| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 28, 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 collection spotlight is on knitter and fabric artist Donna 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--The Bryan Memorial Gallery New Horizons Feature Artist is John Clarke Olson 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.
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
ESSEX--The Champlain Valley Fair continues through Sunday. The heaviest pumpkin and the tallest sand sculpture in the state will appear as well as the latest farming methods. But wait, there's more. FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
The Fair has live music and art and entertainment for ten days running with the free Vermont Music Showcase on two stages every day. Show times on the Kinney Drugs Stage are 11:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 5 p.m. Show times for the SeaComm Pavilion are 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.
Today, look for Ted Pronto on the Kinney Drugs Stage and Alice Grace in the SeaComm Pavilion. AJ Jansen is on the Kinney Drugs Stage and Chordination in the SeaComm Pavilion on Friday. Steve Hartmann is on the Kinney Drugs Stage and Ali T in the SeaComm Pavilion on Saturday. Troy Millette & the Fire Below take the Kinney Drugs Stage and the Delta Sweet Duo is in the SeaComm Pavilion on Sunday.
The Bud Light Concert Series on the Floor Coverings International Stage has Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Friday at 8 p.m., Dustin Lynch on Saturday at 7 p.m., and Lil Jon Sunday at 7 p.m. Click here for the entire Fair schedule.
ST. ALBANS--The 16th annual Film Noir Series at the St. Albans Free Library continues making Panic in the Streets on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Starring Richard Widmark and Paul Douglas, the medical-themed 1950 thriller was shot on location in New Orleans to prevent a deadly epidemic of pneumonic plague. 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
MORRISVILLE--River Arts continues the Mindful Art series with Jen Volansky to lead a Nature Play Mixed Media Workshop Inspired by Botanicals this evening at 5:30 p.m. It will be "curious and playful and a little messy" to find the magic in the natural world. Tuition is $30. Click here to enroll and for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library hosts a Collage Workshop with Abbey in the Maker Space at the library on Saturday at 11am. The class will create a 3D collage inspired by a famous work of art. Adults only. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here for more info.
The Collage Workshop with Abbey repeats in the Maker Space at the library on Tuesday at 1pm. No registration is needed for the Tuesday class. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts Summer Watercolor Painting Class 2 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.
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--Bent Northrop Memorial Library hosts the VNA & Hospice for Death, Dying and Danishes on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The open community discussion will have light refreshments, coffee, and tea. Bring your own mug. The evening is free and open to the public. Call Mary Pleasant (802.442.0540) or email for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts an Ice Cream Social at the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 2 - 4 p.m. Gather and gab with artists and friends old and new while scooping up some treats. Click here for more info. IN THE SAC
Thursday, August 28 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Stragglers 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--Better Angels blend rock, jazz, folk, and funk 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.
ENOSBURG--John Mc Donald and Lise Gates are back and in a new location with Blues Jam at the Enosburg Falls Country Club restaurant this evening at 7 p.m. "We outgrew the Dairy Center / Champions Tavern," they said. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday, August 29
FRANKLIN--If you missed it in June or want a reprise in August, Another Evening of Pure B.S. with Jerry Bowers and Tyrone Shaw is back to sell the odd used car or two Live at the Dick Wright Pub on Friday at 6 p.m. Mr. Bowers is a veteran of Mark Twang and more. Mr. Shaw's earlier public disturbances include The Throbulators, Home Brew, and Greasy Nick and the Barracudas. After a lifetime together in the Oleo Romeos ("Vermont's most romantic band"), they are essentially unplugged and sometimes unhinged. Parental discretion advised. Kids are okay. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JOHNSON--Dead Sessions Lite returns for two outdoor sets at Moogs Joint on Friday at 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents McMaple 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 closes out the summer season with Cooper, Bob Recupero on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The pulled pork 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--It's "almost time to pack it up and roll out the pumpkin spice." The Abbey End of Summer Tiki Party takes over the Pub on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Hard Scrabble takes the stage on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Dan Parks with new songs live on Friday at 8 p.m. "Come early for dinner and drinks and stay for the music." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post presents the Harley Brown Band featuring Buddha on Friday at at 8 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, August 28-31
