| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 7, 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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ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on multidisciplinary artist Kristina Bolduc, painter and mixed media artist Tess Follensbee, wood turner Barry Genzlinger, and fabric artist Maureen Genzlinger with a live reception at the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The reception will feature live demonstrations with the artists answering questions about their work as well as light refreshments. A.I.R. will also 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Cambridge Arts Council annual, town-wide Jeffersonville Art Jam will take over Jeffersonville on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The art festival fills Main Street, the Bryan Memorial Gallery, Visions of Vermont, and 60 Main Arts with art, artist demos, gallery shows, live music, local food, and fun. Sunday is the rain date. Art Jam 2025 has 20 new artists this year including steel sculptor Rebecca Chomyn of Fairfield, photographer Melinda McEnany ofEnosburg, and Nicole Gadouas of Swanton with prints and jewelry.
Find the CAC on Facebook for a look at all the artists and activities.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts holds Painting Color--A Demonstration with Jarvis Wilcox outside at the Homer Knght Barn on Saturday at 2 p.m. This visual presentation by the artist showcases how colors are mixed, applied, and used to create effects in a painting. Click here to RSVP and for more info.
FAIRFIELD--Hearthside Handcrafts meet at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Fiber arts and crafting enthusiasts connect to share skills and create memories on the second Saturday of each month. Click here 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
ST. ALBANS--The 16th annual Film Noir Series begins today at the St. Albans Free Library and continues every Thursday and Friday this month. This Gun for Hire stars Veronica Lake and Robert Preston this evening at 6 p.m. and is reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Based on the 1936 novel by Graham Greene, it has wartime San Francisco, murder, double crosses, spies, and even a stage magician. 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
NORTH HERO--The Very Merry Theater Youth Camp presents Alice in Wonderland in the Homer Knight Barn. at Island Arts Center on Friday at 1:30 p.m. VMT's original musical has fun roles for everyone. Alice goes into a dream adventure in Wonderland where she meets the whimsical and magical characters, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, the Caterpillar, and the Mad Hatter. The performance is free to the public and is the culmination of the week-long camp. THEATER
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence Gallery now offers workshops in the "basement" creative space at ReMarketVT. This week, a jewelry class will make Wire/Gemstone Pendants with Terry Buehner on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The cost of $60 includes all materials and supplies. Click here to register and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts Illuminating Creativity: A Community Lumen Workshop with artist Caroline Loftus on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The hands-on workshop introduces the form of photography that uses sunlight and natural materials, such as leaves, feathers or flowers, to create one-of-a-kind prints. The workshop is free and open to the community, as long as supplies last. No registration is required. Call 802.644.5100 or click here for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Island Arts reprises a popular workshop this week. Soprano Sarah Cullins offers Group Singing Lessons at the South Hero Congregational Church over three days starting Monday at 5 - 6 p.m. Classes will be held August 11, 18, and 25. The vocal technique classes focus on body and breathing coordination, enabling singers of any level to enhance their projection, clarity of tone, and efficiency of breath control while minimizing common tensions. The classes are suitable for beginners as well as experienced singers. Students will have access to online exercises for ongoing practice. The cost is $40 for the set of three classes. Click here to register and 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.
ENOSBURG--Plan Ahead. Do you have a story you want to tell? Don't have any idea where to start? The Enosburgh Public Library hosts a Writing Workshop with S. Lee Manning and J. B. Manning starting next Thursday, August 14. Registration is preferred but not required. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday, August 7 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with Bad Horsey 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--The Sparky's Blues Jam has 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--Quadra rocks and rolls the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The two pairs of musical brothers rock from the 70s right through the rock of today. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Cooper, Bob Recupero tonight for an acoustic set at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, George Murtie at 5 p.m., and then the Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots return for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Magnetic Horse rocks out live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Friday, August 8
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Carol Ann Jones and Will Patton on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The boneless spareribs 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 HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. The Jeff Salisbury Band takes the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Maple Grove Band makes their debut at the Old Post for country music on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 8-10
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. Nighthawk performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and Rockin' Ron Gagnon takes charge on Sunday at 3 p.m. The "the newest hidden gem of the Lake Champlain Islands" is at Shore Acres where you can boat in or drive in. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in August. Tom Bisson plays Friday and Jerborn comes in 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. Sticks and Stones kick it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Bare Bones 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 host bluesman Arthur James on Friday and father-son duo Dan and Sean Jarvis 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, August 9
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. Tom Bisson plays this Saturday. The Friends of Missisquoi River Basin will have info as well. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST ALBANS TOWN--The Bash at the Bay takes over St. Albans Bay Park Saturday 8/9 from 12 noon - 4 p.m. The family friendly day means live music and fair food plus oversized jenga, cornhole, sack-races, 3-legged races, tug-of-war, and so much more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with the Mad Mojo Band at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Neon Spoon Live at the Pub on Saturday at 7 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Bring a camp chair for the patio. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue welcomes Old Friends on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Missisquoi Slim, Phil Graziano, Ken Schofield and Stetson Ward promise a blues/rock evening to remember. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Spanish-born pianist Jorge Garcia Herranz returns to the Island Arts Summer Festival in the Homer Knight Barn with works by Beethoven on Saturday at 7 p.m. The program will includ the Sonata Pathetique in C Minor, op. 13; the Sonata Moonlight in C Sharp Minor, op. 27; and the Sonata Waldstein in C Major, op. 53. Admission is $20-25. Click here for tickets and more info about each event.
