Vermont Public Community Calendar

"Shared Voices" is a collaborative concert bringing together the North Country Chorus, Halcyon Chorale, and St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltones to present music by 20th century composers. The concert will be performed at the United Community Church in St. Johnsbury on Saturday, May 2, at 7 pm and again on Sunday, May 3, at 3 pm.
Director Alan Rowe notes that “the North Country Chorus has been a vanguard for choral music for nearly 80 years. This season, I wanted to join forces with these two area choral groups who share in this mission to elevate the choral art form. As a result, we have an eclectic program of works from creators who have established themselves as either rising stars or prolific composers of new staples of the repertoire.”
The program journeys through a broad range of musical landscapes as each ensemble shares a set of their own repertoire. The finale of “Shared Voices” will bring all three ensembles together as an 80-voice choir.

Join us for the world premiere of "Three Nature Songs" by composer Christopher McWilliams: "Garden of Love" is a musical setting of William Blake's poem. "A Bird Came Down the Walk" is based on an Emily Dickinson poem. "I Lay In the Grass" is based on a poem by Francis Gupta.

In addition, Singers will perform Brahms' "Rosemary," Benjamin Britten's "Evening Primrose" and John Rutter's arrangement of "For the Beauty of the Earth." The singers will be joined by the Chandler Children's Chorale in "For Good" from "Wicked" and "The Garden Song" (inch by inch and row by row...).

PALS for Life at UVAC is a FREE 16-week program for individuals affected by breast cancer, running May 5 – August 20. Based on the Physical Activity and Lymphedema (PAL) Study, the program uses research-backed exercise to help reduce the risk of lymphedema while improving strength, health, and quality of life. Participants receive a free UVAC membership during the program, expert-led sessions twice per week, access to land and aquatic fitness classes, and educational seminars on lymphedema and nutrition through Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. A doctor’s referral and PT consultation are required. Learn more at uvacswim.org/fitness/breast-cancer-programs.

Sherry Alix, retired Nurse, will share Holistic ways to help people living with memory changes sleep better, especially those who may be sundowning. She will also speak about her many years as a Private Duty Caregiver and then an RN (26+years), and her advice to families needing to hire Private Duty Caregivers.
Time permitting, Sherry will teach and demonstrate Jin Shin Jyutsu (Japanese Acupressure) - simple hand holds that help relax and assist in people's wellness.
Arrive at 10:45am for refreshments, the talk begins at 11:00am. Please bring a pen and notebook.
What is a Memory Café? A welcoming social gathering for people living with changes in their memory or thinking, along with the people who care about them. Participants have fun together, talk with others in similar situations, and try something new!
For more information, contact Megan Robinson at mrobinson@stjathenaeum.org, or 802-748-8291.
This event is free, ADA accessible, and open to the public.

Focusing on tools and techniques of Shadow Puppetry, Projection, and Sound Looping, this workshop will help participants generate evocative worlds for storytelling. Using shadow puppets, masks and found objects, participants will learn principles of interfacing with different light sources, integrating manual shadows with projections, and generating multilayered vocal loops.

Thanks to Vermont Humanities for funding this.
Tuesday, May 5th - 3:45-6:45

Ages 13+

The family and friends of Louvenia Dorsey Bright, in conjunction with the Friends of the Vermont State House and the Vermont State Curator’s Office, are proud to announce the unveiling ceremony for a portrait of former Rep. Louvenia Dorsey Bright, the first African-American woman and woman of color to serve in the Vermont Legislature. Bright represented South Burlington in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1989 through 1994.

Gov. Phil Scott and members of the Bright family will take the lead in reflecting on Bright’s service and lifting the drape from her portrait in the House Chamber of the Vermont State House on Tuesday, May 5 at 4:00 pm. Remarks by artist Ayana Ross and legislative leaders, friends and colleagues will follow, culminating with thanks to the many donors who made the portrait possible by Friends of the State House chair Thad Gibson. After the ceremony, all are welcome to attend a reception in the Cedar Creek Room from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The painting will hang in the West Corridor on the first floor of the Statehouse.

