Summer 2008
This Season
Places to go and things to do
By Sky Barsch
May 24-25: Open Studio Weekend, statewide
Ever wonder what the studio of your favorite artist looks like? From the brightly colored blown glass pitchers of Tsuga Studios in Chester (pictured) to the whimsical animal sculptures of blacksmith Steven Bronstein in Marshfield and the woodturning work of Tom Dunne in Middlebury, Open Studio Weekend is your chance to see more than 250 of Vermont's artists in their creative environments. Free, with art for sale. 223-3380.
May 30-June 8: Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Burlington
You can't escape jazz this week, and you won't want to. The bars, restaurants and music halls transform into something of a mini-New Orleans as the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival celebrates its 25th year. Big names include Paquito D'Rivera (pictured), Dave Brubeck, Joshua Redman, Marcia Ball and sax legend Ornette Coleman (for more, see page 15). Community groups also perform for free in the Church Street Marketplace, filling the streets with music. Tickets vary. 863-7992.
June 8 through July: Vermont Mountaineers, Montpelier Recreation Field, Montpelier
Who needs steroids and million dollar contracts? This is the way baseball should be. Take your family out to the ballgame and see the Vermont Mountaineers, Central Vermont's collegiate baseball team, champions of the 2006 and 2007 New England Collegiate Baseball League. The entertainment doesn't stop with the players — Skip, the mascot, steals the show with his antics, and special theme nights have contests and prizes. Children can easily score autographs after the last inning. Opening day is June 8. Games start at 6:30 p.m. $4 and less. 223-5224.
June 5-8: Roots on the River, Bellows Falls
There can't be too many music festivals where the stars of the show also rub shoulders with fans in a game of street hockey. Like a lot of Canadians, Fred Eaglesmith and his band the Flying Squirrels take their hockey seriously, and they're reigning champs of the "Walpole Inn Parking Lot Hockey Tournament, which any fan with a ticket stub is welcome to join as part of this quirky music festival. Eaglesmith's tough-but-humorous brand of roots-rock has been described as "Bruce Springsteen for towns under 5,000 population, and this annual bash draws many of the loyal "Fredheads who follow Eaglesmith's relentless touring schedule. Plant and garage sales, art shows and food vendors. New this year is a family ticket package. Prices vary. 463-9595.
June 18: Full Moon Paddle, NorthWoods Stewardship Center, East Charleston
Enjoy a canoe paddle in the waters of the Northeast Kingdom — under the light of a full moon. NorthWoods' naturalists guide you and explain the natural habitats in the area. Listen to the sounds of the summer evening woods. All ages and experience levels welcome. Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices provided. 7 p.m. $10 adults, $5 kids. 723-6551.
June 21-22: Green Mountain Relay, Route 100, Jeffersonville to Bennington
Log some miles on your sneakers as you and your team traverse Vermont mostly along Route 100 from Jeffersonville to Bennington. By the numbers, this event takes teams 200 miles, over 36 legs, to see seven covered bridges and celebrate one fabulous summer solstice. Beginning racers and elite athletes welcome. What a way to ring in summer! 5 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry fees vary. (303) 800-5353.
June 28: Circus Smirkus, Greensboro
Vermont's renowned youth circus plays two shows June 28 at its home base in The Circus Barn, then heads off for a summer-long tour of New England. Other Vermont stops include Brattleboro, Essex Junction, Montpelier and Waitsfield. Top-flight production values and eye-popping acrobatics are a hallmark of Circus Smirkus, whose members have gone on to such world-class troupes as Cirque du Soleil. For full schedule and more information visit www.smirkus.org. 533-7443.
July 11-13: Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe
An event not to miss for the aesthetics and the adventure. Some 25 of the nation's most prominent balloonists lift off from a field adjacent to the Stoweflake. The venturesome can ride in a tethered balloon on fairgrounds, and other thrill-seekers can take a ride in the sky. If you can't make the festival, you can still enjoy the balloons. Many are visible from Interstate 89, roughly between the Waterbury and Williston areas. These colorful balloons fill the sky with the summer mountainous landscape as their backdrop. $8/fair entrance; rides vary. 253-7355.
