VermontMusic

Vermont Music Blog Farewell

2009-01-10T09:26:00.003-05:00

I hate to do this, I really do. But, in looking at life and goals and those things that hold us back, I must make this decision. As my primary job is running a public relations firm that works with Vermont businesses and organizations, my biggest challenge is finding enough time to meet everyone's demands and needs - both in my professional and personal lives, which are often intertwined.

I started this blog along with two others - a positive energy and travel in Vermont blog: http://vermontvibes.blogspot.com and a PR tips and commentary blog: http://rachelcarterpr.blogspot.com. I created these blogs around my three key interests (Vermont, PR, music) and as an experiment in blogging, new media marketing, and acting in a direct editorial role. Since starting the blogs (which happened soon after I started my Vermont PR business) I have moved from the Vermont hub of Burlington to a farmhouse in Charlotte, I have gotten engaged, I have brought to fruition my gardening passions and skills, and I have been successful in my business. This is all wonderful and I am blessed and humbled by these life developments. But with these changes, I now have gone from seeing live music two or three times a week to two or three times a month. This is not something I am sad about as I fully believe in quality over quantity and while live music is still a huge part of my life, the magnitude of it has been replaced with new and evolving interests and activities.

And besides all of this, the music I am most passionate about are the jam bands I follow. For a while moe. and Umphrey's McGee have led the pack and as neither are based in Vermont, they were not honest candidates for exploration in the Vermont Music Blog. And now with the reemergence of The Dead and Phish, my music "phun" and "deadication" will be very centered on making time and money to be able to experience the sanctity of all of the live music that stirs my soul and revitalizes my spirit. Of course I will still enjoy and support the talents of Vermont musicians, venues, and events, but I do not feel it is enough to write and support the Vermont Music Blog.

The Mitch - my best friend, soul mate, and heart-throb - while a hot drummer is also a teacher and in gradate school and in no way can be responsible for this blog. I will continue to keep it live and do hope to continue to update the listings as I know they have been useful to so many interested and supportive of Vermont music.

I close with a New England Cable News clip which starts in the Music Room at our farmhouse and I think wraps up one phase of music in my life, for another to begin again...

The Mitch Rocks the Radio

2008-12-21T12:29:00.004-05:00

Happy Holidays! Hi all, it’s The Mitch here! I hope everyone is enjoying a safe and happy holiday season so far. We have certainly been blessed with an abundance of holiday weather and cheer thus far. And do you know what makes it all come together……..Holiday Music!! I know, holiday music can be cheesy and sometimes annoying, but come one, who doesn’t mind hearing Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree or Carol of the Bells either at home, in the office, or in your car? I have to admit, it does put me in that special spirit!

So you want a dose of holiday music, where do you find it? Sure you can go to a store and buy Cd after Cd to find that right holiday mix, but why not tune into a local radio station that plays nothing but holiday music 24-7! My personal favorite is Star 92.9 - WEZF. They play all of the classics, as well as, some contemporary versions of our favorite tunes. One aspect of listening to the radio that is cool is 92.9 gives a dose of history throughout the day regarding particular songs. For instance, did you know that the inspiration for Silent Night was a mouse? That’s right, in 1817, in a German church; a hungry little mouse chewed a hole in the bellows of a pipe organ. This naturally put the organ out of commission, and inspired two men to write and arrange the most popular Christmas song ever! Thanks Star 92.9!! Anyway, if you think of it, turn that clock radio, car stereo, or home audio system on and let some holiday cheer pump through the radio waves!

Peace, Joy, and a Wonderful Holiday to All, The Mitch!

Cody Michaels - Winter Suite

2008-12-13T11:32:00.005-05:00

Last weekend The Mitch and I had the privilege of seeing the most beautiful piano music I have ever seen live due to an inclination to seek out some form of live music during the holidays at the Vergennes Opera House and Cody Michaels was it! I actually took notes while watching, making this much more of an actual review than much of what I usually write:

"Wow. The music is so gentle, it absolutely touched my soul. It made me think of the times in high school I would listen to piano tapes by Danny Wright (only piano music I had) to calm me and bring out my more introspective side. I would hear a melodic rift and wish it would continue. Cody Michaels has continued that rift for me. I think of the beautiful times Page is featured in Phish and how my heart soars in my body and is lifted like a dance - this is how lovely it was. Sitting in the small, quaint Vergennes Opera House reminded me of the stage and hall at my magnificent church growing up and the joy of making Advent wreaths with my mother on a Sunday night. Pure, tremendous joy - how I love the piano. I was watching magic - magic on the baby grand and magic in the minds of those who came to watch, listen, and feel."

Those were the notes I wrote on the program while listening to Cody Michael's solo piano "Winter Suite." The first set was a collection of late fall and winter inspired songs, several on other albums - one of which I bought at intermission. His music is created from his experiences and feelings in different outdoor environments which is most certainly why it struck such a chord. In fact, it very well may be the new theme music of Vermont Vibes. The second set was the actual Winter Site with songs called "On The Shortest Day," "Winter Light," "Out In The Snow," "Below Zero," "Aurora Borealis," and "Boreal Wind." If you have any sort of wood nymph imagination and a love of winter, the music invokes the feeling you think it should just by reading those titles.

Cody Michael's website is www.codymichaels.com and he is actually performing tonight in Morrisville, on the 20th in Groton, and on First Night in St. Johnsbury. For the benefit of your soul, please check out a performance or purchase a CD - you will cherish it.

The Mitch Rocks Out and Wears His Shoes Out

2008-12-04T17:24:00.005-05:00

Hello Vermont music lovers! I recently went to a traditional Vermont night out - a delicious venison dinner and local Vermont music. This was a dinner that incorporated all of what makes Vermont such a special place. There was amazing venison pie, a wonderful venue, and as always, live music. The Old Lantern in Charlotte, VT was where this awesome night was held and the entertainment was provided by Girl Howdy, followed by the Starline Rhythm Boys. After eating (food cooked up by owner Chef Roland), it was time to get down to some good old fashioned honky tonk. Girl Howdy started off with some traditional honky tonk music which was mixed with a few of their originals. I have to say that the most amazing aspect to these gals, were their vocals. They embodied that honky tonk sound and set the tone right. Rachel liked their outfits.

Girl Howdy finished their set and I had a chance to cool off and mingle with some great folks including Old Lantern LIVE promoter and friend, Robin Reid (also publisher of Rural Route Today). Next came the main attraction, the Starline Rhythm Boys! These guys absolutely rocked the Old Lantern. They played two sets and each one brought the house down! They provided that old time feel that gave everyone’s dancing shoes a workout. The highlight of their performance to me was their version of “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. That was the moment where I felt like the floor of the Old Lantern was acting like a trampoline!! The best aspect of the evening was that both Girl Howdy and the Starline Rhythm Boys were able to bring Vermonters of all generations together and enjoy a night of traditional music and culture. Way to do it right you guys, I can’t wait to do it again! I wish you all out there an amazing holiday season! Peace, the Mitch

For more information on The Old Lantern, visit www.oldlantern.com and be sure to check out what they're cookin' up for New Year's Eve!

It's Winter - Time for some Muddy Boots

2008-11-20T11:45:00.002-05:00

I have recently been informed that the Burlington Farmer's Market will be holding a Saturday Farmer's Market once a month starting with this coming Saturday - just in time for Thanksgiving! This is great news as everyone works their hardest to be a part of a sustainable, localvore Vermont economy. And in tune with supporting other Vermonters, local band Muddy Boots will be performing from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in Memorial Auditorium while shoppers peruse the goods (some of whom I am sure will be wearing muddy boots!).

Consisting of two fiddles, guitar, bass, and mandolin, Muddy Boots is a sweet, pure sound combining traditional Irish music with folk, American, and bluegrass. Check out their sound on their My Space. In additional to checking them out Saturday at the Farmer's Market, Muddy Boots is playing Saturday, December 13th at The Skinny Pancake. One of Muddy Boots' fiddlers, Katrina Gibson, also writes a cool music blog called Fiddle Talk that provides a deeper insight to the world of fiddling. And be sure to visit the Muddy Boots website - www.muddybootsvt.com.

Burlington Underground

2008-11-13T09:48:00.002-05:00

I am constantly trying to expand this blog to include more information from other areas of Vermont, not just the Northwest, but considering the Greater Chittenden County area is the most populated and the most music seems to be coming out of this area combined with the fact that most materials I get are pitched to me, well - that's why I haven't expanded as much as I'd like. This is also a side project for me which is why I am always looking for guest writers to write about music going on and profiles of musicians and bands in all areas of Vermont.

Recently I was enlightened to a new music scene connection - Burlington Underground. Looks like another attempt to organize Burlington's music scene - a website listing all music in the Burlington area. It seems like they plan to take it one step further than Seven Days and include much more of the underground music scene (hence the name). This is all a good thing as the more ways there are to promote local live music, hopefully the more people we can all get away from their computers and TVs and out to support and enjoy musicians from their own communities. Of course this only works when people pay for the music which is so necessary to be able to keep musicians going (equipment, practice space, etc.) - I have a growing pet peeve for people who find anyway they can to avoid paying for music.

Anyway, check out www.BurlingtonUnderground.com and be sure to bookmark as from what my sources tell me, this site should be growing to include much more on the Burlington music scene - let's hope that happens!!

Red Hen Baking Up...Music???

2008-11-05T17:12:00.003-05:00

Yes they are - or looking to! Most Vermonters have heard of the Red Hen Baking Company - all that heady, yummy artisan bread made mostly with Vermont grains. (And don't even start about the not all Vermont grains - if you paid attention to the news you would know there is not enough grain produced in VT - time for some grain farmers!)

Some Vermonters probably know that Red Hen Baking Company recently moved from their Route 100 Duxbury location (between Waterbury and Waitsfield) to the center of the little village of Middlesex on Route 2 between Waterbury and Montpelier. With this expanded space comes a larger bakery, cafe, and the opportunity for (you guessed it) live music!!!

And the live music they are looking for is in the daytime - so perfect for the many Vermont musicians looking for a softer, gentler gig opportunity away from the rat race that is the limited bar scene. The hours they are looking for are from 10 am to 2 pm. May this be a great alternative to the On the Rise in Richmond lunch scene comprised of the irritating mama nipple crowd that has taken over that place. Ah yes, there is also potential for live music on Friday evenings at Red Hen as well - depending on how the lunch music scene develops.

So, if you are a Vermont musician - grasp this chance and get in touch with Liza at Red Hen Baking Company - eliza@redhenbaking.com. Please note this is NOT an open mike opportunity, but a chance for established Vermont musicians to play for other Vermonters. Payment is in trade for now, but who can complain about that when the trade is with Red Hen Baking Company artisan breads? Check out the website at www.redhenbaking.com.

Down Home Goodness

2008-10-24T10:23:00.003-04:00

How is it living VT? It’s the Mitch here and I have got some down home goodness to share with y’all! One of the best things I love about living near mountains is the music that they can inspire. Sometimes when I am standing in my front yard in Charlotte, I can see Camels Hump in the background. Upon looking at this wondrous Mountain, a particular music vibe is invoked. I am reminded instantly of traditional mountain music and want to go to a local barn dance party to shake it!

Fortunately there is a band that can fulfill my need for crooning! I am talking about the Starline Rhythm Boys, based out of Montpelier, VT. These guys have been pickin’ around the state for a few years now, and have developed quite a reputation. The boys encompass elements of hillbilly, rockabilly, and bluegrass. Starline Rhythm Boys are comprised of Danny Coane (banjo, guitar, and vocals), Billy Bratcher (upright bass), and Al Lemery (electric guitar). I have had the distinct pleasure of checking these guys out a few times and I have always had a great time. Their style is traditional and you can easily be transported into the 40’s and 50’s. It is pretty cool that a stripped down three piece, can fill up so much musical space and create such a full sound.

So if y’all get a chance this fall and winter, do yourselves a favor and check out these guys. They will be playing at Red Square, on 10/29/08 at 8pm. They will also be playing at the Old Lantern, for a Venison dinner on 11/22/08 starting at 8pm. You can also check them out at www.myspace.com/starlinerhythmboys and at www.starlinerhythmboys.com. Until next time VT! Peace, the Mitch

PS - The Vermont Music Blog will be in attendance at the Old Lantern! Come say hi - we may have blow up banjos!

Seth Yacavone

2008-10-20T12:20:00.002-04:00

I feel like this Vermont guitar amazingness is always included in so much cool music stuff, yet never talked about as much in comparison to how good he is. I also get the sense that he likes it this way. Always enough under the radar to not have to deal with the blow up of being a great musician so you can always keep the creative flow in honest check and the meaning in your life uninhibited. I may also be thinking this because I am still recovering from the amazing Trey show at Higher Ground last night where I briefly ran into Seth, reminding me I needed to write this post.

My most recent Seth Yacavone rockin' time was at yet another wedding - this one being two amazing and beautiful souls brought together by the power of Phish (and learned of the band's official reunion while on their honeymoon). Up in the countryside of Northern Vermont under a tent amidst the foliage, Seth Yacavone and a team of other great Vermont musicians absolutely tore it up. And I think I have said this before, but besides Seth's kick ass guitar playing - his voice is just raw blues and so right on! And the fun he has when playing is just plain cool. Like when he played the first half of Dark Side of the Moon and held a tape recorder to the microphone for the sound effects. I can't imagine another musician doing this while making it as natural and fun as Seth did.

And to all you hippies getting married out there - I highly suggest hiring Seth to play your wedding - and if you don't, please refrain from the DJ. There is nothing worse than going to your heady friend's wedding only to be stuck dancing to Play That Funky Music White Boy with the creepy uncle. Way more fun to grab a couple of brooms and have a broom guitar dual with that uncle instead.

KTR Recording

2008-10-08T17:50:00.003-04:00

Hi there, The Mitch here! So there are a lot of talented Vermont musicians out there, we all know that. Not every band however will get a chance to get their music recorded professionally. Recording is expensive and very time consuming. Sometimes, if bands get some studio time, the producer might not capture the bands sound quite well, or it might not be the right creative space for a particular band. Having been in several studios in Vermont, I can attest to this.

