| VOLUME 30 | * * All Arts News On the Web * * | January 8, 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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ART ON THE WALLS
ST. ALBANS--The Artist In Residence Gallery features different artists each month. This month, the spotlight is on abstract mixed media artist Becky Chappell and fabric artist Dody Susslin with a live reception at 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.
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.
ART FOR SALE
ST. ALBANS--14th Star hosts the Sunday Makers Market in the Taproom on Sunday at 12 noon - 3 p.m. Shop pop-up booths from local crafters/makers with new vendors every Sunday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ART YOU CREATE
FAIRFIELD--Hearthside Handcrafts meet at Bent Northrop Memorial Library on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Fiber arts and crafting enthusiasts connect to share skills and create memories twice monthly on the second ad fourth Friday of each month. Click here for more info.
FAIRFAX--Awaken Yoga & Creative Arts Studio hosts a Moonlit Tree Black Light Paint Party on Saturday at noon. Guided instructions show step by step how to paint an enchanting scene. There will be homemade snacks plus water, coffee, hot cocoa, and tea. The cost is $40 - 85. Click here to register and for more info.
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.
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.
CALL FOR SINGERS
ST. ALBANS ALL MALE A CAPELLA GROUP--Picking up again, the group starts practice at the Masonic Lodge this evening at 6:30 p.m. No experience necessary. They will provide learning tracks for the songs and will work with the group every week to help teach parts and work on our choral sound. All are welcome. Email Jim Walsh for more info.
DANCE
ALBURG--Between the Lines Line Dancing offers Beginner Line Dancing at the American Legion Landon Post #60 on Fridays at 6 p.m. Bring clean, dry shoes to change into and dance in. Admission is by $5 donation per class, which is donated to the Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department. Find them on Facebook for more info.
FILM
ST. ALBANS--It is Classic Movie Night (and Matinee!) at the St. Albans Free Library with Barefoot in the Park (brrrr!) on Thursday at 6 p.m. and reprised at the Friday matinee at 1 p.m. Robert Redford and Jane Fonda star in the film adaptation of Neil Simon's Broadway play. The free presentation includes the show, the popcorn, cocoa, and tea. This showing is an after-hours event. Please arrive before the doors close at 6 p.m. Click here for more info.
HUMANITIES
ONLINE--Vermont Humanities takes a digital look at Thomas Jefferson: A Leader with John Ragosta on Wednesday at 7 p.m. One of America's most important Founders and the author of American independence, he wrote the "mission statement" for America when he declared that "all men are created equal." And yet, today's politically correct coterie would belittle him. "Register for this free event" for the link to the stream. Call Vermont Humanities (802.262.2626) or Click here or here to register and for more info.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MILTON--The Milton Artists' Guild offers two workshops this week.
The free Intro to Photography Workshop with local photographer AJ Murray will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. The class is free. Anyone with a camera who wants to learn how to use it can join. Students will learn the essentials of photography, from understanding exposure to getting comfortable with a Digital SLR or mirrorless camera's manual settings. Click here to register and for more info.
Social Sundays continue at the 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.
MORRISVILLE--River Arts hosts the Free-Form Mandalas: Color, Symbol, and Self-Expression workshop in the Mindful Art series with Jen on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The workshop will explore colors, shapes, and symbols that feel personal, letting the design grow into something that reflects your own story, The cost is $30. Click here to register and for more info.
IN THE SAC
SWANTON--The Swanton Arts Council will hold its Annual Meeting with yummy food and fun art activities in person at the Swanton Free Public Library on Sunday at 2 p.m. The agenda includes a 1, 2, 5 Year Goal Game, completed art projects, Nominations, the SPARK grant, business cards/donation chart, a free art grant and more.
The next meeting will be Sunday, February 8, at the library. Find the SAC on Facebook for the agenda and more info.
ON STAGE LIVE
Thursday, January 8
NORTH HERO--The North Hero House hosts Live Music on Thursdays. This week, the series continues with Adlai Waxman live this evening at 6 p.m. "A piano bar–style evening with a perfect setlist." Find them on Facebook for more info.