July 12-13: Sheepdog Trial and Farm Festival, Merck Forest & Farmland Center, Rupert
Immerse yourself and your family in farm life for a day or two. Watch sheepdogs navigate an action-packed challenge — under the commands of their handlers, the dogs herd sheep through a course and are awarded points based on their skills. In addition, watch sheep shearing and draft horse demos, take a wagon ride, and kids enjoy activities especially for them. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 394-7836.
July 13-Aug. 3: Vermont Mozart Festival, various locations
Billed as "beautiful music in special places, this year the Vermont Mozart Festival features all five of Beethoven's piano concerti, played by world-renowned pianists every weekend of the festival. Plucked string and crossover concerts are featured mid-week. The festival expands to new locations this summer, with a focus on the historic, said festival director Timothy Riddle. Sites include the Barre Opera House, the Middlebury Town Hall Theater, St. Anne's Shrine in Isle La Motte and the West Monitor Barn in Richmond. Times and prices vary. 862-7352.
July 18-19: Vermont Brewers Festival, Waterfront Park, Burlington
Possibly a simulation of the place where well-behaving beer lovers go when they die, the Vermont Brewers Festival is a must-attend event for the brew connoisseur. Entry fee gets you a glass and tickets, so you can visit tent after tent serving the finest micro and specialty breweries in the Northeast and beyond. Brewers are on hand to answer your questions and discuss their latest alchemy. Tickets about $25, $5 for designated drivers. 244-6828.
Aug. 16: The Duhks, Valley Stage, Huntington
Grammy-nominated and high energy, The Duhks headline the Valley Stage Music Festival for an August evening show. Calling the band "fusion would be an understatement — The Duhks combine soul, gospel, North American folk, Brazilian samba, old-time country string band, zydeco and Irish dance music. Earlier in the day catch Anais Mitchell, Louis Franco and the Missing Cats, and Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem. 7 p.m. $25 and less in advance, $30 day of. 434-4563.
Schedules subject to change; please call ahead to events.
May
Ongoing, through Oct. 26: Shelburne Museum packs its 2008 season with art that spans the ages. Exhibits include: "Warren Kimble's America, "Art in the Round: Shelburne Museum's Dentzel Carousel, "Design Rewind: The Origins of Innovation, "Benchmarks in Outdoor Furniture Design and "Mary Cassatt: Friends and Family (for more on Cassatt, see page 17). Numerous other events and activities at the state's best-known museum, visit www.shelburnemuseum.org for full schedule. $18 and less. Shelburne. 985-3346.
22-Aug. 10: Beyond Chinggis Khan: Mongolian Buddhist Art is on display in the Middlebury College Museum of Art. Buddhism inspired an artistic flowering in Mongolia from the late 16th century forward. See the results Tuesdays-Fridays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends noon-5 p.m. Free. Middlebury. 443-5007.
24: At the Mayfest Arts & Crafts Festival, downtown Bennington is transformed into a pedestrian-only mall, showcasing the arts and crafts of juried artisans. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Bennington. 442-5758.
24-25: More than 250 Vermont artists open their doors and invite you to see their workspace during the Vermont Crafts Council's Open Studio Weekend. For more, see page 10. Statewide. 223-3380.
28: Jeff Young, lilac curator at Shelburne Farms, presents a lilac workshop. Slideshow followed by hands-on pruning. Registration required. 6-8 p.m. Free. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier. 223-3338.
30-June 8: Ornette Coleman and Paquito D'Rivera are just two of the many stars at the 25th annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, which kicks off May 30 and runs through June 8. For more, see page 10, and visit www.discoverjazz.com. Tickets, times and venues vary. Burlington. 863-7992.
31-June 1: Get your feet wet at the Vermont Paddlers Club Novice Clinic. Learn river reading, boat handling and other techniques. $75. Begin at the Waterbury Reservoir. 822-5291.
