1. Songs of Support
Vermont folk-music fans are likely familiar with singer-songwriter Patti Casey‘s strong, steady voice and guitar playing. “In addition to being a fine songwriter,” wrote Robert Resnik in a review of Casey’s 2010 album The Heart of a Waiting Boy, “Casey has a voice that evokes sweet shivers.” Joined by longtime collaborator and noted Vermont fiddler Colin McCaffrey, as well as former Bluegrass Gospel Project bandmates, Casey offers an acoustic concert supporting East Montpelier’s Old Meeting House. Pay what you can to view the prerecorded 90-minute show between Friday, November 20, and Sunday, November 22.
2. Creative Solutions
Talent? Originality? Charisma? Northern New England’s got ’em. Three standout individuals from the region’s creative community serve poetry, drag and mural artistry during the Sex, Politics & Cocktails Virtual Celebration benefitting the Planned Parenthood of Vermont Action Fund. Spoken word artist and former Vermont state representative Kiah Morris; New Hampshire drag performer Jas LaFond; and Portland, Maine, mural artist Ryan Adams represent the region in this digital showcase starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 19.
3. Dear Reader
Washington Post writer Ron Charles described On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, the 2019 best-selling novel by Ocean Vuong, as “a lyrical work of self-discovery that’s shockingly intimate and insistently universal.” The winner of the 2019 New England Book Award for Fiction centers on Little Dog, a young man delving into his family’s history — and revealing aspects of his own life — to his mother in a letter. Lit lovers read into the work during a virtual meeting of the Monthly Book Group for Adults presented by Jaquith Public Library in Marshfield on Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m.
4. New Stages
Like most theater companies, Burlington’s Lyric Theatre faces fresh challenges this year. After canceling in-person productions due to COVID-19, the company switched from stage to screen, filming the full-scale musical Songs for a New World for remote audiences. Written by Jason Robert Brown in 1995, the show is a contemporary song cycle tweaked to reflect modern-day circumstances. The theme “the moment of decision” connects the series of vignettes performed by 16 singers and eight dancers. Rent the video between Friday, November 20, and Sunday, December 20.
5. Comedy Scene
“What do you think of when you think of the state of Vermont?” asks Vermont Comedy Club co-owner Natalie Miller in a promo video. Miller and VCC co-owner Nathan Hartswick would like comedy to be a part of the answer to that question — along with autumn foliage and Bernie Sanders, of course. To that end, VCC has partnered with Vermont Tourism to present Little State, Big Laughs: A Vermont Comedy Club Livestream Event. Hop on YouTube or Facebook at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, for LOL-worthy performances by national acts such as Brooklyn-based (and Montpelier-born) standup comic Carmen Lagala and locals including Burlington’s Aaron Paulsen.
6. Online Shopping
Whether seeking holiday gifts of simply looking to treat themselves, shoppers are sure to find something that strikes their fancy from the Women’s Festival of Crafts. This 31st annual bazaar, which typically takes place at Burlington City Hall, goes online to offer browsers unique handiwork from more than 80 Vermont craftswomen. Items ranging from fine art and ceramics to jewelry and body care products are up for sale through Friday, December 18, via womensfestivalofcrafts.com. Be sure to follow the fest on Instagram and Facebook for vendor spotlights and promotions.
7. Water Ways
Founded in 2009, Sustainable Woodstock is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to live environmentally, economically and socially responsible lives. One way the organization promotes its values is through sharing environmental films. The latest is DamNation, a 2014 documentary that offers a hard-hitting look at the United States’ dam system, its environmental impacts and the benefits of dam removal. Stream the film for free from Thursday, November 19, through Wednesday, November 25.
This is just a small sampling of the state’s in-person and virtual happenings in the coming days. Browse our art, calendar and music + nightlife listings for more.
If you’re planning or promoting an event in Vermont, please send details our way for a free online listing. Find our event submission form at sevendaysvt.com/postevent.
This article appears in 2020 Vermont Holiday Gift Guide.
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