ESSEX JUNCTION--The McMaple Band with Damian Roy on drums returns to Sparky's live on Saturday at 8 p.m. "Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--The Sheldon Historical Society hosts the Savor the Summer BBQ and live music by Wayne Laroche and Friends at Grist Mill Park and the Historical Museum on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meet your state and local representatives and visit the new Community Memorial Center featuring community sponsored exhibits on the museum's second floor. The Thirsty Burger/ Pine Cone will offer smoked pulled pork or teriyaki chicken breast on a roll, potato salad or mac'n cheese, a beverage and ice cream or a kid's menu: of hot dog on a roll, mac'n cheese, beverage and ice cream. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 10
NORTH HERO--Summer Sounds favorites the Dixie Six return to the Island Arts Summer Festival for an indoor concert in the Homer Knight Barn on Sunday at 6 p.m. Grounds open at 5:30 for an optional picnic on the green. The six Vermont musicians focus on the sound and repertoire of Louis Armstrong's All Stars of the 50s and 60s. Admission is free. Click here to RSVP and for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Aurient for a fresh take on radio favorites from the 1960s-2010 on Sunday at 5:30 - 8 p.m. Click here for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2025 Meeting House Music Series presents the Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4. This will be an evening of rich music. The Vermont Public radio host and international ambassador of Latin jazz has performed and/or recorded with Joe Henderson, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Poncho Sanchez, Steve Turre, Jazz at Lincoln Center Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Paul Simon, and more.
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 with those under 12 admitted free. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. The proceeds go to the Meeting House Preservation Project and supporting live music in Vermont. Concerts are held outdoors, weather permitting or moved indoors if not. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.
"Many Thanks." The Meeting House volunteers thank "all of you who've sent in your donations for the 2025 season. Your support is invaluable as it allows us to bring top tier musicians to our community as well as continuing to fund preservation projects at The Meeting House, making our little corner of Vermont truly special."
NORTH HERO--Howling Waters plays the American songbook of the 20th century on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, August 12
MILTON--Music in the Park fills Bombardier Park West with the Devon McGarry 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.
Wednesday, August 13
ENOSBURG--Sing, dance, recite some poetry, play some music, do some stand-up comedy. Come out to entertain or be entertained as Nathan Michaud hosts Open Mic Night at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Knight Point State Park hosts Summer Sounds favorites the Tenderbellies in a special, free concert on Wednesday at 5 - 8 p.m. The Vermont string band blends Americana, bluegrass, new grass, jazz and rock for music that ranges from bold and brazen to delicate and somber. This is a free event; park fees will be waived after 5 p.m. Bring a picnic nad a blanket or lawn chair.
GEORGIA--Carol Ann Jones sings to the hometown crowd at the Georgia Concert on the Green Summer Music Series. She will be joined by Will Patton and Gary Spaulding in front of the Town Clerk's Office on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Mill River Brewing and the Brew Wagon will be on hand for food and drink. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Cooie's Trio sings traditional tunes, popular songs, and originals 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 Summer Concert Series continues with Sister Speak 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 he famed TBD. If the weather turns squishy, the concerts will move to 14th Star. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Singer/songwriter David Karl Roberts "has crawled" to Two Heroes Brewery to take the stage on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The troubadour blends folk, blues and Americana with a outlaw folk and swampy lounge blues. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--Martin Fredrick 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.
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 6:30 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.
BAKERSFIELD--The Citizens Concert Band concludes its 2025 summer series on the Town Green 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.
STOWE--The Vermont Symphony Orchestra begins a three day run of Oklahoma! in concert at the Trapp Family Lodge on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 for picnicking. Concerts continue on Thursday and Friday, August 14-15. Picnic in the concert meadow and enjoy the Oscar- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical score brought to life by the full orchestra, soloists, and chorus. General admission is $79. Students 18 and under are $39 and VIP admission is $125. Click here for tickets and more info.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 3 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Buck Hollers played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on July 16, 2025. It's on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Shane Murley Band played the St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market on July 10, 2025. It's on YouTube.
ST. ALBANS--Saturday is the 6th annual, national Bookstore Romance Day. The day celebrates romance fiction, its writers, and readers, and strengthens the connection between bookstores and the romance community. In 2024, over 550 bookstores across the US, Canada, and the UK participated, making it the biggest Bookstore Romance Day yet. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
The Eloquent Page celebrates all day Saturday with signings by local writers Sara Stewart and Gail Cleare. They will also be give away free romance book bundles. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--Calling all Janeites. The Highgate Manor hosts the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Luncheon on Sunday at 12 noon - 2:30 p.m. "Step into the elegance of Austen's world with an enchanting afternoon celebrating timeless literary charm with local actors reading excerpts from the works of Jane Austen, food, music and costume." Regency attire is encouraged. This is a potluck style event. Select a contribution as your entry fee to the event. Find them on Facebook to sign up and for more info.
The Eloquent Page has Pride and Prejudice chocolates. Just sayin'.
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 Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden on Wednesday at 6 p.m. At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than our Vermont plow trucks can lift. Set in medieval Russia, the historical fantasy novel is Ms. Arden's debut novel and the first novel in her Winternight trilogy. 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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