| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 31, 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--Get ready to fly off to Neverland in Broadway's timeless musical, Peter Pan, for its four-day run at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls starting this evening and continuing through Sunday. Curtain at 7 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Featuring the songs, I'm Flying, I've Gotta Crow, I Won't Grow Up, and Never Never Land, it is the perfect show for the child in all of us, the child who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. THEATER
Admission is $18-25. Click here for tickets and more info.
HIGHGATE FALLS--Limelight Academy presents an Acting Variety Show at the Highgate Manor on Saturday at 6 p.m. Come join the Circus for performances by The Greatest Showman and more. There will be singing, dances, and comical scenes. The summer camp in Highgate explores creative thinking and teaches the performing arts Admission is free but donations help cover scholarships and supplies for campers. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on Vermont wood artist Courtney Adams . 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
STOWE--Bryan Fine Art Gallery features Live Painting with Susan Bull Riley at the Stowe Gallery on Saturday at 2 - 4 p.m. Ms. Riley "grew up in Vermont, spending more time outdoors than indoors." Her landscapes, flora and fauna, and birds use both oil and watercolor to bring out whimsy and intimate detail. This event is in conjunction with the exhibit In Their Elements.
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 802.760.6474 or click here for questions about the demo.
PLAN AHEAD--The Jeffersonville Art Jam, Cambridge Arts Council's annual, town-wide art festival, will take over Main Street as well as the Bryan Memorial Gallery, Visions of Vermont, and 60 Main Arts. next Saturday, August 9, with Sunday the 10th as the rain date. Art, live music, food and fun run from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
FAIRFIELD--The Friends of BNML host Mocktails & Masterpieces with Meagan from Paint & Sip VT for a special night at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Call 802.827.3945 or click here to sign up and for more info. ART YOU CREATE
NORTH HERO--The joy of community dancing to lively music continues at Island Arts with International Folk Dancing with instructor Lesley Alpert at the North Hero House Pier on Friday at 9:30 a.m. DANCE
All dances are taught. No partner required. No experience required, and new students are always welcome. Bring your water bottle and wear comfortable, flat shoes. Classes will continue most Fridays through September 26. Admission is free, but donations to Island Arts are appreciated. Call 514.476.3418 to register (drop-ins are also encouraged) or Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--Franklin County Field Days, traditionally held this weekend, has news: FESTIVALS
"After a thoughtful and extensive land search, we've decided to take a new and exciting direction for Franklin County Field Days and we want YOU to be a part of it!
"Starting in 2026, Field Days will become a traveling fair, popping up in a new spot within Franklin County each summer! This new approach allows us to continue celebrating our vibrant agricultural roots while bringing fun and festivities to different corners of our community.
"Right now, we're on the lookout for a host location for the 2026 Field Days! We're searching for 50-60 acres of flat, dry land where we can bring the magic of the fair to life.
"Do you own land or a farm that fits the bill? Send us a message and we would love to chat and share more details!
"Let's build something amazing together. We can't wait to bring the fun back next summer!"
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents The Summer of Walter Hacks in Family Movie Night inside the Homer Knight Barn at the Island Arts Center on Friday at 6 p.m. FILM
The full-length independent film by Vermont farmer-actor-director George Woodard is a coming-of-age tale of eleven-year-old Walter as he grows up on his father's 1952 farm. His adventures, straight from the western movies he loves, have a getaway, a chase. a showdown, a shootout, a runaway stagecoach, and saving the beautiful damsel. The story was born in Mr. Woodard's own mud-soaked dairy barn, high in the hills of Waterbury Center. He and producer Gerianne Smart will screen the award-winning film and participate in a Q&A afterwards.
Admission is free. Click here for more info.
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. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Thursday, July 31 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Friction 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 hosts the Shane Murley Band for Acoustic Thursday this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. Click here for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Bayside Concert Series this evening features Soulshine Revival with Phil Graziano in Bayside Park at 6 p.m. The free, all ages, outdoor show has Vermont's own tribute to the Allman Brother's Band overlooking Mallett's Bay. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Local rock and blues band B-Town plays a mix of old and new covers for 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 31-August 2
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Kyle Stevens tonight at 6 p.m. two Abair shows on Friday night, Mark Abair and his All Star Band at 5 p.m., and then the Phil Abair Band with Keegan Nolan returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Nighthawk live on Saturday night 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. Tonight features the Butterfields back from Alberta on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. Country singer Burton Stonerook takes the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Friday, August 1
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale gest jerborned again as Jerborn plays through 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 Jesse Agan on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The teriyaki chicken 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.
