| VOLUME 23 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | August 8, 2019 |
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 as some of our friends play multiple gigs. Summer Sounds celebrates 29 years of concerts in Highgate. There are shows in Derby Line, Enosburg Falls, Essex, Grand Isle, Highgate, Johnson, Milton, Morrisville, North Hero, Sheldon, South Burlington, St. Albans Bay, and St. Albans. Montgomery has a week of art, books, film, and more.
HIGHGATE--O. C. McCuin and Sons, the All Arts Council, and the Town of Highgate continue 29 years of Summer Sounds concerts at home in Highgate with Anderson-Gram on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. ALL THE FOLK OF SUMMER
Gayle Anderson and Bob Gram play an easy-going blend of folk, country, and bluegrass, often originals that paint pictures of everyday life. She has a fine contralto folk voice, often called a "little bit sweet" and usually takes the lead. He brings the strong baritone harmonies as well as lead vocals and tells jokes almost as good as mine. They have played together since they met at an open mic almost 30 years ago.
The husband and wife duo spent two decades performing in California and are back in New England. They have played Bethlehem Musikfest, Cambridge Center For the Arts, San Francisco Folk Festival, Seafest of Nova Scotia, Sonoma Songwriters Showcase, and many more.
Anderson-Gram can be heard on folk and acoustic radio stations and radio shows across North America, in Belgium, and in Siberia. They have released four albums, Across the Great Divide, Ring of Fire, Small Town Saturday Night, and Cover to Cover.
Come early! The Highgate United Methodist Church will hit the spot with the Summer Sounds Social on our summer night of music.
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 and a lawn chair for the outdoor family music and festivities. The rain site is the Highgate United Methodist Church. Click here for more info.
EAST FAIRFIELD--The Meeting House on the Green continues the sixth Summer Evenings with Vermont Treasures concert series with David Mallett in his first appearance at the Meeting House on Friday at 7 p.m. Doors at 6. TREASURE THE TROUBADOURS
The world-renowned Maine troubadour, songwriter, and recording artist has performed in town halls and folk clubs across America and Europe as well as Wolf Trap, Newport Folk Festival, and Prairie Home Companion. His music has traveled to all corners of the world and has been recorded by more than 150 artists, including Pete Seeger, Alison Krauss, John Denver, Emmylou Harris, and even the Muppets, and his Garden Song has become an American folk classic.
The concert series began to help raise funds for the Meeting House restoration (and to support local musicians). Since then, the Meeting House has become a coveted venue with players and audiences alike discovering the magic of this small and intimate setting for some of the best music in northern Vermont.
Admission is $20 at the door for this show only. Call 802.827.6626 to reserve tickets. This show is almost sold out, but a few tickets are still available. Light supper fare, beer and wine, and desserts will be available throughout the evening. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY--Michael Domina and Red Barn Studio will host two workshops, Making Art at the Red Barn, for three days each, August 8-10 and September 12-14. ART FOR THE WALLS
Mr. Domina will show and teach several easy techniques in watercolor or acrylic to complete a painting to be proud of. No drawing skills are needed. Bring some supplies if you have them. The studio has watercolor and acrylic paintings by Mr. Domina and guest artists.
Find them on Facebook for more info.
MONTGOMERY--MCAKeltonHall hosts a Paint & Sip Fundraiser with artist Patrick Murphy on Monday 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. Find them on Facebook for more info and tickets.
MONTGOMERY--The Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts Women's Work Is Never Done at MCAKelton Hall with an opening wine and cheese reception and vernissage on Friday at 7 p.m. The show runs through September 7. ART ON THE WALLS
This multi-media show features powerful artwork created by 5-to-80-year-old women from New York, Quebec and Vermont. It includes traditional fiber and needlework, fine art, painting, photography, and more.
"Each work of art celebrates its creator and her stance in the world, especially just now when that stance feels under siege," said M. Sebastian Araujo, Curator and Creative Director of the MCA. The show celebrates the Female Spirit that has endured severe hardships and sacrifices, all by women of all races, nationalities, backgrounds, education, and regions.
