VermontMusic

Blueberries Revisited

2008-07-22T10:54:00.005-04:00

I wrote a blog around this time last summer about Mitch and I's delightful excursion to Owl's Head Blueberry Farm in Richmond where we picked 6 quarts of blueberries and picnicked to the tunes of Gordon Stone. We drank wine and laid in the grass. It was one of the most romantic evening's Mitch and I have shared to date.

Well, this year we shall return again - in two days actually to enjoy the tunes of Filk - an obscure rock band playing "covers you've never heard of so you think they're originals." Filk is headed up by my PR buddy, Erik Filkorn - we became friends while networking PR shop talk at Dobra Tea, although I always had the feeling he would much rather be drinking a beer. The band is a cast of talented Vermont musicians and the music is "picked" by Erik. When asking Erik what this meant I learned the story in the story being that Erik was an "Almost Famous" and "Spinal Tap" sort of character - talent scout of bands before they made it big or more often than not before they didn't make it big.

While Erik scouted he learned and collected the songs he liked, most of which have never been heard of beyond obscure college radio in the late 80's and early 90's. But even more interesting was the movie-like scenarios he would pop up in - eating a cheeseburger backstage with Bob Weir, sharing a Caesar salad with Sarah McLachlan, or finishing a bottle of Jack Daniels over a deli tray with Eddie Van Halen. Erik's rule about picking songs is he has to have had at least one beer with the person who wrote or taught him the song.

Come check it out at Owl's Head this Thursday - it's free if you buy at least 2 quarts of blueberries. And if you want to buy more - you can freeze them and they taste fresh in the winter - I did it - yum!!
Freezing Tip: Freeze on a cookie sheet first and then put in a container or freezer bag - then they won't smoosh.

Live Music Rants

2008-07-15T19:39:00.002-04:00

Maybe it is because my computer's motherboard is busted or maybe it's because I have not seen enough live music lately, but I must share another rant. It is a rant disguised as praise for an up-and-coming awesome singer in Vermont. That would be Myra Flynn - and we're talking diva material here. Check her out on her My Space - or better yet keep an ear out to watch her live. You can also stay updated with her activities and performances on her blog - Idol Time.

The following post is a rant directly from Myra but which I sympathize with completely and I believe most of my readers will as well so I felt the need to share - check it:

The Seven Deadly Sins of Concert Etiquette

#1 Cell phones are not lighters ... or cameras

If you have replaced the soft glow of a lighter with the iridescent glow of your cell phone, you are officially on my list. You are never going to get a decent camera shot, movie clip, or sound sample with a cell phone. The best thing you can get out of a cell phone is a phone call, and I don’t even have the energy to explain the annoyance of the person holding the phone up to the show shouting, “Can you hear them?! They rock. Wait, can you hear them now?!?” Here’s a tip: Either buy the equipment to actually translate your experience or leave the phone at home. Some of us go out to shows to...oh, I don’t know, listen to music!

#2 Outlandish dancing during inappropriate times

Believe me, I grew up in the days when throwing your musically charged body into a ring of people with their fists and feet awaiting the chance to pummel you was a cool thing. I have nothing against moshing, head banging and other forms of gyrating, but when you are attempting to start a mosh pit at an Anais Mitchell concert, that’s when I have beef. It’s a folk show! Stop head banging, people don’t want to eat your hair. Yet there is always that one person who drinks too many beers and cannot even begin to comprehend moving to music without flailing around in complete disregard for people’s personal space

#3 Hey, do you know how to play “Free Bird”?

This sin comes from being a musician. My band plays soul music and although it’s obvious that we have a clear and organized set list arranged, we can’t seem to transition from one song to the other without someone shouting out their favorite Stevie Wonder or Al Green tune. First of all, not all soul music consists of singers like these two and all rock musicians do not know “Free Bird.” Secondly, the band did not ask to take requests. Unless you’re at a wedding, let the band take you on whatever ride they want. If this is a problem, there are plenty of dive bars with jukeboxes. All you need is a quarter and you can shout requests to your heart’s content.

