| VOLUME 28 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | July 25, 2024 |
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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FRANKLIN COUNTY--The Big Music Weeks of Summer continue with Summer Sounds this week as some of our friends play multiple gigs. There are live shows in Burlington, Colchester, East Fairfield, Enosburg Falls, Essex, Highgate, Jericho, Jericho, Milton, Montgomery, North Hero, Sheldon, South Hero, St Albans City and Town, Stowe, Swanton, and Westfield. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
HIGHGATE--Summer Sounds continues its 33rd season in Highgate with favorites Yankee Chank on the lawn at the Highgate Arena on Sunday at 6 p.m. Bob Naess, fiddle; Cannon Labrie, accordion; Jim Burns, guitar; and Mark Sustic, bass; immerse the park in Cajun music with traditional Cajun French two-steps and waltzes as they are still played in the rural dance halls and honky-tonks of Louisiana, spied with Zydeco for good measure. SUMMER SOUNDS
The concerts are always on Sunday evenings, always at 6 p.m., always on the Highgate Arena Lawn, and always free. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for the outdoor family music and festivities. The rain site is the Highgate Arena. Click here for more info.
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents the Art of Vera Gates with an Opening Reception today at 5 - 7 p.m. The Franklin native and contemporary artist will introduce and speak about her work which explores themes of justice and liberation. There will be snacks and drinks. The exhibit continues through August. Click here for more info. ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--Corliss Blakely hosts an exclusive Art Show at her garden and home at 252 South Main Street on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. The show will include a collection of oil paintings, watercolors, giclees, nature scarves, prints, and The Forgotten Seeds clothing line. She has marked "special prices on all items, with some pieces available for free!"
"I have a lot of new works," Ms. Blakely said as well as some vintage paintings and a collection of botanical prints she did in 1972. There are many paintings and prints that are not on her website. The rain date is Sunday. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence collection spotlight is on the a life-long adventure of stained glass artist Jennifer Buckner . 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.
JEFFERSONVILLE--Bryan Memorial Gallery features both T.M. Nicholas and his father Tom Nicholas exhibiting in the 40 Years Together Show 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 - 5, and Friday and Saturday, 11 - 6. Appointments are available. Call ahead (802.644.5100) to schedule or click here for more info.
ENOSBURG--Cold Hollow Sculpture Park welcomes Boston-based, multi-media artist Stephanie Cardon as their 2024 artist-in-residence at the Park. She will be on-site through July 28 and will discuss her work with themes of ecological loss and climate change in a free public presentation in August. Click here to register for free tickets and for more info.
SWANTON--The Vermont Abenaki Artists Association features certified fine, decorative, and performing artists officially labeled as "American Indian" under Federal law. Historian Melody Mackin is a traditional finger weaver, photographer, ribbon and beadworker. Click here for her story and a look at her work.
MONTGOMERY--The monthly Celebration of Expressive Arts has dance with native Vermonter and lifelong student of dance and theater Alice Reighley at the INN on Sunday at 7 p.m. Come early for dinner; service begins at 5 p.m. Click here for more info. DANCE
NORTH HERO--Island Arts opens the barn doors to the joy of community dancing to lively music for Community Folk Dancing with instructor Leslie Alpert in the Island Arts Center on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
All dances are taught. No partner required. No experience required, and new students are always welcome. Bring your water bottle. Classes will continue every Tuesday through July 30. Admission is free, but donations to Island Arts are appreciated. Call 802.372.3418 to register (drop-ins are also encouraged) or click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The 2024 Church Street Festival takes over the historical street on Saturday at 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. with dance performances, a DJ, face painting, an open mic coffeehouse, youth activities and games, an ice cream social, raffles, tours of the historic buildings, displays from local organizations and non-profits, street vendors, food vendors and food truck, and much more. FESTIVALS AND SHOWS
Find them on Facebook for more info
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 32nd annual Jig in the Valley takes over the Meeting House green for eight hours of music with Rusty Bucket, the Dale and Darcy Band, Ryan Sweezey and the Midnight Walkers, Duke Aeroplane with his Delta Dirty Crocogators, the Nobby Reed Project, and the world famous Oleo Romeos. all on Sunday starting at noon.
