Vermont Public Community Calendar

The Vermont State Curator’s Office presents Brattleboro artist and state legislator Mollie S. Burke in her solo exhibit at the Vermont State House Cafeteria Gallery titled Realism and Magical Realism. Burke’s paintings and drawings bring the viewer into a dreamlike world filled with richly colored environments that present a sense of place and home, surrounded by nature. Burke’s imagery includes flowers, vines, water, and trees that weave a fanciful tapestry of meaning and movement. On view Now– April 24, the show will celebrate the artist with a reception on Tuesday, April 21 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm.

“To me the natural world is both real and magical. In my paintings I try to represent the marvelous and symbolic aspects of reality. Many influences contribute to my style --the interlace designs of my Irish ancestry, the compositional structure of illuminated manuscripts, and the Zapotec weavings of southern Mexico. I embrace a non-linear way of seeing, and I celebrate the imagination as a value, a force that can save us from narrow ideologies and rigid thinking.” – Mollie Burke

About: Mollie Burke holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Goddard College. She has been active in the Brattleboro community as an artist and teacher of both art and figure skating for many years. She is the founder and director of Art in the Neighborhood, an organization that provides tuition-free art classes to children in low-income housing communities. She also teaches in several Vermont schools with the Vermont Arts Council artist-in-residence program.

Burke is a Brattleboro Town Meeting representative and a member of the Brattleboro Coalition for Active Transportation. She was elected to the House in 2008 and has served since then on the Transportation Committee. She is also Chair of the House Sexual Harassment Prevention Panel and active in the Climate Solutions Caucus and the Women's Caucus. She and her husband have three grown children and five grandchildren.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Food and drink will be served at the artist reception.

Béla Fleck joins harpist Edmar Castañeda and drummer Antonio Sánchez in a striking all-star trio that redefines what a small ensemble can be. Fleck, a 19-time Grammy winner and genre-blurring banjo virtuoso, is joined by two of the most gifted musicians of their generation. Castañeda brings a dazzling voice to the harp rooted in jazz and world music, while Sánchez, a five-time Grammy winner, is celebrated for his visionary work in jazz and film. Together, they perform original music filled with fearless exploration, rich melodies, and grooves that twist, turn, and captivate.

Dragging some nightlife to the capital city. Every other month you can catch the terrific Vermont Drag Trip, Rhedd Rhumm, Sasha Sriracha and Miss Chekova giving you a great way to end your month! Live singing, dancing, lip syncing, comedy and whatever else decides to happen, this is the place to be! You must be 21 or over to attend.

Chill out and bid bold... Zero Celsius Art Auction will take place on April 23 from 5:30–7:00 PM at our gallery, 5031 Main Street, next to Tempest Books in Waitsfield, Vermont.

Join us for the closing reception of our exhibition Zero Celsius. This special evening is your final opportunity to experience the interdisciplinary show and to acquire an art piece—whether for your own collection or as a meaningful gift for someone who appreciates the arts. Living with art enriches our lives, connecting us to the creative energy that shapes the world. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Viewing hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1:00–5:00 PM, Tuesdays by appointment, 1-5pm. Stop in during these times to learn more about this thoughtful and inspiring exhibition exploring winter experience and climate change. We look forward to seeing you soon!

All in Vermont invites local historical societies to play a vital role in commemorating the 250th anniversaries of Vermont and the nation by partnering directly with classrooms to bring history to life. This initiative connects students with the rich collections, expertise, and stories held within their own communities, creating meaningful, place-based learning experiences rooted in authentic primary sources.

This session will introduce the All in Vermont project, walk through its core components, and provide practical guidance on working with teachers and students. Participants will also engage in hands-on exploration of primary sources and learn how to support students in building strong, research entries using collections materials.

Sam Robbins is often described as an "old soul singer songwriter." A nationally touring musician whose music evokes classic singer songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona.

An avid performer, he has gained recognition from extensive national touring, from sharing the stage with artists like Jason Mraz and David Wilcox, and as a main stage performer at national festivals like the Kerrville, Falcon Ridge and Philadelphia Folk Festivals. Audiences may also recognize him from his 2018 appearance on The Voice!

Sam Robbins was nominated for “Artist of The Year” at the 2026 International Folk Music Awards and has a reputation as one of the brightest rising stars in the national folk music community.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. The Plainfield Opera House is wheelchair accessible, with assisted listening devices available upon request.

Blue Plate Special: Allison Mann-voice & guitar, Jerry Desmarais-guitar & voice, Larry Novins-bass, and special guest Peter Lind-harmonicas & sax, play Jazz Standards, Country Swing & more. Step out of the mayhem, come early for a seat, and relax into some toe-tapping, feel-good music.

Are you a musician, venue owner, business, or community organizer? Curious how your town can join Vermont’s biggest day of music-making? Join us Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 4 PM at the Chandler Center for the Arts to learn about Make Music Day, a free global celebration held each June 21. Hear from past participants, explore the Gemini matchmaking platform, meet others across Vermont, and find your role. Stick around after for a jam session. Your town. Your stage. Your music.

Violinist Laurie Smukler returns with New York City colleagues — violist Tal First, cellist Natasha Brofsky, and pianist Qing Jiang — for an all-Fauré evening. The program includes two chamber music masterpieces-both Piano Quartets, the radiant Violin Sonata No. 1 in A major, and the brilliant Fantaisie for flute and piano with flutist Karen Kevra.

