| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 14, 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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Although they aren't billing it that way, this might be the right week just to set up a camp cot at the Island Arts Center. They have live music, dance instruction, and workshops every day starting Friday and continuing for eleven days. And that didn't count the art of yoga mixed in with the other events. ISLAND ARTS WEEK
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts an opening reception for Nature's Legacy - Capturing Shared Values on Friday at 5 - 7 p.m. Cold Hollow to Canada presents the Mother-Daughter exhibition featuring Annette Goyne's watercolor paintings and Jenny Goyne's photography. The exhibit continues through the end of August. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon - 4 p.m. ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on whimsical fabric artist Chris Bessette . 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.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park has named Boston- and Putney-based large-format photographer Mitch Weiss as the second Artist in Residence of the season. During his residency, his work on view in the gallery and visitors can engage with his "dark field" creative process through presentations. He will give a public artist talk on Saturday, August 30. Click here for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Cambridge Arts Council and the resident artists at 60 Main Arts host an Open Portrait Session with a live model on Saturday at 6 - 8 p.m. "This is not a class, but rather a friendly drawing social, where to hone observational skills, learn new techniques, and be inspired by each other." Bring your own drawing supplies. The cost depends on the number of participants, because the $40 model fee will be split. 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
MORRISVILLE--River Arts offers two Dance workshops on Wednesday.
Hanna Satterlee, Director of ANIMAL Dance, leads Contemplative Dance Practice at River Arts on Wednesday at 2 p.m. Drawing on the program founded by Barbara Dilley, this workshop will help to integrate inner and outer experiences. The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
Ms.Satterlee also leads a Dance Improvisation, Practicing Presence and Performance workshop at River Arts on Wednesday at 4 p.m. The cost is $30. Click here to register and 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. The Glass Key will be shown on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. The 1942 film starred Brian Donlevy, Veronica Lake, and Alan Ladd, and was based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. 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
ONLINE--The Vermont Abenaki Artists presents a heritage hunt in Dark Academy Adventures, Episode 2: The Case of the Peripatetic Moccasins on YouTube. The video uses science, deduction, and technology to examine "American Indian Antiquities Collecting." This episode will track down and authenticate an elusive pair of mint condition beaded moccasins linked to Abenaki artifacts held by the Vermont Historical Society. HUMANITIES
ENOSBURG--Do you have a story you want to tell? Don't have any idea where to start? The Enosburgh Public Library hosts a two-part Writing Workshop with S. Lee Manning and J. B. Manning starting today at 4:30. Today's session will be about making a summary of the story. Registration is preferred but not required. Find them on Facebook for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SOUTH HERO--Island Arts has three popular workshops this week.
Soprano Sarah Cullins offers Group Singing Lessons at the South Hero Congregational Church on Monday at 5 - 6 p.m. Classes will conclude August 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.
Lucie Faulkner leads the free, two-day Book Page Wreath Making Class in the Island Arts Center on Tuesday and on Thursday, August 21, at 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Registration is required. Bring a stapler if you have one; everything else will be supplied. Click here to register and for more info.
Pat Brennan presents the third of this year's three-workshop series--a Handcrafted Greeting Card Workshop with at her studio at 275 South Street on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Ms. Brennan will teach basic card-making with two one-of-kind card kits with envelopes. The cost is $12 plus, at your first class, a tool kit ($7) that includes a dispenser with double-sided tape, glue dots, sponge daubers, and a little bling. Bring scissors if you have them. Click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--The Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts Plein Air in Oil, a two-day workshop with George Van Hook on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The workshop stresses allaprima painting and uses a loose and fast approach to capture the landscape in the first try. The cost is $320. Use promo code "BMGMEMBER" to recieve a member discount. 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.
Thursday, August 14 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with live music 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.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's hosts a Blues Night with Jim Branca, this evening at 5 - 9 p.m. The Winter Blues will continue on the first and third Thursday of each month. Find them on Facebook 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--A House On Fire plays the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The seven-piece band does light up the house with pop, dance, reggae, rock, hip-hop, country, R&B, and soul. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the Godform Summer Tour Metal Showcase featuring the Last of Lucy, Pathogenic, St. Albans own Shiny New Toyz, and No Son of Mine for a night of live music in The Room this evening at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. Admission is $10-15, cash only at door. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, August 14-16
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Just Me tonight at 6 p.m. plus two shows Friday night, WD-40 at 5 p.m., and then Bad Horsey 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.
Friday, August 15
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents the Buck Hollers on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The taco 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.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Vachsean, the acoustic project of the Rough Suspects, Live at the Pub on Friday 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.
NORTH HERO--Haiduck & Heckendorn sing and play the Great American Songbook in the Homer Knight barn at the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. The informal, cabaret-style evening features a jazz quartet of Neal Haiduck, clarinet; David Heckendorn, piano; Bruno John, bass; and Dan Ryan, drums; plus special guest John Lehmann-Haupt, classical guitar. Admission is $20 at local outlets or $25 online and at the door. Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Click here for tickets and more info.