There will be flea market vendors, a silent auction, the world famous pie table, and free ice cream. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family. All proceeds support Fairfield Community Center programs. Call 802.827.6626 or Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Jay Craven returns with Lost Nation, the birth of Vermont and the promise of an American Revolution, presented by Kingdom County Productions at the Welden Theater on Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Revolutionary War era action drama is set in the upstart Republic of Vermont. The cast includes Kevin Ryan as Ethan Allen, Eva Ndachi as Lucy Terry Prince plus Rob Campbell, Matt Orduna, Rusty DeWees, and Ariel Zevon, FILM
Tickets are $15. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--St. Albans Community Arts has several ongoing workshops, classes, or arts groups in the Ralston Building each week. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Creative Connections continues with workshops on Friday and Wednesday at 4 - 7 p.m. Working on a creative project? Want to try something new but need special tools, an extra set of hands or a material swap? Have donations? SACA co-director Jennifer Kostuck has creative pointers and equipment. The open studio class is held every Wednesday and Friday. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. In an effort to maintain supplies for class growth, the second Wednesday each month will remain a free class all other workshops will be by donation. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Blackout Poetry series continues on Tuesday at 1 - 2 p.m. Also called "redacted poetry" and "erasure poetry," it works like this: participants receive a page from an old book and a sharpie to black out sections of the page to create new artwork in the "found poetry." Many decorate the redacted areas to enhance the new pieces. The group will meet every Tuesday through August 27. This is an all ages, free event. Donations help SACA continue to keep the doors open and are always appreciated. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Open Studio Music Group meets on Wednesday at 2 - 4 p.m. This is a time to bring an instrument you are learning, want to learn, or already know. "Hang out and make music with other community members and maybe meet your future band members." Find them on Facebook for more info.
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild has three workshops this week.
Laurie Thompson leads Paint Pouring Workshop at MAG this evening at 6 p.m. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. The class will layer colors in a cup and pour the paint out methodically. Click here for more info.
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.
The six-week Workshop for those with Dementia and their Caregivers with Tina Lesperance continues at MAG on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. They will work on a different art/craft design each week through August 20. This workshop is free for participants thanks to a Vermont Arts Council grant for Creative Aging. Click here for more info.
Two Vermonters died from COVID-19 in June. There have been 1,157 total pandemic deaths as of July 1. The number of COVID cases is elevated and at 99 is now double the total in mid-June. COVID NEWS
COVID-19 is still here even if data reporting has taken the summer off. KP.3, the now dominant variant, is as transmissible and perhaps more so than previous variants. For the two weeks ending on July 6, KP.3 accounted for 36.9% of positive infections followed by KP.2 at 24.4%. The FliRT variants together account for more than two-thirds of all cases. Franklin County has less than 8% of the state population and has had more than one-third of statewide hospitalizations.
Updated 2024-2025 vaccines are available for COVID and RSV. COVID vaccines are 100% free to everyone 6 months and older living in the United States. Click here for more info.
My own plan remains unchanged, especially since our precautions have waned and the current JN.1 variant dodges all but the most up-to-date immunity. I got the COVID and Flu shots, and the boosters, and I still take precautions because neither vaccine nor "natural immunity" is 100% foolproof. I wash my hands. I double mask with a genuine N95 mask (not a bandana and not a "chin strap") plus a surgical mask everywhere I can't control the airflow. It isn't much of a burden and it mostly protects me from all the people without masks I see in stores and concerts.
Thursday, July 25 ON STAGE LIVE
ST ALBANS TOWN--The weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series continues with the Harley Brown Band 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--Sparky's hosts a Blues & BBQ night with Eric Belrose, Jim Branca, Phil Graziano, and Billy Boom this evening at 6 - 9 p.m. BBQ will be available after 5 p.m. Blues & BBQ will continue every Thursday through the end of the summer. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--It's Karaoke and Open Mic Night live in The Room at 14th Star on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH HERO--Dirt Road returns with a "melting pot" of music for the Summer Concert Series at Snow Farm Vineyard this evening at 6:30 p.m. Food will be catered, call Kristen (802.922.8074) for all pre-order food requests. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--The Youth Opera Company presents Project Serenade at the Island Arts Center this evening at 7 p.m. Project Serenade showcases the talents of Vermont teen singers performing musical theater and opera. Five to seven members will perform solo and in ensembles. After the performance, Youth Opera Director of Education and Outreach Sarah Cullins will host a round table Q&A with audience members.
Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Registration is not required but also appreciated. Click here for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, July 25-27
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Jesse Agan tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, Chris & Erica at 5 p.m., and then the 90 Proof returns for late night music starting at 9 p.m., plus two more shows live on Saturday night with Whiskey and Wine at 5 p.m., and TBA at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Sunday, July 25-28
SOUTH HERO--The Blue Paddle Bistro has a hat trick this week although I saw only two hats on the performers. She Was Right (the former HubCats) return for Acoustic Thursday this evening. Vermont-based Auriant brings fresh takes on acoustic favorites on Saturday. And the Fabulous Wrecks are back with more eclectic Americana and pop on Sunday. Music starts about 5:30 p.m. Click here for more info.
BURLINGTON--Grace Potter and Higher Ground present the 2024 Grand Point North Concert Series at Waterfront Park with events over four days, from this evening through Sunday. Click here for tickets and more info.
Friday, July 26
MILTON--The Friday Night Live Music and Buffet at Arrowhead Golf Course presents Dennis Fox & Friends on the deck on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The meatball sub buffet starts around 7 p.m. Both run until 9 p.m. The buffet costs $14 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. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Irons & Ale presents Troy Millette on Friday night at 6:30 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.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents the Eclectica String Quartet without intermission in the Island Arts Center on Friday at 7 p.m. The Vermont chamber ensemble explores the boundaries of the string quartet repertoire. The concert will feature music of the Danish String Quartet. Sofia Hirsch, Laura Markowitz, Ana Ruesink, and John Dunlop play with the VSO as well as JukeBox, Turn Music, and Cricket Blue.
Admission is free thanks to generous sponsors. Registration is requested but not required. Reserve a table for seating (free, normally $14 for a 2-top, $20 for a 4-top). Table reservations are available online or at the door, first come-first served, and subject to availability. Click here for reservations and more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Next Stop Comedy for a night with a brand new line-up of comedians in The Room on Friday at 7:30 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.
Friday-Sunday, July 26-28
STOWE--The Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall Summer Concert Series fills the weekend with the Chris Lyon Trio for country rock and folk on Friday and then rocks out with the Shane Murley Trio on Saturday night, Music starts at 5:30. Click here for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in July. John Gratton plays Friday and Chris & Erica perform live on Saturday. Music starts about 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
COLCHESTER--The Outdoor Summer Music Series fills the Spanked Puppy with music all weekend. The Maplegrove Band kicks it off on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by Mad Mojo on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Dan Parks on Sunday afternoon at 2 - 5 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
JERICHO--The Jericho Cafe and Tavern fills the weekend with Live Music in July. Spencer Lewis plays Friday. The CombustOmatics perform live on Saturday night. Music starts at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week's musicians are brought to you by the letter "R" as Twiggs hosts Ryan Hanson on Friday and Roger Giroux 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, July 27
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. Vermont singer-songwriter Tom Bisson plays songs of wit and whimsy this Saturday. The market and the music continue every Saturday through October. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star celebrates its 12th anniversary with a Parking Lot Party and Block Party with rockin' live music on the outdoor stage, craft brews including a special Anniversary Beer release, food from Grazers and various food trucks, outdoor games, and more on Saturday at 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Jerborn takes the stage at 1 p.m. and Nighthawk plays into the night starting at 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The First Congregational Church hosts an Open Mic Coffee House as part of the Church Street Festival on Saturday at 2 p.m. There will be music, spoken word, story telling, skits to sing along, listen, and enjoy and there will be ice cream and snacks. Find them on Facebook for more info.
WESTFIELD--Summer Sounds favorite Mark Shelton will sing a special benefit concert for the Jay Focus Group at Wind River Farm on Saturday at 6 p.m. The group does grants and sponsors kids for summer camps, scholarships, and more in the Town of Jay.
ESSEX--The Double E presents SPHERE: A Full 360 live on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. The multisensory, immersive experience combines choral music with visual elements, including innovative lighting and graphic designs. The concert by the Vermont Academy of Choral Music all-treble choir includes the music of composers Paul Mealor, Henrik Dahlgren, Dale Trumbore, and Dr. Justin Rito, plus poetry and more. Admission is $35.
Find them on Facebook for tickets and more info.
BURLINGTON--Foam Brewers presents Troy Millette & the Fire Below in a "Grand Point North afterparty" on Saturday at 10 p.m.
The small, independent craft brewery has live music most days. Jazz Thursdays feature some of the Queen City's best jazz musicians. Times vary. Click here for more info.