Regular gallery hours are Friday-Sunday, 12-4 pm or by appointment. Email, click here , or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The Vermont Army National Guard has issued the St. Albans Photo Challenge for Taylor Park on Saturday beginning at noon.
Cavalry Troopers of 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment, with local reenactors and current members, will take over Taylor Park to hold a live narration of their unit history. They will review the local lineage through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and modern day Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Photo Challenge is to help recreate "Honor Day," an historical picture taken 100 years ago. The original is currently on display at City Hall.
IN THE NEWS--St. Albans' Artist in Residence Gallery and Milton's MAG Art Center & Gallery were Seven Daysies finalists in the 2019 Best Art Gallery.
Click here for the deets.
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council Art Journaling Group meets at the Swanton Free Public Library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. IN THE SAC
Meetings will be held at the library on the second Tuesday of every month. Art journals, junk journals, art pages and more are on the table and make for fun for artists, writers, scrap bookers, and more. The group meets to share ideas and to take time to create. If you need supplies to get started, check out the library's Makerspace or email for more info.
ESSEX--The Double-E presents an encore showing of the Grateful Dead at Giants' Stadium this evening at 8 p.m. FILM
The newly engineered T-Rex theater sound system add to the theater concert event. Admission is $12. Visit the Essex Cinemas box office for tickets and more info. Seats are limited, first come first served.
Thursday ON STAGE LIVE
ST. ALBANS BAY--Kick off the weekend early on Thirsty Thursdays with S.A.S. at the Bayside tonight at 6:30 p.m. The seasoned trio will play classic and pop rock songs from the 70s to the 90s every other Thursday through September.
ST. ALBANS--The Old Foundry at One Federal presents Duncan MacLeod with their special blend of rockin' blues in the Thursday Night Music Series this evening at 7 p.m.
Get ready for some Allman Brothers, Little Feat, Robben Ford and originals from Dave Abair, keys and vocals; Jim Cheney, bass and vocals; Ian Koeller, drums; John Moore, guitar and vocals; and Bob Young, guitar and vocals.
Call 802.524.0330 or find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse hosts kid friendly Stand Up Comedy this evening at 7 p.m.
Mill River is a sustainable, family-owned, brewpub serving their own VT craft beers. The BBQ and Smokehouse menu offers locally raised meats and produce with baked goods made in-house.
Thursday-Saturday
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs presents former Woedoggies lead singer Wylie Shipman on Thursday, the multi talented Resonators from New York and Vermont with the Blues on Friday, and Vermont based singer-songwriter Tim Howard 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 Chris & Erica live on the taproom stage on Friday at 6 p.m.
SHELDON--The Abbey continues the Summer Music in the Pub series with the House Rockers on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
MILTON--Arrowhead Golf Course hosts Dennis Fox for the Friday Night Live Music and Buffet on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Friday's theme is "Star Wars." The teriyaki chicken 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.
ENOSBURG--Summer Theater Camp presents Affectionately Yours: A Bassett Finds A Forever Home in the Opera House at Enosburg Falls on Friday at 7 p.m.
The show introduces the Basset Hound Doc and his animal and human friends. The talented campers have put this show together in just one week. The original play was written by director Billijean Smith.
Friday-Saturday
ST. ALBANS--The Old Foundry at One Federal presents the guitar and baritone voice of Sergio Torres on Friday and the R&B with soaring vocals of Jeff & Gina on Saturday. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m.
Call 802.524.0330 or find them on Facebook for more info.
Saturday
DERBY LINE--The Derby Line Community Day presents the Nobby Reed Project in an all day celebration with music, entertainment, and activities, all on Saturday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. The NRP plays at 2 p.m.
The music lineup also includes Kat's Rock & Kountry, Todd Pronto, The Summer Temps, and Big Whiskey Social Club. There will be live entertainment all day from Wild Life Encounters, Modern Times Theater, Circus Smirkus, and ETWA Community Destruction with Fireworks at dusk. Admission, parking, and all events and activities are free. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SOUTH BURLINGTON--Higher Ground hosts the 9th annual Girls Rock Vermont Showcase in the Showcase Lounge on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Doors at 12 noon.
Girls Rock is a one-week summer day camp. Campers learn how to play musical instruments, write songs, perform their own music, and participate in workshops and activities.