A solo piano recital that bridges centuries and sensibilities.

Francesco Libetta, the Italian pianist and composer hailed for his poetic virtuosity, presents a mesmerizing exploration of music across time. In this singular recital, he juxtaposes a selection of Leopold Godowsky's famously intricate reimaginings of Chopin's Études with the original pieces. He performs on both a French 19th-century piano and a modern Steinway, drawing out the shifting voices of the instrument through history. The result is a revelatory dialogue between past and present.

On Tuesday, May 5 at 7 pm the Center for Communication in Medicine will host a free SpeakSooner Community Education webinar: Facing the Challenges of Healthcare Decisions: The Role of Patients, Families and Providers.

A serious diagnosis affects patients, families, and providers. Studies in the medical literature show that effective communication can improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Yet, difficult decisions in the face of serious illness can sometimes be clouded by a well-intentioned desire to protect one another. At such times, family dynamics can play a role in how healthcare decisions are made.

Our panel of experts - Zail Berry, MD, MPH, FACP helped to found the Fletcher Allen Health Care Palliative Care Program - now part of the University of Vermont Medical Center - and served as medical director until 2004; Stephanie Davidson, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist at City of Hope with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples as they navigate the emotional and relationship challenges associated with medical diagnoses. She is a cancer survivor; Matthew Loscalzo, LCSW, APOS Fellow and Professor Emeritus, Supportive Care Medicine at the City of Hope-National Medical Center; Fidel Rubagumya, MD, MMed, MPH, Dartmouth Cancer Center Global Oncology Visiting Research Scholar and director of research at Rwanda Military Hospital; and Pamela Simon, MSN, CPNP, CPON launched the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Stanford Health - will share their experience and perspectives on the role that patients, families and providers can play when navigating the complexities of difficult healthcare decisions.

Audience Q&A will be offered via chat. The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration at speaksooner.org.

The SUNY Plattsburgh Department of Theatre will conclude the adventure of Burghy’s Tavern,
a special live role-playing game event, on Tuesday, May 5. Session 3 (A Ruined Vacation) will be the last of the Spring 2026 semester. Join Game Master Devin as he spins tales of dangerous monsters and thrilling quests using the most popular fantasy tabletop role-playing game for a group of student player-performers.

The Game Master for our Burghy’s events, Devin Brassard, had this to say, “Burghy’s Tavern brings the dice rolling and wild antics of RPGs to the stage! We have a fun group of players who are excited to make me think on my feet and to build a story together for our audience.”

The finale, Session 3 (A Ruined Vacation), will be played on Tuesday, May 5. Each event is at 7:30 p.m. and is located in the Hartman Theatre within the John Myers Building. General Admission for each evening will be $5. Tickets can be purchased online at https://campusgroups.plattsburgh.edu/musthe/events/ or at the CASH ONLY Box

For a list of our season's events, or to subscribe to our performance news, please visit https://campusgroups.plattsburgh.edu/themus/events/. Questions about this or any events can be directed to Dwayne T. Butchino via email at butc3332@plattsburgh.edu, or by phone at 518-564-2243.

Get out the wheelbarrow and brush off your gardening gloves! Vermont Edition invites you to be a part of a live studio audience for their annual spring gardening show. Local gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi will join host Mikaela Lefrak. He’ll share tips for kicking off a good growing season, from new varieties to try in your garden to protecting your plants from pests. Bring your spring gardening questions for a chance to ask Charlie!

Charlie Nardozzi is a gardening consultant, speaker, and TV personality and host of All Things Gardening on Vermont Public.

After the show, Zoe McDonald from our Sprouted newsletter will host a seed and seedling swap. You’re invited to bring your own locally saved or packaged seeds, as well as plant seedlings. Please make sure they are labeled with the type and date harvested. Most seeds will remain viable for 2-4 years if kept in a cool, dry place, out of the light. Some seeds, like onions and leeks, may only be good for one year. We’ll provide envelopes to bring your seeds home with you and paper bags for your seedlings. You do not need to bring seeds or seedlings to participate in the swap.

