| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 17, 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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AROUND THE COUNTY--Saturday is the third annual National Sidewalk Chalk Day. It's a chance to brighten the sidewalks near you or near your neighbors with colorful designs. ART ON THE WALLS and UNDERFOOT
SWANTON--Grab a chalk at participating businesses or bring your own and enjoy a popsicle in the park at the end on Saturday at 10 - 11 a.m. Chalk and popsicles provided by the Swanton Arts Council.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park hosts an artist talk and exhibition walk-through with 2025 Artist-in-Residence Garfield Morgan at the park on Saturday at 2 p.m. Mr. Morgan transforms discarded materials into sculptures that reflect on themes of environmental harm, inequality, and resilience. He is creating an on-site installation that brings these ideas into conversation with the landscape at the park. This event is free to attend but tickets are de rigueur. Click here for free tickets and info about the event and visiting the park.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on watercolor painter and fiber artist Deborah Travis who works with watercolor and mixed media and draws with pen and ink. 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 he crystal blue waters of Dorset Quarry by Ken Rush. It is in the Jeffersonville 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.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park has named multidisciplinary artist Garfield Morgan a 2025 Artist in Residence. His work transforms discarded materials and used garments through painting, distortion, and repurposing. Mr. Morgan will be at the Park July 12 - 26. During his residency, visitors can engage with his creative process through interactive workshops and presentations. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Masonic Lodge hosts a Flea Market/Craft Fair on Saturday at 10 a.m - 3 p.m. The rain or shine event will have inside and outside vendors. There will be a 50/50 raffle, pull tabs and the Cheese Us Food Truck. Email for more info. ART FOR SALE
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library Creative Creatures Arts & Crafts program builds Wind Chimes on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. The July project will reuse jars to turn them into something beautiful to catch the sun. Click here for more info. ART YOU CREATE
NORTH HERO--The Island Arts Summer Festival continues with a four-show run of Little Women this week. July programming has also included Counterpoint, the Ken Clark Organ Trio, and Skylark. The festival continues in August. Click here for tickets and more info about each event. FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
BURLINGTON--14th Star Brewing Company, Kraemer & Kin, Mill River Brewing, and Two Heroes Brewery & Public House will all be at the 32nd Vermont Brewers Festival for one to three tasting sessions at Waterfront Park on Friday and Saturday. The festival has live music, local food trucks, Vermont products, and games. Click here for tickets and more information.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page has a very special double header with local dairy farmer, filmmaker, actor, and writer George Woodard on Saturday. Mr. Woodard will sign his book in person at The Eloquent Page from 1 - 3 p.m. before heading a couple of doors up Main Street to the Welden Theater for a special screening of his movie The Farm Boy at 3:30 p.m. The black and white feature film, a love story and adventure, is loosely based on the real life story of Mr. Woodard's parents. FILM
NORTH HERO--Vermont Humanities examines Seminal Statements of American Values with a focus on the Gettysburg Address and FDR's Four Freedoms speech at North Hero Public Library this afternoon at 5 p.m. The founding documents and landmark speeches help us to understand America's operating principles and values--what they mean, how well we practice what we preach, and what relationship words have to action in good times and bad. Call Caroline Korejko (802.372.5458) or click here for more info. HUMANITIES
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Little Women--The Broadway Musical for a four-performance run at the Island Arts Center (the Homer Knight Barn) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. plus a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Full Circle Theater Collaborative and Fearn Enterprise stage the musical adaptation with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Keen, and a cast of students and Vermont professionals. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. General admission is $20 or $15 for students. Click here for tickets and more info, THEATER
ISLE LA MOTTE--The Isle La Motte Recreation Department hosts a free iPhone Photography Workshop with David Beckett at the Visitor Center at Goodsell Ridge Preserve this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. The workshop will teach how to take better photos and edit right on the iPhone. The class is free but reservations are required as space is limited. Email to RSVP. 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.
FAIRFIELD--Ben Raymond leads the Watercolor Flowers workshop at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. This class is rescheduled from May. The class is full; BNML is currently taking names for waiting list. "Let's create some beautiful flowers to brighten our days." Call 802.827.3945 or click here to sign up. Ages 13 to adult.
ST. ALBANS--The new Artist In Residence workshops start next week, They are offered at ReMarketVT. Click here for more info about the classes in hand building, VT Northern Lights painting, unique jewelry, and more. The art and fine craft cooperative features more by 40 Franklin County and surrounding area artists. It is owned and operated by the artists and sponsors.
Thursday, July 17 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Blues for Breakfast playing Americana music seasoned with impromptu jam 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--Cooie Sings at the Blue Paddle Bistro for Acoustic Thursday this evening at 6 - 8 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--The Sparky's Burger and Blues night is a 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 at 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--Barbie-n-Bones 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-Saturday, July 17-19
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Jesse Agan tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Chris Bell at 5 p.m., and then 90 Proof returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. They start off with the Music of Bob Dylan with Dave, Dave and Jom of CombusOmatics on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. The Bushey/Bedell Trio takes the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Friday, July 18
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents Robin Gottfried 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.
