Vermont Public Community Calendar

For nearly six decades, the three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has entertained audiences with their top-shelf musicianship and timeless hits. Now the time has come for the band who has carried a torch for American country and roots music to say so long to the highways and byways they’ve crossed an unimaginable number of times throughout their career.

On March 21, 2024, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band kicked off the first of its last traditionally scheduled gigs, All the Good Times: The Farewell Tour, which has received critical acclaim. This isn’t goodbye forever, but it will be the last fans see of multi-city runs and long bus rides. As 2026 approaches, so does the band’s remarkable 60th Anniversary, and to celebrate, NGDB’s All the Good Times: The Farewell Tour — 60 Years of Dirt will showcase a special slate of performances and appearances set for 2026, including a 60th anniversary celebration of the band’s formation (to the day) on May 13, 2026 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. These exceptional shows celebrate the music created by the legendary, yet ever-evolving NGDB.

Music meets storytelling in a blend of Punjabi rhythms, American jazz and collective celebration. A moving call to compassion and connection.

Sunny Jain draws on his South Asian heritage and experience as a second-generation immigrant in America to dive into the concept of "love force"—satyāgraha—embracing your oppressor with compassion. Jain, founder of Red Baraat, brings his signature talent for creating immediate community to theater, blurring the lines between performers and audience. Each element of "Love Force" is carefully crafted for frequencies, rhythm, and vibrations unleashing a powerful gathering through song and story. "Love Force" explores the universal nature of music, and how through compassion and love we can break down barriers created by religion, cultural traditions, racism and time. Jain invites us to feel the past in the present and to imagine healing through love.

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. Some months on 3rd Saturdays there is a Waltzing Session 7-7:45. Check the website or Facebook page. 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.

Flow through a range of styles and moods with original jazz works, stunning improvisations and new takes on the American Songbook.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Tyshawn Sorey is one of the most visionary artists of his generation—known for a practice that defies category and a sound that reshapes the possibilities of improvisation.

Joined by longtime collaborators Aaron Diehl on the piano and Harish Raghavan on bass, Sorey blends rigorous structure with boundless spontaneity, drawing on everything from 20th-century classical to post-bop, minimalism to free jazz.

Performances:
Sun, Apr 19 at 4 & 7:30 p.m.

Two jazz legends. One unforgettable evening.

Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Bill Charlap—each a towering figure in American jazz—join forces for a night of intimate, electrifying music-making.

A three-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, Bridgewater brings her unmistakable voice, theatrical flair and fearless spirit to every note. Charlap, one of the most sensitive and swinging pianists of his generation, is celebrated for his deep knowledge of the Great American Songbook.

The duo will interpret classics by iconic composers such as Ellington, Porter, Sondheim and more—reimagining each song with warmth, wit, and soul.

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.

The choral singers round out the year with an uplifting performance.

Filippo Ciabatti, director

The Coast's graduating seniors grab the reins.

Taylor Ho Bynum, director

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. Some months on 3rd Saturdays there is a Waltzing Session 7-7:45. Check the website or Facebook page. 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.

Sing, dance and clap along!

Regional Emmy award winners and stars of the Vermont PBS take to the stage in this fun family concert. Chris Dorman (Mister Chris) and his collaborators share classic and original kids' songs.

Check out episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of "Mister Chris and Friends" on Vermont PBS or YouTube.

This program is a great fit for ages 3-8 and families and is free and unticketed.

Student and community vocalists share powerful messages in an uplifting performance.

Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson, director

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.

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. Some months on 3rd Saturdays there is a Waltzing Session 7-7:45. Check the website or Facebook page. 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.