I have come across a sound engineer with his own studio that has no problem truly capturing a band's sound or creative interest. His name is Kyle T. Rose and he is the creator and owner of KTR Recording which is based out of Richmond, VT. I have been fortunate to know Kyle for a while now, and had a chance to play music with him several times. In addition to being a talented saxophone and guitar player, Kyle also knows his way around the studio. He is also a part of the rockin' staff at Advanced Music in Burlington. Judging from working with him in the studio for past ventures, Kyle has a laid back approach and believes in creating a comfortable and inviting experience for recording artist. His studio is well equiped and has plenty of space. I believe one of the greatest things about KTR Recording, is that it is affordable for most Vermont musicians. So if there are people out there who are looking to record any aspect of yourself, your band, or anything recording wise you need, go check out KTR Recording at www.ktr-recording.com.

New Open Mike Night

2008-10-03T16:37:00.002-04:00

A few paces down the road from Higher Ground is a place one might not consider to be a live music venue - The Ground Round. Well, on Saturday nights they are. The new and improved Ground Round located on Williston Road in South Burlington now has an open mike night on Saturdays which seems to be getting quite popular.

The Ground Round in general is gaining in popularity points. They are the only franchise in Vermont to be a member of the Vermont Fresh Network. Way to go! It's also important to understand the business side of a franchise. Franchises get a bad rap in Vermont because people think they are national businesses. That is actually false. Franchises use a national business model, but are individually owned and operated. Meaning the owner of The Ground Round in South Burlington lives right here in Vermont. And this owner listened to what Vermonters were saying about where they want to eat and actually made the changes to reflect those interests - local Vermont products!

The Ground Round in South Burlington also gets involved in such activities as sponsoring the Go Red For Women Luncheon and other programs with the Vermont Chapter of the American Heart Association. It was for such an event that brought me to The Ground Round last night and was so surprised and impressed at the local food selection: local chicken, cheese, desserts and exceptionally delicious healthy options as well. It will definitely bring myself and The Mitch there again soon!

And now they have an open mike night every Saturday! Someone please go, take some pics, and send them to me to feature on the Vermont Music Blog!

Vermont's Best Live Music Venue - for 10 years

2008-09-26T16:25:00.004-04:00

It doesn't matter what area of Vermont you live in, Higher Ground owns the live music circuit in Vermont. It is every local band's dream to play there (and fill the room) and anyone who enjoys live music in Vermont needs to check out a show there. I think lots of folks, especially those older than myself, seem to think it's just for kids or something. There is no type that goes to Higher Ground. It is a live music venue, meaning you don't go there for a night at the bars - you go there to enjoy live music. The crowd depicts what music is playing. From bouncy hippie music to two-steppin' country - um, vastly different audiences at those shows. From intelligent folk music to rap - more vastly different audiences.

Ok, I have done enough bossing around to have people check out Higher Ground. What I really wanted to write about was three coolio areas/aspects of Higher Ground (besides that they have music for everyone, unless of course you belong to the lame group of people who say you don't like music).

1.) They have really stepped it up from their old venue in Winooski.
While I still have nostalgic memories of my times at the old Higher Ground, especially it being the first place in Vermont I actually would go out by myself because I had too many of the "lame type" of associates in my early 20's. It was also one of the first places I actually ran into an ex with a better looking dude - that rocked. And of course my days of drooling over some of the bouncers...

The new venue off Williston Road - it is just top notch. First of all the bathrooms are always clean and never sketchy and that rocks. It's easy to get to and easy to park. The sound is incredible and there are two different venues in one. More than anything though is how close you can actually get to the music if you so choose. I love seeing nationally touring bands and being able to actually get up close and see (even if it is crowded up there). Personally I prefer the "back bar" where I get rowdy with all of my fabulous friends I have made over the years - all due to our love of music - and get served great drinks by my most favorite bartender from any bar.

2.) The owners actually care about the people. And that rocks. They are accessible, pleasant, and generous. For instance, right now until October 1, you can get five tickets for $50. I usually spend an average of $50 for two tickets! And the list of participating bands is impressive - check out the Higher Ground link for how to purchase.

3.) They are hip and do neat things, like their partnership with JDK, the uber-cool design shop in Burlington. The partnership creates art worthy posters. As stated in the new design book the partnership just published, "Poster design announces an art form that is neither the sole province of the museum nor the rarefied art collector - it belongs to the masses." Certain shows have fantastic posters made and are sold to patrons to keep the music alive in their own spaces. Many of these posters make up the decor of our music room in the farmhouse!

While I sit here romanticizing about Higher Ground, I realize I have tickets to a show tonight and want nothing more than to get off the computer and out the door, so here I go!

And you go - to www.highergroundmusic.com!

Contact Oops

2008-09-23T17:20:00.002-04:00

I just saw that my post has my email wrong below (well, had, I just fixed it). My email is raecarter@hotmail.com.

I am also realizing my farmhouse, VT PR business life is leaving less and less room to get out and see the music I used to see and less time to be able to research to write! Yikes! I'd like to keep this blog going and have heard it's a helpful resource for many.

Sooooo, I am looking for a few writers. No, there is certainly not any pay, but if you are a Vermont musicians or Vermont music lover, this may be a cool way to share your thoughts on Vermont music with others. The only "rules" are the music has to be made by Vermonters and music news and activities in Vermont. This is NOT a place to promote out of state bands coming through Vermont.

Please email me - raecarter@hotmail.com. I'll change the blog up to reflect the writers!

The Vermont Music Blog Needs Your Help!

2008-09-11T18:05:00.004-04:00

I need more submissions from Vermont musicians! I am glad those of you I have written about send me info, but I am looking for new bands and folks I haven't written about to get in touch and let me know about you! I am happy to list any Vermont musician or band with an active website on the blog as well as Vermont music venues and other Vermont music related websites and blogs. The best email to us is raecarter@hotmail.com as that is where I manage my music activities.

The Mitch is also now reviewing bands! If you have a CD you would like him to review, please sent to:
Mitch Pauley
564 Garen Road, Suite 4
Charlotte, VT 05445

We also want to get the Farmhouse Improvisational Series going and are looking for musicians who would like to come play old Americana, blues, and jazz standards and see what interesting Vermont twists we can create. We plan to hold the Farmhouse Improvisational Series on Monday evenings from 6:30/7 - 9:30-10 in our Farmhouse Music Room in Charlotte. Please email me at raecarter@hotmail.com or The Mitch at pauleymitch@yahoo.com to sign up!

Look forward to hearing from folks!

Trey

2008-09-05T17:14:00.002-04:00

I will only write a pre-entry for this and will then turn over to my now FIANCE, The Mitch. F-ing Trey.

Of course with Trey playing his first show in part time home state Vermont in over two years, everyone is talking about it so I guess I will jump on the bandwagon too. Not because I want to be on the bandwagon, but because I am letting all you Phish-hooligans out there know if you want tickets you better show up at Higher Ground next Friday, Sept. 12 in the am to get in line for when tickets go on sale at 11. Bring your peeps and chill because it's only 2 tickets per person. See you there - F-ing Trey.

I for one, am PUMPED!!! After the hiatus of Phish, I was still needing to get some some traveling out of my system. I ended up following the original TAB around for some time, and I sure had a blast. My highlight of TAB was 10/31/02 in Asheville, NC where they opened with a thirty minute Night Speaks. It was definitely a face melting moment. Of coarse for that show the incredible horn section was helping Trey explore a new line up of amazing musicians. As a drummer, I instantly was drawn to the metronomic style of Russ Lawton. Turns out, a few years later in Burlington, I ended taking lessons from him!! He was an awesome teacher and became a really good friend. Ok, enough digressing!!! Seriously though, TAB has meant something special to me, and I know for some of you out there as well. If is not your cup of tea, it is understandable, but this is Vermont, and our musicians kick some serious ass!!! Peace, the Mitch

TAB is a cheesy drink. The Shwilly Spunions WILL NOT have a gig - they are for moe. and Umphrey's only. And maybe in Phish lot in '09...

Liberate!

2008-08-27T11:02:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, The Mitch and I trekked down to Waitsfield, Vermont in the Mad River Valley where our destination was the Bundy Center for the Arts for the First Annual Liberate Music and Arts Festival. There's something really cool about going to the first annual anything - especially if it really continues and you go to every one. I sure wish I had gone to the first several moe.downs instead of jumping on the band wagon like a n00b after Phish was done. (All I can think about is moe.down because I leave tomorrow and it's the best weekend of the year for me!)

Liberate was a relaxing pre-game to the craziest festival of the year. It was very, very green, family friendly, and not at all typical of a music festival scene - definitely a zero sketch factor. On the other hand, it wasn't uberliciously annoying Vermont either. This is probably due to the healthy mix of vending artists, holistic activities, and live music. While on the one hand this was pleasant because you weren't over inundated with too much of one thing, the concept of trying to be everything to everyone can also cost you participants. While this certainly doesn't affect the crowd experience, it does affect the financial situation and my guess is it will play a factor in the second annual.

My favorite part of the festival was watching the Dead Sessions. I love seeing this fantastic collaborative project of Vermont musicians. The core members are Ben Yurco and Adam King of Turkey Bouillon Mafia with a rotating cast of players, with this performance including Dave Hyman of Blues for Breakfast, guitar prodigy Seth Yacavone, and Trevor Ainworth of Liquid Dead - to name a few.

I also enjoyed catching up with Vermont friends in the Magic Hat beer tent. I have to admit while Magic Hat is not my favorite tasting beer, I give it up to them for their overgenerous support of Vermont events, musicians, artists, etc. Way to go Magic Hat! I certainly pay to drink it when it's the sponsor.

And kudos to Liberate founders and organizers, Jane Jarecki and Ben Lanza of Eclectic Music Productions. This was a very well run event and I think the Vermont music scene can look forward to many more great musical outcroppings from this partnership.

My good friend Taraleigh of the Healthy Hippie Magazine was not only a vendor and magazine distributor, but also made the festival T-shirts (as seen on Jane and Ben) into tank dresses (as seen on Taraleigh with me).

I look forward to returning next year and for now - time to get .down!!!

Hot Neon Magic

2008-08-19T09:57:00.003-04:00

I was at a friend's birthday party this weekend and as part of the fun I brought my Band on the Run kit - otherwise known as the blow up instruments of the Shwilly Spunions and the Blow Up Band - we blow it up! (This is a fun little side project of myself and moe.rons where we play blow up instruments at moe. shows and other impromptu performances.)

Anyway, one of these impromptu performances took place this weekend at my friend's party. As the stereo blasted a fantastic live version of a favorite moe. tune, all us "Shwilly Spunions" were in total rock out mode playing our instruments to the song, laughing, dancing, and enjoying a great moment in musical fun. Right as the song was building to a most bodacious guitar release, some late night bar honey shut off the song and put in some late night bar honey dumbness. The whole lot of us wilted like deflated keytars, each feeling like we had just been abruptly stopped prior to an explosive orgasm.

This experience led me to ponder how people are so clueless - especially when it comes to music. I live in a world where music is the most important pleasure in my life (which can be proven if looking over the past ten years of what built credit card debt). But, I have definitely learned the world does not revolve around me, no matter how much I wish it would! However, it still blows my mind that with so much exceptional, diverse, and easily accessible music out there in the world, there is such a high compilation of provincial, uninterested, and quite frankly boring twits. These are the folks who say "I like all kinds of music." Or when asked if they go out to see music respond with "I love 80's night."

A few of my blow up band members pondered these same questions and one asked the girl and her cloned friends what kind of music they liked and her response was an unbelievable, "I don't really like music." I am so glad I did not hear this conversation in the flesh. Apparently they had just come from 80's night.

Now I am certainly not one who does not enjoy my share of 80's music - especially at a dance party following a great live concert. But as a fan of live music, the 80's just does not have a home...until now.

Hot Neon Magic, a Burlington-based Vermont band is the area's premier (and only as far as I know) live 80's band. They have a full on list of the 80's songs they currently play on their website - www.hotneonmagic.com. They are also willing to learn specific songs for shows not currently on their setlist. Stemming from a well rounded background in pop, funk, and rock music as well as skilled in the level of shenanigans required of a live 80's band, these guys (and gal) put on one live, neon, and fun show - and help people who like 80's music actually enjoy something live - this is, in my opinion, their biggest contribution to the Vermont music scene.

They have a great start with gigs around the state this fall, kicking off with a show at The Monkey House this Friday - featuring a Rick Springfield toast in honor of the guitar swinging fellow's birthday.

Once again, they are Hot Neon Magic, playing 80's covers for 80's lovers - live!!! Visit them at www.hotneonmagic.com and check out a show near you - or book them for your own live 80's night - no dumb broads can change the music then!

Your own Music Room

2008-08-06T16:06:00.003-04:00

Hey All! This is the Mitch. How many of us who love music have always wanted their very own music room? I know for myself, I have always had a need to have a space dedicated to music. For those who love music, a music room of some sort is a great thing to have. I have recently made my music room in my new farmhouse. I do not have a huge space, but do have enough room for my drums, a couple of guitars, a keyboard, and a xylophone. I also made everything in the music room about music (posters, old play bills, sheet music, or anything having to do with music). It is absolutely understandable that not everyone will have the space to do this. Even if you are not a musician, and do not have any instruments but love to sit and listen to music, you can turn any available space, big or small, into a music room. I am finding out that it is the coolest thing to have. One of the greatest things about a music room, is it can serve as a time machine taking you through all of your musical escapades. Depending on the size of the room, you can also double it as a guest bedroom. So if you can, gather some old ticket stubs, records, posters, or anything musical you have, and create a nice space for yourself. We all need a sanctuary now and then!! Peace, the Mitch

Vermont Summer Festivals

2008-07-29T20:43:00.003-04:00

Ahh - my favorites. I love getting dressed in my picnic best and sitting on a lawn listening to the lovely sounds of beautiful music surrounded by all that is Vermont. Every summer I treat myself and my significant other (this summer Mitch is on two years in a row - a sure keeper!) to one performance of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and one of the Vermont Mozart Festival. I typically purchase the tickets at the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce Silent Auction for which I get a little sneaky at the end to "win." (This means I usually pay over what they are worth which is so worth it to me!)

In past years I have gone to the season closer at the end of July for the Mozart Festival at the Trapp Family Lodge and have traveled south to camp at a Vermont State Park for one of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra performances. In fact, this is such a favorite summer ritual for me, I even wrote about it in the launch issue of The Healthy Hippie Magazine for which I write an article based on my Vermont Vibes blog.

But this year, now that my Vermont public relations agency has moved from a dingy apartment in Burlington's North End to a gorgeous farmhouse rental in East Charlotte, I felt it completely necessary to experience Shelburne Farms for both concerts.

Mitch and I arrived in style for the VSO's 4th of July concert. The weather was perfect which unfortunately has plagued both festivals this summer. I think my photos do our entire experience tremendous justice - we had an absolute blast!

