Silly in the Streets
Friday 30-Sunday 1
The Festival of Fools, Burlington’s beloved busking bazaar, takes over downtown once again after a yearlong hiatus. From the Friday kickoff bonanza to Sunday’s Last Laugh Variety Show, Burlington City Arts gathers acrobats, musicians and all manner of motley, family-friendly performers sure to delight Church Street viewers.
New Soul
Wednesday 28
Vermont native Myra Flynn refuses to be pinned down. The acclaimed singer-songwriter incorporates influences from her Irish and African American heritage, as well as inflections from artists as diverse as Janet Jackson and the Alabama Shakes. Her statewide tour touches down at the Middlesex Bandstand, where Mediterranean Mix serves refreshments to outdoor concertgoers while Flynn croons the night away.
Verdant Verse
Thursday 29
Vermont Studio Center’s Writers on the Rise series welcomes poet Hanae Jonas, whose work has appeared in publications such as the Kenyon Review, ZYZZYVA and the Iowa Review. Jonas, who often channels Green Mountain State scenery in her writing, reads for a virtual audience at this showcase designed to uplift diverse talent.
The Swing of Things
Friday 30
Vermont Swings returns to form with a night of social dancing preceded by a free lesson for beginners. Seven-piece band Danny Jonokuchi & the Revisionists provide jazzy live tunes for hoofers to hop, step and rock to at this all-levels, fully vaccinated night of fun at Burlington’s Champlain Club.
Tree Huggers
Saturday 31
Audience members at Cirque Barcode‘s new show, Branché, should not expect to sit back and relax. The award-winning acrobats guide attendees through multiple outdoor environments at Greensboro’s Highland Center for the Arts. Performers climb on nearby trees — and each other — as their movements tell a story of the climate crisis and community healing. Picnic meals are available for lawn pods at this utterly unique dinner show.
Ready to Rumble
Sunday 1
Vintage farm equipment enthusiasts converge at Woodstock’s Billings Farm & Museum for Antique Tractor Day. Exhibitors present their lovingly restored rigs before the parades, and spectators cheer on their favorite machine at the festival-ending “Slow Race.” Between festivities, families enjoy tractor-themed games, crafts and story walks. Food is provided by the Dairy Bar and Trail Break taps + tacos.
Oh, My Gouache
Ongoing
Multimedia artist Hannah Morris continues a strong showing at Northern Daughters art gallery in Vergennes. “On Second Thought,” her series of layered scenes in gouache, Flashe and collage, celebrates color and multiplicity. “I want to trigger a viewer’s memory,” Morris says, “for I believe that vision is shaped by thousands of remembered moments.”
This article appears in Jul 28 – Aug 3, 2021.
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