Event Schedule
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Audience must be seated by 11:50 a.m.
Live Broadcast: 12-1p.m.
Seed Swap: 1-1:30 p.m.

Accommodations
Vermont Public is committed to providing access and accommodation for individuals with disabilities at our events. To request accommodations, please email events@vermontpublic.org or call us at 802-655-9451 at least seven days in advance of the event.

Cancellation Policy
Please let us know by emailing events@vermontpublic.org if you are not able to join us so that we may release your tickets to someone else.

Directions and Parking
Vermont Public is located at 365 Troy Ave. in Colchester, in Fort Ethan Allen. The studio is within walking distance of the #2 GMT bus stop on Ethan Allen Ave. Free parking is available at Vermont Public - 365 Troy Ave. in Colchester. If the parking lots are full you may park on the north side of Troy Ave.

Recording Disclosure
This is a live radio broadcast.

Other questions?
Email us at events@vermontpublic.org.

Vermont Law and Graduate School and The Clark Group, LLC, are hosting a webinar on current issues in National Environmental Policy Act implementation on May 6 from noon - 1:30 p.m.

The panel will cover recent legislative and judicial developments affecting NEPA practice, provide an overview of changes to NEPA and Council on Environmental Quality priorities and explore the growing role of AI in NEPA processes. A Q&A session will follow as time permits.

Panelists include Lisa Mahoney, Esq., president and owner of The Clark Group, LLC; Christophe Courchesne, Esq., director of the Environmental Law Center at Vermont Law and Graduate School; Jomar Maldonado, Esq., director of NEPA, CEQ; and, Pam Danko, Esq., environmental attorney.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, you are invited to join United Counseling Service (UCS) on May 6 from 3:30-5pm (Community Conference Room, 100 Ledge Hill Drive, Bennington, VT) for an event featuring stories told in-person by Chip and Judy Siler (President and Vice President of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) VT) about supporting family members living with mental health conditions. Please RSVP at ucsvt.org/events.

Family Voices is an interactive presentation that challenges stereotypes and builds empathy by considering the impact mental health conditions have not just on the individual living with the illness, but also on their loved ones. Trained presenters with lived experience as family members of individuals living with a mental health condition talk openly about their experiences. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about how the presenters and their loved ones have coped with the conditions affecting their families and how to live well in spite of them. Please RSVP at ucsvt.org/events.

Join us for an 8-class series taught by Technology for Tomorrow! Designed to help adult learners build advanced workplace-ready technology skills, BTC's Tier 2 Digital Literacy course is intended for learners who already have basic computer experience and are ready to strengthen their confidence using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, cloud-based tools, and cross-platform navigation. Each 1.5-hour session provides hands-on, practical instruction using Google Drive, Docs, Gmail, Calendar, Sheets, and Slides, with clear connections to how these skills transfer to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

VSAC tuition assistance may be available to eligible adult learners and can cover all or part of the program cost. For more information or to inquire about eligibility, contact btcadulted@bsdvt.org.

This bicycle week, come join a discussion about bike safety from a neighborhood perspective. Learn steps you can take to slow traffic on your individual block and make walking and biking safer, especially for children and other vulnerable users. Learn how these changes can benefit you and your loved ones' health, save you money, and even lower our taxes.

Dr. John Raser is a family physician and local community health advocate based in St Johnsbury. He has served as leader and consultant for active transportation advocacy, safe routes to school, and transit oriented development efforts. He currently serves on the St Johnsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Committee and Board President of the non-profit community bicycle program Link Vermont.

This event is free, ADA accessible, and open to the public.