Only a week later we were all set to head back to Shelburne Farms with wine, grapes, cheese, salads, and cloth napkins only to learn early in the day the Mozart Festival Opener was moved inside to the Champlain Valley Exposition. Ick. With Mitch's mom and partner visiting that weekend, the highlight was to be a repeat of the glorious time we had the week before. But, it is true that too much of a good thing is never allowed. So we packed it up like true flatlanders turned Vermonters (well, I am 5th gen, twice removed) and headed far from Charlotte to the land of the fair.

We got there early so we could still have a bit of our spread and watched the event unfold with amusement. Yes, it was wet, crowded, and inside a concrete building plastered with corporate marketing banners. But it was different, in a surprisingly, musical way.

Now, I'm not going to lie - there is something purely magical in filling up with wine, cheese, grapes, and salad and using a cloth napkin to brush away the crumbs followed by watching the sun set and filling your entire body with quintessential classical music. What I find to be so lovely at the outside venues I found the lack of to be extremely musically enhancing inside. Outside the music is mixed with trees swaying, birds chirping, bugs buzzing, people watching, sky gazing and every other thing imaginable when not closing your eyes in musical interlude. But inside there were not such distractions. Oh sure, there were distractions - especially the rude people obviously so annoyed at the situation and unable to just shwill a bit more wine and chill out. Since the inside distractions were not at all enjoyable, it really forced you to close your eyes and listen and feel the music. And all of it. Not just the parts when you weren't caught daydreaming while watching a dragonfly. Mitch and I both exclaimed the rain was a blessing in disguise because we focused on each note and nuance of each movement in each set. It made a wet, potentially dissatisfying evening a complete harmony of music in our hearts and heads.

Once again, I look forward to planning my outings to both the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Vermont Mozart Festival next year - rain or shine indeed.

Before I close out, I must mention, plug, and promote one other summer festival in Vermont. And this one is in my own backyard yet again. Kingsland Bay State Park in Ferrisburgh is hosting the 25th Champlain Valley Folk Festival this weekend, August 1-3. While I cannot attend for the whole weekend (although I am making it a point to do so next year) I will be heading over on Saturday and possibly Friday night. If the VSO and Mozart Festival are the heart of Vermont musical experiences, the Champlain Valley Folk Festival is the soul. Please support this Vermont live music experience and take a moment to be thankful for what we have here in the Green Mountains.

Blueberries Revisited

2008-07-22T10:54:00.005-04:00

I wrote a blog around this time last summer about Mitch and I's delightful excursion to Owl's Head Blueberry Farm in Richmond where we picked 6 quarts of blueberries and picnicked to the tunes of Gordon Stone. We drank wine and laid in the grass. It was one of the most romantic evening's Mitch and I have shared to date.

Well, this year we shall return again - in two days actually to enjoy the tunes of Filk - an obscure rock band playing "covers you've never heard of so you think they're originals." Filk is headed up by my PR buddy, Erik Filkorn - we became friends while networking PR shop talk at Dobra Tea, although I always had the feeling he would much rather be drinking a beer. The band is a cast of talented Vermont musicians and the music is "picked" by Erik. When asking Erik what this meant I learned the story in the story being that Erik was an "Almost Famous" and "Spinal Tap" sort of character - talent scout of bands before they made it big or more often than not before they didn't make it big.

While Erik scouted he learned and collected the songs he liked, most of which have never been heard of beyond obscure college radio in the late 80's and early 90's. But even more interesting was the movie-like scenarios he would pop up in - eating a cheeseburger backstage with Bob Weir, sharing a Caesar salad with Sarah McLachlan, or finishing a bottle of Jack Daniels over a deli tray with Eddie Van Halen. Erik's rule about picking songs is he has to have had at least one beer with the person who wrote or taught him the song.

Come check it out at Owl's Head this Thursday - it's free if you buy at least 2 quarts of blueberries. And if you want to buy more - you can freeze them and they taste fresh in the winter - I did it - yum!!
Freezing Tip: Freeze on a cookie sheet first and then put in a container or freezer bag - then they won't smoosh.

Live Music Rants

2008-07-15T19:39:00.002-04:00

Maybe it is because my computer's motherboard is busted or maybe it's because I have not seen enough live music lately, but I must share another rant. It is a rant disguised as praise for an up-and-coming awesome singer in Vermont. That would be Myra Flynn - and we're talking diva material here. Check her out on her My Space - or better yet keep an ear out to watch her live. You can also stay updated with her activities and performances on her blog - Idol Time.

The following post is a rant directly from Myra but which I sympathize with completely and I believe most of my readers will as well so I felt the need to share - check it:

The Seven Deadly Sins of Concert Etiquette

#1 Cell phones are not lighters ... or cameras

If you have replaced the soft glow of a lighter with the iridescent glow of your cell phone, you are officially on my list. You are never going to get a decent camera shot, movie clip, or sound sample with a cell phone. The best thing you can get out of a cell phone is a phone call, and I don’t even have the energy to explain the annoyance of the person holding the phone up to the show shouting, “Can you hear them?! They rock. Wait, can you hear them now?!?” Here’s a tip: Either buy the equipment to actually translate your experience or leave the phone at home. Some of us go out to shows to...oh, I don’t know, listen to music!

#2 Outlandish dancing during inappropriate times

Believe me, I grew up in the days when throwing your musically charged body into a ring of people with their fists and feet awaiting the chance to pummel you was a cool thing. I have nothing against moshing, head banging and other forms of gyrating, but when you are attempting to start a mosh pit at an Anais Mitchell concert, that’s when I have beef. It’s a folk show! Stop head banging, people don’t want to eat your hair. Yet there is always that one person who drinks too many beers and cannot even begin to comprehend moving to music without flailing around in complete disregard for people’s personal space

#3 Hey, do you know how to play “Free Bird”?

This sin comes from being a musician. My band plays soul music and although it’s obvious that we have a clear and organized set list arranged, we can’t seem to transition from one song to the other without someone shouting out their favorite Stevie Wonder or Al Green tune. First of all, not all soul music consists of singers like these two and all rock musicians do not know “Free Bird.” Secondly, the band did not ask to take requests. Unless you’re at a wedding, let the band take you on whatever ride they want. If this is a problem, there are plenty of dive bars with jukeboxes. All you need is a quarter and you can shout requests to your heart’s content.

#4 Story Telling

“Dude, I was at a (fill in the blank) show last fall and it kind of reminds me of (fill in the blank) except the guitar player is taller with better sideburns but, man, can he ever wail, it’s almost like whoa! How does he do it? But I know how he does it because I have a buddy in Texas who can rock pretty hard, he wanted me to be in his band but I was like way too musically above them to play in some crap band so instead of flying out there to audition I exchanged my plane tickets for these concert tickets and here I am! Rockin!” Need I say more?

#5 Push and Shove

Seriously, why can’t most people just accept their place in a crowd? Yes, the guy next to you is holding up his cell phone and the girl next to you is trying to start a mosh pit, but if you think the solution is shoving your way towards the front, you are wrong. Awaiting your arrival at the front is another guy with a cell phone and another girl starting a mosh pit. In between your travels, however, you have managed to upset four or five strangers who are now ready to grab you by the back of your shirt and yank you back to your appropriate position.

#6 Heckling? Really?

I’ll never understand those who yell “Boo” at concerts. If you are at the concert, that means you bought the tickets. What’s the issue? Unless that band has all of sudden decided to launch flaming balls of fire into the audience (although I realize that this is a standard for some bands) then why the need to shout at them? You’re not at a “Night at the Apollo” where heckling is not only accepted but encouraged, you’re watching groups of people bare their souls on stage. Even if you don’t like their music, booing them is unlikely to make it better. I suggest that if you need a place to vent your musical frustrations, try becoming a columnist for a newspaper and write one called “The Seven Deadly Sins of Band Etiquette.” It’s very refreshing.

#7 Smoking

I don’t think I ever realized how poisonous cigarettes really are until I spent four hours at an Erykah Badu concert in Montreal, inhaling more second hand smoke than I could handle. Almost everybody my age in Montreal seems to be a smoker and regardless of the venue, they continue to puff away. The first two hours weren’t so bad. After that, I began coughing and clearing my throat. By the time I walked out of there my hair was dry and brittle, my skin felt the same and my glands were swollen. I’m not usually one to tell people they can’t smoke, but in an atmosphere where there is already so little oxygen to go around it’s almost selfish to steal the rest.

(as seen in The Burlington Free Press on Myra's Blog - Idol Time with Myra.)

93.7 FM SUX!!!

2008-07-01T12:07:00.003-04:00

Jerks. They play Phish on stupid studio album rotation for days and say something Phishy is coming Tuesday at noon. And at noon the station is launched into an Oldies station called Cruisin' or some stupid crap. Lame, Lame, Lame. I hate marketing ploys that are under false pretenses! Well, yet another reason why I don't listen to the radio.
PS - the station is WSUX - coincidence?

What is so Phishy???

2008-06-30T17:24:00.008-04:00

I can't stand it! I really can't! Ok, I will start with reposting a little ditty I wrote on my My Space Blog:

Just when I thought I was over you
Just when I thought I would love only moe.
Oh Pagey you have to go and write to me
And I just can't
Go on spending my dough on shows!

Here I am
Thinking of that four piece band
Who broke my heart and tore me from my fun
And made live music my only one
No I can't live without it
But how will I survive with it?

Just when I thought I was over you
Just when I thought I would love only moe.
Oh Pagey you have to go and write to me
And I just can't
Go on spending my dough on shows!

I wrote this in response to reading Page's letter (for those who don't know, he is the keyboardist of Phish - you know, that band that is probably the reason behind my moving to Burlington in the first place). You can read the letter here.

After I read the letter on Thursday I poked over to Phantasy Tour - skipped the moe. page and went straight to the Phish page to my own personal horror. I mean, I am the girl who when getting my Vibe in 2006 (reasoning behind the popular Vermont Vibes Blog) ended my ten year stint of Phish stickers on my car and switched to moe. stickers.

At this point I can't even learn more about comments Mike Gordon (Phish bassist) has made about a possible reunion - which can be seen here. But, I do go and read the JamBands article on Phish's potential return and do agree with a great deal of it - especially the touring Europe part - stay away from me!!

So, the following night is Michael Franti and Spearhead at the Shelburne Museum through my Higher Ground faves. While driving back from town to have some dinner and drinks at the farmhouse with Mitch before the show, and probably the first time in about 24 hours I am not thinking about my love/hate dilemma with Phish, I am forced to listen to the radio as recent car cleaning has left all CDs and the Ipod back at the farmhouse. So, I flip through the stations, always annoyed at the large amount of crap out there, I come across a Phish tune. Of course that figures. So I grumpily listen and slowly turn it up and start groovin'. The song ends and this chick's voice in a whisper says, "93.7 Addison, Something phishy's coming Tuesday at noon." At this point I am like, "what the &%@#?" And then another Phish song comes on. And then the chick. Then another song, and so forth until about a five song rotation concludes and they do it all over again.

I am all sorts of fired up when getting home and tune directly to 93.7 when driving to the show, and sure enough - there's the phishy rotation again. Mitch and I try to forget about Phish for a while and focus on the power of Michael Franti and our backstage passes (thanks HG friends!). And of course while drinking Magic Hats backstage, there is Mike Gordon. Now, if you recall from other posts, or are familiar with the scene around Burlington, Mike Gordon (or MG as I call him) is always out and about and sort of fits into the large circle of friends we bounce around with like your friend's brother's buddy who you say hi to but rarely chat one-on-one (the big one-on-one was when Mitch got to play Honky Tonk with MG last fall). But, of all nights of running into MG, this is the time when Mitch is checking out the portolets and MG and I end up being one-on-one. Of course, I refuse to ask him about Phish, 93.7 or anything else. Not because you shouldn't bother rock stars with such talk but because I am in absolute denial and instead ask about his tour and congratulate him on his recent wedding.

I hide the rest of the weekend gardening, going to the beach, and playing with my cats, and yeah - grumbling about Phish and making Mitch laugh hysterically. Then today, back at work, I poke around for the 93.7 nonsense and see there's already a Phantasy Tour news post as well as a mention on the blog, Hodska on the Web.

I am doomed. My bank account is doomed. My moe. love is doomed. Phish is worse than the worst ex-boyfriend creeping around and wanting to hang out. One that you still actually like that is. I know Phish will be back. I know this because nothing I want comes easily - ever. And as I do not want this, it will happen. And I will scrape and crawl like the rest of them for tickets. Or maybe I can just ask MG.

Prepare yourselves Phish heads. And may the Lizards pray for our souls.

Guagua

2008-06-20T11:20:00.002-04:00

In Cuban guagua means a percussion instrument made of bamboo and played with sticks. In Vermont Guagua means psychotropical jazz band. Based out of Burlington, Vermont, Guagua plays a mix of traditional Cuban and Brazilian music with a very layered and courtyard party sound. As they have a residency at Radio Bean every other Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, I ave seen them from time to time, but never actually watched and listened, always enjoyed as colorful background music.

Recently I had the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy this multi-instrumented group at Metronome for the Healthy Hippie Magazine Launch Party. What fun! I had a chance to get some good shots of Guagua and want to share them with you today:

Be sure to check out their website at www.guaguavt.com as well as their My Space for some tunes. And tune into Radio Bean or watch for them play somewhere near you!

The Old Lantern

2008-06-13T09:45:00.003-04:00

The owners of Roland's Place in New Haven and the publisher and editor of the Charlotte newspaper, Rural Route Today, have teamed up to bring the live music back to The Old Lantern - a historic dance hall which opened in Charlotte in 1964 after being moved from Jericho in 1962. The Old Lantern is also known as having the largest laminated maple dance floor in the State of Vermont. Someplace I should definitely be playing my blow-up guitar at.

The new Live Music Series at The Old Lantern kicks off tomorrow night with Plutonic Fever who will open with a short set... this is a group of Vergennes and Essex high school students. Great chance to support young musicians as they start to embark on music careers.

Ragged Glory follows playing the authentic music of Neil Young and Crazy Horse. This fantastic opportunity for Father's Day entertainment features the talent of father-son team - Ken and Jesse French, with Mick Petrie on bass and Coop Cooper on drums.

