| VOLUME 22 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 23, 2018 |
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 draw to a close as some of our friends play multiple gigs. Summer Sounds celebrates 28 years of concerts in Highgate. Jimmy T plays a double header and Nobby does a hat trick! There are shows in East Fairfield, Enosburg Falls, Essex, Highgate, Milton, Montgomery, Newbury, South Hero, St. Albans, Swanton. BIG MUSIC WEEKS
HIGHGATE--The All Arts Council and the Town of Highgate conclude the 28th year of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with Jimmy T and the Cobras live in the free Summer Sounds concert on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Hootie Hoo! This weekend is a special, local double header! RAWK ON
The "rock 'n roll outlaw," now 77, Jimmy T Thurston started playing in the family kitchen and has partied across the backwoods, the bars and dairy barns, the honky-tonks, and the village greens for almost 70 of those years, 50 of them as the hard rockin', ax grinding, long-haired leader of a rock 'n roll band.
Mr. Thurston grew up with the country music and the fiddling of kitchen tonks and barn dances. His first gigs were calling square dances. when he was 8 years old. The first rendition of Jimmy T and the Cobras came in just a few years, playing "anywhere they could." He moved on to tour and party with Boogy Beast, brought back the Cobras, led the Sleepy Hollow Boys, and has kick started the Cobras again. His albums include Welcome to My Country, Vermont's #1 Outlaw, and the hit single, Homegrown Weed.
Jimmy T and the Cobras will also play the Swanton Park as part of the Swanton Arts Spectacular on Saturday night.
Stop by the Highgate Methodist Summer Sounds Social in the Park starting at 6 p.m. just before the concert. It's a chance to visit with friends and eat hearty.
The Summer Sounds concerts are sponsored by the Town of Highgate and the All Arts Council, and underwritten by Chevalier Drilling Co. Inc, Desorcie's Market, Drummac Septic Service, La Quinta Inn and Suites of St. Albans, O. C. McCuin and Sons, and Ray's Extrusion Dies and Tubing.
The community based All Arts Council brings the performing arts to northwestern Vermont. The concerts are always on Sunday evenings, always at 7 p.m., always in Highgate Municipal Park, and always free. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for the outdoor family music and festivities. The rain site is the Highgate United Methodist Church. Click here for more info.
SWANTON--The second annual Swanton Arts Spectacular will be an all day festival with everything in the Swanton Village Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 9 (or so) p.m. Look for art all day, live entertainment starting at noon, and fireworks at dusk. SPECTACULAR
Jimmy T headlines the music when the Cobras start rawkin' at 6 p.m.
There will be artists and artisans from all over Vermont and northern New York, crafters and builders, food vendors, fun for all ages, and the Dam Ducky Derby. The Swanton Village Fire Auxiliary Chili Cookoff runs from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and the Swanton VFW chicken BBQ begins at 5pm.
Admission is free. This event showcases local talent and creativity.
ST. ALBANS--Free Studio Fridays continue in the Claire Payne Studio on Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The studio is open to artists to get together and work at a studio in the company of other artists. These will be held every Friday until October 26. It is all free; bring your own project and materials. ART FOR THE WALLS
Call 802.782.5930, email, or click here to reserve your spot.
MONTGOMERY--MCAKeltonHall hosts a Paint & Sip Fundraiser with artist Patrick Murphy on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Grab a drink, tie an apron, and take a seat. Mr. Murphy will instruct step by step from a bare sheet to an original piece of art. At the end of the night you'll take home a one-of-a-kind painting and, MCA hopes, a newfound talent.
Registration is $35 and preregistration is necessary. Fill out the form at .
The Vermont Mobil Museum will be at MCAKelton Hall for the Paint and Sip. The Vermont International Museum of Contemporary Art + Design has a permanent collection, thematic exhibits, and the mobile microvenue. You do not have to be coming to the paint and sip to stop by and see the Vermont Mobil Museum.
ST. ALBANS TOWN--The St. Albans Bay Farmers Market at the Bay Park includes Arts and Crafts for sale every Wednesday from 5 - 8 p.m.
The Nobby Reed Project is extra busy this week with three very special shows. ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday
SOUTH HERO--The Snow Farm Sweet Summer Concert Series presents Carol Ann Jones and the Superchargers Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery on Thursday at 6 p.m.
The supercharged live summer series offers a variety of music, from classical to jazz to swing to bluegrass to classic rock. All concerts are free and tickets are not required. Concerts are held every Thursday evening from June to September, weather permitting. Picnicking begins at 5 p.m. and food vendors will be onsite. Bring your own chairs and blankets.
ESSEX--Trucks, Taps, and Tunes! at the Double E (the Essex Experience) Performing Arts Center presents the Nobby Reed Project this evening at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Thursday-Saturday
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs presents originals and covers by Chris and Erica on Thursday, the homespun originals somewhere between folk and acoustic blues/rock of John Smyth and Jenn Croteau on Friday, and originals and rock covers by the Robin Gottfried Band on Saturday.. Shows begin at 7 p.m.
Call 802.524.1405 or click here for more info.
Friday
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company presents Summer Sounds favorites IncaHOOTS on the taproom stage on Friday at 6 p.m.
Dave Long, Jeff Wenig, Kevin Connelly and John Geno will rock all the 14th Star taps.
MILTON--Arrowhead Golf Course hosts Missisquoi Slim for the Friday Night Live Music and Buffet 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 $11 per person ($5 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.
ESSEX--The Double E presents Troy Millette and Dylan Gombas at the Movies at Theater Ten on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
The multi-media rock n’ roll show includes special guests Cole Davidson and Andy James and a full headlining set of Troy & Dylan with a live light show and video production. Admission is $15. Tickets are limited and include a special digital surprise. Click here for tickets and more info.