#4 Story Telling

“Dude, I was at a (fill in the blank) show last fall and it kind of reminds me of (fill in the blank) except the guitar player is taller with better sideburns but, man, can he ever wail, it’s almost like whoa! How does he do it? But I know how he does it because I have a buddy in Texas who can rock pretty hard, he wanted me to be in his band but I was like way too musically above them to play in some crap band so instead of flying out there to audition I exchanged my plane tickets for these concert tickets and here I am! Rockin!” Need I say more?

#5 Push and Shove

Seriously, why can’t most people just accept their place in a crowd? Yes, the guy next to you is holding up his cell phone and the girl next to you is trying to start a mosh pit, but if you think the solution is shoving your way towards the front, you are wrong. Awaiting your arrival at the front is another guy with a cell phone and another girl starting a mosh pit. In between your travels, however, you have managed to upset four or five strangers who are now ready to grab you by the back of your shirt and yank you back to your appropriate position.

#6 Heckling? Really?

I’ll never understand those who yell “Boo” at concerts. If you are at the concert, that means you bought the tickets. What’s the issue? Unless that band has all of sudden decided to launch flaming balls of fire into the audience (although I realize that this is a standard for some bands) then why the need to shout at them? You’re not at a “Night at the Apollo” where heckling is not only accepted but encouraged, you’re watching groups of people bare their souls on stage. Even if you don’t like their music, booing them is unlikely to make it better. I suggest that if you need a place to vent your musical frustrations, try becoming a columnist for a newspaper and write one called “The Seven Deadly Sins of Band Etiquette.” It’s very refreshing.

#7 Smoking

I don’t think I ever realized how poisonous cigarettes really are until I spent four hours at an Erykah Badu concert in Montreal, inhaling more second hand smoke than I could handle. Almost everybody my age in Montreal seems to be a smoker and regardless of the venue, they continue to puff away. The first two hours weren’t so bad. After that, I began coughing and clearing my throat. By the time I walked out of there my hair was dry and brittle, my skin felt the same and my glands were swollen. I’m not usually one to tell people they can’t smoke, but in an atmosphere where there is already so little oxygen to go around it’s almost selfish to steal the rest.

(as seen in The Burlington Free Press on Myra's Blog - Idol Time with Myra.)

93.7 FM SUX!!!

2008-07-01T12:07:00.003-04:00

Jerks. They play Phish on stupid studio album rotation for days and say something Phishy is coming Tuesday at noon. And at noon the station is launched into an Oldies station called Cruisin' or some stupid crap. Lame, Lame, Lame. I hate marketing ploys that are under false pretenses! Well, yet another reason why I don't listen to the radio.
PS - the station is WSUX - coincidence?

What is so Phishy???

2008-06-30T17:24:00.008-04:00

I can't stand it! I really can't! Ok, I will start with reposting a little ditty I wrote on my My Space Blog:

Just when I thought I was over you
Just when I thought I would love only moe.
Oh Pagey you have to go and write to me
And I just can't
Go on spending my dough on shows!

Here I am
Thinking of that four piece band
Who broke my heart and tore me from my fun
And made live music my only one
No I can't live without it
But how will I survive with it?

Just when I thought I was over you
Just when I thought I would love only moe.
Oh Pagey you have to go and write to me
And I just can't
Go on spending my dough on shows!

I wrote this in response to reading Page's letter (for those who don't know, he is the keyboardist of Phish - you know, that band that is probably the reason behind my moving to Burlington in the first place). You can read the letter here.

After I read the letter on Thursday I poked over to Phantasy Tour - skipped the moe. page and went straight to the Phish page to my own personal horror. I mean, I am the girl who when getting my Vibe in 2006 (reasoning behind the popular Vermont Vibes Blog) ended my ten year stint of Phish stickers on my car and switched to moe. stickers.

At this point I can't even learn more about comments Mike Gordon (Phish bassist) has made about a possible reunion - which can be seen here. But, I do go and read the JamBands article on Phish's potential return and do agree with a great deal of it - especially the touring Europe part - stay away from me!!