This bicycle week, come join a discussion about bike safety from a neighborhood perspective. Learn steps you can take to slow traffic on your individual block and make walking and biking safer, especially for children and other vulnerable users. Learn how these changes can benefit you and your loved ones' health, save you money, and even lower our taxes.
Dr. John Raser is a family physician and local community health advocate based in St Johnsbury. He has served as leader and consultant for active transportation advocacy, safe routes to school, and transit-oriented development efforts. He currently serves on the St Johnsbury Bicycle Pedestrian Committee and Board President of the non-profit community bicycle program Link Vermont.
For more information, contact Megan Robinson at mrobinson@stjathenaeum.org or 802-748-8291.
This event is free, ADA accessible, and open to the public.

Relax at the Venetian Soda Lounge with VSO Music Director Andrew Crust and composer James Stewart as they take you through Carl Orff’s renowned score, providing historical background, musical analysis, and commentary on Carmina Burana, with visual and musical examples. While you don’t need to be familiar with Medieval Latin to enjoy Carmina Burana, impress your concert-going friends with added insight from this listening party (before the VSO at the Flynn: O Fortuna! concert at 7:30pm on May 9). Tickets to Carmina on the Rocks are available on a sliding scale. German-inspired bites will be served as part of your ticket; cash bar available.

Some movies you have to see to believe; count The Unknown among them. The most celebrated and exquisitely perverse of the many collaborations between director Tod Browning (Freaks) and his legendary leading man Lon Chaney, The Unknown features a wrenchingly physical performance from “the Man of a Thousand Faces” as the armless Spanish knife thrower Alonzo (he flings daggers with his feet… for real!), whose infatuation with his beautiful assistant (very young Joan Crawford)—a woman, it just so happens, who cannot bear to be touched by the hands of any man—drives him to unspeakable extremes. Sadomasochistic obsession, deception, murder, disfigurement, and a spectacular Grand Guignol climax—Browning wrings every last frisson from the lurid premise.

This screening features a live improvised score by Wren Kitz & John Flanagan. Wren is a songwriter and field recordist who blends traditional guitar-and-voice songwriting with field recording and tape collage experimentation. In his attempt to develop a ghostly and contemplative form of musical expression, Wren considers ways to break down walls between genre categorizations. John plays guitar in the surf power trio The Wet Ones! and has participated in many bands and projects including Heavy Plains, Friends Below the Gangway, Spirit Animal/Wolvings, In Memory of Pluto, and Reorder Narcotic.

WHITE is a thought-provoking comedy by James Ijames being brought to Burlington! The play is being produced by Between the Willows and directed by Delanté Keys. The show will be at Off Center for the Dramatic Arts from 5/6-5/17!

Rejected by the gallery of his dreams, a spurned gay white cis male artist hires a local Black actress to pose as the creator of his paintings. Together, they create the perfect candidate for the "New America" exhibition: the charismatic, unapologetic Balkonaé Townsend.

You listen on Vermont Public - come and see it live! An ultimate battle of wits and words, The Moth GrandSLAM takes the winners from previous StorySLAM competitions and has them compete for the Vermont Grand Champion title!

Listen as ten open mic storytelling champs tell tales off the beaten track, of the unusual, unexpected, occasional, rare, and magical. On this night, using words as weapons, they compete to determine The Moth's GrandSLAM Story Champion. The Moth is dedicated to finding intriguing people to tell inspired stories. On this night, we determine the most captivating storyteller to be crowned The Story Champion.

Visiting Writer, Bianca Stone will give a featured reading at Vermont Studio Center in the Red Mill Building on May 6, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET. This event is free and open to the public.

Bianca Stone is a Vermont-based poet and scholar currently serving as Vermont’s poet laureate. Stone is the author of many books, including the poetry collections What is Otherwise Infinite which received the 2022 Vermont Book Award, and The Near and Distant World, (Tin House in January, 2026). Her poetry and writings have appeared widely in such magazines as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Poets and Writers, and The Nation. In 2013 she co-founded the poetry-based nonprofit, Ruth Stone House, where she organizes events and retreats, teaches classes on poetry and poetic study, hosts the Ode & Psyche Podcast.

bianca-stone.com

The 2026 Visiting Writers Program is generously supported by The Rona Jaffe Foundation.

VSC is pleased to partner with independent bookseller, Phoenix Books.