| VOLUME 29 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | September 4, 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--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.
SWANTON--The Maple Squares of St. Albans square dancing club host a free night of lessons at the Swanton Free Public Library on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. New dancers are encouraged to attend. No partner needed. Call 802.393.1336 or 802.582.0455 or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on live demonstrations by photographer David Juaire, potter Martha McGinn, photographer Cat McKeen, and watercolor painter and fiber artist Deborah Travis at a reception in the gallery this evening at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. A.I.R. will 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.
Bryan Memorial Gallery hosts Opening Receptions in both the Jeffersonville and Stowe locations this week:
JEFFERSONVILLE--Land & Light & Water & Air opens with a Reception and Awards in the main Jeffersonville location this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. The gallery's largest exhibit of traditional landscape and plein air works is the only show for which they present awards.
STOWE--Cynthia Rosen's new solo show, Across the Spectrum, opens in the Stowe gallery on Saturday at 5 - 7 p.m. The exhibit features over 20 of her newest paintings and continues through November 2.
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, Thursday and Sunday, 11 - 5, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 6. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council hosts Cardmaking with Barb in the Maker Space of the Swanton Free Public Library today at 2 - 4 p.m. All supplies are provided but feel free to bring your own glue and scissors. The card making workshops take place the first Thursday of each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call Barb Switzer (802.752.7917), email the Swanton Library, or click here to register or for more info. ART YOU CREATE
HIGHGATE--MVUHS presents Screenagers in the Trahan Theater on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The impact of this digital age has led to rapid increases in levels of mental health challenges. The series of four documentary movies bring students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders together to learn and start conversations about these important topics. FILM
EAST BERSKSHIRE--The Vermont Humanities Speakers Bureau presents New York Times bestselling writer Michael Tougias to discuss Extreme Survival: Lessons from Those Who Triumphed Against All Odds at Pratt Hall on Monday at 7 p.m. Mr. Tougias interviewed over 100 survivors and researched the historical figures who achieved the near-impossible. Call the Friends of the Montgomery Town Library (802.326.3113) or Click here for more info. HUMANITIES
Vermont Humanities has re-opened the Speakers Bureau for bookings of 14 new talks, including Ira Allen and the Green Mountain Frontier with J. Kevin Graffagnino. Click here for the full Speakers Bureau catalog.
PLAN AHEAD--The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute begins the Fall weekly program series with Fletcher Free Library Director Mary Danko to discuss how Public Libraries are Being Tested next Thursday, September 11, in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack.
This semester will offer eight lectures, mostly on Thursdays through November 6. A St. Albans series membership is $40 individual/$70 couple for all eight events, or $10 per program if purchased individually. Call 802.656.8407 or email for registration questions. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Manor hosts a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in support of Jason Barney on Sunday at 5 p.m. The historian, writer, former State Rep, MVU teacher and winner of the Vermont History Teacher of the Year award must undergo a new round of treatment for his cancer which has returned. Admission is $25. Message Krista Bluto (802.338.1648) for tickets or find them on Facebook for more info. SPECIAL EVENTS
ENOSBURG--Do you have a story you want to tell? Didn't have any idea where to start? The Enosburgh Public Library hosts the second of the two-part Writing Workshop with S. Lee Manning and J. B. Manning today at 4:30. Today's session will be about sharing what has been written and giving feedback. Registration is preferred but not required. Find them on Facebook for more info. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
ST. ALBANS--The Artist in Residence Gallery offers Practice Your Paintstrokes 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; the workshop is a fundraiser for the Artist In Residence Gallery. 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, September 4 ON STAGE LIVE
SOUTH HERO--The Phil Abair Band with Keeghan Nolan plays 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 August 28 at 7 p.m. "We outgrew the Dairy Center / Champions Tavern," they said. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, September 4-6
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro has a long weekend of music for the first week of September. Join Paddle and Summer Sounds favorite Carol Ann Jones for her "fall finale show" on Acoustic Thursday this evening at 5 - 7 p.m. Troy Millette delivers a cocktail of rock, folk, pop and Americana in a solo show on Friday at 5 p.m. And Sergio Torres rounds out the offerings with a variety of songs on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with the Uncle Jimmy Duo tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the Duncan MacLeod Trio at 5 p.m., and then Swamp Frog returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus Moonbird live on Saturday night at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's has a double header this weekend. 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. Dan Parks plays 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 HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Good Gravy brings bluegrass to the stage this evening and Jaded Ravins play live on Friday. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
Friday, September 5
NORTH HERO--Acoustic trio AmerikanaBlue plays folk, rock, protest, clues, and country on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar presents Dave Miller for a solo gig on Friday at 6 p.m. The Shore Acres location means you can boat in or drive in. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents the Stragglers for a night of bluegrass, vintage country, Americana, and classic rock live on the Taproom stage on Friday at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook 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.
