Dec 10 Wednesday
The Declaration Project, created by American pianist and NPR personality Lara Downes, is an invitation across the nation to explore and express our vision of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, imagining the next chapter of our American story.
For this musical conversation, Downes will be joined by Jill Lepore, professor of history and law at Harvard and a staff writer at The New Yorker whose recent books include We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution and These Truths: A History of the United States.
Downes and Lepore will explore the past, present, and future of American democracy as expressed through its music, beginning with the song "My Days Have Been So Wondrous and Free" written in 1759 by founding father Francis Hopkinson. This conversation will be recorded and broadcast as part of NPR's America in Pursuit series.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Downes will engage the Brattleboro community in reflecting on the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, celebrating our shared humanity and the power of civic engagement, and inspiring a collective future rooted in the founding principles of our democracy.
The Declaration Project is a non-partisan, unbiased initiative meant to promote empathy, community, and unity.
All proceeds from this event go to support Vermont Public.
General admission doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available for a pre-event meet and greet with Lara Downes and Jill Lepore starting at 5:30 p.m. See below for ticket purchases.
Lara Downes is a Yamaha artist.
Dec 05 Friday
This is a first time collaboration between Mad Arts, Mad River Valley TV and journalist Tracy Brannstrom.
“Along the River’s Way” is a storytelling project that formed as the ‘Mad Artist Residency, 2024. This project documents the creative practices of various elder artists in the Mad River Valley. It culminates into an immersive multimedia exhibition of sound, story-telling and visual projections during November and ends on December 13th. The art of storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human communication and has been an integral part of our cultural heritage for centuries. Today our communities are in crisis. The arts can restore this large feeling of social and moral decline in America and our Elder creatives can lead the way to facilitate social cohesion and belonging for everyone in the community. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor The Bee App and Lawson’s Finest Liquids in Waitsfield.
Artist: Gary Eckhart, Julia Purinton and George Shenk
Dec 06 Saturday
The International Boutique is a much-loved annual event that offers unique items from around the world at wholesale prices. From Persian carpets to musical instruments, jewelry, housewares and unusual ornaments, there is something for everyone. Sponsored by AMURTEL, a non-profit based in Waitsfield, Vt., all proceeds go to support programs for women and children in need, here in Vermont and around the world.
Tartan Terrors bring their Celtic Invasion to festivals and shows across North America, blending the energy of a rock show with humour and step dance.With a distinctive sound and proud tradition of making Celtic music fun and accessible to any audience, the Terrors have played stages across North America, including The Iridium, Times Square, NYC, Daryl’s House Club, Pawling, NY, Freeman Arts Pavilion, Selbyville, DE, Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival, Florence, MA, and The Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival in Dunedin, FL.
“We are excited to bring our Celtic Invasion to the Spruce Peak Arts community! With a variety of Celtic music, high energy dance and comedy; our show is enjoyed by all ages! Wear your kilts and get ready to clap your hands and get out of your seats dancing!”
To ensure a legitimate and hassle-free experience, always purchase tickets to Spruce Peak Arts events directly from our official website. Third-party resellers often charge inflated prices and may sell duplicate or invalid tickets.
Spruce Peak Arts does not work with any third-party vendors. For the best price and peace of mind, buy your tickets exclusively from sprucepeakarts.org or contact our box office directly at 802-760-4634.
Internationally acclaimed sister duo Cassie & Maggie bring their signature holiday magic to Chandler. Fiddle, guitar, piano, sibling harmonies, and stepdance light up the season with classic hymns, ancient carols, and a sassy ode to Santa’s most mysterious reindeer, Vixen.
The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will be performing at the Barre Opera House on December 6th at 7:00 PM, featuring guest artist Laurel Swift, playing traditional tunes from Quebec, Scandinavia and the British Isles, including English Country Dance and Morris tunes. Admission is by donation. More information is at vermontfiddleorchestra.org.
Internationally acclaimed sister duo Cassie & Maggie bring their signature holiday magic to Chandler. Known for their electrifying musicianship and boundless charm, the Nova Scotian sisters light up the season with fiddle, guitar, piano, sibling harmonies, and dazzling stepdance. Their festive program weaves classic hymns, ancient carols, and spirited original tunes including a sassy ode to Santa’s most mysterious reindeer, Vixen, into a joyful celebration of Celtic holiday tradition.
The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra (VFO) is excited to host English ritual dance fiddler Laurel Swift at its December 6th concert at the Barre Opera House. Swift will lead the orchestra on four tunes and also play two sets on her own.
A musician, singer and dancer, Laurel Swift is an inspiring instigator of creative projects and performances rooted in English folk arts. Swift plays with Gadarene, The Gloworms and founded Morris Offspring. She co-created Under Her Skin with Debs Newbold, teaches widely and is writing a folk musical! Swift moved to Brattleboro from the U.K. 2.5 years ago.
In addition to the tunes it plays with Swift, the VFO will perform traditional tunes from Quebec, Scandinavia, and the British Isles, as selected and arranged by the orchestra’s Music Director, Peter Macfarlane, who will lead and perform with the orchestra. Susan Reid, the Assistant Music Director, will also perform with the orchestra.
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.
Dec 07 Sunday
Dec 08 Monday
University of Vermont Extension and Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association are pleased to host the 2025 Vermont Maple Conference Week! Conference sessions are for anyone who wants to learn about maple production - whether you are an existing sugar maker, looking to become one, a forester who works with maple producers or a forest landowner looking to lease to a producer. The week is packed with online and in-person events, starting with Quality School on Monday; online sessions Tuesday-Thursday; a full day bus tour on Friday; and, a full day of in-person engagement at VSU-Randolph on Saturday.
Dec 09 Tuesday
The 2025 Vermont Holiday Tree will be lit on Tuesday, December 9, beginning at 4 pm. The event is free and open to the community and will feature local entertainment, special festivities on the grounds of the State House, food and drink, and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by none other than Gov. Phil Scott.
Join us for a powerful film about hope, connection and the importance of talking about suicide.A free community screening followed by a panel discussion with local voices in suicide prevention.