June
2-3: Grateful Dead cover band Dark Star Orchestra recreates an entire Dead show, two nights at Higher Ground. Doors at 8 p.m. $25 and less. South Burlington. (888) 512-7469.
5-8: Fred Eaglesmith and Michelle Shocked play the Roots on the River music festival. For more, see page 10. Times and costs vary. Various locations, Bellows Falls. 463-9595.
7: Brattleboro's Strolling of the Heifers Parade is a tongue-in-cheek take on Pamplona's Running of the Bulls. Dairy Fest follows, Gallery Walk the night before. 10 a.m. Free. Brattleboro. 257-0249.
8-July: Vermont Mountaineers collegiate baseball team plays its sixth season. For more, see page 10. 6:30 p.m. $4 and less. Montpelier Recreation Field, Montpelier. 223-5224
13-15: A new event on Lake Champlain this year is the In-Water Boat Show, featuring boat dealers, brokers and vendors, sailboats, power boats, pulling boats and everything in between. Begins 1 p.m. Friday and runs through Sunday. In-water display at the Burlington Boat House with boats on land at the Main Street Landing Parking Lot, Burlington. Free. 355-1781.
13-Aug. 17: Bennington Museum hosts a triple play. The three-part exhibit, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game includes an exploration of baseball in Vermont, memorabilia related to Joe DiMaggio, and artwork by baseball hall of fame artist Michael Schacht. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Wednesdays. $9 and less. Grand opening June 13, 3 p.m., free. Bennington. 447-1571.
13-22: Eat, drink and be merry at the Vermont Culinary Classic. Costs and locations vary. Stowe. 253-7321.
14: Cycle the North Country in the Tour de Kingdom. Ride 15- to 100-mile circuits to benefit a community fitness center. $25 registration plus pledges. Start at Indoor Recreation of Orleans County, Derby. 334-8511.
14-15: The Packard is featured this year at the Manchester Antique and Classic Car Show. Antique cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, car corral, 50-50 raffles, silent auctions, large variety of flea market vendors, and evening reception. Poker Run, Hubcap Fling, Piston Toss, music, food and more. $8, kids free. Dorr Farm, Manchester. (800) 362-4144.
14-15: Who says you can't get anything for free these days? Vermont Days is when the state of Vermont opens all Vermont State Park day areas, state-owned historic sites and the Vermont Historical Society Museum – all for free admission! In addition, on June 14, anyone can fish for free, without a license. Statewide. Free. 828-3367.
18: Join NorthWood's staff naturalists for a Full Moon Paddle. For more, see page 11. 7 p.m. Cost TBD. East Charleston. 723-6551.
19-Aug. 30: The Dorset Theatre Festival's 33rd season brings four shows, including "A Year with Frog and Toad. All days except Mondays. $40 and less. Dorset Playhouse, Dorset. 867-5777.
21-22: If it has four wheels and it's old, it'll probably be at the Vermont Vintage Vehicles Show. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 and less. Collins-Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans. 524-5265.
Vermont ingenuity is the theme at this year's Vermont History Expo. Exhibits by local historical societies, living history re-enactments, demonstrations, presentations, music, dancing and children's activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8 and less. Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Tunbridge. 479-8500.
21-22: The Green Mountain Relay takes a run down beautiful Vermont 100. For more, see page 11. 5 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry fees vary. Jeffersonville to Bennington. (303) 800-5353.
22: West Hill Shop Mountain Bike Race at the Putney School Lower Farm. Pump your tires, check your chains, and race your way to be the victor at this long-running event. Entry fees. Putney. 387-5718.
26: The Vermont Symphony Orchestra opens its 10-performance TD BankNorth Summer Festival Tour with a performance at Middlebury College. "From Vermont With Love features Anthony Princiotti conducting Esther Kim on violin. Pieces include Tchaikovsky's "Waltz From Sleeping Beauty, Mendelssohn's "Wedding March From a Midsummer Night's Dream, and a selection from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma. Statewide tour also stops at Ascutney, Chittenden, Grafton, Manchester, Okemo, Quechee, Randolph, Shelburne and Stowe. Ticket prices vary. (800) 876-9293, ext. 10.