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Dennis Fox & Friends on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The BBQ chicken 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. Call 802.893.0234 for reservations and 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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Hullabaloo reunites for a summer party at the Old Post on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, July 18-20
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in July. Cooper, Bob Recupero, plays Friday and Jacob Green is live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Mill River Brewing will also be at the Vermont Brewers Festival. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in July. Earthbound Spirits play Friday. The Stragglers 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 this weekend. Mark Abair and his All Star Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Laura Fedele-Rasco 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, they're brought to you by The Letter 'R'!" as they host the return of Ryan Hanson on Friday and Roger Giroux 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, July 19
ST. ALBANS--Northwest Farmers Market fills Taylor Park with live music, handmade crafts, locally grown food, prepared foods, free kids activities, and the Klassic Car Show on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Local musician Owen Leavey performs live on the Forever Young Stage at Spotlight Vintage on Saturday at 2 p.m. The pianist and vocalist turns good songs from jazzy classics to heartfelt pop into great vibes. Tips for the artist are encouraged but not required for this free event. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with Amerikana Blue at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--Pack the Pub! The Lake Carmi Camper's Association has a very special evening with Rosie Newton and Uncle John's Band live at the Dick Wright Pub on Saturday at 5 p.m. Ms. Newton will sweep onto the stage at 6, then the band takes over at 7:30. There will be outside games, including cornhole and washers, as well as hotdogs and snacks. BYOB. Admission is by suggested donation of $20. All proceeds benefit Dick Wright Pub. Find them on Facebook for more info.
A personal reminiscence: Ms. Newton sang Hallelujah for me at the Summer Sounds 25th Anniversary Big Blowout Benefit Bonanza in 2015. She was, I think 13 then, It's a song that needs gravitas and Rosie was the only teenager I knew who had it. Ten years later, she still has it.
There are just two weeks left in the Dick Wright Pub Summer Fundraiser to help to keep this vibrant and vital community hub up and running for all of Franklin. Click here to contribute and for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents with Five O'clock Somewhere 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.
Sunday, July 20
HIGHGATE--La Bella Incognita comes to the Highgate Manor for a special benefit concert on Sunday at 3:30. The Montreal-based ensemble of Seth Dempsey, lute and theorbo; Alex Miron-Perreault, violin; Jessica Tovey, violin; and Alice Boissinot Guastavino, gamba and cello; from McGill will perform works by Vivaldi, Purcell and Corelli. Founded by Mr. Dempsey, the ensemble expands the scope of a typical early music troupe by including music from various eras and prioritizing artistry and beauty over strict adherence to tradition. McGill's Schulich School of Music offers diverse performing experiences and a deep understanding of technique for students specializing in historical performance.
Admission free by donation. All donations will go to "Raise the Floor" of the St. John's Church which incurred structural damage from the massive turnout to a local history talk earlier this year. The church is being restored for concerts, weddings, and more. "The acoustics are amazing," Sandi Kenyon said.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Dave Miller on Sunday at 6 - 8 p.m. Click here for more info.
Monday, July 21
NORTH HERO--Jazz veterans Tony Pietricola and Bob Gagnon play jazz standards from modern compositions to songs from the 1920s on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, July 22
MILTON--Music in the Park fills Bombardier Park West with the Milton Community Band on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Tuesday evenings have food, lawn games, and the Milton Farmers Market through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--Free Summer Concerts in the Park continue with the Enosburg Town Band on the Lincoln Park Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The evening also includes arts and crafts activities thanks to the Enosburg Public Library, popcorn and drinks to support the Enosburg Business Association, and ice cream sundaes to support the Franklin County Cat Crusaders. The concerts will continue every Tuesday through August 19. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton will sing a benefit concert for the Memphremagog Science & Education Center at the Gateway Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free and you can see the project first hand. MemSEC fosters a deep understanding of the cultural and natural history of Lake Memphremagog. Mr. Shelton talks about MemSEC on YouTube. Click here for more info and here to donate.
Wednesday, July 23
MONTGOMERY--The first Cold Hollow to Canada Summer Social has live music from the Missisquoi River Band at the Montgomery Rec Center on Wednesday at 5 - 8 p.m. There will be food truck vendors, Ten Bends beers, and a line-up of interactive informational booths, children's activities, and more. "This gathering is a chance to commune with your friends and neighbors in the spirit of conservation, stewardship, and community." Admission is free. Click here to RSVP and for more info.
GEORGIA--The Georgia Concert on the Green Summer Music Series presents Nottingham Drive in concert in front of the Town Clerk's Office on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Mill River Brewing, the Brew Wagon, and Melinda's Creation will be on hand for food and drink. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Butterfields sing a rich mix of traditional folk, blues, Caribbean, popular, and contemporary favorites at the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Smokey Newfield Project lights up the Summer Concert Series in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Concerts are free for all every Wednesday evening through August 27. 14th Star Brewing Company and eats from Maharaja Spice 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.
SWANTON--Ryan Sweezey plays live at the Green Mountain Bistro on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Located in the historic Champlain Theater building (the former Prouty's building), the full service bar and restaurant has live music every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery presents The Spring Chickens on stage with hard-driving traditional Appalachian tunes and songs on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--She Was Right (absolutely) plays the Blue Paddle Bistro on Wednesday evening at 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Summer Concert Series presents Aaron and Alaria Doane at Mills Riverside Park on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Call 802.899.1141, email, or click here for more info.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Local writer DonnaRae Menard begins a weekly read from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Old Man Garage Band played the St. Albans Bay Farmers Market Concert Series on June 19, 2025. It's on YouTube.
FAIRFIELD--Franklin County Photogs with Harry Goldhagen hosts a virtual Zoom group at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The group meets monthly to share and learn about photography. Join the Zoom Meeting with passcode: 311344 or click here for the Zoom link and more info. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
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--The Eloquent Page has a very special double header with local dairy farmer, filmmaker, actor, and writer George Woodard on Saturday. Mr. Woodard will sign his book The Christmas Calf in person at The Eloquent Page from 1 - 3 p.m. Magical events that happen when a farm boy goes to the barn to check a cow who is about to have a calf in the whimsical tale.
Then head a couple of doors up Main Street to the Welden Theater for a special screening of his movie The Farm Boy at 3:30 p.m. The black and white feature film, a love story and adventure, is loosely based on the real life story of Mr. Woodard's parents.
Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library book clubs took a break in July but they have August's books ready to pick up now. 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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