Bringing in the night and giving that laminated dance floor a run for its legacy is FunkenBluze. Jammy award winning video producer Johnny Reid (responsible for the footage in the PHISH IT video and nominated this year for "Keep on Marchin,'" North Mississippi Allstars) takes the stage with his boombox voice and a harmonica... which he has wielded since the days when his age was in the single digits! FunkenBluze includes the fabulous Eames Bros (Seth and Ralph), All-state high school phenom drummer Greg Sallerson and the alluring Colleen Mays who can belt it out with the best of them.

The second installment (and one I will be attending in force!) is Saturday, July 19th featuring the Honky Tonk Hoedown I so terribly miss from it's humble weekly home at Radio Bean now that I actually live in Charlotte. Brett Hughes, Gordon Stone, Marie Claire, Lowell Thompson...you know, all the Honky Tonk Faves!

The Old Lantern is located on Greenbush Road in Charlotte and doors open at 6 - tickets can be purchased at the door.

North Star No-No

2008-06-02T19:50:00.005-04:00

If ever I heard negative music in my ears it would be the band playing the soundtrack of my life as I exited the North Star Lodge/Inn in Killington, Vermont this past Sunday after encountering the worst case of discrimination I have ever experienced. It was even worse than the time I was followed around JC Penney for potential shoplifting as I was dressed in my hippie patchwork with messy hair. Of course for kicks I went back the next day dressed in a business suit and hair in a bun and was asked if I could be helped four different times.

I could do that because I lived very close to the mall at that time. Killington, however, is a good two hours away from Charlotte - as I learned loud and clear Sunday to the sounds of rudeness, sarcasm, and disrespect. I am not sure what combination of instruments makes those sounds - perhaps an out-of-tune bassoon, piercing trumpet, and an organ stuck up the wrong pipe?

I drove down the the North Star Lodge with gas at $4 a gallon because I "won" a weekend getaway, dinner for two, and a $1000 online shopping spree at the Essex Craft & Fine Art Show a few weeks ago. Of course being called out of all the entrants seemed fishy to me since I never win anything. It made sense when they asked my income, marital status, and age and said I could only redeem my winnings after taking a 90 minute tour of the North Star Lodge in Killington. Ah-ha - a timeshare scam! I knew what it was and was willing to go as having just moved, I am in need of lots of stuff and I figured the hotel would come in handy on moe. tour. I also couldn't imagine a Vermont lodging property would stoop so low to engage in something that horrible.

I was wrong. I fully admit it.
1.) I believed in the good of marketing as I operate on the ethical, fair, and honest side of marketing with my Vermont public relations firm, Rachel Carter PR. Guess it's too much to ask that of others.
2.) I was also running late as I don't usually trek down to Killington and I was courteous and called when I was close to the intersection of 100 and 4 - where the Killington Access Road is to let them know I would be there shortly.
3.) I believe that people are generally nice and that those in customer service after all the horror stories out there are now a bit more trained to not judge a book by its cover and to be polite and courteous. Not at the North Star Lodge in Killington. The staff and service are of the worst kind.

When my sweet drummer lover Mitch and I walked in we were given the once over (it is not my fault we are Vermont rock stars), told we were too late for the tour and rudely asked to leave - that nothing could be done.
They did not care that we drove miles and miles.
They did not care that gas costs $4 a gallon.
They did not care that we are human beings.
I tell you my friends, they did not give a damn!

Had we looked like we just stepped out of a Jersey SUV you can bet your tail feathers we would have got our tour. And, from what I hear, the crappy gimic prizes. The worst part of the whole North Star Lodge experience was how completely nasty they were to us - I honestly can't remember the last time I was spoken to in such a fashion.

So, instead of driving down to Killington, reporting on the North Star Lodge as a potential place to stay to see Vermont music (never mind skiing in the winter), and sharing Killington area music events, I come back disheartened, saddened, and just plain mad that this nonsense still goes on. To the North Star Lodge I say - knock it off you jerks - Vermonters need all the tourism dollars we can get!

And, not to let Killington area music suffer from their neighbor's lack of respect, class, and ability to understand that ex-Phish heads now own their own businesses, I will share two interesting Killington area music events I did find out about - after stopping at some nice country stores on the way home where we were welcomed like the good folk we are.

The 26th Anniversary Killington Music Festival - www.killingtonmusicfestival.org
Presents summer contemporary and classical concerts by the Vermont Festival Players, the Young Artist Concert Series at Rams Head Lodge in Killington and at Trinity Church in Rutland, and the Music in the Mountains Concert Series at Killington Resort's Rams Head Base Lodge. Performances are Saturdays at 7pm, June 28 through August 9.

Killington Wine Festival - July 17, 2008
7th Annual Killington Wine Festival: Sample hundreds of wines from around the world. Events include wine tasting, educational seminars, live music and a gala wine dinner.

Opera in Vermont

2008-05-27T23:22:00.003-04:00

Now in it's third magnificent year, the Green Mountain Opera Festival is just days away from it's June 1st curtain rising. And this year the festival features dozens of Vermont musicians, both in the orchestra and the chorus of this year's chosen complete production of La Traviata. If you have never experienced an opera, this is your chance! The lead roles are played by internationally renowned opera singers, the supporting roles by Emerging Artists in the festival's program funded by Sheila Johnson (founder of BET), and the chorus by Vermonters. And, the two productions of La Traviata are performed at the beautifully restored Barre Opera House to a full orchestra with dramatic staging and gorgeous costumes.

Bah pain-in-the-bum if you say you don't like opera but have never seen one. Hearing a song sung in vibrato is NOT like seeing a live opera just like hearing a song on a studio album by Phish is NOT like having gone to a live show.

If you still can't be convinced, have no fear, this is a festival with a whole bunch of events leading up to the final shows. Several are free including open rehearsals and master classes with opera stars. For a complete listing, visit www.greenmountainoperafestival.com. A few of the highlights include:

Opening Opera Concert, Joslyn Round Barn
Stars of the Green Mountain Opera Festival’s 2008 production of La Traviata perform opera classics and favorites.
Friday, June 6th, 7:30 pm ($20 per person)

Broadway Picnic, Lareau Farm Inn
Singers from the 2008 Green Mountain Opera Festival will perform Broadway favorites at this casual festival favorite, open air event.
Wednesday, June 11th, Picnicking – 6:00 pm, Concert – 7:00 pm ($10 per person)

Emerging Artist Showcase, Joslyn Round Barn
Talented budding opera stars of tomorrow, chosen by audition to be included in the Green Mountain Opera Festival’s Emerging Artist Program perform their showcase concert.
Friday, June 13th, 7:30 pm ($20 per person)

Opera Chat & Lunch with Tim Tavcar, Joslyn Round Barn
Thursday, June 19th, 12:00 noon ($25, reservations required)

And, of course...

Opening Night Performance of La Traviata, Barre Opera House
World renowned performers, emerging artists, and Vermont musicians come together for this fully staged and costumed production accompanied by the Green Mountain Opera Festival Orchestra.
Friday, June 20th, 7:30 pm ($27-$45 per person)
Matinee Performance of La Traviata, Barre Opera House
Sunday, June 22nd, 3:00 pm ($27-$45 per person)

Painting by Bill Brauer

Open Studio Weekend in Vermont

2008-05-16T10:10:00.002-04:00

Every Memorial Day weekend Vermont holds one if its truly most ingenious events - Vermont Open Studio Weekend. This is a time to visit artisan studios, usually never open to the public and see artisans at work as well as buy directly from the source.

Just as I encourage you all to support your local music scene, supporting your local artisan scene is just as important. It is also a great opportunity to visit some more offbeat places and listen to the music. Many studios will have musicians playing throughout the weekend. Don't just rush in and rush out - listen to the music! Stop for a minute and just enjoy instead of stress and squabble about prices. The music is free.

And instead of racing back to the homestead, check out your surroundings and go see some live music while you are out experiencing Vermont finest!

My top pics for Open House Weekend include a weekend full of fantastic local music at The Bees Knees in Morrisville, a variety at Langdon Street Cafe in Montpelier, three nights of The Benders at Middle Earth Music Hall in Bradford (with dinner!), and a run of groovy shows at The Hub in Johnson.

For a list of locations that have Open Studio Maps so you can plan your route, click here.

Enjoy!

North Branch Bluegrass Festival

2008-05-09T07:45:00.005-04:00

Yay!! A new bluegrass event in Vermont! And one that is traditional bluegrass, not just a bunch of kids experimenting with bluegrass sounds. I am not saying I don't appreciate that as well, but there is something about watching more seasoned folks play from tradition in the back of a local farmer's barn that just twangs at your soul and makes you want to dance without your shoes and keep an eye out for moonshine.

Promising "nine hours of quality music," Bridgewater Corner couple, Randy and Heather Kennedy, are holding the First Annual North Branch Bluegrass Festival on Bud Jenne's Fields in Bridgewater Corners. How can you not love how that sounds??? The festival is happening, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 21st. No camping this year, but maybe in years to come, no dogs either which is good because it can be a pain in the arse when everyone brings their dogs. The event is family friendly and workshops will be offered throughout the festival. People are encouraged to bring chairs.

Four bands will be featured, New England Bluegrass and Crossing North are the out-of-staters and Vermont bands Big Spike and Gopher Broke. Big Spike is a five-piece band featuring the twin fiddle sound highlighted with a big double bass. Gopher Broke is a Northeast Kingdom four-piece gem that promoters claim will make your kids want to sign up for music lessons (note: The Mitch is for hire for drum lessons).

Admission is $10 for kids under 12, $18 for 65+, and $19 for the rest of us. More info is on the website at www.nbbluegrass.com and there's a ton of sponsors so make sure you support those who support local events!

photos: Top - Big Spike, Bottom - Gopher Broke

Vermont Music Survey

2008-04-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

Hey folks! I am in the middle of moving as we speak and trying to wrap up work, billing, moving, late client payments, and a bunch of other fun stuff. Needless to say, my blogging has taken a bit of a back burner. Once I am settled in my new home - a fantastic farmhouse in East Charlotte - I plan to get back to basics and slow down a bit which should allow for more enjoyment of the Vermont music scene - especially outside of the Burlington bubble. The Mitch and I even plan on having weekly music nights in our music room and are looking to meet more musicians to join in on occasion. I think our goal is to create a Vermont farmhouse sound, not s band.

Anyway, it has been brought to my attention that the big, heavy music supporters at Big Heavy World have created a survey to learn more about how Vermont musicians contribute to their society, culture, and economy. I strongly encourage you to take a few moments and provide your feedback which will help Big Heavy World better support Vermont music and musicians.

Take the survey!!! www.VTMusicSurvey.com

Peace everyone and Happy Spring!
(playing pool stick guitar with my favorite musician wife and mom-to-be!)

Healthy Hippie Magazine Launches!!!

2008-04-22T11:10:00.003-04:00

Check it - I just sent this release to the media and all you VT music industry readers should come check this out!!! GREAT opportunity to see how you can have some involvement in this growing-in-popularity magazine and meet some good contacts in the scene!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2008
Contact: Taraleigh Silberberg
917-756-0309
taraleigh@healthyhippie.net

The Healthy Hippie Magazine Officially Launches May 17th!

Burlington, VT – Taraleigh Silberberg, aka “The Healthy Hippie,” announces the launch of the first official issue of The Healthy Hippie Magazine. The magazine’s launch party takes place at Club Metronome on Saturday, May 17th from 5:30 – 8:30 pm and is open to the public with no cover.

The Healthy Hippie Magazine is a publication that entertains while educating. It provides information on green living and building, health, and live music. The magazine strives to help readers learn to live in balance and to “live the life you love” by eating, living, and loving deliciously!

“It’s been so inspiring to take everything I love in life and to create a magazine with it!! All of us working on the magazine want to spread a positive and balanced lifestyle message,” exclaims Silberberg. She adds with a grin, “if something’s not fun – don’t do it!”

The magazine was started by Silberberg after receiving accolades of positive feedback from her weekly Healthy Hippie Newsletter (distributed to approximately 1,500 subscribed readers) and a variety of other people whose lives she has deeply impacted. Silberberg is a holistic health counselor and nutritional coach certified by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, teaches dance and movement at music festivals around the Northeast as well as in various locations throughout Greater Burlington, was a New Jersey Nets cheerleader, New York Knicks tumbler, and toured with Phish for several years (as a fan) which spawned many of the tips she provides today.

A special promotional issue of The Healthy Hippie Magazine was distributed throughout Vermont and Northeast music festivals from January through March, earning the magazine insightful feedback, recognition, readers, subscribers, advertisers, and partners.

The first official issue will begin distribution the first week in May and will be celebrated at the launch party on May 17th. The Club Metronome/Nectar’s sponsored event will feature music by Guagua and Dave Halchek and healthy snacks which have been featured in the magazine, newsletter, and on the website. The first 50 people who bring two non-perishable food items will receive a Vermont-inspired “Healthy Hippie” goody bag. Editors, contributors, advertisers, friends, family, and fans have all been invited to join in on the sure-to-be-lively celebration of “living the life you love.” A networking table will be provided for businesses to connect with other like minded individuals.

“I am a big supporter of anyone trying to start their own business,” comments Nectar’s and Metronome co-owner, Damon Brink. “Taraleigh is obviously dedicated to her mission and her energy is evident in every interaction I have with her. I think the party is going to be a great success because she is involving her community and I will continue to support her and other local business as they grow."

The Healthy Hippie Magazine is scheduled to be distributed 6 times a year throughout Vermont and Northeast music festivals. The Healthy Hippie Newsletter is distributed electronically weekly. Subscriptions and more information available at www.healthyhippiemagazine.com. Also check out:
www.guaguavt.com, www.liveatnectars.com.

###

Promote Yo Sho

2008-04-14T14:50:00.003-04:00

Looking to promote your show? Here's a few tips and places:

1.) The Healthy Hippie - Have you heard of her yet? She publishes the Healthy Hippie Magazine and a weekly newsletter. The audience is Vermont and Northeast music festivals. Check out www.healthyhippie.net to learn ways you can promote your show! Oh, and be hip and meet lots of folks at the magazine's launch party at Nectar's, May 17from 5:30 - 8:30!

2.) Yellow House Media - Great Central Vermont/Upper Valley collaboration of folks - check out the weekly newsletter for great publicity options! www.yellowhousemedia.com

3.) WRUV and The Radiator - You can't just send blindly (not that you ever should anyway), but listen and pick a show that reaches your audience and get in touch with the DJ for that show! www.uvm.edu/~wruv/ and www.theradiator.org.