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills the weekend with Duncan McLeod on live on Saturday and Coane, Rowell & Schabner on Sunday night, Music starts at 5:30. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar at Shore Acres has live music on Fridays and Sundays, all summer long. Ryan Sweezy does a special solo gig on Friday at 6 p.m. and the Shane Murley Band plays on Sunday at 3 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap has the Hitmen for late night music on Friday plus Lawless live on Saturday night. Music starts at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in August. Bill Valliere plays Friday and Bob Cseh takes over 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 this weekend. The Maple Grove Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Charlie Rice 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 Will Austin on Friday and Blue Heron 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 30
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. Antara Gatch & Chris Cheney return with highly caffeinated alternative folk-rock this Saturday and there are snow globes in the park. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--St. Albans singer-songwriter Veyda Kenyon makes her debut on the Forever Young Stage at Spotlight Vintage on Saturday at 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro hosts Americana troubadour David Karl Roberts for his blend of whiskey soaked, folk, blues and Americana on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue has postponed the Nobby Reed Project show until Sunday. BYOB. Admission is $10 at the door or $15 for limited, reserved, premium table seating. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--Summer Music at Grace presents Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira in Grace Episcopal Church on Saturday at 7 p.m. It will be an evening of high-energy tunes and soulful songs, with fiddle-cello interplay, vocal harmonies, stepdancing, and French Canadian foot percussion.
Ms. Pettit is a fiddler, stepdancer, singer, and five-time Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee including Solo Artist of the Year. She has toured Canada and internationally, appeared on national television and radio, and performed with The Chieftains. Ms. Gira is a versatile cellist in the Scottish and American tradition. She has performed throughout North America and the UK. The fiddle and cello duo won the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Album of the Year for All It Brings.
Admission by donation. A generous donation supports the artists. Click here or find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, August 31
BETHLEHEM, NH--The Bethlehem Gazebo Concert Grand Finale presents Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton on Sunday at 6 p.m. outdoors, rain or shine. "It is supposed to shine ... with you there it will!" he said. There will be candy, prizes. and special surprises if you dress up--as anything: a pirate, a parrot, poodle skirts, Sponge Bob Square Pants, Darth Vadar, Elvis--dress to have a good time.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents the Nobby Reed Project in a special Sunday show 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.
MONTGOMERY--The monthly Celebration of Expressive Arts continues at the INN on Sunday at 7 p.m. Come early for dinner; service begins at 5 p.m.
This month will feature "Doodle Chick" and 3D artist Mimi Magyar plus Americana troubadour David Karl Roberts. The local artists, writers and musicians gather at CEA to share original and thought provoking work. "Reservations get you a guaranteed table." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, September 3
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground presents Troy Millette & the Fire Below and Zak Loy for a release party in the Showcase Lounge on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. After 25 years in the music business, Zak Loy is releasing Dinero, his first solo record. Admission is $15. 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 5 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when the Tangents played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on July 30, 2025. It's on YouTube.
Most libraries will be closed on Monday. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FAIRFAX--The Fairfax Community Library has a Silent Reading Party at the Fairfax Town Offices on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Bring any book for an hour of silent reading with fellow book lovers. Afterward, everyone can discuss their readings over refreshments. Registration is appreciated, but not required. Click here for more info.
The library will be closed on Tuesday in observance of Labor Day.
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.
NORTH HERO--The Book Sale is coming back to the North Hero Public Library and they need help for the Grand Opening on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. It won't just be lugging boxes, they will load up the shelves, too. There will be refreshments.
MONTPELIER--Singer-songwriter Mark LeGrand, 72, died on April 8, two years after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. He was a prolific songwriter, mostly in outlaw country. He played the central Vermont music scene, often with his partner, Sarah Munro, but Mark LeGrand and his Lovesick Band was a Summer Sounds favorite. His life "tells a great story. And the lyrics are killer." PASSAGES
Will Lindner of another Summer Sounds favorite (Banjo Dan and the Mid-Nite Plowboys) wrote this interview with Mr. LeGrand for the Montpelier Bridge and Vermont Digger.
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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