27-29: Triangles, squares, rectangles and diamonds form colorful works of art at the Vermont Quilt Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday to 3 p.m. Admission $12 and less. Classes also take place, call for class fees. Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, and St. Michael's College, Colchester. (603) 444-7500.
28: Circus Smirkus, Vermont's renowned youth circus, plays two shows before heading off for a summer-long tour of New England. For more, see page 11. Full schedule and more information at www.smirkus.org. 533-7433.
July
3-4: It's hard to go wrong choosing a town in which to enjoy Independence Day events. Burlington's waterfront boasts a massive fireworks display at dusk on July 3. Quirky fun marks the 4th of July parades in Warren and Moscow, and 20,000 people turn out each year for Montpelier's Independence Day bash (July 3) which features political spoofs, high-caliber dancing, circus arts and a fireworks display. Pick a town, and celebrate our country.
5: View the works of 60 juried Vermont artists at the Burklyn Arts Council's Summer Fair at Lyndonville's Bandstand Park. Lunch, strawberry shortcake, children's activities. Free. 328-2683.
9-Aug. 17: Saddle up for the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show, a steep competitive environment for some of the best hunters and jumpers on the horse show circuit. Winners take home thousands of dollars in prizes. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 and less to watch. Harold Beebe Farm, East Dorset. 496-4878.
11-13 What summer is complete without a visit to a county fair? The first of the season is the Washington County Fair & Field Days. Fairs around the state celebrate Vermont's agricultural heritage with food, music, carnival rides and games. Have a candied apple, watch cows be judged, ride the Ferris wheel. For a complete list of fairs, visit www.vermontagriculture.com
11-13: At the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival, vivid hot air balloons take over the sky with the beautiful Green Mountains as their backdrop. For more, see page 11. Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe. 253-7355.
11-12: Take part in an effort to count every living, breathing or photosynthesizing thing in one small area at the 24-hour Montpelier Bioblitz, a large gathering of scientists and nature lovers. 3 p.m.-3 p.m. Montpelier. 229-6206.
11-13: The Basin Bluegrass Festival Pickin' by the Pond offers three days of celebrating all things bluegrass. $40 and less. Basin Road, Brandon. 247-3275.
12-Sept. 23: The work of Vermont painter Janet Fish is on display at the Southern Vermont Art Center's Wilson Museum. Fish's collection, "Into the Light, explores translucent and reflective objects. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. $8 and less. Manchester. 362-1405.
12-13: See sheepdogs navigate an action-packed course at the Sheepdog Trial and Farm Festival at Merck Forest & Farmland Center. For more, see page 12. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Rupert. 394-7836.
12-14: Getting into a kayak for the first time is easier with some help. True North Kayak Tours hosts a Sea Kayak Symposium, three days of instruction on Lake Champlain. Beginners and up welcome. $100 per day. Burlington. 238-7695.
13-Aug. 3: The Vermont Mozart Festival features all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. For more, see page 12. Various locations and ticket prices. 862-7352.
13-19: The Middlebury Summer Festival on-the-Green celebrates its 30th year with a range of musical events, including the Vermont Jazz Ensemble and Marta Gomez. Kid-friendly events Monday-Friday at noon. All events are free. Middlebury Village Green. 462-3555.
18-19: The area's best brews abound at the Vermont Brewers Festival. For more, see page 13. About $25. Waterfront Park, Burlington. 244-6828.
19: Arts and crafts of the Central Vermont community are for sale and viewing at the Stowe Street Arts Festival. Music and food throughout the day. Free admission. Waterbury. 244-8300.
19-20: Rock River Studio Tour. The 21 world-class artists who live within a 12-mile radius of one another open their homes, gardens and studios to the public for the weekend. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Newfane, South Newfane and Williamsville. 258-9082.
25-27: Stowe goes beyond skis and spas at the New Taste of Stowe Arts Festival. Fine arts, fine crafts, gourmet food, entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8 and less. Topnotch Field, Stowe. 425-3399.