So, the following night is Michael Franti and Spearhead at the Shelburne Museum through my Higher Ground faves. While driving back from town to have some dinner and drinks at the farmhouse with Mitch before the show, and probably the first time in about 24 hours I am not thinking about my love/hate dilemma with Phish, I am forced to listen to the radio as recent car cleaning has left all CDs and the Ipod back at the farmhouse. So, I flip through the stations, always annoyed at the large amount of crap out there, I come across a Phish tune. Of course that figures. So I grumpily listen and slowly turn it up and start groovin'. The song ends and this chick's voice in a whisper says, "93.7 Addison, Something phishy's coming Tuesday at noon." At this point I am like, "what the &%@#?" And then another Phish song comes on. And then the chick. Then another song, and so forth until about a five song rotation concludes and they do it all over again.

I am all sorts of fired up when getting home and tune directly to 93.7 when driving to the show, and sure enough - there's the phishy rotation again. Mitch and I try to forget about Phish for a while and focus on the power of Michael Franti and our backstage passes (thanks HG friends!). And of course while drinking Magic Hats backstage, there is Mike Gordon. Now, if you recall from other posts, or are familiar with the scene around Burlington, Mike Gordon (or MG as I call him) is always out and about and sort of fits into the large circle of friends we bounce around with like your friend's brother's buddy who you say hi to but rarely chat one-on-one (the big one-on-one was when Mitch got to play Honky Tonk with MG last fall). But, of all nights of running into MG, this is the time when Mitch is checking out the portolets and MG and I end up being one-on-one. Of course, I refuse to ask him about Phish, 93.7 or anything else. Not because you shouldn't bother rock stars with such talk but because I am in absolute denial and instead ask about his tour and congratulate him on his recent wedding.

I hide the rest of the weekend gardening, going to the beach, and playing with my cats, and yeah - grumbling about Phish and making Mitch laugh hysterically. Then today, back at work, I poke around for the 93.7 nonsense and see there's already a Phantasy Tour news post as well as a mention on the blog, Hodska on the Web.

I am doomed. My bank account is doomed. My moe. love is doomed. Phish is worse than the worst ex-boyfriend creeping around and wanting to hang out. One that you still actually like that is. I know Phish will be back. I know this because nothing I want comes easily - ever. And as I do not want this, it will happen. And I will scrape and crawl like the rest of them for tickets. Or maybe I can just ask MG.

Prepare yourselves Phish heads. And may the Lizards pray for our souls.

Guagua

2008-06-20T11:20:00.002-04:00

In Cuban guagua means a percussion instrument made of bamboo and played with sticks. In Vermont Guagua means psychotropical jazz band. Based out of Burlington, Vermont, Guagua plays a mix of traditional Cuban and Brazilian music with a very layered and courtyard party sound. As they have a residency at Radio Bean every other Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, I ave seen them from time to time, but never actually watched and listened, always enjoyed as colorful background music.

Recently I had the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy this multi-instrumented group at Metronome for the Healthy Hippie Magazine Launch Party. What fun! I had a chance to get some good shots of Guagua and want to share them with you today:

Be sure to check out their website at www.guaguavt.com as well as their My Space for some tunes. And tune into Radio Bean or watch for them play somewhere near you!

The Old Lantern

2008-06-13T09:45:00.003-04:00

The owners of Roland's Place in New Haven and the publisher and editor of the Charlotte newspaper, Rural Route Today, have teamed up to bring the live music back to The Old Lantern - a historic dance hall which opened in Charlotte in 1964 after being moved from Jericho in 1962. The Old Lantern is also known as having the largest laminated maple dance floor in the State of Vermont. Someplace I should definitely be playing my blow-up guitar at.

The new Live Music Series at The Old Lantern kicks off tomorrow night with Plutonic Fever who will open with a short set... this is a group of Vergennes and Essex high school students. Great chance to support young musicians as they start to embark on music careers.

Ragged Glory follows playing the authentic music of Neil Young and Crazy Horse. This fantastic opportunity for Father's Day entertainment features the talent of father-son team - Ken and Jesse French, with Mick Petrie on bass and Coop Cooper on drums.

Bringing in the night and giving that laminated dance floor a run for its legacy is FunkenBluze. Jammy award winning video producer Johnny Reid (responsible for the footage in the PHISH IT video and nominated this year for "Keep on Marchin,'" North Mississippi Allstars) takes the stage with his boombox voice and a harmonica... which he has wielded since the days when his age was in the single digits! FunkenBluze includes the fabulous Eames Bros (Seth and Ralph), All-state high school phenom drummer Greg Sallerson and the alluring Colleen Mays who can belt it out with the best of them.

