Autumn 2008
This Season
By Sky Barsch
Aug. 24: John Hiatt, Paramount Theatre, Rutland
Described by Rolling Stone as "Indianapolis' answer to Bruce," John Hiatt brings his raw, folk-rock 'n' roll style to Central Vermont. Hiatt has been covered by many of today's reigning legends (Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton) and enjoys radio hits, including "Perfectly Good Guitar." With a new album to promote, "Same Old Man," Hiatt will share his songs and stories with an intimate audience: The Paramount has fewer than 1,000 seats. 8 p.m. $42.50 and less. (802) 775-0570.
Aug. 24–Sept. 4: Grafton Fine Arts Juried | Exhibition, Grafton
High-end oils, pastels, sculptures and mixed media works of art are on display at this fine art exhibit. The judges are past curators of art museums, and artists from the region were sought for their high caliber. Entries will be displayed in three town locations — the Old Tavern Gallery, Gallery North Star and Hunter Gallery of Fine Art. Opening reception and awards, Aug. 23. Show runs daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. (802) 843-1440.
Sept. 5–6: South End Art Hop, Burlington
It's called the Art Hop for a reason: The streets are hoppin'! A fun weekend in Burlington celebrating the vibrant arts community. Fashion show, installations and edgy subject matter give this event buzz and flavor. Plenty of options for all ages and levels of interest. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Various locations throughout the South End. (802) 859-9222.
Sept. 7: Millstone Grind, Millstone Hill Trails, Websterville
This cross-country mountain bike race takes riders over and through the overgrown granite quarry lands. Experts trek 35 miles and novices go 17 on a twisty, rooty, rocky course that is a mix of single track, moderate climbs and double track. Categories by level of expertise, age and gender. 10 a.m. $35. (802) 477-2149.
Sept. 12–14; Oct. 3–5: Literary Festivals, Burlington and Brattleboro
The Burlington Book Festival, running in September, features a cast of local, regional and national names that have made great contributions to literature. Vermonter Katherine Paterson, author of "Bridge to Terabithia," "Wicked" author Gregory Maguire and U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic are just some of the speakers. Brattleboro's October festival welcomes NPR book commentator Alan Cheuse and National Book Award winner M.T. Anderson, among many others. Most events are free. See www.burlingtonbookfestival.com or www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org for complete lineups.
Sept. 26–28: Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival, Mount Snow Valley
Vermont Life and the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce are combining forces to create the inaugural Vermont Life Wine & Harvest Festival. The event will celebrate the best of wine, food and the good life and highlight the quality and ingenuity of Vermont producers and artisans, from cheese makers, vintners and farmers to chefs, chocolatiers, photographers, painters and more. The festival takes place in Wilmington, with additional events occurring in nearby Dover and Whitingham. Entertainment, crafts, demonstrations, food discussions and other diversions add to the flavor. $10 and less for festival, other events vary. www.thevermontfestival.com or (802) 464-8092.
Sept. 27–28: Art in the Snow, Brandon Open Studio Weekend, Brandon
Alpaca Open Houses, Vermont Alpaca Co., South Strafford, and Maple View Farm, Brandon
Whether you think alpacas are the strangest or the cutest creatures you've ever seen (maybe they're both?), it's your chance to meet and pet these fiber-producing animals this fall. The Vermont Alpaca Co., (802) 765-9639, opens its barn doors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Maple View Farm, (802) 247-5412, welcomes visitors from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both events are free.
Oct. 20–21: The Black Crowes, Higher Ground, South Burlington
Melody Maker calls The Black Crowes "the most rock 'n' roll rock 'n' roll band in the world." Though that's quite a title, there are plenty of devoted fans who would agree. With their new album, "Warpaint," The Black Crowes have taken control of their destiny with their own label, Silver Arrow. It will be fun to see how more creative control manifests itself in concert. 9 p.m. $38–$40. (802) 652-0777.
Oct. 23: Compagnie Heddy Maalem, Flynn Center, Burlington
French/Algerian choreographer Heddy Maalem's dance troupe performs an interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's "Le Sacre du Printemps" — "The Rite of Spring." The dramatic, adult-themed performance has traveled all over the world, telling the story of the pagan girl who dances herself to death. 7:30 p.m. $39 and less. (802) 863-5966.
Oct. 26: Haunted Happenings, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, games and more at Shelburne Museum's annual Halloween extravaganza. For three magical hours, the museum masquerades as a Halloween party with nonstop activities at 20 buildings on the museum grounds. Haunted house and scary obstacle course. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $5 and less. (802) 985-3346.
For more calendar listings, view this article as a PDF of the actual magazine pages.
