Congratulations are in order for Vermont native Adam Tendler. The pianist and composer has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Classical Instrumental Solo for his 2024 album, Inheritances. While Tendler has played on Grammy-nominated records before, notably with the band wild Up, this is his first solo nomination.
Tendler created Inheritances after his late father left him an envelope stuffed with cash. He summarily took that money and commissioned some of his favorite modern classical composers to write music for a new record that served as a way to process his grief over his father’s death.
The composer returns to Barre, his hometown, for an intimate performance of his Grammy-nominated piece this Sunday, November 16, at the Barre Opera House. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit barreoperahouse.org.
What with the Radio Bean turning 25 last week and Vermont Comedy Club’s upcoming 10th anniversary, it’s been hard to keep track of all the nightclub birthdays. Well, add Zenbarn to the list! The live music venue and restaurant opened in Waterbury Center nine years ago this week.
To celebrate the day, Zenbarn is hosting a free party on Saturday, November 15, featuring music from Americana act Jaded Ravins and sets by DJ Cheetatah, DJ Vetica and DJ Logic.
“We’re celebrating nine years of love, music, community – and everyone who’s been part of this journey,” cofounder Noah Fishman said. “This night is our way of saying thank you.”
Did you know that the analog synthesizer was developed in Vermont? That’s right, German engineer Harald Bode, who had moved to Brattleboro to work for the Estey Organ Company, finished designing the first synth in the late ’50s. And in 1977, Jon Appleton developed the Synclavier with the company New England Digital in White River Junction.
In celebration of the Green Mountains’ long history with electronic music, the folks at Nova Arts in Keene, N.H.,, along with founder and radio DJ Wendy M. Levy, are throwing Circuits in the Woods in downtown Brattleboro. The one-day festival on Saturday, November 15, will feature workshops, performances and lectures by more than 20 artists in genres from ambient to darkwave to synth pop, noise rock and more. Headliners include Philadelphia’s Jeffrey Alexander + the Heavy Lidders and Guilford’s own Wet Tuna.
The fest also features a “Synth Petting Zoo” at Turn It Up! record store hosted by Bellows Falls musician Trevor Robinson.
For tickets and lineup information, go to novaarts.org.
Shows to Watch Out For
1. M FOR MONTRÉAL FESTIVAL, at various locations in Montréal, November 19-22
2. THANKSGIVING EVE COMEDY HOSTED BY KENDALL FARRELL at Foam Brewers in Burlington, November 26
3. THE WOOD BROTHERS at Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon, N.H., December 13
4. GHOST at the Bell Centre in Montréal, January 30
5. MOE. at Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, N.H., February 10
6. STAVROS HALKIAS at the Flynn in Burlington, February 12
7. THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS at Paramount Theatre in Rutland,
March 18
Listening In
Playlist of Vermont jams
This article appears in The Winter Preview Issue 2025.
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