4.) State of Mind Music - of course there's the magazine (think long lead time people), but they also have a new website, email list, podcasts, blog - get in touch and see what opportunities there might be for you! www.stateofmindmusic.com

5.) Brent Hallenbeck - Not only is he the entertainment editor at The Burlington Free Press, but he also writes an active music blog, Brent's Notebook. Good person to send info to - in advance!

6.) Dan Bolles - He may write the critically objective reviews in Seven Days, but he also edits the all important music listings as well as authors an active blog, Solid State. Looks like music coverage might be expanding as well with a few more music writers - so be in touch and once again, in advance!

7.) Weekly and Community Newspapers - If you're playing in almost any Vermont town, there is sure to be a local, weekly type of paper mailed to all residents. Such a fantastic way to promote your show, so look into it!!!

8.) Skyline Music - Run by former Burlington music fave, Pat May, the Skyline Music website - www.skylineonline.com - has a fantastic free download of 100 Free Ways to Promote Your Band. I highly recommend memorizing this document.

Please remember, I only write about music taking place in Vermont, by Vermont musicians! If you are both a Vermont musician and making music in Vermont - I want to know about it!

Art By Kimberlee Forney - www.kimforney.com

VT Musician Services

2008-04-07T22:03:00.004-04:00

Thanks everyone for so much reading and blog feedback - this is great! It seems I have a pretty diverse readership of Vermont musicians, management folks, recording studios, etc. Another words, lots of industry folk. So, bands, fear not - you will still be written about, but since my audience seems to be very "in-the-industry" I thought I'd take a post or a few and highlight some industry insiders! I mean, the music don't play without the peeps in the background, right?

For this post, I'd like to mention a few Vermont Music insiders who have gotten in touch with me and share a brief bit about their services:

Halogen Media Works - www.halogenmediaworks.com - These guys are like the marketing agency of the music business. Working with a very new media driven approach, they bring together a collaboration of record labels, producers, managers, and bands for distribution, production, development, and events. It seems they even stream beyond just music as their client base is broad. They have West Coast offices, but are headquarted in Montpelier!

Charles Eller Studios - www.charlesellerstudios.com - Located in beautiful yellow farmhouse in Charlotte is one of Vermont's most renowned recording studios. Charles, or as those who know him well, Chas, has been recording for 30 years and has a very impressive list of credits to his name. The studio offers analog and digital recording, remote recording, audio for video, music production, and sideman services. Home base for Vermont world music record label, Cumbancha, Charles Eller Studios offers services to everyone from musicians to companies to other business and entertainment production companies.

Thrive Promotions - www.thrivepromotions.org - Ah-ha! For those bands who have contacted me as a potential publicist - check these guys out! (while I'd love to be a music publicist, my niche is with Vermont companies - I'll just write about the music for now!) Anyway, Thrive is located in Burlington and is your all-purpose artist promotion company. Going on tour in a new region or heading out nationally - get in touch with Thrive and see how they can help you out!

Vermont Music Gripe

2008-03-28T16:04:00.003-04:00

Or actually, it's more of a fan gripe - Pay For The Music!

This is to everyone who says they support local music but don't want to pay for it.

It makes me mad.

Local musicians do not get money from big record labels, they don't all live off trust funds, they work hard usually doing day jobs and play music because they love it.

But that doesn't mean they love playing for free!

It is damn time consuming to lug all your equipment to and from a gig. Equipment and instruments need repairs and upgrades. Practice space needs soundproofing or rental fees. Gas to and from gigs is a bank breaker. And there's a dozen other things I am sure I am leaving out. To refuse to pay donations or to always try to find free ways into shows is disrespectful to the music and the musicians you say you support.

We are all guilty of it to some extent and times are hard on everyone! If you so choose to live in Vermont, you do not get equal pay to living in other places and the cost of living in Vermont is ridiculously unfair. These are simple facts that are brushed under the rug by many powers-at-be because no one can admit that our class system is now those with lots of none and those without. Why are there so many people like me out there being self employed? Because we can't afford to work in most of the jobs that are offered in Vermont!

But none of this is an excuse to deny a cover charge, donation, or ticket price to the very musicians who help us escape the crappy, daily financial woes we all suffer from!

I have griped my gripe, and now only ask - the next time you are trying to avoid paying for live music - take a moment, close your eyes, and put yourself in the musician's shoes...

Red Hot Juba

2008-03-21T18:14:00.004-04:00

Ooooooo - these guys are fun! When I said I got a CD release email from Red Hot Juba, even that elusive drummer Mitch got all excited. Of course, that got me all excited. Ok, enough about that. But, really, how could I not like a band called Red Hot Juba - it just oozes some form of naughtiness!

And sure enough some of the way they describe themselves includes "timeless hot jazz," "turning onto a country road with Hank Williams," and "juke joint jumping rockability." Plus, some of their songs are called "Lover's Lane," "After Dark," and "Capable."

The lyrics simmer and steam with catchy and naughty phrases, all combed together with eye-slitting bounce. Yum...Mitch?!!? My quote for Red Hot Juba is "Vermont Music Blog thinks this is the perfect music to have play at a rolling farm landscape, kick-you-shoes off summer party and may need to invite Red Hot Juba to play her farmhouse July 4th weekend party."

They are gigging extensively this spring - so warm up people and go check them out! View their full schedule here and by all means, go to their CD Release Party on Saturday, April 5th at The Monkey House in Winooski! Website is at www.redhotjuba.com and also check out their My Space!

The Farm Fresh Arts Fesival

2008-03-12T22:18:00.003-04:00

Yay! Combining the localvore movement with music in Vermont! Fantastic concept and the surely event to experience and help make it happen is The Farm Fresh Arts Festival being held Sunday, March 30th at the LACE Gallery at the Farm Fresh Market on North Main Street in Barre. LACE stands for Local Agricultural Community Exchange and can be found online at http://lacevt.org/.

The Farm Fresh Arts Festival kicks off at 10:00 am with brunch featuring fresh farm produce and products and live music by Vermont musicians until 4:00 pm. Other highlights include Senator Patrick Leahy unveiling a photography exhibit between 2:00-4:00 pm and there will also be a Rock and Roll Silent Auction as well as a raffle for a Vermont made Froggy Bottom guitar. (John Mayer has one.)

The Vermont musician lineup includes:

10:00 am - Kristina Stykos/Doug Perkins (dueling guitars and original songs) www.kristinastykos.com
11:00 am Dave Keller (local bluesman) www.davekeller.com
12:00 noon Earthman (world beat/digeridoo)
1:00 pm Susan Reid/Pam Bockes (celtic fiddle/guitar and songs)
2:00 pm Scott Ainslie (traditional blues and original songs) www.cattailmusic.com
3:00 pm Jamie Masefield/Doug Perkins (acoustic jazz masters) www.jazzmandolinproject.com

Hope folks get a chance to check it out to support your local food providers and entertainment makers!

Maire Claire - NOT the Magazine

2008-03-07T12:45:00.005-05:00

She uses that slogan on her My Space, so I thought it would be a catchy title. Maire Claire is fantastic and I am totally a fan. If you have not heard of her, I am proud to be the one to introduce, and if you have, I am sure you will share my sentiments.

I mostly see Marie perform at Honky Tonk Tuesdays at Radio Bean, but know she plays much more widely than that and my to do list involves making it to a solo performance of hers.

Marie strikes me as very versatile, easy to get along with, and helpful to other musicians she plays with - I have observed her many times showing drummers specific rhythms for songs and easily interchanges from vocals to piano depending on what the audience demands and what other musicians can offer to the mix.

She is most pleasant to talk to and oh-so-pleasant to listen to. Her vocals are always right on and effortless - a true mark of talent and professionalism. And her piano playing rocks!

Keep an eye out for Marie Claire's name when looking for music to see - whether it's a solo performance or her joining forces with some of Vermont's best musicians, you will be pleased and so will your ears.

Check out her My Space at http://www.myspace.com/marieclairemusic

Photos courtesy of Robin Reid, Publisher of Rural Route Today and helps head up the Charlotte Coffee House.

Call To Musicians!

2008-02-25T12:06:00.004-05:00

Seeing live music has been a bit more sparse this winter than I would like. Running a Vermont public relations business that essentially has nothing to do with the music business in Vermont has really taken up all parts of my life, leaving just enough time to get in a few runs at the mountain and watch a few escapist themed movies. But, this blog is being read and I want to keep providing and need help from Vermont musicians! It will, in turn, help you!

Please, please, please, send me info and websites of Vermont musicians. Any sort of musician, band, or artistic endeavor involving music works! If you are a band outside of Vermont and looking for promotion in Vermont, I am sorry, this is not an outlet for you. I specifically want to be a resource for Vermont musicians and Vermonters looking for Vermont music!

My mission in sharing Vermont music is not to be some stick-up-the-ass reviewer and always look for flaws in music (I'm a music lover, not hater - never really got that concept anyways). I really want to share the positivity of all the varied music in this state. That doesn't mean that I am not going to be honest, but I'm not looking to pick a fight - so send away - let me know what's going on!

Revolve with Me and Theory!!!!

2008-02-15T20:21:00.003-05:00

Yay!!!! My sweet, awesome drummer lover's band is having a reunion show and I will most certainly use my blog for shameless boyfriend promotion - especially the day after Valentine's Day! In their heyday, Theory of Revolution was kind of the unofficial band of Magic Hat Brewery events and parties. Well, with Mardi Gras just around the corner, the Magic Hat crew got together to plan their Mardi Gras kick-off night at Nectar's and when deciding on the bands to play kept saying they wished Theory of Revolution hadn't broken up. Not that a broken up band is gonna stop Magic Hat from having their fun - I mean c'mon - who can argue that they aren't the kings and queens of fun? So, through connections and life's little acts of randomness (which are of course not random at all, but meant to happen to connect the cosmos), the line up of keyboard extraordinarie, Taylor Johnson (and uber rad designer); ripper, tearer and shredder guitar man, John Verryt (driving in from NH with the baby expecting wifey {without a knifey}); edgy and raw bass master, Matt Gadouas (happily back from twiddling some nonsense); and bringer of the sick beats, brah, Mitch Pauley (my superdrumalicious better half) come together for this medley of Magic Hat, music, and an air of headiness.

This Wednesday people, February 20th at Nectar's - bring it.

Booking Gigs in Vermont

2008-02-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

It seems this Vermont Music Blog has been getting quite a bit of traffic lately which is super fun to see! I do plan to update the venues and bands very soon as it's been a while since I've done so. I am writing this post because I have been getting quite a few phone calls and emails lately regarding booking gigs. First off, I do not do that and do not plan to do that. I am a publicist and have to stick with my niche or I would be like a hippie dancing in a straightjacket. So, with that being said, I have two wise words of Vermont music, PR mama wisdom:

1. To Bands from Out-of-State - Nectar's and Higher Ground are not the only venues in Vermont. Heck - Burlington - is NOT the only place you should be playing. Please know that Vermont's biggest industry is tourism and you should play where the people are. Foliage resort communities, ski areas, summer festivals, fairs, and field days. There is tons of competition in the more "hip" towns. There are other colleges in Vermont besides in Burlington. Look into such places and play there - they'll be stoked to have you. Want to get people there? Send a press release to the local town paper - all Vermont communities have one - and people read them.

2. To Smaller Bands in Vermont - Same Advice!!! Why? Because Vermont is a home grown state - don't fight it and get mad at it - embrace it! People in smaller towns really appreciate live music coming to them - so bring it!!!

Trade a Trumpet for the Vocals

2008-01-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

In a way that's what Japhy Ryder does, and very well I might add. Based in Burlington, Japhy Ryder is a funky, jazzy, and beat-centric quartet with trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums. They take a jazz base and electrify it with beats and energy which is fantastic for dancing. I am not the biggest jazz based modern music fan, but like what Japhy does in taking the mournful sounds of jazz, especially with great trumpet playing (and I can judge that as my bro is a classically trained phenomenal trumpeter), and creating jams and beats around that voice. I also like that there is no voice, vocally speaking. There is sometimes nothing worse than a good jam band feeling they need to have vocals and sticking one of the members on the mike when they really can't sing, never mind the sound issues that come with adding vocals to a band. Japhy Ryder knows what they do well and they do it, smart move boys.

I have boogied down to them before and even got my first kiss from my sweetie at a Japhy Ryder show! Last week they played the Five Year Anniversary Party at Nectars, an early, happy hour crowd, and proved they can also provide great background music for an event without making anyone there feel uncomfortable that no one's paying attention to the band. While those are not the most fun gigs for a band, they did a great job and the music was certainly enjoyed by everyone there.

Japhy Ryder has a ton of Vermont shows coming up and while I am happy to provide links to their website - www.japhyryder.com - and their My Space Page, I am also going to list their calendar because you should check them out. Plus, they're doing quite a few apres ski gigs which are a great way to support local music, local mountain life, and local beers!

Feb 2, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Feb 8, 10:15 pm, Oliver’s (Cask’n Flagon), Boston
Feb 16, 3 pm, Castle Rock Pub - Sugarbush Ski Resort
Mar 1, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Mar 22, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Mar 27, 11 pm, the Monopole, Plattsburgh
Mar 29, 3 pm, Castle Rock Pub - Sugarbush Ski Resort
Apr 5, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Apr 11, 9 pm, Unity College, Maine
Apr 19, 11 pm, the Monopole, Plattsburgh
Apr 26, 10 pm, The Hub, Johnson
Jul 26, 9 pm, Samson’s Bar & Grill, Paul Smith, New York

I'll be at the Sugarbush shows - hope to see some peeps there!

New Venues!

2008-01-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

These venues are not brand new, but relatively new and worth checking out a band and the ambiance! Would love to hear feedback too!

The Hub - Johnson
Fully known as The Hub Pizzeria & Pub and located in the heady Vermont college town of Johnson (location of Johnson State College), The Hub has fast become a popular location for Vermont's blues rock circle - Seth Yacavone, guys from former Miracle Train, somewhat molded into Liquid Dead (Brian Lauri), Jeremy Harple, and the Nightbirds, which makes up a good part of the next few week's lineup at The Hub. Johnson needs a place like this - makes for a great road trip! Enjoyable Vermont drive out to Johnson, cheap and groovy shopping at Forget-Me-Not Shops, tea at Edelweiss Bakery and Cafe, fill up on spring water from the Johnson Cold Spring, and pizza and tunes at The Hub.