Thursday-Saturday, January 8-11
ESSEX JUNCTION--On Tap starts a weekend of music with Just Me Live tonight at 6 p.m. two shows Friday night, the 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 Tim Brick at 5 p.m., and Nickel & Dime at 9 p.m. Call 802.878.3309 or email for more info. Click here to reserve a table.
Thursday-Wednesday, January 8-14
MORRISVILLE--Moog's Place has long weekends, Thursday through Wednesday, of music in January. Open Mic Night tonight. The John Lackard Blues Band lights the night afire on Friday. The Mud City Ramblers make a stellar reunion of outlaw bluegrass on Saturday. The sound system takes the day off on Sunday. Seth Yacovone plays a solo acoustic set on Monday. And Leslie Grant is there for Wednesday night live.
Friday, January 9
ESSEX--Chris & Issy play the legends and all your favorite hits from the 80s, 90s, and beyond at the VT Cider Lab 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.
SOUTH HERO--She Was Right plays the Winter Wine Down Music series at Snow Farm Vineyard Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. The winter music series continues with well known musicians, wine, and food every Friday. Click here for more info.
ESSEX JUNCTION--Sparky's presents Dan Parks live on Friday at 5 p.m. "It’s cold outside but it's hot at Sparky's!" Find them on Facebook for more info.
Friday-Sunday, January 9-11
ST. ALBANS--The Taphouse at Mill River has shows on Friday and Saturday nights in January. Roger Giroux plays Friday and the Smokey Newfield Project is live on Saturday. Music starts about 6 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--Twiggs often has shows on Friday and Saturday nights. This week they host Sister Speak on Friday and two-thirds of the Blue Rock Boys (Cliff Crosby and Mike Bjella) 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, January 10
ST. ALBANS--St Paul's United Methodist Church hosts a Twelfth Night Winter Celebration with the Northern Bronze Handbell Ensemble, the FCSC Singing Seniors, organist Stephan Conrady and more on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The ecumenical event celebrates the birth of Christ, the arrival of the Three Kings, and Winter, in music, scripture, and readings. There will be a free will offering to benefit Tim's House and a reception following, with refreshments.
FRANKLIN--The Dick Wright Pub hosts their Bluegrass Jam on Saturday at 6 p.m. All instruments and skill levels are welcome. Come to play or to learn. Click here for more info.
GREENSBORO-- The Highland Center for the Arts presents the Vermont Mandolin Trio (which is a really quartet) on Saturday at 7 p.m. Will Patton, Jamie Masefield, Pat Melvin, and Matt Flinner begin their annual tour of Vermont. Admission is $10-24. Click here for tickets and more info.
ST. ALBANS--14th Star presents Next Stop! -- a Comedy Show live in The Room on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The former Boston Comedy Club offers a brand new line-up of comedians each month. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Sunday, January 11
WESTFORD--The Westford Music Series presents the Vermont Mandolin Trio with Will Patton, Jamie Masefield, Pat Melvin, and Matt Flinner at Westford Common Hall on Sunday at 4 p.m. Admission is by free will donation. Click here for tickets and more info.
Wednesday, January 14
ENOSBURG--Sage Machia hosts Country Karaoke Nights at the Rail Trail Pub on Wednesday at 7 pm. The boot scootin' boogie happens every Wednesday. Find them on Facebook for more info.
SWANTON--Located in the historic Champlain Theater building, the Green Mountain Bistro has live music most Wednesday nights from 6 - 8 p.m. Find them on Facebook for more info.
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.
ALMOST LIVE ON STAGE
Virtual music and events continue this week.
Local writer DonnaRae Menard returns to the weekly read with Episode 8 from her St. Albans mystery novel, Beneath The Fountain, on NW Access TV and on YouTube.