Admission is $5 with kids 12 and under free. for tickets.
NORTH HERO--Island Arts presents a Yang Bao multi media concert in the Island Arts Center at the Homer Knight Barn on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
The evening will have works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Mozart and features master class participants in piano, violin, and dance with pieces collaborating with art and contemporary dance. Admission is by donation at the door.
ST. ALBANS--Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse hosts country and western singer Nathaniel Hintz this evening at 7 p.m.
The Watertown, CT, performer blends a rockabilly style of guitar with a "lively punk attitude, Putting a modern twist on the Sun Records sound of the 50s."
ESSEX--The Double-E presents Summer Sounds favorites Mark Shelton and the Jailhouse Rockers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Doors at 7.
The dynamic performer with the astounding voice moves through the 1950s to the 1970s Elvis Presley songs, mirroring the King of Rock n' Roll. Mr. Shelton has become an internationally acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist. Admission is $20-30 per person. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--S.A.S. brings their "classic rock with a twist" back to the club side at Nelly's on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Scott Guptill, April Reynolds Begnoche and Scott Belisle are energetic seasoned musicians playing classic and pop rock songs from the 70s to the 90s.
Sunday
GRAND ISLE--Island Arts presents the Vermont Jazz Ensemble at the Grand Isle Lake House on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Gates open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m.
With 25 years in the moonlight, the 17-piece big-band brings an evening of concert and dance music. Admission is $20 advance, $25 at the door, with ages 12 and under free. Click here for tickets.
HIGHGATE--O. C. McCuin and Sons continue 29 years of Summer Sounds concerts in Highgate with Anderson-Gram on Sunday evening at 7 p.m.
Tuesday
JOHNSON--Tuesday Night Live continues with Beg Steal or Borrow on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Concerts are free and live every Tuesday, rain or shine.
Find them on Facebook for more info.
ENOSBURG FALLS--The Enosburg Town Band plays a weekly free summer concert in Lincoln Park on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Bring a chair or a blanket to enjoy an hour long concert under the stars under the direction of Alisa Martin. Performances will continue on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. through August 21.
Wednesday
MORRISVILLE--The Wednesday Night Live summer music series continues with the Brevity Thing in Oxbow Riverfront Park on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. There will be puppets and a parade in the River Arts tent. The series continues each week through August 22 with a rotating mix of food vendors every week, from American barbecue to Nepalese staples.
ST. ALBANS--The Bayside presents the Starline Rhythm Boys on Wednesday at 6 p.m. No cover, just "three old guys playin' country" every Wednesday evening through the summer.
Bayside has music on some other evenings; they usually announce upcoming bands on Facebook the day of the event.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs continues the Monthly Blues Jam on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
On the second Wednesday of each month, the gastropub will host an explosive evening of electric blues. All musicians are welcome to come and play the blues with the house band of Tom Caswell, guitar and vocals; Tom Buckley, bass; and Michael Bishop, drums.
ST. ALBANS--The Citizens Concert Band continues the Downtown Summer Concert Series in the E.A. Loomis Bandshell in Taylor Park on Wednesday at the special time of 7 p.m. (This is the final scheduled Citizens Concert Band performance for this season.) 14th Star Brewing and the Traveling Canteen serve food and drink at all of this year's Summer Concert Series events.
Admission is free.
MONTGOMERY--Montgomery Center for the Arts hosts the third annual Montgomery Late-Summer Writers Workshop with Tony Whedon in MCAKeltonHall beginning Wednesday at 6 p.m. Workshops will be held every other week through October 11. FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
The six-session workshop will write fiction and essays and look at work by other writers to stimulate discussion and to provide models. There are no requirements except the desire to tell one's own story. Each session will examine an aspect of fiction or creative nonfiction. Mr. Whedon has published four books of poetry, two essay collections, and a forthcoming fiction collection. He is a finalist for the 2019 Vermont Book Award and the 2019 Orison Fiction Prize.
Registration is $150 or donation for six sessions and preregistration is necessary. Call 802.326.4105 or email for tickets or more info.
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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Dick Harper, Chair
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
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