The second installment (and one I will be attending in force!) is Saturday, July 19th featuring the Honky Tonk Hoedown I so terribly miss from it's humble weekly home at Radio Bean now that I actually live in Charlotte. Brett Hughes, Gordon Stone, Marie Claire, Lowell Thompson...you know, all the Honky Tonk Faves!

The Old Lantern is located on Greenbush Road in Charlotte and doors open at 6 - tickets can be purchased at the door.

North Star No-No

2008-06-02T19:50:00.005-04:00

If ever I heard negative music in my ears it would be the band playing the soundtrack of my life as I exited the North Star Lodge/Inn in Killington, Vermont this past Sunday after encountering the worst case of discrimination I have ever experienced. It was even worse than the time I was followed around JC Penney for potential shoplifting as I was dressed in my hippie patchwork with messy hair. Of course for kicks I went back the next day dressed in a business suit and hair in a bun and was asked if I could be helped four different times.

I could do that because I lived very close to the mall at that time. Killington, however, is a good two hours away from Charlotte - as I learned loud and clear Sunday to the sounds of rudeness, sarcasm, and disrespect. I am not sure what combination of instruments makes those sounds - perhaps an out-of-tune bassoon, piercing trumpet, and an organ stuck up the wrong pipe?

I drove down the the North Star Lodge with gas at $4 a gallon because I "won" a weekend getaway, dinner for two, and a $1000 online shopping spree at the Essex Craft & Fine Art Show a few weeks ago. Of course being called out of all the entrants seemed fishy to me since I never win anything. It made sense when they asked my income, marital status, and age and said I could only redeem my winnings after taking a 90 minute tour of the North Star Lodge in Killington. Ah-ha - a timeshare scam! I knew what it was and was willing to go as having just moved, I am in need of lots of stuff and I figured the hotel would come in handy on moe. tour. I also couldn't imagine a Vermont lodging property would stoop so low to engage in something that horrible.

I was wrong. I fully admit it.
1.) I believed in the good of marketing as I operate on the ethical, fair, and honest side of marketing with my Vermont public relations firm, Rachel Carter PR. Guess it's too much to ask that of others.
2.) I was also running late as I don't usually trek down to Killington and I was courteous and called when I was close to the intersection of 100 and 4 - where the Killington Access Road is to let them know I would be there shortly.
3.) I believe that people are generally nice and that those in customer service after all the horror stories out there are now a bit more trained to not judge a book by its cover and to be polite and courteous. Not at the North Star Lodge in Killington. The staff and service are of the worst kind.

When my sweet drummer lover Mitch and I walked in we were given the once over (it is not my fault we are Vermont rock stars), told we were too late for the tour and rudely asked to leave - that nothing could be done.
They did not care that we drove miles and miles.
They did not care that gas costs $4 a gallon.
They did not care that we are human beings.
I tell you my friends, they did not give a damn!

Had we looked like we just stepped out of a Jersey SUV you can bet your tail feathers we would have got our tour. And, from what I hear, the crappy gimic prizes. The worst part of the whole North Star Lodge experience was how completely nasty they were to us - I honestly can't remember the last time I was spoken to in such a fashion.

So, instead of driving down to Killington, reporting on the North Star Lodge as a potential place to stay to see Vermont music (never mind skiing in the winter), and sharing Killington area music events, I come back disheartened, saddened, and just plain mad that this nonsense still goes on. To the North Star Lodge I say - knock it off you jerks - Vermonters need all the tourism dollars we can get!

And, not to let Killington area music suffer from their neighbor's lack of respect, class, and ability to understand that ex-Phish heads now own their own businesses, I will share two interesting Killington area music events I did find out about - after stopping at some nice country stores on the way home where we were welcomed like the good folk we are.

The 26th Anniversary Killington Music Festival - www.killingtonmusicfestival.org
Presents summer contemporary and classical concerts by the Vermont Festival Players, the Young Artist Concert Series at Rams Head Lodge in Killington and at Trinity Church in Rutland, and the Music in the Mountains Concert Series at Killington Resort's Rams Head Base Lodge. Performances are Saturdays at 7pm, June 28 through August 9.