Weathervane Music Hall - Brattleboro
Down in the southern end of the state is the artsy town of Brattleboro - a town I never get to as much as I'd like. A little over a year ago two women created and started a music venue business called The Weathervane Music Hall. Live music 5-7 nights a week, rotating art exhibits, full bar, local brews, soups, paninis, and burritos with local ingredients - all the attributes which make up the kinds of places I like most! Coming up are quite a few good acts I've heard around Vermont - if you're down the Brattleboro way, please visit The Weathervane Music Hall. I wish the very best to owners, Andrea and Gina!

Skinny Pancake - Burlington
The owner of the Skinny Pancake once asked me why I was writing in a cafe. Now I understand more about why he asked that and wonder if he has found the answer. At that time, The Skinny Pancake was a yummy food cart on the Church Street Marketplace (and a favorite of mine after a night downtown). Soon after a Skinny Pancake booth could be found at music festivals around the Northeast. Not long after, The Skinny Pancake opened on the corner of College and Lake Streets on the Burlington Waterfront. It may be one of the best locations ever for such a joint and is certainly getting a lot of attention lately for its innovative music offerings. I tend to think that is owner Benjy's culmination of careful observation around the Burlington scene. The Folk & Fondue Music Series runs Thursday through Saturday, with Thursdays now being a special night for college student performers. Make it a point to stop by The Skinny Pancake for some tunes, some fondue, oh yeah, and a crepe!

Nectars 5 Year VIP Event

2008-01-13T18:18:00.001-05:00

Listen up Vermont music lovers! You will only hear about this here on my blog - yet another reason you should read Vermont Music, share Vermont Music with others, and, most importantly, get in touch with me (via my website - www.RachelCarterPR.com) and fill me in on Vermont music news and happenings!!

Nectars Restaurant & Bar, a staple in the Vermont music community, was sold by original owner Nectar Rorris five years ago to the trio of Damon and Sally Brink and Chris Walsh. Five years later Damon and Sally are celebrating their five year anniversary of Nectars ownership and management (Chris is directing movies in the Caribbean and checks in from afar).

To honor Nectar's friends, patrons, musicians, and other folks, Sally and Damon are hosting a VIP Happy Hour and Vermont Music Blog readers are invited! Simply email me or mention me at the event which is set for Wednesday, January 23rd from 5 - 7 pm. Live music will follow the "happy hour" and is then open to the general public. In return for reading my blog - if you find me at the event I will happily get info on your band and do a Vermont Music Blog post as well as introduce you to any folks you'd like to meet at the event.

Hope to see you there!!!

The Cush

2008-01-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

Imagine a foursome of artsy rockers and their rock and roll instruments stumbling upon an empty church on a rainy non-Sunday afternoon. They enter the church and see a vintage pipe organ at the pulpit. Filled with images, thoughts, and musical interludes, they venture to the organ, set up their guitar, bass, and drums and start to play.

This is how I envision The Cush in my head. While their music fits into the more Indie-genre - a genre I do not particularly listen to - it also has glimpses of one of my more favorite bands, My Morning Jacket, which leaves a sort of eerie, mystical ringing in my ears afterwards. Listening to the The Cush evokes a similar state - perhaps that which helps bring images of empty churches to my mind.

The Cush started in Texas, but have made their name and home in Vermont, so I can definitely promote them in the Vermont Music Blog! They are also returning to their roots with a small Texas tour right now, but hopefully they will be back in Burlington for a show or two before they head out and make it big - I have a feeling they are certainly on the verge...plus, whether you like Indie rock or not, their music is developed, orchestrated, and certainly hits a chord when listened to.

Check them out at www.thecush.com (only complaint is you can't use the back button to navigate) and on their My Space, which has recently been updated so bands can post more than four songs - yay!

The Radiator

2007-12-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

Holla Holla!

New, free format, independent radio station in town! If you haven't heard yet, now you do - and please help spread the word!!!

105.9 FM - WOMM-LP - The Radiator! Various local artists, musicians, music lovers, and other various peeps have shows during different slots. Think WRUV, except instead of being college supported, it's community supported. Radio Bean folks are the big supporters who helped get it off the ground, which right there shows it's gonna be innovative, eclectic and just plain GOOD.

It just launched and can be heard on the FM dial. The website - www.theradiator.org - is live, but the internet streaming and show roster isn't ready to be up yet - that's for January. So, tune your radios and stay tuned for more from what I predict to keep radio alive and loved in the Queen City and beyond!

And, hey - if you have a show on it - post a comment and let readers know!

Turkey Bouillon Mafia

2007-12-09T18:09:00.000-05:00

Death Jam. That is one of the first words that struck me when reading some descriptions Turkey Bouillon Mafia uses to describe themselves. I am not sure if I would use that word to describe the music myself, but it certainly describes the band's personality - as a whole or as the members that make up the band. With the core of guitar, bass, keys, and drums, there is usually an impressive rotating cast of players who get up on stage - from horns to rappers. Check out their website - www.turkeymafia.com (the bouillon is too much of a pain to spell according to inside sources) or My Space Page to see out the cast Who's Who.

I went to see them this past week at Metronome - quite a while since my last show. I have seen these guys since the beginning as back in the early 21st century we all hung at Valencia, a fun little hippie dive bar that is now home to the hip sushi joint, The Asiana House. I also lived across the street from a few of them and enjoyed many fun, "neighborly" interactions with the bouillon lot.

They have since grown into a well-respected touring band bringing a lot of attitude and energy to their shows as well as a harder edge of excellent jam musicianship than many in the jam genre - a big part of what makes them a key player in the Vermont music scene and much farther beyond. The show last week was much more jazz influenced than I remember, a credit to their continuing evolution as a band, which seamlessly was able to transition into a fantastic rock inspired Led Zeppelin tribute. They make you dance, but, more importantly, they make you listen. And what I find to be one of their most endearing qualities - especially for death jam - is their unwavering ability to keep it real like no one else. These guys like being rock stars, are funny and social dudes, and hide behind nothing. Where they go from here - exploring various musical boundaries no doubt - I hope they keep their wit, humor, and death jam realness. Rock On.

Holiday Music Picks

2007-12-02T19:04:00.000-05:00

I admit it, I love holiday music. Not cheesy, pop star renditions, but taking traditional secular and religious songs and carols, and creating musical beauty by evoking feeling and giving meaning to the season. This is due to my song inspired background starting with church choir singing to barbershop harmonies which moved to talent show performances and years of chamber chorus, large choirs, musicals, and difficult choral arrangements. For this music, my heart runs deep.

In that spirit, I'd like to share with you all some holiday music performances throughout Vermont this season that I recommend from favorites of my past.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Series - What makes a holiday pops concert so enjoyable is the distinctive use of instruments that evoke the sounds of the holidays. It's kind of like relating certain scents to a memory. Performances are December 7, 8, & 9 in Barre, Burlington, and Rutland. Check out www.vso.org for performance details.

The Vermont Mozart Festival - Sure to deliver unique, professional performances during their various seasons throughout the year, the J.S. Bach Christmas Oratorio brings about a beautiful Advent and Christmas musical celebration. Performances are in Stowe and Burlington December 13 and 14 and details are at www.vtmozart.org.

Counterpoint Presents Christmastide - Vermont's professional 12-voice vocal ensemble sings music from the West Indies and Africa to Francis Poulenc's "Four Christmas Motets" and Morton Lauridsen's haunting "O Magnum Mysterium." The group is touring over the state of Vermont now through mid-December. More information is at Counterpoint's website at www.counterpointchorus.com.

Bella Voce - Vermont's women's chamber chorus, Bella Voce, performs Mary Had a Baby - A Suite of Christmas Spirituals, a new Christmas Cantata by Robert DeCormier. Performances are in Stowe and Burlington December 8 and 9. More info is at www.bellavocevt.org.

Lessons and Carols - Lessons and Carols are one of my most favorite holiday music memories. While at Marist College I sang with the chamber choir and performed in the candlelight Lessons and Carols concert every year in the college chapel. It always brought a feeling of magic to me and I greatly look forward to attending one at Middlebury College this season, my first since 1997! The Middlebury College Chamber Singers perform two concerts on December 9 at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the Mead Memorial Chapel on campus. Another Lessons and Carols for those in Southern Vermont is at The Old First Church in Bennington on December 16 at 7:30 pm.

Blanche Moyse Chorale - Also in Southern Vermont, the Blanche Moyse Chorale performs their holiday concert on December 9 at 3:00 pm at the All Souls Church in West Brattleboro. The chorale is the auditioned chorus of the Brattleboro Music Center.

Northsong Winter Music Concert - The Northsong Chamber Choir brings holiday cheer to the Northeast Kingdom with their community oriented concerts on December 8 at 7:30 pm at the Barton United Church and again on December 9 at 4:00 pm at the Newport United Church.

Monteverdi Music School Dessert Reception & Gala Concert - This is another one I will be attending. Christmas music and desserts? Count me in! This concert will be December 14 at 8:00 pm at the T.W. Wood Gallery & Art Center in Montpelier.

Anyone have any others to share?

Swing Noire

2007-11-26T12:33:00.000-05:00

I was recently introduced to what I describe as folksy, bluesy, jazz - definitely up my ally. The band, based somewhere in Vermont, is called Swing Noire. Cool name and even cooler sound. I am not even going to paraphrase their great job at press writing, so here is a well written description of the music of Swing Noire:

"Some call the music gypsy jazz, some hot swing, in either case it is acoustic music in the spirit of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. These two jazz cats from France are credited with bringing this unique music into the world during the 1930's, 1940's, and early 1950's, and creating some of the first jazz-based music outside of the African-American tradition."

Swing Noire is made up of David Gusakov on violin, Rob McCuen of lead guitar, Jim McCuen of double bass, and Jared Volpe on rhythm guitar. More info on these talented and well versed musicians can be found at their website at www.swingnoire.com. You can listen to some of these tunes on their site as well as on their My Space Page.

Hopefully they'll "swing" by Radio Bean sometime soon so I can see them in my backyard. In the meantime, they have two great gigs lined up that are perfectly timed and placed for a warming winter night out:

~ Saturday, December 15th, Carol's Hungry Mind, Middlebury. 7:30-10:30 pm, $10

~ Saturday, January 5th, The Langdon Street Cafe. 8:30-midnight, tips and guest appearance by Kris Gruen

Mmm, this stuff is sexy - bring a date or engage in an I Spy.

State of Mind

2007-11-07T23:50:00.000-05:00

What is your State of Mind? What are your Three Needs? These are all questions that, when asked to varying groups of those of us on the never ending quest in search of truth and answers, can lead to thought provoking conversations - the kind you thought you'd have in college, yet somehow that was one expectation that fell short.

This is why I find these questions to be spectacular names for Vermont based music magazine, State of Mind Music Magazine and Burlington based nightspot, The Three Needs. Unfortunately Three Needs does not offer live music, or I would frequent there much more often and would also write about in this blog. Now, State of Mind, they offer music.

According the the most recent issue's editor's note, State of Mind began as a group of friends who kept on touch emailing about shows, making accommodations to travel and see live music, and all things that seem quite similar to those following Phish back in the 90's. This crew, however, (whether it was Phish, I cannot say with authority) took it a step further and created a mailing list which I believe somehow turned into the website, Live Music Beth (archive site). I first learned of and met Live Music Beth when working a PR gig for Nectar's back in 2004, when State of Mind was still a - state of mind.

Not long after that I began seeing Live Music Beth and co-editor Mike (now State of Mike) handing out a black and white newsprint magazine that was copy heavy with extensive articles about well known and not-so-well-known bands, varying a range of genres. These magazines were the first issues of State of Mind. I remember coming out of Higher Ground shows on freezing winter nights and there were Live Music Beth and State of Mike, all bundled up and full of smiles, handing out copy after copy of State of Mind. Some were taken and read, some taken and left on car floors, and unfortunately, many strewn around as litter, similar to fliers you get at larger shows promoting a late night performance of some similar sounding band. I have never actually asked Live Music Beth about these early days, but it would have broken my heart to see that. But still they wrote, and published, and got advertising, and stood outside, show after show, promoting State of Mind...

Now, they have published their 25th issue and have gotten semi-glossy and in color. The style is still lengthy interviews, reviews, and other articles about bands of the day - bands you may not hear about in most other music mediums. And in this day and age of short and sweet, I find it extremely refreshing they have stuck to their state of mind. These are well written articles on music with a backing of honest journalism. And as for that quest for truth - join the it and check out - www.stateofmindmusic.com.

They also have State of Mind Radio and you can befriend them on My Space.

Oh, and you can still see Live Music Beth, State of Mike, and other State of Mind contributors handing out the magazine after shows. Only this time, there is no litter - and that isn't only because the world is greening up. Distribution has saturated the Northeast border at this point and here in Vermont, we can be proud of another music phenomenon that grew out of the Green Mountains.

Advance Music

2007-10-29T18:57:00.000-04:00

I feel as if I am slacking on the Vermont Music front! The fall brings so much music to Vermont and I find myself every fall at Higher Ground more than ever with the fabulous influx of music that comes our way. I think it's a mixture of students being back and the (hopeful) promise of snow that keeps people away from nightly excursions and keeping them close to the slopes. This makes fall a prime time to see live music, but much of the music I have see lately is not that of Vermont origin!

I have had a recent re-uniting with Advance Music however, that is certainly worth noting. Advance Music is Vermont's premier music store and as the ads on 102.7, The Album Station -www.musicheads.us- state, you've got to go inside to really see how vast this place is. I had my first experiences with Advance Music while searching for the sheet music to obscure wedding songs as the resident "wedding singer" for various friends. In my visits, I saw a posting once (that I did not see in Seven Days classifieds, another good place to look for musicians - wanted) looking for a female singer to add harmonies to an existing band. I responded and this was the band, Ekis, I sang with for a little over a year several years back. I also returned to Advance to inquire about and purchase my Shure 58 microphone, mike stand, and cords. I remember the service to be helpful and was quite satisfied with my own personal microphone, which still works, though seldom used.

And now, over the past month, I have found Advance Music once again to be extremely helpful as I was to be "the wedding singer" at my awesomely Phishy friend's wedding last week. Being my Phish friends, the chosen song for my pipes was Waste, the wedding song amongst many Phishheads over the past several years (many Phishheads are now at marrying age believe it or not). Waste is a song whose guitar chords are readily available on the internet, but not available in sheet music. I was able to find all the sheet music the bride and groom chose for the ceremony, a collection of classic and modern rock and was super pumped that it was available within a day or ordering, an Advance attribute which made the organist very happy. But, no Waste music for the organist meant no playing of the song Waste. As it so happens (and often is the case in Vermont), Advance Music owner, Mike Trombley (the cheery voice on the Album Station's ads) was also friends of the bride and groom and offered only a few days before the wedding to learn the guitar chords to Waste, in the key I was singing, and played the song at the ceremony so I could sing about wasting time with the love of your life for the rest of your life! Happy, happy ending to the "wedding singer" drama!!!

