| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | May 28, 2026 |
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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SUMMER MUSIC
Music is definitely in the air as several big series start their summer seasons this week and next with perfectly combined food and music. NW Farmer's Market concerts are already in progress on Saturdays. The Music in the Vineyard summer concert series begins today. The 24th Farewell Reunion Concert begins the Summer Music at Grace season on Friday. Discover Jazz starts Wednesday. The St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series and the Vermont Dairy Festival 2026 start next Thursday, June 4. Michele Choiniere continues the 2026 Summer Concerts on the Green on June 6.
ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on Fish n' Charts maker Susannah Sakal. 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 artis ts 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--Bryan Memorial Gallery features the Vermont landscape envisioned by Steve Clark. It is in the main 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, Thursday and Sunday, 11 - 4, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 5. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--NW Access TV was there for the Franklin County Quilters' Guild Quilt Show in April. The detailed work was arranged in St. Albans City Hall and is on YouTube.
ART YOU CREATE
HIGHGATE--Coffee and Crafts meets at the Highgate Library and Community Center on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Materials and a hot coffee, tea, or cocoa are provided by HLCC. The program runs every Tuesday morning and is free adult library patrons. Email or call the Library (802.868.3970) to register and for more info.
ENOSBURG--Sip, Stitch, & Share meets at the Enosburgh Public Library every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Have a warm drink, learn a new craft (or work on honing an existing one), and chat. Any craft is welcome. Click here for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild hosts Yarn & Yak with Kelli Shepherd on Wednesday at 5 - 7 p.m. The free, drop-in workshop is for projects to knit, crochet, or craft with fiber. All skill levels are welcome. No registration is required.
DANCE
ST ALBANS--City Hall hosts the Points North Line Dance Jamboree on Sunday at 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Doors at 10:30. Admission is $20 for the "Biggest line dance event in Vermont." All ticket proceeds beyond the cost of the event go to the United Way of Northwest Vermont. Raffle prizes at the event with those proceeds going to Franklin County Animal Rescue. Find them on Facebook fr tickets and more info.
ISLE LA MOTTE--Island Arts hosts an Appalachian Clogging Workshop at the United Methodist Church on Sunday at 2 p.m. Flatfooting is a unique style of percussive dance that originated in the southern Appalachian hills and valleys. It is danced to lively old time Appalachian fiddle and banjo music. The workshop will explore basic steps including chugs, slides, and the Tennessee Walking Step, and combine them into rhythmic phrases. Light refreshments will be served after the workshop, courtesy of the ILM Rec Department. Admission is free but space is limited. Email to RSVP or click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--The Line Dance Season at the Highgate Manor is extended through June. Beginner Line Dancing with Michelle Nordberg continues Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The class will teach progressive dance rhythms to varied genres of today's music. Line dance is not limited to country music. No experience needed. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is $10 per class. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
BURLINGTON--The Discover Jazz Festival turns downtown Burlington into a city-wide stage. The festival officially begins Wednesday, opening night, with Savion Glover, Jason Moran & Chris Dave on the Flynn Main Stage at 7:30 p.m. and more.
Most of the Discover Jazz Festival is free and open to all "because jazz belongs to everyone." Both the 126 and Radio Bean start a day early with Three Piece Meal and Jon McBride on Tuesday at the 126 plus Liam Bauman & Nora Meier, then Wild Leek River at Radio Bean. Wednesday has the Weekly Jazz Jam at 126; Dan Ryan Express at American Flatbread; the Steve Bredice Quartet plus Birdcode, then Soule Monde with EVNGwear, all at BCA; and Rachel Ambaye at Radio Bean.
Click here for tickets, free events, and more info.
GATHERINGS
FAIRFAX--Sarah Barnes leads Sketchbook Club at the Fairfax Community Library on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The relaxed space is open to all ages and all skill levels to draw, try new art media, and build an artistic community. Bring your own supplies but materials will be provided.
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.