Killington Wine Festival - July 17, 2008
7th Annual Killington Wine Festival: Sample hundreds of wines from around the world. Events include wine tasting, educational seminars, live music and a gala wine dinner.

Opera in Vermont

2008-05-27T23:22:00.003-04:00

Now in it's third magnificent year, the Green Mountain Opera Festival is just days away from it's June 1st curtain rising. And this year the festival features dozens of Vermont musicians, both in the orchestra and the chorus of this year's chosen complete production of La Traviata. If you have never experienced an opera, this is your chance! The lead roles are played by internationally renowned opera singers, the supporting roles by Emerging Artists in the festival's program funded by Sheila Johnson (founder of BET), and the chorus by Vermonters. And, the two productions of La Traviata are performed at the beautifully restored Barre Opera House to a full orchestra with dramatic staging and gorgeous costumes.

Bah pain-in-the-bum if you say you don't like opera but have never seen one. Hearing a song sung in vibrato is NOT like seeing a live opera just like hearing a song on a studio album by Phish is NOT like having gone to a live show.

If you still can't be convinced, have no fear, this is a festival with a whole bunch of events leading up to the final shows. Several are free including open rehearsals and master classes with opera stars. For a complete listing, visit www.greenmountainoperafestival.com. A few of the highlights include:

Opening Opera Concert, Joslyn Round Barn
Stars of the Green Mountain Opera Festival’s 2008 production of La Traviata perform opera classics and favorites.
Friday, June 6th, 7:30 pm ($20 per person)

Broadway Picnic, Lareau Farm Inn
Singers from the 2008 Green Mountain Opera Festival will perform Broadway favorites at this casual festival favorite, open air event.
Wednesday, June 11th, Picnicking – 6:00 pm, Concert – 7:00 pm ($10 per person)

Emerging Artist Showcase, Joslyn Round Barn
Talented budding opera stars of tomorrow, chosen by audition to be included in the Green Mountain Opera Festival’s Emerging Artist Program perform their showcase concert.
Friday, June 13th, 7:30 pm ($20 per person)

Opera Chat & Lunch with Tim Tavcar, Joslyn Round Barn
Thursday, June 19th, 12:00 noon ($25, reservations required)

And, of course...

Opening Night Performance of La Traviata, Barre Opera House
World renowned performers, emerging artists, and Vermont musicians come together for this fully staged and costumed production accompanied by the Green Mountain Opera Festival Orchestra.
Friday, June 20th, 7:30 pm ($27-$45 per person)
Matinee Performance of La Traviata, Barre Opera House
Sunday, June 22nd, 3:00 pm ($27-$45 per person)

Painting by Bill Brauer

Open Studio Weekend in Vermont

2008-05-16T10:10:00.002-04:00

Every Memorial Day weekend Vermont holds one if its truly most ingenious events - Vermont Open Studio Weekend. This is a time to visit artisan studios, usually never open to the public and see artisans at work as well as buy directly from the source.

Just as I encourage you all to support your local music scene, supporting your local artisan scene is just as important. It is also a great opportunity to visit some more offbeat places and listen to the music. Many studios will have musicians playing throughout the weekend. Don't just rush in and rush out - listen to the music! Stop for a minute and just enjoy instead of stress and squabble about prices. The music is free.

And instead of racing back to the homestead, check out your surroundings and go see some live music while you are out experiencing Vermont finest!

My top pics for Open House Weekend include a weekend full of fantastic local music at The Bees Knees in Morrisville, a variety at Langdon Street Cafe in Montpelier, three nights of The Benders at Middle Earth Music Hall in Bradford (with dinner!), and a run of groovy shows at The Hub in Johnson.

For a list of locations that have Open Studio Maps so you can plan your route, click here.

Enjoy!

North Branch Bluegrass Festival

2008-05-09T07:45:00.005-04:00

Yay!! A new bluegrass event in Vermont! And one that is traditional bluegrass, not just a bunch of kids experimenting with bluegrass sounds. I am not saying I don't appreciate that as well, but there is something about watching more seasoned folks play from tradition in the back of a local farmer's barn that just twangs at your soul and makes you want to dance without your shoes and keep an eye out for moonshine.