FRANKLIN--Franklin’s own Uncle John's Band continues its summer series at the Dick Wright Pub on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post parties like it's the 70s with the debut of YY Zeppelin on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 1-3
ESSEX--The Double E has a Double Header for Grateful Music Weekend with Back to the Garden 1969 and Big Yellow Taxi on Friday night plus Dead Zep and Old and In the Way live on Saturday night. Music starts on the Old Stage about 7 p.m. Admission is $25-35 each night with a BOGO offer for both shows. Click here for tickets and more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Sleeveless Tease on Friday and the Nobby Reed Project for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday. 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. Mirage kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Kyle Stevens on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--"Sisters are doin' it for themselves" at Twiggs this weekend as Sister Speak performs on Friday and 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.
Busy Saturday, August 2
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. Raphael & Rebecca play this Saturday alongside the Big Blue Trunk. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--Isle La Motte Vineyard hosts a five-year Anniversary Party with an artisan market, live music from singer/songwriters Blake Mattesen and Taylor La Valley, food, wine, and more on Saturday at noon - 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Spotlight Vintage hosts Vermont singer/songwriter Andriana Chobot for a free show on their Forever Young stage right after the Farmer's Market on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Andriana & The Bananas vocalist will have an original solo set inspired by indie-folk and electronica, with a touch of jazz. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Abbey hosts a big summer bash down by the river, the Riverside Country Fest and Cattle Auction with either Nashville's Jared Ames or Connor Sweet and Franklin County's own Heavy Pour Band, all at at the Abbey Pavilion on Saturday starting at 4 p.m. Admission is $25-35. Click here for concert tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River hosts McMaple on Saturday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--Chris & Erica fill Saturday night at the Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue rocks with Neon Spoon on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Vermont hard rock cover band is Adam Blouin, lead guitar/vocals; Patti VanScoy, instrumentalist/vocals; Jeff Blouin, bass guitar/vocals; Shawn Robitille, guitar; and Scott Seefluth, drums. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 3
NORTH HERO--GreenTARA Gallery hosts its third annual August Live Music Event with Mary McGinniss and the Selkies and special guest Willy Dee McKenzie in concert on Sunday at 4 - 6 p.m. Doors at 3:30. Kraemer & Kin will sell craft beer. GreenTARA has several pop-ups planned including a book jam, art installation, and more. Click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the famed TBA on Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--St Paul's United Methodist presents Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass in concert on Sunday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6. The King's Brass formed four decades ago in Detroit. The professional musicians from across the country use the instruments they love to lead others in praise and worship to make music lauded by secular and sacred music critics. No tickets are required; a free will offering will be collected. Click here for more info. Tuesday, August 5
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.
Wednesday, August 6
NORTH HERO--Jaded Revins sing soulful Americana and country rock originals at the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Jerborn takes over. The Pier Bar at the North Hero House gets jerborned on Wednesday 7/9 at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues as B-Town rocks 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. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts the Butterfields on their "Islands" tour on Wednesday evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE FALLS--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series on the lawn at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts take place outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Under the direction of Jeremy Berger, the community band plays a series of free, outdoor summer concerts in towns around Franklin County. Their rich history dates back to 1947. Click here for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Jamie Lee Thurston takes over the Old Post for a pecial Wednesday night party starting at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode three from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Citizens Concert Band played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series in Taylor Park on June 26, 2025. It's on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when Rushmore played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series in Taylor Park on July 9, 2025. It's on YouTube.
Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton sang Christmas in July on Facebook on Tuesday. Follow him on Facebook for a link to this week's offerings.
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
Robert Resnik passed away this month, silencing his button accordion. The voracious musician, writer, mushroom hunter, and longtime host of Vermont Public's All the Traditions was 72. He was a librarian at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington for nearly 30 years. PASSAGES
Long-time friend Mark Sustic wrote, "Robert was a friend and someone who was an effective and reliable enthusiast for the people and music we happened to both feature in our presentations--radio, performances, festivals. He was uniquely talented in finding and sharing the things he enjoyed that others appreciated--music, food, friendships, mushrooming."
It's hard to picture the Vermont music community without his music, warmth and the magical twinkle in his eyes. "We all will miss his light," Will Patton wrote.
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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