Saturday
This is the busiest Saturday of music of the summer.
ST. ALBANS--Green Mountain American Legion Post #1 hosts Vets for Zac with the Nobby Reed Project on Saturday at 2 p.m. The benefit for 17 month old Zac is a community event as part of the first Family Day & Wiffleball Tournament with live music, food, cornhole, face painting, sack races, and ice cream sundae eating contest, and more, all starting at 8 a.m.
Admission is by $20 donation per person. Wiffle ball pre-registration by today. Call Becky (802.598.4269) or email to register and for more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star Brewing Company hosts this year's Tribute to Brooke Ostrander with performances by Andre Maquera of 8084, Keeghan Nolan, James Thacker, and MVU Music Alumni, all in The Room on Saturday beginning at 5 p.m.
Mr. O "was a second father to me as well as an educator," wrote 14th Star Owner Steve Gagner. "I spent countless hours and weekends at his house, not to mention his classroom... His tragic passing in 2011 was the spark that caused me to stop planning the brewery and to get it in motion. Mr. O didn't talk, he did. I think we can all use a little more Mr. O in our lives. I miss him, every day." The Tribute is a free all-ages event.
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Saturday, On Tap offers Mackenzie and Missisquoi with Harmonica Bob and Missisquoi Slim playing the blues at 5 p.m. and then dance band Nighthawk at 9 p.m.
On Tap has music on Tuesday through Saturday nights. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info.
SWANTON--Jimmy T and the Cobras start rawkin' the second annual Swanton Arts Spectacular in the Swanton Village Park on Saturday at 6 p.m.
EAST FAIRFIELD--Summer Evenings with Vermont Treasures presents Allen Church with The Return of Crazy Chase at the Meeting House on the Green on Saturday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
A local musician and songwriter, Mr. Church brings to life the legendary dance hall fiddler and Vermont character, Alfred "Crazy" Chase in a two-part, one-man musical. He reflects on a time "when life was a little slower and communities tighter" through traditional fiddle tunes, stories, and original songs. Bill Schubart wrote about his first meeting with Crazy Chase, "I was walking home from first grade on Maple Street in Morrisville ... [when ] I noticed an elderly woman walking purposefully towards me swinging a purse as if it were a plumber's bag full of tools.
"As she came more into view, it was clear she was a lady. Her gray hair was gathered in a bun. She wore a pillbox hat thought it was slightly askew. Her black dress came to below her knees. She wore black laced shoes with a half-heel.
"I couldn’t help glancing up furtively at the fast approaching woman. Each look was more troubling. She had breasts, but they were uneven in size and placement. She wobbled a bit and her shoes were disproportionately large even for the tall woman she was." Mr. Chase made his life a work of art. Cross-dresser, musical savant, entertainer, and piano tuner extraordinaire, he was literally one in 380,000.
Light supper fare, beer, and wine will be available throughout the evening.
The Meeting House series will showcase 10 great bands between May and November. Admission for all concerts is by suggested donation of $10 per person at the door. All shows support the Meeting House Preservation Project in East Fairfield, a historic landmark built circa 1866. Call 802.827.6626 to reserve seats and pay at the door.
Click here for more info about the concert and Mr. Church.
ST. ALBANS--Full Share rocks the Music, Brews & BBQ at Mill River Brewing on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Full Share Band features the vocals of Andrea Costello. They came together as an eclectic rock band with a solid, tight vibe in 2016. Their repertoire includes cover songs from artists such as Jesse J, Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars, Heart, Journey, and more.
ST. ALBANS--Nelly's Pub and Grill celebrates a Summer Saturday with Barbie-N-Bones on Saturday at 9 p.m.
Jenn DiNatale on vocals and Mark DiNatale on bass with Shawn Hayden on guitar and Rickey Bushey on drums play music to dance to.
Sunday
NEWBURY--The UnCommon Jam Music Festival will offer Linda B and the Barncats, the Grassfed Boys, and the Nobby Reed Project on the Common on Sunday from 1-6 p.m.
From blues to funk to rock to newgrass, the Jam will celebrate the talent of Vermont musicians to get you off your feet and dancing. There will be a craft brew garden and plenty of local eats. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
Admission is $10, under 10 free. Tickets will be available at the gate.
MONTGOMERY--The monthly Celebration of Expressive Arts continues at the INN on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. The event officially includes everything but dancing, but there is always hope. Come early for dinner; service begins at 5 p.m.
This month, the featured poet is Sybil Smith, the featured musician is grammy nominated Celia Woodsmith, and the featured artist is Katherine Reighley Barnard. The local artists, writers and musicians gather to share original and thought provoking work, curated and hosted by Bob and Becca Cummins.
Find them on Facebook for more info.
HIGHGATE--The All Arts Council and the Town of Highgate conclude the 28th year of music with Jimmy T and the Cobras live in the free Summer Sounds concert. Hootie Hoo!
Tuesday
SOUTH HERO--Carol Ann Jones hosts Music in the Meadow at the Blue Paddle Bistro on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Jones will perform and then hold an Open Mic ever Tuesday, weather permitting, through the summer.
There are tables and chairs outside but it can get pretty busy, so bring your own chair or blanket or come early to get a table or chairs. Email to sign up.
Wednesday
ST. ALBANS--Sean Jarvis hosts Open Mic Night at Durty Nelly's Irish Pub on Wednesday starting at 6:30 p.m. Show off your talent; everyone is welcome to grab the mic and perform any Wednesday evening on the Tavern side.
ST. ALBANS--Shake the Band continues the Downtown Summer Concert Series in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. 14th Star Brewing and the Traveling Canteen serve food and drink at all of this year's Summer Concert Series events.
Admission is free.
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. ON THE 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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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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