| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 21, 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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NORTH HERO-- Island Arts presents the Artisans Market hosted by Jennifer Pratt in the historic Homer Knight Barn at the Island Arts Center on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Market will have 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, all by local artisans. ART FOR SALE
Admission is free. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Graycat Comics & Collectibles Show brings a world of comics, cards, toys, and creativity to the Room at 14th Star Brewing on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. There will be artists to meet, and "a treasure trove of comics and rare collectibles." Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on St. Albans native and visual artist Colleen Blatchly. 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
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features In the Valley by Lea Peterson. 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.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub holds a Paint & Sip with Jordan Bushey on Sunday at 5 - 7 p.m. The cost is $40 per person. All materials will be provided and no painting experience is necessary. Text 802.393.5935 to reserve your seat or find them on Facebook 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 continues at the St. Albans Free Library with the Seventh Victim on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Starring Tom Conway and Jean Brooks, the 1943 film follows a young woman to New York City looking for her lost sister but finding danger and the occult. 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--Vermont Humanities continues the Seminal Statements of American Values series with a discussion of the March on Washington at North Hero Public Library this afternoon at 5 p.m. Call Caroline Korejko (802.372.5458) or click here for more info. HUMANITIES
SWANTON--No Strings Marionettes presents the fire breathing Wasabi--a Dragon's Tale at the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. The production features eleven handcrafted marionettes, storybook scenery, a transforming sprite, a fashionable knight, and a seven-foot dragon in a "newfangled fable" that blurs the boundaries of the imagination and the stage. Admission is free. Call 802.868.7656 or email the Swanton Library for more info. THEATER
FAIRFIELD--The iPhone camera is more powerful than most people think. David Beckett hosts an iPhone Photography workshop at Bent Northrop Memorial Library today at 2 p.m. The focus is on taking better photos, editing them on the phone, and learning cool tips and tricks. Call 802-827-3945 or click here to register. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence Gallery offers Practice Your Paintstrokes, a new workshop with Dot Goulet in the "basement" creative space at ReMarketVT on Monday at 5 p.m. This is a workshop for the super-beginner who wants an introduction to basic skills. The cost is $60. Click here to register and for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week.
Patrick McAllister leads the Live Model Figure Drawing Class on Friday at 6 p.m. The cost is $15 for members or $20 for non-members. Students should bring their own paper and supplies. Classes are held on the fourth Friday of each month. Click here for more info.
Social Sunday continues 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.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts a Summer Watercolor Painting Class with local artist Annette Goyne on Sunday at 1 - 3 p.m. The class will cover basic watercolor painting techniques while capturing the magic of late summer's dragonflies and butterflies. The cost is $35 and all materials are included. Click here to RSVP and for more info.
ENOSBURG--The Enosburgh Public Library's Creative Creatures meet to customize mugs with Cricut on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. The program is an opportunity try new crafts and meet other creative people. The group for young adults and up will try out several different seasonal and non-seasonal crafts.
Thursday, August 21 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Hitmen 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--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--Ultraviolet plays the Music in the Vineyard series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. The high-energy live ensemble brings tight harmonies and a modern twist to popular dance hits. The summer music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Thursday. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, August 21-23
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Dan Parks tonight at 6 p.m. then McMaple returns for Friday night late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus the taps get jerboned live on Saturday night with the Jerband at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub starts a weekend of music Live at the Pub with acoustic duo Andrew James and Jon Gratton this evening at 7 - 10 p.m. and Laura Fedele-Rascoplaying all your favorite songs on Friday at 7 - 9 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Wednesday, August 21-27
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks and this week is extra special. Thursdays with Jason kicking off the week this evening at 6 p.m. Tournesol takes the stage with French and Italian jazz manouche from the 40s and 50s on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Luis Betancourt plays originals infused with folk, pop, psych, and rock live on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Thursdays with Jason happens once a month when Jason Lee invites another musician on stage for a musical conversation. Click here for more info.
Friday, August 22
ENOSBURG--The Rail Trail Pub and presents Cooie and Adlai on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Cooie DeFrancesco has performed in 200+ venues throughout northern New England. Food and drinks will be available to purchase. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Sohyun Ahn in the Homer Knight Barn at the Island Arts Center on Friday at 7 pm with no intermission. The New York City concert pianist returns to Island Arts for the fourth year with a solo program of Chopin Nocturnes.
Admission is $20-25. Tickets are available online or at the door. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents Chris & Issy 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 Kyle Stevens 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.
