, resin artwork from Mountain View Creations, full grain leather goods from Cindy’s Leather Goods, all natural soaps from Birch and Bramble as well as custom furniture and home decor from The Red Hammer Workshop, and much more. The historical red barn is the Island Arts Center. ART FOR SALE
MORRISVILLE--Brush into Summer at the River Arts in-person Paint n' Sip with Evie Mason on Friday at 6 p.m. Go step-by-step with tips on how to blend bright colors, use loose brushstrokes, and a hint of semi-abstract style to make your painting pop. The cost is $65. Click here to enroll and for more info. ART YOU CREATE
MORRISVILLE--River Arts has two workshops this week. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
The June Open Studio Figure Drawing offers a full nude session today at 3:30 p.m. There will be a combination of short and medium-length poses, and a a longer-form pose at the end. River Arts limits nude sessions to ages 18 and older. This session isn't just for figure drawing; sculptors, painters, and photographers are welcome. The cost is $15 with pre-registration preferred. Click here to register and for more info.
Carmella Cyr continues the new, three-workshop series, Stitch by Stitch, on Saturday at 1 p.m. This Boro-inspired fiber arts workshop is wall hanging. Classes will be held each Saturday through June 14. Tuition is $40 for a single workshop. Click here to enroll and for more info.
MILTON--Social Sunday was canceled last week but is back at the Milton Artists' Guild Art Center for a free weekly art class for families 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 an Acrylics and Collage Artist Workshop with Lynn Cummings on Wednesday at 9 a.m - 4 p.m. The workshop will create colorful, unique papers with acrylics and a Gelli plate, then tear and cut the prints to create a collage. The cost is $125. Email to register. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library hosts a Barn Quilt Class with Marie Speer on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The class is free, thanks to a generous donation to the Swanton Arts Council, but registration is required. Click here to register and for more info.
Thursday, June 5 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Jolly Rogers 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 often hosts Acoustic Thursday on Thursday evenings at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Burger and Blues Jam with the Vermont Blues Society hosted by David and Matthew Nerbak, Eric Belrose, and Larry Vigneault this evening at 6 - 9 p.m. Food will be available after 5 p.m. The Blues Jam will continue every other Thursday through the end of the summer. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Ryan Sweezey & the Midnight Walkers featuring Joshua Glass on keys, Chris Doncaster on bass, and Eric Belrose on drums, play the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, June 5-11
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Cooper, Bob Recupero, tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Abair Friday night, starting with Mark Abair and his All Star Band at 5 p.m., and then the Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus TBA live on Saturday night. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
BURLINGTON--The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival continues at the Flynn, on Church Street, and around town today through Sunday. The MVU Jazz Ensemble plays the top of Church Street on Friday at 3 p.m. Waterfront Park on Friday has the Roy Hargrove Big Band at 5:30 p.m. and Kat Wright begins at 7 p.m. The closing night show is Translinear Light: The music of Alice Coltrane featuring her son Ravi Coltrane with special guest Brandee Younger at the Flynn on Sunday at 6 p.m. There is much, much more.
Many shows are free. Click here for tickets and more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Indie-pop singer-songwriter Ali T, Allison Turner, starts the week this evening at 6 p.m. The Jeff Salisbury Band takes the stage on Friday. Jeff and Gina play live on Wednesday. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Friday, June 6
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course begins the new season with Chris & Erica on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Meatball Sub buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $15 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.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot presents the Fabulous Franklin County Drag Ball on Friday night at 8 p.m. Doors at 7. The evening will have drag performances with a 50/50 raffle. General admission is $30. Tickets are available at the Depot or at Zeffy.com .
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post presents McMaple outdoors, weather permitting, on Friday at 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, June 6-8
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in June. Kyle Stevens leads Karaoke on Friday and McMaple plays live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. Northern Lights kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Alex Riddell 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 Sister Speak featuring Sherri Anne returns on Friday and Dan Parks is 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, June 7
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. Giovannina Bucci plays this Saturday and there will be a CVOEO playgroup. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The eight annual Celebration of Life Festival fills Martell's Red Fox with Gary Wade, Blackwolf, George Murtie, Rockin' Ron Gagnon, Kyle Bowler, the Missisquoi River Band, and Soul Stew on Saturday at 12 - 8 p.m. Admission is by donation. Email for more info or to donate.
ESSEX--The Old Stage Summer Series starts the new season with Seth Yacovone live at the Double E on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--It's time to get mopped as 14th Star rocks with Jonny Mop for a night of live music in The Room on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH FERRISBURGH--Justice 3 returns to the outdoor stage at the Village Tavern on Saturday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale has Barbie-N-Bones at Champlain Country Club 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.
SOUTH HERO--Island Arts begins the 2025 concert season with the Alexander String Quartet at the Congregational Church of South Hero on Saturday at 7 p.m. The program includes the Haydn String Quartet in G major, Op. 77, No. 1, Gradual by Tarik O’Regan, and String Quartet No. 14 in D minor Death and the Maiden by Schubert. The Alexander String Quartet has performed in the major music capitals of five continents. There will be a meet-and-greet with Quartet members after the concert.
Admission is $25 online and at the door or $20 at local outlets. Click here for more info about the quartet or here for concert info.
BELLOWS FALLS--The Bellows Falls Opera House hosts a one-night block party for 8 0 8 4 with special guest John Sullivan on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The band has performed more than 4,500 live shows, from Summer Sounds and FloodStock with April Wine to headlining and sharing the stage across North America and Europe with more cowbell, Blue Oyster Cult, Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, and Henry Lee Summer.
Admission is $20-30. Click here for tickets and more info.
Sunday, June 8
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Jeff Shelley on a gorgeous Sunday at 5 - 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, June 9
NORTH HERO--Rockin' Ron Gagnon brings his one-man band to the Pier Bar at the North Hero House for classic rock to country and blues on Monday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, June 11
ENOSBURG--Nathan Michaud leads an Open Mic evening at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday from 5 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook 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.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
The Franklin Community Chorus accompanied by Marcia Perry performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic on Memorial Day and on Facebook .
The Lloyd Tyler Band was live at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge on May 31. Mark Van Blunk uploaded a three-mic on stage mix recording to the Internet Archive for free download and streaming.
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library Book Discussion group takes up The Salt Path by Raynor Winn this evening at 5:30 p.m. The book tells the true story of a couple who lost everything and embarked on a transformative journey walking the South West Coast Path in England. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
ESSEX--Terry Lovelette will be at Phoenix Books Essex to sign and talk about Down-Back on Saturday from 1 - 3 p.m. The St. Albans writer's second book is a collection of essays, poems and photography that takes readers "down back" to the wooded area behind his childhood home to pitch tents, explore nature, and admire the stars. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library Tuesday Night Book Group meets takes up James by Percival Everett on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Mr. Everett tells the story of Jim's wrenching odyssey and revelations. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall on Wednesday at 6 p.m. What's a young lady of means to do in the year 1814 in a world of fairy spirits, interfering deities, and straight-up sorcerers? 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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