Lake Champlain Access TV was there when Summer Sounds favorites Mango Jam played the Island Arts 2025 Summer Concerts on June 28, 2025. It's on LCATV.org.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
FRANKLIN--The Haston Library Book Discussion group meets to discuss Birding to Change the World by Trish O'Kane this afternoon at 2 p.m. The memoir blends personal narrative, science, and environmental activism, to tell the story of an "accidental birder" who found healing and purpose after a personal tragedy. Click here for more info.
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.
ST. ALBANS--The Eloquent Page has two special events this week.
Local writer Meg McFadden Smith will sign her book of poetry, Child, I Will Always Carry You, at the bookstore on Saturday at 2 p.m. The volume relates the wonder and loss a young mother encounters raising her children with hymns of gratitude, simple prayers, comic sketches of home life, and more. Find them on Facebook for more info.
The Fantasy Book Club is mixing it up in the new year by discussing the science fiction book Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The award-winning 2013 debut novel follows a starship's AI seeking revenge after its ship is destroyed and it is trapped in a single human body. The book is the first in the Imperial Radch trilogy. Find them on Facebook for more info. Find them on Facebook for more info.
ST. ALBANS--The St. Albans Free Library hosts the Tuesday Night Book Group to discuss Stolen Focus by Johann Hari on Tuesday Evening at 6 p.m. The writer argues that our declining ability to focus is a systemic crisis caused by technology, media, and cultural shifts, and gives data to support how to reclaim our attention through unplugging, improving diet, and rethinking work. 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.
LOOKING FORWARD
This year's "looking forward columns" are spread over two weeks. Last week, we showcased upcoming Arts Council and Opera House events. This week we look at the Franklin County Festivals and our Town Bands plus Humanities and Other Major Presenters' plans. There could be 300 concerts, exhibits, recitals, and shows from more than 40 organizations.
Happy New Year!
ARTISTS, ARTS CENTERS, AND GALLERIES 2025
COLD HOLLOW SCULPTURE PARK
The admission-free, immersive Park will re-open June 7 for the summer. David Stromeyer is making new pieces to be installed for the 2026 season. Click here for more info.
MONTGOMERY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The MCA has plans for increased children's programming, free public events, exhibits, and opportunities in the arts. They are looking for volunteers and interested participants. MCA-Kelton Hall is available year-round to rent for workshops or events. Click here for more info.
VERMONT ABENAKI ART ASSOCIATION
The Abenaki Art Association has a membership of certified fine, decorative and performing artists, skilled in wood, horn, bone, and stone working, clothing and fashion accessories, painting and sculpture, song, dance, and storytelling. They offer context with historians and consultants. Their exhibits will return to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and other important venues around the state. The 2026 Abenaki Heritage Weekend will take place in June.
THE FESTIVALS 2026
Taken together, the major Franklin County area Festivals attract around 100,000 people to extravaganzas of outdoor arts and entertainment here. The schedules may very well change in the coming months.
VERMONT MAPLE FESTIVAL
The Vermont Maple Festival celebrates 59 years of Vermont Maple April 24-26; it is the first major outdoor festival of the year. St. Albans City and Town host three days of family education and entertainment including the Sappy Art Show at the Village Frame Shoppe. The parade will wind through Downtown with Isaac French on the Main Street stage. City Hall is changing up for the Teen Hall. The Main Street stage will offer entertainment. Lots of contests including Photo, Art, Poetry (NEW), Maple Products, Maple Cooking, Ambassador, and Window Displays. Rides, Main Street concession stands, and Taylor Park Entertainment with clowns, balloon making, face painting, Reach for the Stars dogs, and more. The annual Pancake breakfast is a great "sit-down" start to the day and Nellie's Donuts, Maple Candy, and Maple Cotton Candy keep you on your feet. Click here as we get ccloser to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
VERMONT DAIRY FESTIVAL
The 70th Vermont Dairy Festival spotlights Franklin County performers in a benefit weekend for the Lions Club traditionally held on the first weekend of June. In addition to the continuous music, there are dairy competitions, the Parade, Abe's Cabin, the famed chicken BBQ, the Milk Run, Super Bingo, and so much more.