CORNISH, NH--Jesse Agan brings the Music of Queen to the Whelen Entertainment Pavilion Stage at the Cornish Fair on Friday at 8 p.m. The 75th edition of the Fair runs Friday through Sunday with a 75th Anniversary Fireworks Show on Saturday. The Friday $10 adult ticket price ends at noon.
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub and presents TNT Comedy Night with Vermont's funniest Showcase at 8 p.m. followed by the 9 p.m. Open Mic. The Showcase is Mel Ardelle, Jared Hall, Bobby Pelligrino, Kane Thomley, and host Suz Ambrose. Food and drinks will be available to purchase at the event. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post presents Barbie N Bones on Friday on the outdoor stage at 7 p.m. "Singing along and dancing under the summer sky." Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 15-17
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Stewart Foster on Friday and the famed TBD live on Sunday evening. Music starts about 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. The New Duo performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and Bare Bones plays 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. John Gratton plays Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project is live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Deb Murphy on Friday and Tim Brick 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. The Jolly Roger Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Chris & Issy on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Third Wheel (the Jeff and Gina trio) takes the stage for jazz standards and selections from Jeff Wheel to Jeff Beck on Friday and the Dale and Darcy Band plays Americana, Celtic, bluegrass, and roots 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. This week they host Dan Parks on Friday and the Blue Rock Boys 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 16
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. The Missisquoi River Band plays and NCSS has a playgroup this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--Highgate Rec offers an "End of Summer" good time at the Summer Sounds Festival with live music by Kaiden Primm, Sean Jarvis, and Johnny Hicks and the Kickers, all on the lawn of the Highgate Sports Arena on Saturday at 1 - 8 p.m. There will be food, drinks, and lots of family games and activities throughout the afternoon and evening including a dunk tank starring members of the Highgate Recreation Department and the Highgate Selectboard. Find them on Facebook for more info.
MORRISVILLE--It is Elvis Week 2025 and Lanphear Farm hosts a Royal Event with the King and Queen of Rock and Roll. Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton will blast out Elvis the King followed by Xtreme Queen "honoring the memory of Freddie Mercury" all on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. There's lots more including free food but it is "BYODrink of choice and BYOChair."
Admission is $50 plus a non-perishable food item to help Fill the Truck. The event benefits Lamoille County Food Share and is always a party. "I'd venture to say there is not a lot of opportunity to see that line up!" Mr. Shelton said. Find them on Facebook for more info.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with the Shane Murley Trio at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents with the Devon McGarry Band 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.
ESSEX--The Double E celebrates the limited release of Amystera's debut EP on vinyl in the lounge on Saturday at 7 p.m. The dark, progressive instrumental power trio hammers equal parts progressive funk and icy, gothic synth. But it's vinyl. The show will have projections by Heavy Light VT and an opening set by Casper Electronics. Admission is $15. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
MILTON--Singer-songwriter couple Chris & Erica take over Zachary's Pizza for an acoustic country/rock evening on Saturday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 17
BURLINGTON--Foam Brewers presents Jeff and Gina for Zappa to Zeppelin, R&B, vocal duets, and soaring instrumentals on Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents the Vermont Jazz Ensemble directed by Andy Gagnon outdoors on the green at the Homer Knight Barn on Sunday at 4 p.m. The 17 musician-strong big-band swing/dance group has been swingin’ for over 40 years. They are also popular at Nectar's, the Stone Barn in Brattleboro, and the Zenbarn in Waterbury. Admission is $20 at local outlets or $25 online and at the door. Click here for tickets and more info.
Monday, August 18
NORTH HERO--The Jim Thacker Duet burns down the Pier Bar at the North Hero House with high energy blues, rock and funk on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, August 19
MILTON--Music in the Park in Bombardier Park West presents Ryan Sweezy & the Midnight Walkers on Tuesday at 6 p.m. There will be Jay's Famous Cheesesteaks, Matt Mullen, and Waffley Good. The Tuesday evenings of live music, food, lawn games, and the Milton Farmers Market conclude the 2025 season with this evemt. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG--Free Summer Concerts in the Park conclude 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. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, August 20
NORTH HERO--She Was Right plays covers from many decades 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 McMaple 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 Bubba Duffers Favorites 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--Summer Sounds favorite Carol Ann Jones returns to the Blue Paddle Bistro on Wednesday evening at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 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.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode Four from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Smokey Newfield Project played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on July 23, 2025. It's on YouTube.
Many libraries will be closed on Saturday to observe Bennington Battle Day. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Talk series welcomes local writer Stephen Trahan to talk about his book, I Am Not A Hero, on Sunday at 2 p.m. The book recounts the story of his uncle, Father Aimé J. Trahan, SSE, a young American priest sent to France just before the Nazi invasion. The German army appointed him mayor of his town. La Résistance was born there under his covert leadership.
FRANKLIN--Dick Wright Public House hosts a discussion of the Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness. Copies are available at the Haston Library for those who would like to read it and participate.
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 St. Albans Free Library Banned Books Group ("read them if you dare") meets to discuss My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The young-adult historical novel takes place in Redding, Connecticut, during the American Revolution. The Newbery Honor book was ranked in ALA's "Most Frequently Challenged Books" and "Banned/Challenged Books" for the violence and profanity throughout the book. The Book Group meets after hours at the library. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. 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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