In chatting with Mike, I was able to easily see why he is so enthusiastic in his ads, which are some of the best ad copy this Vermont publicist has heard. Because they're true! Mike loves that store and without a doubt his actions echo the words that come across the air to fellow Vermonters. I also learned Mike plays guitar in long standing Vermont rock band, Quadra, who I have even seen play on past Lake Champlain boat cruises. How's that for Vermont connecting!

If you are a musician or if you are interested in music, stop by this Burlington, Vermont landmark of the music scene. It's fun just to watch musicians at play in their own personal wonderland. And, as holiday season approaches, if you are buying for a musician, geez - get 'em a gift certificate - they will be stoked, psyched, and most of all, thankful. www.advancemusicvt.com

Mike Gordon Gets Bonzed in Mud City

2007-10-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I have to laugh at myself and reading this title after I typed it was certainly worth a chuckle. But its true!!! As most reading this should know, Mike Gordon was the bass player for the heartbreaking jam band, Phish. I will say no more about Phish because they are in the past and there's a reason things in your past don't make it into your present. Mike Gordon is the present.

As I've several times mentioned Honky Tonk Tuesdays at Radio Bean in previous posts, many would know Mike Gordon is a regular sit-in bass and piano player at these rambunctious and fun musical sessions. Along with his many side projects and being a regular dude about town at this point, it seems like Mike is spreading the love and recently played with the Mud City Ramblers at Bonz Smokehouse and Grill in Morrisville, a place I have yet to get to and keep meaning to drag my Burlington arse to sooner rather than later.

I hear great things about Bonz and love the whole Route 15 area of Vermont in general (Mud City Ramblers are from Johnson). I think it's time to follow my own advice and get out of Burlington to a show in a fun Vermont town. Anyone up for a road trip?

My great friend Shiva who lives up that way is the master taper and photographer for many-o-bands in the Route 15 vicinity and has so awesomely provided me with streaming audio of the show and a picture!

Mud City Ramblers
2007-09-05 Bonz Smokehouse, Morrisville, VT

Audio Stream

And thanks Mike Gordon for being a cool dude and keeping the spirit of randomness alive (and thanks for playing with my sweet drummer luvah a few weeks ago as well!)

Love and Light All!

Traditional Medicinals

2007-10-12T19:51:00.000-04:00

Blue Grass. Green Mountains.

That's the tagline for the band, Traditional Medicinals. My guess is besides having some great musicians, these dudes have some guys in marketing in their band. Oh, not a guess - they do for a fact!

Secret Tip: It is a good idea to have someone in the band who works in marketing.

The Traditional Medicinals are fun to tap your foot to, fun to listen to, and super fun to watch. Their music is bluegrass and not all stylized out, but traditional - hence the use of the word in their name. And they are one of my favorite local bands to watch. Instead of just playing to an audience with a secret code of communication so many bands use, they actually look at each other, sometimes play facing each other, and genuinely make their shows an intimate experience - like you were just peaking in a window at their rehearsal. Oh, and they're nice - which I would expect a bluegrass band to be. I mean, I couldn't imagine a bluegrass band to be mean, could you? Does anyone know of any mean bluegrass bands?

Back to Blue Grass, Green Mountains. Check out the Traditional Medicinals next Friday, October 19th at Radio Bean and be on the look out for them throughout the year. I am hoping to run into them on some of my Vermont Vibes adventures - then I can really enjoy the Blue Grass in the Green Mountains.

The Healthy Hippie

2007-10-05T12:05:00.000-04:00

I have a new gal pal in town named Taraleigh, otherwise known as The Healthy Hippie. She has a website - www.healthyhippie.net, a weekly newsletter you can subscribe to on that site, and recently moved to Burlington, Vermont to launch her new magazine - The Healthy Hippie. Taraleigh has an incredible background in dance, movement, nutrition, music, counseling, wellness, and probably a bunch of other things I am missing. And, in the true entrepreneurial spirit of a women, has combined her talents into a varied career reaching audiences in all of her backgrounds. I think the best way to see what she does is to visit her at The Healthy Hippie website. But I did want to let folks know some of the awesome and fun work Taraleigh does!

~ Designs health, nutritional and movement regimens for individuals or groups and consultation information is at her website.

~ Provides fabulous news about bands, recipes, healthy eating and energy tips, and tips for being healthy at shows and festivals.

~ Offers a cool line of clothing made with recycled clothes for children and adults.

~ In Vermont, currently teaches a dance class at The Movement Center and a wellness class at On Track Gym.

~ Writes columns for Groovelink Magazine and Relevant Times.

~ Teaches dance, movement, and wellness classes/workshops at music festivals such as Gathering of the Vibes, Phanphest, Wormtown, Camp Creek, Baconfest, JamCruise, and may be teaching a class at Nectars in the near future!

So, VermontMusic readers - check her out, subscribe to her newsletter, and help spread the word!! www.healthyhippie.net

Love and Light All!

American Machine

2007-09-27T21:55:00.000-04:00

"We Americans love to hear stories about us."

This is the opening line in Jim Lantz's Note From the Playwright in the playbill for American Machine - A Play About Us. Now, if more movie makers would follow this so true advice and make more movies about us, I, and I think many other folks, would be happier movie goers. American Machine is a play though, not a movie, and I am writing about it tonight for three reasons:

1.) It did have music (note, this is a music blog) which was done by one of my faves, Brett Hughes with vocals enhanced by the phenomenal Shannon McNally, who incidentally are both on tour as we speak.
2.) Jim Lantz was the first playwright to ever approach me about the potential to do publicity for a theatrical show. I have done work for shows before, but never approached directly by the writer, and this felt good. The work didn't actually turn out to be a gig, but the concept of the play certainly was of interest on a personal level and I immediately respected Jim's style, honesty, and energy.
3.) I just returned home from watching the play and want to share it with my readers, since it still has over a good week running at the FlynnSpace and you should see it!

As an inactive actress myself (not so much by choice, but having takien the public relations career path instead, although I am still a professional storyteller and my life is always a stage), I do not find myself in attendance of many theatrical productions. This is probably for two reasons - (a) I probably deep down would rather be on stage and (b) I spend my time and money going to rock concerts. I also think I have often been bored by overly done, probably over-my-head productions and prefer movies on my couch. And these reasons is part of what made American Machine stunning.

Plot: Part parable on the American dream, part cautionary tale taken from the headlines, American Machine tells the story of a great factory that once made parts for classic American cars. As a makeshift family of six friends comes together each night to work, they're soon faced with rumors that their employer will be downsizing—or even closing altogether. As they begin working on a new order—making buckets and mops for Wal-Mart—the prospect of being split up looms before them, and their dedication to the once-proud factory is put to the test.

From the moment I sat down, I felt like I was looking through a large window into the back of a factory building. Everything about the set was exact - old wood, falling down brick walls, vintage Coke machine, orange plastic chairs - it was truly authentic and very detailed, which I admired. The set served three action locations, but all worked well almost as one set, as the lights did a tremendous job (as they should in any small theater) at changing scenes, as opposed to changing sets.

After watching the first few interactions, once all characters were introduced, I was sucked in. The FlynnSpace is small and intimate and I was up front making me very close to the action. But, instead of feeling weird because I was so close, I felt like I was watching a big screen movie because the acting was so right on. From my years of acting on a real stage (and in my own movie) I have learned the number one rule in acting - is re-acting. Re-acting to everything, not so much to take away from the main action, but enough to make it real. American Machine was filled with re-acting which is in my opinion what made it so touching and so real. I was especially entertained with the interactions between the two women. Having worked a third shift job several times in college, while not at a factory, it was still a tedious third shift, I could easily relate to the mood and types of people who work the graveyard shift.

The story and writing was fantastic. I knew it was going to be good, from what I had read, from the buzz that has been about town, and from the first impression I got from Jim when we met at Muddy Waters to chat about publicity. So, I was already going in with high expectations and was definitely touched, if not moved by the content, dialogue, and delivery. Jim Lantz has it right on - "we Americans love to hear stories about us." Maybe we are an egotistical lot, but we're people just the same and we like to know there's always a chance of things getting better. Kudos to all involved and if you can - check it out - www.americanmachinetheplay.com.

Seth Yacovone and Grateful Dog

2007-09-20T11:22:00.000-04:00

I recently had the privilege to attend the most fantastic wedding I have ever been to. One of my first "jam band scene" in Vermont friends, Randi Ploof, married her sweetheart, best friend, and business partner at a very homegrown, low-key, and absolutely beautiful wedding party a few weeks ago in Lincoln, Vermont.

I first met Randi back when I first moved to Vermont in 2000. The guy I was seeing then became good friends with a huge Seth Yacovone fan and we spent a lot of time going to Seth's shows and hence I met another huge fan - Randi. Since then I have gotten to laugh and boogie with Randi at a few various out-of-town parties (my favorite kinds) and always have fun run-ins with her at Higher Ground shows and festivals like moe.down where we're both full of antics!

In more recent years, Randi has been making quite the name for herself as a phenomenal dog groomer, and a little over a year ago opened Grateful Dog Grooming in the center of Hinesburg, Vermont. I could not find a website for Grateful Dog Grooming, but I am sure many of you hear her ads on WCLX - The Album Station and I did find this recent article in the Champlain Business Journal(scroll down a bit).

While the wedding was pure, simple, and earthy in the gorgeous September sunshine of Vermont, the music was ROCKIN'! Seth Yacovone played his heart out all afternoon which was more like a private rock concert than a wedding - just as Randi had hoped is my guess. I haven't seen Seth play in a while and man, does he SHRED!!!! I am definitely back on the Seth Yacovone bandwagon! I found the old website to the Seth Yacovone Band, which is not active as Seth shreds between solo gigs and playing with all sorts of folks, but I wanted to post some info anyway. He is always gigging around Vermont - so check out a show! He can also often be found at Nectars - check out the schedule - www.liveatnectars.com.

Photo credits to JAFO and State of Mind Music Magazine.

Come See Me Sing!

2007-09-12T16:01:00.000-04:00

I am a trained singer and even went to college on a singing scholarship, but rarely sing in public anymore as that's not the direction my life has taken, but......this Friday I am singing at Radio Bean with TOR (see post below) and would LOVE to have folks come check it out! I start our set off around 10 pm and moral support is the BEST!!!
Ekis days
a younger me!
as Sally Bowles in Cabaret

Vermont Band Got .down

2007-09-10T19:16:00.000-04:00

Yippee!!!!! I am so excited that I get to write about moe.down!!! As I have mentioned before, my personal favorite band in the whole wide world is moe. However, my blog forum prohibits me to write about them because they are not a Vermont band and this blog is for Vermont bands and musicians.
So, the only thing I can say in relation to moe. and Vermont music is that moe. is a very gracious band and very unfilled with their own egos. They hold two stellar festivals each year (which of course I do not miss) and while they certainly play many sets of fantastically wankified guitar and rhythm witchiness, they also invite over a dozen other bands to come rock out with them and share in the magic, fun, music, and merriment.

Vermont jamband veterans and mainstays in the industry themselves, Strangefolk, were invited to headline the mid-afternoon Sunday set at moe.down Labor Day weekend. Moe. may be my favorite band, but Strangefolk squeaks into the top five so I was thrilled to bounce from my Team Vermont campsite to the sloping grassy stage at Snow Ridge Ski Area in Turin, NY. A true air guitar player, several buddies and myself spent the entire set rockin' out on blow up guitars and grinning ear to ear at the perfection of the day - blue skies, smiling sun, gentle breeze, trees, grass, and no mud, truly fantastic friends, and kick ass tunes. My only slight disappointment was that Strangefolk did not play the song, All the Same, a song that helped save me from thoughts of despair early this spring. But then again, this was a weekend that brought the past year of my life full circle and thankfully nothing is the same. Moe.down offered an introduction to a huge group of friends, brought together by music, and who all live in Vermont - connected by years of various friendships and music and travel. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store and look forward to introducing you to some new characters in my evolving movie.

Oh, and yes, Mitch was there and I think we may be entering the air guitar competition at Red Square Thursday night - think they'll allow blow up guitars??
Photo Note - Thanks Tom Bailey for the photos!

Green Mountain Opera Festival

2007-08-29T17:15:00.000-04:00

Gear shifting to music that most folks don't typically associate with Vermont, but the Green Mountain Opera Festival is held here in Vermont every June for three weeks with opera concerts, open rehearsals, masters classes, a young artists program, picnics, and more - all leading up to two fully costumed, complete orchestra productions at the Barre Opera House. This past June the production was of Madama Butterfly and a You Tube Clip was just released today of performance highlights - Enjoy!!!

NewsFlash! (and shameless self promotion)

2007-08-27T11:01:00.000-04:00

Many years ago, there were a group of fellows who started a band while attending college at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. It was called Mile 41 - guitar, bass, drums, and a female vocalist. After collage, the guitarist, bass player, and drummer all made there way to Burlington for the various reasons musicians, artists, and other folks make their way to this energy driven town. They re-grouped, added keyboards and became Theory of Revolution. Over the course of several years playing in and around Burlington as well as some hot spots around the Northeast, they developed a devoted fan base, changed bass players, added a second drummer, and created quite the collection of original material.

If you have read previous blogs, are in my oval of peeps, or have seen myself and a certain drummer out and about, you will know my sweetie Mitch is the original drummer of bands mentioned above. As we began dating early this spring, I was able to only see a few Theory of Revolution (TOR) shows, and - as summer began, the band decided to part ways, with some members joining new bands and others moving to new states. So, while I did catch a few shows at the tail end of the TOR magic, my experience has mostly been listening to the heartfelt conversations of a love of music, friends, and song between a drummer and a guitar player who have been playing music together since college and who are also the best of friends.

These conversations have led to their desire to play one last show, have one last party, or some sort of farewell. And sometimes these conversations lead into song where said drummer and guitarist get me to sing, just as their original playing together in college was with a female vocalist.

And, these conversations have led to a closing show that has just been confirmed for Friday, September 14th from 10-1 at The Radio Bean. This final show will be a softer side of the pumping TOR shows you'd see at Higher Ground. The show will feature John playing guitar, Mitch playing drums, and original bassist, Jesse. There are hopes that keyboardist, Taylor, will join in, and yes, rumors are true, I will be singing a few songs as well - a rare occurrence indeed. Yes, I am nervous. But, mostly, I am excited for these musicians - it is a night of remembrance, new beginnings, and the kind of musical experience that can really go anywhere. I hope you can all join us.