The Lions are always looking for dedicated women and men to join because it is the people who serve who make the real difference. They will determine this year's plans within the next few weeks. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
JIG IN THE VALLEY
The 34th Jig in the Valley benefits the East Fairfield Community Center with a family day of music and picnicking on the last weekend in July. This concert helps raise funds and awareness. They will determine this year's plans for the 33rd Jig within the next few weeks. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FIELD DAYS
The "Four Best Days of Summer," Franklin County Field Days is looking for a new home. Over many decades, they have swelled Highgate with crafts, exhibits, agricultural exhibits, cattle judging, antique tractor pulls, rides, and more but the state and the Federal Aviation Administration moved them out of the Franklin County Airport. Click here as we get closer to the event for up-to-date changes to the schedule and perhaps the location.
HUMANITIES
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE
The weekly program series will have eight presentations this Spring in the Greg Brown Lodge at Hard'ack. This season includes Trend Setter Mark Breen on the Nature of Weather Patterns, discussions about Music, Forests, Booze, and more. Spring 2026 registration is now live. Click here for more info.
SAINT ALBANS MUSEUM
The museum is currently closed for the season and will reopen in May. The Bliss Room remains open year-round. The Museum will have a lineup of performances, exhibits, and educational programs. The Valentine's Dance fundraiser comes next month. Their History from Home is a free online portal has galleries with Model Medicine and Untold Stories, community history videos, articles, and activities for all ages. Click here for more info.
VERMONT HUMANITIES COUNCIL
The Vermont Humanities Council engages Vermonters in ideas, fosters a thoughtful culture, and inspires a lifelong love of reading and learning. They offer a combination of wide-ranging in-person and online programming including the arts, book discussions, film, history, Vermont Reads, and more. The VHC 1st Wednesdays recordings are online for anyone who missed a talk. The VHC statewide, one-book program, Vermont Reads, continues with Gather by Kenneth Cadow through June. Click here for more info.
ON STAGE 2026
MAJOR PRESENTERS
Bay Day, the BFA Performing Arts Center, Church Street Sounds of the Season, and the eclectic Music at Grace schedules are all still uncertain at press time.
BFA will have concerts, a musical, plus the District 1 Music Festival, and more.
Comedy for a Cause can raise a few thousand dollars for a non-profit or someone else's worthy cause as an event hosted through Twiggs. Find them on Facebook for more info.
Events for Tom an eclectic mix of performances including the annual Farewell Reunion Concert at Grace Church, all to help support families of childhood cancer patients. Email or find them on Facebook for more info.
The Meeting House on the Green holds outdoor events in East Fairfield and has a "sneak(y) preview" of the 10-concert Summer 2026 Music Series: starting with the famed (and very large) Vermont Mandolin Trio in March, then the Selkies, Beg, Steal or Borrow, Michele Choiniere, Duke Aeroplane and the Rumbirds, the Tenderbellies, Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Ensemble, the Dave Keller Band, the Jim Branca Quartet, Annie and the Hedonists, and much more. The series raises money for restoration projects. The Meeting House is a coveted venue; players and audiences alike have discovered the magic of the small and intimate setting for some of the best music in northern Vermont. Click here to learn more and donate online or send a contribution to MHG, Box 16, East Fairfield, VT 05448.
MVU will have a Cabaret Concert, the musical Anastasia, plus the District 1 Music Festival, Middle School Concerts, and more.
Northwest Access TV offers room for classes, more studio shows, and new equipment for community use. They have courses, movies in the parks, as well as concerts and arts programming. And, of course, they have local shows and events. Click here for more info.