Sunday, July 28
EAST FAIRFIELD--The 32nd annual Jig in the Valley comes to the Meeting House green for eight hours of music on Sunday starting at noon. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family. All proceeds support Fairfield Community Center programs. Call 802.827.6626 or Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--Summer Sounds continues its 33rd season in Highgate with favorites Yankee Chank on the lawn at the Highgate Arena on Sunday at 6 p.m. with an immersion in Cajun music--traditional Cajun French two-steps and waltzes, spiced with Zydeco for good measure. The rain site is the Highgate Arena. Click here for more info.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum Theater outside with option to picnic on the green at the Island Arts Center on Sunday at 6 p.m. Picnic at 5:30, weather permitting. A chair or blanket is suggested. The traditional West African performance and educational ensemble offers high energy performances featuring traditional pieces with djembe, doun doun and krin instruments and dancers. All performances are interactive and culminate in audience participation.
Admission is free thanks to generous sponsors. Registration is requested but not required. Click here to register and 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.
The CEA has dance! This month will be native Vermonter and lifelong student of dance and theater Alice Reighley for whom a chance view of a belly dance exercise tape changed the trajectory of her life. Willy Watson, Stephen Bernard, Matt Speroni, and Tim Swanson of Minced Oats play bluegrass that is unique and is rooted in tradition. The local artists, writers and musicians gather to share original and thought provoking work. "Reservations get you a guaranteed table." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Monday, July 29
NORTH HERO--Long-time collaborators and seasoned jazz veterans Bob Gagnon and Tony Petricola play real jazz on the Pier Bar at the North Hero House on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Tuesday, July 30
ENOSBURG FALLS--Summer Concerts in Lincoln Park continue as the Enosburg Town Band continues on the Bandstand on Tuesday at 7 p.m. There will be a variety of music, arts and crafts for the kids, popcorn and drinks, and even ice cream sundaes (when available) every Tuesday evening. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Wednesday, July 31
ESSEX--Grill & Chill Wednesdays continue with Hard Scrabble live on the Green on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Bring your own blanket, chair, umbrella, factory sealed water bottles, empty refillable bottles, picnic food, and good attitude. Food from the Double E grill and EE restaurants will be available. Find them on Facebook for more info.
NORTH HERO--Bettenroo sing harmonies to dance to 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 the Smokey Newfield Project in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Concerts are free for all every Wednesday evening through August 28. 14th Star Brewing Company, Pickle's Snack Shack, and Mama Llama Bakeshop will be on hand for food and drink. If the weather turns squishy, the concerts will move to 14th Star. Click here for more info.
BURLINGTON--Young Tradition-Vermont hosts a YTV Showcase and Trad Camp Reunion at the Fletcher Free Library on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The program will include an open mic, group singalong time, and a Fam Jam where all instruments and music are welcome. Click here for more info.
JERICHO--The Mills Riverside Park Concert Series presents the Buck Hollers on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The Citizens Concert Band continues its summer series on the bandstand in the Village Green Park on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts take place outdoors and will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Under the direction of Jeremy Berger, the community band plays a series of free, outdoor summer concerts in towns around Franklin County. Their rich history dates back to 1947. Click here for more info.
FAIRFIELD--The Bent Northrop Memorial Library hosts the Traveling Storyteller Puppet Theater for Nanuk's Arctic Adventure on Saturday at 10 a.m. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library presents the return of Alyx Hilshey with the Magic of the Library on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. The Vermont magician is a nationally touring comedy illusionist. She was a 2024 feature magician on Penn & Teller: Fool Us on YouTube. And she has a Master's in Electrical Engineering.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page Mystery Book Club reads Altered Carbon by Richard K Morgan on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The mystery is set the far future in a cyberpunk world where people change bodies on a whim. How do you tell who has an alibi or who committed the crime?
Call Donna Howard (802.527.7243), email, or find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--The Swanton Free Public Library has a busy Saturday planned.
The annual library Book and Bake Sale takes place on Saturday at 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is the chance for a great deal on a new favorite book and a sweet treat. All proceeds benefit the library.
The library also hosts an author meet & greet with Patricia Letourneau Henderson to share insights from her book, Captive Company, on Saturday at 10 a.m. The book is an enticing look at Vermont through the eyes of former Tennessee police officer Jere Black lured here and abandoned by a girlfriend. He hates every second of the "solitary existence in the cold winter hell hole." Ms. Henderson grew up in the Northeast Kingdom and now divides her time between Swanton and Memphis.
ArtBits features a quick weekly peek at library events in and around Franklin County. That popular feature has a page of its own at the Franklin County Bookshelf here on the AAC site at AllArtsCouncil.org/books. We also take an occasional peek at the bookshelf or night stand of the folks you know in and around Franklin County. Those reviews can be found on the ArtBits Bookshelf.
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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