HUMANITIES
HIGHGATE--A Celebration of Life for Jason Barney will be held Friday at the Highgate Manor from 3 - 6 p.m. All who knew and were touched by Jason are invited to attend. Caroline Bright will honor his life, as a teacher, historian, author, legislator, library trustee, and friend at 4 p.m.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council presents Painting with Markers, a Mythic Animal Workshop at the Swanton Free Public Library on Saturday at 10:30am. Participants will learn to create mythic animals with markers and creative techniques. Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register and for more info.
JEFFERSONVILLE--60 Main Arts (SMArts) hosts Community Drawing Night has a live model on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The cost of $10 per person or less includes a "split model fee."
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has two workshops this week. 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.
Fiadhnait Moser continues the Acrylic Creatures on Wood workshop with a fawn and willow on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Paint a little woodland creature on natural 4-6 inch wood rounds using folk art techniques. All supplies are provided. The workshop is offered on Wednesdays from through August 12. The cost is $65 per workshop. Click here to register and for more info.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--Artist of the Week. Swanton Arts Council wreathmaker Wendy Benjamin has used burlap, deco mesh, plastic tablecloths, and coffee filters. The SAC has established an artistic presence in Swanton and works to develop the artistic community.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, May 28
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with Jeff Shelley live this evening at 6 p.m. "Great music, some singalongs and just a whole lot of fun." Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--"Wine down" as She Was Right 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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Singer/songwriter Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers leads an all star lineup with Milton Busker and the Grim Work plus Troy Millette and the Fire Below, all in the Showcase Lounge at Higher Ground this evening at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7. Mr.Sweezy's latest album, Maybe Magic, his sixth studio album is a collection of songs and ideas from the past decade. Admission is $18 (plus service fee). Click here for tickets and more info.
Thursday-Sunday, May 28-31
BURLINGTON--Foam Brewers gets a head start on Discover Jazz with a long weekend of free performances. Jazz 2026 kicks it off with Andric Severance Organ Trio this evening; P.O.E. on Friday; the Z Zalewski Quintet plus Quintitty featuring Janea Hudson on Saturday; and Paddy Reagan's Are You Now? on Sunday. Times vary. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with VachSean tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Duncan MacLeod Trio at 5 p.m., and then Bad Horsey returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with TBA at 5 p.m., and the return of Nighthawk at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, May 28-June 3
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in May. Frank Erickson leads Open Mic Night tonight. Chris Lyon and Tristan Sellars build music on Friday. Jeremy Harple & John Paul Arenas take over Saturday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. The sound system takes the day off on Tuesday. And Jim Charonko often plays Wednesday night live.
Friday, May 29
SHELDON--The Abbey Friday Night Music Series often has live performances on Friday about 6:30 p.m. The series continues with Nate Michaud in the Pub this week. Reservations are suggested. Find them on Facebook for more info.
XX ST. ALBANS--Music in the Biergarten presents TBA at Mill River Brewing on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Call to make a reservation (802.582.4182) or find them on Facebook for more info.
SHELDON--Summer Music at Grace begins the season with the 24th Farewell Reunion featuring Brian Conway and Flynn Cohen at Grace Church on Friday at 7 p.m.
An Irish-American fiddler, Mr. Conway's performances are steeped in tradition and high standards. He has won All-Ireland fiddling competitions and has been called one of the best fiddlers of his generation. He is also a teacher and mentor of some of the best young Irish fiddlers now actively performing, recording and teaching careers.
Mr. Cohen on guitar and mandolin is a member of the folk band Low Lilly and has performed with Aoife Clancy, Cathie Ryan, Dylan Foley, Joe Derrane, Frank Ferrel, John McGann, Matt Glaser, Brian Wicklund, Jake & Taylor Armerding, Duncan Wickel, Bruce MacGregor, Lissa Schneckenburger, Laura Cortese, Mark Simos, Matt Heaton, Revels, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble, and many others and has appeared at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
Admission is by $20 per person suggested donation at the door. Bring a desert to share at intermission. There are no advance tickets. Email Mark Sustic for more info and reservations.