RICHMOND--Will Patton plays an English Country Dance with Larks in the Attic at the Town Library on Friday at 7 p.m.
ST. ALBANS--The Depot's Karaoke Party hosted by DJ Lady Livy kicks off on Friday night at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--The Old Post presents party band 90 Proof with a new axeman on Friday at 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage if the weather agrees. Find them on Facebook for more info
Friday-Sunday, September 5-7
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in September. Kyle Stevens leads Karaoke on Friday and David Miller plays live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in September. The Vermont Bluegrass Pioneers play Friday. Mad Mojo performs live on Saturday night. 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. Jonny Mop jerborns the Puppy with the full band on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Chris & Erica 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, Sister Speak returns on Friday and Kippincoe featuring Kip de Moll plays 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, September 6
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. David Karl Roberts returns to play "Mini Golf" this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 2025 Meeting House Music Series presents Summer Sounds favorites Mango Jam outdoors on the terrace at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 5 p.m. "Doors" and concession at 4:30. Gus Ziesing, accordions, saxophones and vocals; Mimi Ryan, alto saxophone, rubboard, and vocals; Peter Riley, bass and vocals; Dennis Willmott, guitar and vocals; Bill Mullins, guitar; Cannon Labrie, Cajun accordion and vocals; and Michael Bradshaw, drums; play straight-ahead Zydeco as well as New Orleans inspired funk, reggae and ska.
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 suggested donation 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.
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Music Series fills Saturday night with the blues from the Jim Branca Duet at 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts their first Bluegrass Jam, Live at the Pub on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. All instrumentation and skill levels welcome. Come to play, or to learn. BYOB. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ALBURGH--The Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue presents with Deuces Wild 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.
MAPLE CORNERS--The Whammy Bar at the Maple Corner Community Store presents Lewis Franco and the Missing Cats with special guest Will Patton on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The community-owned store is in the heart of the village surrounded by the Community Center, Curtis Pond, and the old schoolhouse. They offer live music most Friday and Saturday nights in September. And they still have penny candy and Montpelier crackers and cheddar cheese. A
Click here for more info.
Sunday, September 7
FRANKLIN--Due North Winery presents the Smokey Newfield Project for a party on Skunk Misery Road on Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission is free but do bring your own chair. As Jim Hughes says, "Go just for the address..." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, September 10
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 7 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.
Virtual music and events continue this week. ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Local writer DonnaRae Menard continues the weekly read with Episode 6 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
NW Access TV was there when B-Town played the St. Albans Summer Concert Series on August 6, 2025. It's on YouTube.
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
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Fantasy Book Club meets to discuss Moon Over Soho, the second book in the Peter Grant series by British writer Ben Aaronovitch on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Following the events of Rivers of London, apprentice wizard (and police constable) Grant helps investigate the murder of a journalist in the Soho section of London. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Nobody's Fool by Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Russo on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. The 1993 novel of small-town life in Upstate New York was adapted into the movie starring Paul Newman. Mr. Russo has written two sequels, Everybody's Fool in 2016 and Somebody's Fool in 2023. The group reads an eclectic mix of titles and meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Martha Dalton Meeting Room. Copies are available at the circulation desk. The Book Group meets after hours. 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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Dick Harper, Chair
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