Wagons Jivin' and Ramblin' on the Gravel

2007-08-20T15:43:00.000-04:00

I guess if the four bands I am set to speak about ever made a combined album, this could be the name. And the album would be almost as eclectic as the "Made In Vermont" CD that Cabot Cheese sponsored a few years back.

I headed off to the Lincoln Inn with freelance drummer Mitch and we enjoyed the pre-music Business After Hours networking where I ran into a former co-worker and musician who used to play in the band The Mansfield Project and who was playing with the Blues Night band of the evening, Jive Attic. I must say I wish some of these bands had websites, and Jive Attic is certainly worthy of one! I do believe however, they are playing at the Burlington Blues Fest at the Lincoln Inn in September. Jive Attic was great! Mitch and I got in some dancing and even snuck in a little air guitar activity - one of our secret favorite pastimes.

While enjoying some good classic blues from the band, we did have an entertaining run-in with Rick from Rick and the Ramblers. Known for their awesome tour bus and fun concerts at one of my favorites - Vermont State Parks, I now have it a mission to try to catch a show before they go into hibernation mode.

While we were contemplating our next move - do we (a) go home, (b) go downtown, or (c) find more cool music that's NOT downtown (by far the favorite choice) NOTE - Jive Attic had finished by this point; we started up a conversation with a new-to-town bass player soon to be joined by the Funk Wagon bunch. Of course I searched around for a way to lead readers to Funk Wagon as they seem like a fun band, but only found they have some upcoming shows at the Lincoln Inn and Nectars - maybe I'll see ya there? After we safely secured the bass player into Funky conversation with the Wagon, we departed for a last stop on our localvore musical journey.

As we headed back into town, but not wanting to go downtown, we both densely did the "duh" thing - The Monkey Bar - duh. So to Winooski we went. The bar was almost empty - usually a tell tale sign to me that a really good band is playing since so may Chittenden County dwellahs either (a) think good music is 80's night at Metronome or (b) care more about being "cool," "hip," or "seen," than really interested in seeing good music.

We got a beer and acclimated ourselves to the bar stools, where I was completely drawn in. The band's name is Gravel and they sure had some gravely jazz to play. The guitar player moved and pulsated with smiles that came at different junctures and transitions as he played one of those fantastic looking jazz guitars. The bass player pounded that stand-up with fervor, which may have been taller than him. The front fellow - an athletic looking chap with a variety of instruments - the most focal being the trumpet with a collection of mutes - was enigmatic and exciting to watch. Gravel played like an enthusiastic jazz quartet of professionals - probably because that's what they are. No whiny faces because the audience was slim and they were truly appreciative when the small audience treated them as a jazz quartet - clapping enthusiastically between solos.

Now, you may wonder why I did not mention the drummer. First, I must give my drummer background:
1.) Of all musicians I have dated in my 31 years, drummers certainly outweigh everyone else by a long shot - including my blogging and real life sidekick.
2.) Rhythm has always been something I have no immediate natural flare for, but once taught, comes easily.
3.) Drummers are always what I pay attention to the least for some reason. Not because I do not like drummers (obviously I do), but because I listen to the vocal harmonies as a singer, the bass as a seeker of harmonies, and watch the guitar as an accomplished air guitarist.
4.) When I was in a band in town a few years back called Ekis, I found the drummer to be extremely helpful in teaching me different rhythms and what percussion instruments to play. And, since I was committed to the concept of groupies while in the band, I was able to form a great friendship with this drummer (an he had/has a beautiful wife -).
Now, just as fantastic co-worker friendships fizzle when ones leaves the place of work, so do band friendships. That of course is life. So, while I was sitting at The Monkey Bar, thoroughly enjoying this band called Gravel, and not really paying attention to the drummer, Mitch says, "That drummer is phenomenal!" and I start to pay attention. Then I say, "wow, he really reminds me of the drummer in the band I sang in back in the day." I started doing the squinty eyes (even though I was wearing my glasses) and at the next song break, the drummer and I lock eyes and call out names of recognition! It certainly was, Matt DeLuca (2nd from right in pic), a truly great drummer in the area who I most recently saw play with his long-standing experimental jazz group, Leon Tubbs, after we finished playing together in Ekis. We got to catch up after the show and made plans to hopefully grab our other Burlington based former bandmate, bass player Jeff Margolis, for some lunch (by the way, Jeff's got some musical tricks up his sleeve I'll be sure to blog about this fall - so keep tuning in.)

Funny how the world works, eh? Guess I better start paying attention to all musicians in a band if I'm gonna write 'em up in my blog, or maybe not. Guess that's the beauty of being a writer!

Vermont Music Magic

2007-08-14T13:29:00.000-04:00

What a week! I am kicking myself in the arse right now for having handed out lots of business cards last week with this blog on them only to have failed to post all week! No excuses - I just got wrapped up in a busy music and work week and needed to take time off over the weekend for some lake activities!

Where do I begin? Let's start a week ago when I attended the Venue Czar launch event at Higher Ground. Interesting concept! To recap for those who are unaware of what it is, Venue Czar is an extensive online booking system that links bands to venues and vice versa. It is streamlined and allows for negotiation of payment, perks, dates, etc. The goal is to alleviate the wasted time and frustration that affects both bands and venues - which, from being in a band before myself, I also found to be aggravating.

I think it's a great concept, but I wonder about the commitment the program will get from smaller venues that like having control over the relationships they build and others who like to reject streamlined ideas - even when those ideas can benefit the masses. It seems to me Venue Czar will be most effective if everyone uses it. Seems like a no-brainer to me, but agendas bounce to a different tune in Vermont. Regardless, it's specific for Vermont and folks should check it out and pass it along - www.venueczar.com.

Now, I certainly leaned about Venue Czar that night and got to catch up with some old music friends and chat with some new ones, as well as seeing the start of some great local music. In the midst of all my Burlington music publicity networking - where I try really hard not to be some annoying public relations mamacita - something happened on a fantastic personal level that certainly shaped the night into being recorded into my personal history book!

Speaking of history - here is a little background that plays in nicely here: Since my ex ditched me for some long-lost Phish tour broad back in January, I started going to Honky Tonk Tuesdays at Radio Bean for a night of music with some lady friends and to open my heart to the twang of the tonk lead by Chrome Cowboys frontman, Brett Hughes with a rotating cast of local musicians such as Marie Claire and Mike Gordon. This is also where I met my current main squeeze, Mitch, who was the drummer for the now defunct band Theory of Revolution. Honky Tonk night means a lot of things to a lot of people and there is nothing short of magic which takes place there - this I have seen and been a part of. From a healing night with the ladies to a place to fall in love again to an opportunity to catch up with and make new friends to a dance floor where my shoes come off and my feet turn black...

Ok, back to the night of the Venue Czar event - in the midst of music and publicity chatter, Mitch and I ran into Brett Hughes who was heading over to Radio Bean after the Venue Czar event - and who was still looking for a drummer for the evening. And he asked Mitch. Now, I am not a drummer, but I am a musician (I was a trained songstress in my former life), so I was aware of the power of that moment. Publicity networking halted, drummer girlfriend begin and I tell the rest of the evening with my photos:

Venue Czar

2007-08-01T11:50:00.000-04:00

Hi folks! So it has come to my attention that there is a great new band booking and promotion service called Venue Czar. I met some of the folks behind it the other night at a party and look forward to attending their launch at Higher Ground on August 7th. Check 'em out - looks like it will be a valuable service to many bands and musicians and by registering you too can attend the launch! www.venueczar.com

Vermont Mozart Festival

2007-07-25T19:27:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, it is time again - time for the loverly Vermont Mozart Festival at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. This will be the third year in a row I trek up to Trapps for this spectacular display of music in the mountains. And I certainly go in style - wine, cheese, candles, chairs, picnic basket, plastic wine glasses, cloth napkins, table with tablecloth - I like to think I crack a few smiles on my elders by helping to carry on this lah-dee-dah tradition. Geez - I even wear a dress. But, I have learned to bring bug spray, thick socks, a sweater, and a wine opener as well. I love going and enjoying Trapps for what Maria Von Trapp wished it to be enjoyed for. And, I love getting out of my jam band, rock star mode for a bit and unveiling the culture that is deep within. This will be a special performance since I will be enjoying it with my parents and the new main squeeze, whom they will be meeting for the first time. Regardless of how that rolls, we will all get to close our eyes after filling up with wine and cheese, and experience the magic that happens on that rolling meadow in the middle of the mountains.

Offbeat Vermont Music Venues

2007-07-19T23:37:00.000-04:00

I have been lame this week. No Honky Tonk Tuesday, no causing trouble at Nectars following JDK kickball, and I've been totally MIA from Higher Ground (but, don't worry, show season is just around the corner once those college kids are back)...
But, I still have a post idea ---

Traipsing around Vermont and seeing music in different venues.

This is a good idea for many reasons...
a.) it gets you out of your normal environmental sphere and helps open your eyes
b.) it brings you to music for the sake of music, not to see someone specific
c.) it supports the local Vermont economies which is something everyone should embrace and put energy towards

And here are my tidbits for you to enjoy that ever changing, always amusing, and downright "Vermont" music experience!

Snow Shoe Lodge & Pub - To my knowledge, there is not a website, but the Snow Shoe in Montgomery Center (that's near Jay Peak folks) is an absolute hoot! I will never forget the first time I went there and sat at the bar drinking $2 PBRs with escargot and an open face hamburg sandwich - if that tells you anything. Then this awesome blues trio got up and local rednecks, hoochies, ubur ski dudes, little brahs, and PR broads like me were all boogieing like long time pals. I even got up and sang Roadhouse Blues and a few other tunes after a few more PBRs. Ok, that's enough - go there.

The Bees Knees - This one's up in Morrisville where the often annoying Burlington rif raf and the eye popping tourists are not. This is my favorite place so far for actually meeting new friends and pretending I live in a small Vermont town instead of the big city. And the bands that may shy away in some of the more well known venues when the crowd's not pumping hold nothing back here!

Purple Moon Pub - Down to the Bad Liver Valley for this one in the eclectic town of Waitsfield. The menu is small, the place intimate, and the music is aways a treat. I've even had my heart made and broken at this place, but that won't keep me away from the best fish tacos I have ever had and memories like the Purple Moon being the place I met Luke Eriksen, had a great conversation with Sean Kelly from The Samples, and danced song after song with an older gentleman to the Starline Rhythm Boys. Try it!

Owl's Head Blueberry Farm - This isn't a "venue" as the ones are above, but I had to squeeze it in here as I got a flier in the most recent Seven Days and even hung it on my bulletin board! The next three Tuesdays and Thursdays are blueberry picking at Owl's Head in Richmond starting around 5 pm and then live music starting at 6 pm and going until around 8 pm. How fun is that???? I think I will definitely be there for Gordon Stone's performance - I mean who can beat picking blueberries to the sound of Gordon's pedal steel?

Happy listening and please comment with ideas, gripes, sounds, and any other stuff you think this Vermont publicity gal should know!

Festival Time in Vermont!

2007-07-11T23:47:00.000-04:00

Next weekend kids - the 2nd Annual Lew-Au - this is Vermont band Raq's festival with other fun folks like Strangefolk, Tim Reynolds (some lasses will remember him from chillin' with Dave Matthews), Al (from moe.!) and the Transamericans, and several others. Who is in???? This is a great chance to come mingle with all sorts of random Vermont peeps and go to a festival with me! Together we can post a killah post for the Vermont Music Blog! Pictures too!

It's next weekend, July 21-22! Two nights and Monday, July 23rd is National Call In Sick Day - so let's go!! And if you're not a jam band fanatic like me - who cares?? It's cheap and a great chance to hang in the Northeast Kingdom, do some camping and drink some Coors Light with your favorite publicity hippy!

A Burlington Music Gripe

2007-07-04T14:31:00.000-04:00

I think we all have a lot of gripes on the Burlington music scene. Right now I am a gigumundous (spelling?) fan of Radio Bean and Higher Ground - small and big, but both done right.
I am NOT a fan of the Lake Champlain cruise structure. Last night for the Burlington fireworks, I went on the Blues for Breakfast cruise. Blues for Breakfast is one of my all time favorite Grateful Dead cover bands and I always have a fun time dancin' whenever I see them play.
The tickets were $25 and included a good buffet aboard the King Street Ferry. The mood was chipper and people were warm to each other and it had the makings of a great little hippy night on the lake with fireworks - c'mon, who could ask for more?
Everything was fun and fab and then the fireworks started. Now, I think most will agree at this point that Burlington, Vermont fireworks pretty much are the best around - ever. If you think you've seen better fireworks, please comment and let me know!
Anyway, the fireworks ended and so did everything else. Apparently, too many shwilly tools got wasted and seasick and there was a lot of puking and many hidden flasks found. So, the bar closed and the band stopped playing and we were all ushered off the boat right as everyone else was leaving the waterfront and rushing to the always annoying Burlington bar scene - especially for those of us who just want to dance to a fun band! LAME! I chose the cruise for my Independence Day activities so I wouldn't have to deal with the crowds and lines and ridiculous scene.
I have my Raq ticket for the cruise on August 10th and I really hope it's not more of the same. I hate when shwilly tools ruin it for everyone else. Dock the boat and make them walk the plank and then back to sea for the rest of us! Arrrr!

Lake Champlain Maritime Festival

2007-06-25T12:10:00.000-04:00

I am on a mission to get the word out about this festival!! I think most people know The Machine (the laser light show producing, Pink Floyd covering band I have been seeing since before I could drink legally) and the Vermont singing goddess, Grace Potter and how they are playing on the waterfront in Burlington, Vermont the weekend of August 18-20? Well, that's because they're playing as part of the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival - check it out!!!

Get this festival on your radar! It's also a great weekend to have friends come up if the BeerFest doesn't work and since the ChewChew and Discover Jazz are over.

The Hills Are Alive...

2007-06-05T14:59:00.000-04:00

Yes, it really could be the Vermont theme song because Vermont music permeates throughout the state and is just another reason Vermont is a bit of green paradise on Earth. Now, I completely love music more than anything in the world and many of my most favorite bands (um, moe. being #1) are not in Vermont, but I am committed to writing a blog on Vermont bands and also including music not in just my own personal fave category, but celebrating the music of the Green Mountains - and all of it.

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