26: Pottery demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for children are at Frog Hollow Craft School's Art on the Green. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Middlebury Town Green. 388-3177, ext. 7.
Gear up or cheer on at the Onion River Century Ride, a road bike event to benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Choose a 113-mile or 100-kilometer traverse through the Northeast Kingdom. Five food stops, mechanical support and end-of-the-ride barbecue. 8 a.m. $50 with pre-registration. 229-9409.
26-Sept. 30: Celebrate 40 years of Mary Azarian's art. Her woodcuts depict everyday life in rural Vermont. Free. Quaigh Designs, Wilmington. 464-2780.
27: It's a botanical bonanza at the Friends of the Horticulture Farm's Annual Benefit Plant Sale. Score tough-to-find plants at affordable prices. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. University of Vermont Horticultural Research Center, South Burlington. 864-3073.
29: The Synergy Brass Quartet performs selections from Rimsky-Korsakov, Byrd, Mozart, Back and others at the United Church of Christ as part of the Summer Music from Greensboro series. 8 p.m. $16 and less. Greensboro. 525-3291.
August
1-31: Vermont Festival of the Arts features more than 125 events over a monthlong period in the Mad River Valley. Arts are celebrated in numerous ways, from the Vermont Flute Festival Concert to A Taste of the Valley. Various locations and ticket prices. 496-6682.
2: Hold your nose and swallow The Bitter Pill, a 12-hour adventure race in the Bolton area. Trek, swim, canoe and mountain bike through a muddy and wild course, with a fun finish party. First-timers welcome. $350 and up. Bolton. 578-2972.
Sure, 5.4 miles on a bike doesn't sound too hard. But how about 5.4 miles straight up a mountain? Try it at the Gear Up for Lyme Mount Equinox Uphill Bike Climb. 8 a.m. $65 early registration, $75 after July 1. Mount Equinox Skyline Drive, Manchester. (888) 956-9560.
3: It's heaven for hounds at artist and author Stephen Huneck's annual Dog Party, located at Dog Mountain, a 300-acre dog park in St. Johnsbury. Hotdog barbecue, Vermont Mystic Pie tastings and a dog contest with plenty of prizes. Huneck will be on hand to sign books, including his well-known "Sally Goes to the Vet. 1-4 p.m. Free. (800) 449-2580.
5: It's a night of flamenco, the sensual music from the Andalucian region of Spain, at the United Church of Christ and part of the Summer Music from Greensboro season. A guitarist, vocalist and dancer perform. 8 p.m. Greensboro. 525-3291.
7: Singer-songwriter David Wilcox treats the audience to his beautifully crafted songs, wonderful stories and wry observations about the world we live in, as part of the Open Air Summer Family Concert Series. Tuck Stocking and Rock School open at 6 p.m. Upper Valley Events Center, South Norwich. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Other dates include Betty Johnson & Lydia Gray, Marko the Magician and Red Molly. 649-2772.
8-10: The Festival of Fools celebrates circus arts, music and comedy in a street theater setting. Noon-11 p.m. Most events free (donation encouraged). Various locations, Burlington. 865-7166.
9-10: Fine artists, craftspersons, food, kids activities and musical entertainment make up Art in the Park Fine Art and Craft Festival. Score a handmade gift or some practical art for your home. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Voluntary donation. Main Street Park, Rutland. 775-0356.
9: Enjoy tie-dyeing and a free concert at Jay Peak's annual August West Music Festival. Noon-6 p.m. Town soccer field, Jay. 327-2215.
16: The Valley Stage Music Festival features The Duhks. Festival begins at 1 p.m., Duhks at 7. For more, see page 13. $25 and less in advance. Valley Stage, Huntington. 434-4563.
17: See antique tractors dating from the 1930s to the 1960s and meet the folks who have restored them at Billings Farm & Museum's Antique Tractor Day. Admission $11 and less. Other summer events include Wagon Ride Weekend, Time Travel Tuesdays and Cow Appreciation Day. For more visit www.billingsfarm.org. Woodstock. 457-2355. A
Schedules subject to change; please call ahead to events.