Proceeds from the concert benefit families with children with life-threatening/life-altering conditions including hospitalization and transplantation. The Fund has distributed over $150,000 to families.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Summer Sounds favorites IncaHoots return to the Old Post to debut on the outdoor stage if the weather allows on Friday at 8 p.m. (the party will move indoors if the rain sticks around). Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, May 29-31
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in May. Dan & Sean Jarvis play Friday and Prit'Near is live on Saturday night. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NEWPORT--Kingdom Brewing presents Ian Boyle for Live Music at the BrewCabin on Saturday 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 Loonz kick it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Karaoke with Jenny Red on Saturday at 3 - 6 p.m. and Ryan Hanson 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 close out May with Dan Parks starting early on Friday at 6 p.m. and Ethan Sawyer live on Saturday night at 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.
SOUTH HERO--Two Heroes Brewery has music most weeks. Tournesol takes the stage with French and Italian songs from the 40s and 50s on Friday and Hard Scrabble plays their blend of bluegrass, blues, and acoustic covers live on Saturday. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
BURLINGTON--The Vermont Choral Union, led by Eric Milnes, presents "Sim Shalom: Grant Us Peace", in the College Street Congregational Church on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Cathedral Church of St Paul on Sunday at 4 p.m. The concert features a selection of choral works from the Jewish tradition. including composers Salamone Rossi, Louis Lewandowski, Emanuel Kirshner, and Max Janowski and Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. Admission is $10 for students to $50 for preferred seating. Click here for tickets and more info.
Saturday, May 30
ESSEX--The Double E has had to reschedule the Summer Series Kick-Off Show planned for Saturday. The Old Stage was the perfect nesting ground for ravens. "Classic rock n' roll conundrum, right?" Troy Millette and The Fire Below will now close down the Summer Series on September 25 and all presales will remain valid for the rescheduled date. Email with questions or concerns.
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 Blue Rock Boys play this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Black Radish at 14th Star celebrates their first year with a One Year Anniversary Party on Saturday beginning at noon. The parking lot party will have a dog adoption event with For the Love of Dogs Vermont at 12 Noon-4pm. then free live music from VachSean (Matt Vachon and Sean Greenwood from the Rough Suspects) at 5 - 8 p.m. And there will be food specials from the Black Radish Kitchen and the Wagyu Wagon food truck. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub presents Will Patton and Carol Ann Jones Live at the Pub with their large catalog of originals and covers on Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is by suggested donation of $10. Summer hours start this week: Thursday-Saturday 5 - 10 p.m. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--St. Paul's United Methodist Church presents Lumos Live for a Coldplay Candlelight Experience on Saturday at 7 - 10 p.m. Two seatings are available for a concert in the unique candlelight setting featuring the songs of Coldplay performed by a string trio. The first seating is at 7 p.m. The second seating will be at 9. Lumos Live provides classical musicians and ensembles for live events and concerts. Admission is $25-70. Click here for tickets and find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, June 1
NORTH HERO--The Duncan MacLeod Duo plays original music and blues-influenced rock on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, June 2
SOUTH HERO--Doug's Open Mic Night comes to Two Heroes Brewery on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Sign up in-person only from 5 - 5:30. Open Mic happens every other Tuesday. Click here for more info.
HIGHGATE--MVU presents the Spring Choral Concert in the Trahan Theater on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. This marks the final concert of the year featuring Middle School Chorus, the High School Chorus, and the Mastersingers.
Wednesday, June 3
SWANTON--Located in the historic Champlain Theater building, the Green Mountain Bistro has live music every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
HIGHGATE--The Highgate Public Library Reading & Discussion Group takes up The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalien this evening at 6 p.m. The thriller introduces a Westchester couple whose lives unravel after a bachelor party goes wrong. There are two deaths, sex trafficking, and the two women who are on the run from their captors. Find them on Facebook for more info
SHELDON--The Sheldon Municipal Library Book Club reads Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt today at 7 p.m. The debut novel is the story of a 70-year-old widow who works at an aquarium and forms an unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page True Crime Book Club meets to discuss Losing Jon by David Parrish on Friday at 6 p.m. the book follows the unexpected twists and turns of a disturbing journey through the criminal justice system. It uncovers a police beat down, a tragic death, a coverup, and a planned community's struggle for justice. 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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Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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