Renowned pianist David Feurzeig will perform his 98th Vermont concert on Sunday April 26, at 3:00pm in Waterbury at the Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main Street, with local performers David Goodman, clarinet, Stefanie Weigand, voice, and Matt LaRocca, viola, continuing David’s exciting tour — a free show in all of Vermont’s 252 towns to spread the joy of music and promote environmentally sustainable performance.

In May of 2022, he embarked on his Play Every Town project: 252 free concerts in each of Vermont’s 252 towns to combat climate change through the power of community and music. With this project, David will become the first musician to perform in every Vermont municipality. He will travel in his solar-charged electric vehicle throughout the state, offering free concerts to bring attention to the interrelated issues of climate and community, while bringing the joy of music to his audiences.

Organ Concert featuring Shaun Boohrr on the Montpelier Unitarian Church pipe organ. Works by Bach, Handel, Mozart and Pinkham

Join us for an in-person talk at the Vermont History Center in Barre with Rebecca A. R. Edwards. This lecture will shine a light on Vermont’s deaf founding fathers and mothers. The earliest roots of the national deaf community grew from right here, in New England, and this talk will cover Montpelier as a central place in the history of the larger deaf community. ASL interpretation will be provided for the talk.

Cabot songwriter and guitarist Dana Robinson celebrates the release of his new album, "The Sound of the Word," at the Plainfield Town Hall Opera House. "The Sound of the Word" is part thought-provoking look at the state of the world and part meditation on rural life and healing power of the natural world. With the passion of Southern Appalachia and the of grit of Great Britain’s traditional ballads, Dana incorporates elements of oldtime and country blues with rock and folk. In 2019 the Times-Argus  awarded “The Town That Music Saved” Best Album in Vermont.

Celebrate spring in downtown Montpelier during Mayfest, a weekend full of community events, local food, music, and shopping. Highlights include the return of the Capital City Farmers Market, Green Up Day, and the beloved All Species Day parade and pageant.

Spend the weekend exploring downtown—enjoy sidewalk sales, pop-up vendors, live music, and dining at local restaurants. Stick around after dark to catch Montpelier’s glowing bridges.

Saturday Highlights:
• Capital City Farmers Market (9am–1pm, 133 State St)
• Green Up Day (bag pick-up at Farmers Market & City Hall)

Sunday Highlights:
• All Species Day (12–4pm)
Parade from Hubbard Park through downtown, ending with the Birth of Spring Pageant at the State House.

Plus additional events and live performances throughout the weekend. Sponsored by Catamount Solar.

Green Up Day is a special day in Vermont when volunteers come together for a massive, spring clean-up of litter. Pick up supplies at the Capital City Farmers Market or City Hall!

If you’d like to volunteer for Montpelier’s Green Up Day, stop by the Green Up Day stations at the Capital City Farmers Market (133 State St) or outside City Hall (39 Main St) for Green Up Day bags and gloves for volunteers.

Volunteers can leave their full Green Up Day bags curbside within city limits. The crew from the Montpelier Department of Public Works will pick up the bags of litter after Green Up Day.

Thank you for your help to make Montpelier sparkle!

Vermont Philharmonic, Vermont’s oldest community orchestra, returns to Chandler Music Hall for its 67th season. Conducted by Lou Kosma, this spring program features Mozart’s Impresario Overture, Smetana’s The Moldau, and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D with soloist Arturo Delmoni. Saturday, May 2 at 4 PM in Randolph.

Story Songs of the 70s is a seasonal concert series by Maine-based singer/songwriter, Tom DiMenna, and features songs by 3 legendary songwriters of the vinyl era — Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. This folk-rock act blends lush vocals, intricate guitar playing and iconic story songs into a sound that’s both intimate and powerful. While rooted in the folk tradition, this special Spring edition celebrates the first day of Spring with the fresh energy of the season (“Morning Has Broken” by Cat Stevens, “Early Morning Rain” by Gordon Lightfoot, “Taxi” by Harry Chapin) and has toe-tapping rhythms, sing-along choruses, and a fully amplified presence that has charmed audiences all over New England. It’s a carefully crafted presentation of the timeless songs that shaped a generation — performed with heart, humor, and resonance.

In addition: Tom is now officially endorsed by Gibson Guitars and John Pearse Strings, legendary names in acoustic tone.
"Go See Tom!" -Aimsel Ponti, Portland Press Herald

More info
tomdimennamusic.com

The Montpelier Contra Dance happens every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday at the Capital City Grange Hall. We dance to live music with contra dance bands and callers from around New England and beyond. Beginners, singles, and all ages are welcome; all dances are taught. We use gender neutral role terms. There's a newcomers lesson at 7:45 pm and dancing 8-11pm. Please bring clean soft-soled shoes. More info at www.montpeliercontradance.org $12 adults, $5 kids/low-income, $20 dance supporters. Cash preferred. Venmo or CC accepted. Questions? 802-225-8921 or cdu.tim@gmail.com.

Celebrate spring in downtown Montpelier during Mayfest, a weekend full of community events, local food, music, and shopping. Highlights include the return of the Capital City Farmers Market, Green Up Day, and the beloved All Species Day parade and pageant.

Spend the weekend exploring downtown—enjoy sidewalk sales, pop-up vendors, live music, and dining at local restaurants. Stick around after dark to catch Montpelier’s glowing bridges.

Saturday Highlights:
• Capital City Farmers Market (9am–1pm, 133 State St)
• Green Up Day (bag pick-up at Farmers Market & City Hall)

Sunday Highlights:
• All Species Day (12–4pm)
Parade from Hubbard Park through downtown, ending with the Birth of Spring Pageant at the State House.

Plus additional events and live performances throughout the weekend. Sponsored by Catamount Solar.

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...).