Restaurants in and beyond Franklin County had some art on the walls and music in the halls last year. We expect the Abbey, the Alburgh Oasis Outdoor Music Venue, Arrowhead Golf Course, the Blue Paddle Bistro, Church Street Sounds of the Season, the Depot, the Double E, Foam Brewers, 14th Star Brewing Company, Irons & Ale at Champlain Country Club, the Jericho Cafe and Tavern, Kraemer & Kin, Mill River Brewing, Moog's Place, the North Hero House, Northwest Farmers Market, On Tap, the weekly St. Albans Bay Farmer's Market and Concert Series, Snow Farm Vineyard, the Spanked Puppy, Sparky's, the Taphouse at Mill River, the Summer Concert Series in Taylor Park, Twiggs weekends and monthly Blues Jam, Von Trapp Brewing, and more to feature artists and exceptional music with a regular roster of Franklin County musicians several nights each week.
School art shows include FNESU's annual Art Gala and the annual Maple Run Art Show. The shows bring together hundreds of two and three dimensional pieces in schools and halls around the County.
The Vermont Youth Orchestra season begins with Charting A Course at the Flynn. They will hold Summer Symphony plus OrchestraPalooza, and more, live at the Flynn or at the Elley-Long Music Center. There will be virtual master classes, lesson programs, and endangered instruments. This season, over 300 musicians in grades 1 - 12 from 60 elementary, middle, and high schools in 41 towns from across Vermont and neighboring states including several from Franklin County. Programs are based at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College. Click here for more info.
Young Tradition-Vermont's traditional music and dance give young people opportunities "to be inspired and inspiring, to learn and teach, to perform, and to serve the communities they live in and visit." They offer Touring Group, Fiddle Heads, Trad Camp, Young Tradition Festival, the Instrument Petting Zoo, the Instrument Loan Program, and Fam Jam. YTV became part of Vermont Folklife in 2022. Click here for more info.
TOWN BANDS
The Citizens Concert Band season includes outdoor concerts on alternating summer Wednesdays plus select winter events. Click here for more info.
Rehearsals for Enosburg Town Band begin April 7. Vermont Rolling Thunder will arrive on Sunday, May 31. The weekly summer concerts fill the Lincoln Park Bandstand on Tuesdays starting June 16.Everyone above the beginner level is welcome to participate. Email Alisa Martin with questions or to join the band or find them on Facebook for more info.
New members (high school age through adult) are always welcome at both bands.
FRANKLIN COUNTY BOOKSHELF
The Eloquent Page is the only independent book store in the county. The Vermont Antiquarian Booksellers Association will hold an antiquarian book fair in May. They sponsor a game day, host book release parties, and the Fantasy and Mystery Book Clubs.
County-wide, our public Libraries have a slew of plans including readings, lunchtime concerts, art shows, and kids' performers including Vermont Reads. Your local library has community programs, events, and more. And thousands of books hot off the press or ready for your e-reader.
At Bent-Northrup Memorial Library, look for Hearthside Handcrafters, Franklin County Photogs, the unique online photography club that welcomes everyone, the Franklin County Beekeepers. Special events in January alone include Baby and Me Yoga and Learn to Make Sushi. And pick up Homecoming by Yaa Gyasi this month for the February Book Discussion. Click here for more info.
The Haston Library has a busy year ahead with has lots of buzz for January with a spelling bee plus historian Jill Mudgett to talk about The Hills of Home. Sasquatch authority Mike Familant will present his Beyond the Footprints Tour. There will be Cemetery Sleuthing with Erin Moulton, another Plant Swap, the summer reading programs, and more.
The new Coffee and Crafts has started and Muffin Mondays continue at the Highgate Library and Community Center. Other programs include the ongoing Curbside Craft, day passes, and more. Email or click here for more info.
The St. Albans Free Library has Mah Jong on Mondays and Thursdays; the Book Cellar and Book Group on Tuesdays; Classic Movie Night; Mornings, Muffins, and Mysteries; and a host of other events and services. Click here for more info.
The Swanton Free Public Library has computers and printing, book sales, online databases for research, museum and park passes, Learning Express, two monthly book clubs--SPL Book Club and But I Progress--and home learning. They offer homeschool resources, Terrific Tuesdays, Knitting Circle, Crafts, ASL, and much more. 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
P.O. Box 1
Highgate Springs, VT 05460
email us
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