MORRISVILLE-- Lee Ross returns to light up Moogs Joint in their Live Music Lineup for Summer on Friday at 9 p.m. It will be a "dance party for everyone's universe." Visit moogsjoint.com 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--The Old Post presents B-Town on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage under the stars if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, August 22-24
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts live music on Friday and Sunday. Jeff Shelley plays classic covers on Friday evening and "pop-soul powerhouse" Thea Wren comes in on Sunday. Music starts at 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. She Was Right performs on Friday at 6 p.m. and Storm Windows play 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. Dan and Sean Jarvis play Friday and the Buck Hollers are 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. Swamp Frog kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Dan Parks 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 Rockin' Ron Gagnon on Friday and the world-famous TBA 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 23
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. Barry Hayes plays and the Bookmobile offers all the words this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE--Dogs, butterflies, and sing-alongs, oh my, for the 13th annual Monarch Festival. Live and Local in the Park offers a day of music with Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton plus Izzy Ivy, Brooke Bergeron, and Chris Monroe at the Grappone Music Pavilion on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person and $4 for children 12 years or under. Tickets are discounted for attendees who join in on a tour of the village.
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.
EAST BURKE--Mike's Tiki Bar presents Vermont's best known (and possibly largest) blues trio, the Nobby Reed Project, on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Vermont's first outdoor summer tiki bar is behind the Pub.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with the Dogcatchers at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ALBURG--It's Five O'clock Somewhere at 6:30 p.m. at the ALBURG Oasis Outdoor Music Venue on Saturday. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating.
Sunday, August 24
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Marsh Lights for a summery outdoor concert at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 4 - 5:30 p.m. Grounds open at 3:30 for an optional picnic on the green. Vermont musician Colby Crehan and her Possum Haw bandmates formed the 5-piece acoustic project Marsh Lights to play acoustic folk-grass music. The program features songs composed by Ms. Crehan.
Bring a chair or blanket. The concert will move inside the barn in case of weather.
Admission is free for all to enjoy. Registration requested and appreciated but not required. Click here for more info.
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Sunday Soiree BBQ has the Al's Pals tribute Tom Petty plus Hammerlane and Abby Sherman all on Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for the outdoor seating and full bar. Tickets are available in advance. Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2025 Meeting House Music Series presents Honey and Soul outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" at 4. The concert will take you from quiet, soothing, lullabies all the way to rock and roll. It's fart jokes in three part harmony from the indie/folk/soul quintet of Hannah Hausman, vocals and guitar; Cleo Flemming, vocals and cello; Lexi Ugilow, vocals and keys; Logan Beck, bass, and Zack Santarsiero, drums.
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 by $10 at the "door" 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, plagues of locusts permitting, or moved indoors if not. Call Nance Shaw (802.827.6626) or click here for more info.
Monday, August 25
NORTH HERO--The Soulo Davis Duo--D Davis and Django Soulo of the Larkspurs--offer Americana, roots, bluegrass, jazz, and soul originals and covers on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, August 27
GEORGIA--The Town of Georgia concludes the Concert on the Green 2025 Summer Music Series with the Buck Hollers in concert for an evening of Americana, R&B, rockabilly, rock-n-roll, country, newgrass, and Irish music in front of the Town Clerk's Office on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Mill River Brewing and the Brew Wagon and Georgia Market will be on hand for food and drink. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Donna Thunder Experience comes to the Pier Bar at the North Hero House with bluegrass, rock, blues, old country, and originals "with wee bit of funk" on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Summer Concert Series continues with Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers 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.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode Five from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when Tom Joyce did Magic in the studio. It's on YouTube.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries to discuss The Searcher by Tana French this morning at 10:30 a.m. The novel follows former Chicago police officer Cal Hooper as he investigates the disappearance of a teenager in a rural village in Western Ireland. The group reads a variety of mystery genres and meets the third Thursday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Click here for moe info. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
SHELDON--The Sheldon Municipal Library hosts an Author Visit with DonnaRae Menard this evening at 7 p.m. The Franklin County writer will talk about one of her latest novels, Beneath The Fountain. Set in St. Albans, the Lynn Steeves murder mystery begins with a body dump in the Taylor Park fountain. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FAIRFAX--The Franklin Grand Isle Bookmobile will visit the James Herbert Bellows Fairfax Community Center on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Click here for more info.
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.
New friends Juel and her husband John visit from Quebec. Juel wrote to author Louise Penny about the Highgate library and patrons. Read their exchange on Facebook.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Group will discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon on Monday at 11 a.m. The GMA Book Club Pick is an historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of 18th-century midwife Martha Ballard who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history. Call 802.285.6505 or click here for more info.
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.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club meets for The Man Who Died Twice by British comedian Richard Osman on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The sequel to The Thursday Murder Club brings back his "A-Team," Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce, the quartet of pensioners in Kent who solve murders. 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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