Promising "nine hours of quality music," Bridgewater Corner couple, Randy and Heather Kennedy, are holding the First Annual North Branch Bluegrass Festival on Bud Jenne's Fields in Bridgewater Corners. How can you not love how that sounds??? The festival is happening, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 21st. No camping this year, but maybe in years to come, no dogs either which is good because it can be a pain in the arse when everyone brings their dogs. The event is family friendly and workshops will be offered throughout the festival. People are encouraged to bring chairs.

Four bands will be featured, New England Bluegrass and Crossing North are the out-of-staters and Vermont bands Big Spike and Gopher Broke. Big Spike is a five-piece band featuring the twin fiddle sound highlighted with a big double bass. Gopher Broke is a Northeast Kingdom four-piece gem that promoters claim will make your kids want to sign up for music lessons (note: The Mitch is for hire for drum lessons).

Admission is $10 for kids under 12, $18 for 65+, and $19 for the rest of us. More info is on the website at www.nbbluegrass.com and there's a ton of sponsors so make sure you support those who support local events!

photos: Top - Big Spike, Bottom - Gopher Broke

Vermont Music Survey

2008-04-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

Hey folks! I am in the middle of moving as we speak and trying to wrap up work, billing, moving, late client payments, and a bunch of other fun stuff. Needless to say, my blogging has taken a bit of a back burner. Once I am settled in my new home - a fantastic farmhouse in East Charlotte - I plan to get back to basics and slow down a bit which should allow for more enjoyment of the Vermont music scene - especially outside of the Burlington bubble. The Mitch and I even plan on having weekly music nights in our music room and are looking to meet more musicians to join in on occasion. I think our goal is to create a Vermont farmhouse sound, not s band.

Anyway, it has been brought to my attention that the big, heavy music supporters at Big Heavy World have created a survey to learn more about how Vermont musicians contribute to their society, culture, and economy. I strongly encourage you to take a few moments and provide your feedback which will help Big Heavy World better support Vermont music and musicians.

Take the survey!!! www.VTMusicSurvey.com

Peace everyone and Happy Spring!
(playing pool stick guitar with my favorite musician wife and mom-to-be!)

Healthy Hippie Magazine Launches!!!

2008-04-22T11:10:00.003-04:00

Check it - I just sent this release to the media and all you VT music industry readers should come check this out!!! GREAT opportunity to see how you can have some involvement in this growing-in-popularity magazine and meet some good contacts in the scene!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2008
Contact: Taraleigh Silberberg
917-756-0309
taraleigh@healthyhippie.net

The Healthy Hippie Magazine Officially Launches May 17th!

Burlington, VT – Taraleigh Silberberg, aka “The Healthy Hippie,” announces the launch of the first official issue of The Healthy Hippie Magazine. The magazine’s launch party takes place at Club Metronome on Saturday, May 17th from 5:30 – 8:30 pm and is open to the public with no cover.

The Healthy Hippie Magazine is a publication that entertains while educating. It provides information on green living and building, health, and live music. The magazine strives to help readers learn to live in balance and to “live the life you love” by eating, living, and loving deliciously!

“It’s been so inspiring to take everything I love in life and to create a magazine with it!! All of us working on the magazine want to spread a positive and balanced lifestyle message,” exclaims Silberberg. She adds with a grin, “if something’s not fun – don’t do it!”

The magazine was started by Silberberg after receiving accolades of positive feedback from her weekly Healthy Hippie Newsletter (distributed to approximately 1,500 subscribed readers) and a variety of other people whose lives she has deeply impacted. Silberberg is a holistic health counselor and nutritional coach certified by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, teaches dance and movement at music festivals around the Northeast as well as in various locations throughout Greater Burlington, was a New Jersey Nets cheerleader, New York Knicks tumbler, and toured with Phish for several years (as a fan) which spawned many of the tips she provides today.

A special promotional issue of The Healthy Hippie Magazine was distributed throughout Vermont and Northeast music festivals from January through March, earning the magazine insightful feedback, recognition, readers, subscribers, advertisers, and partners.

The first official issue will begin distribution the first week in May and will be celebrated at the launch party on May 17th. The Club Metronome/Nectar’s sponsored event will feature music by Guagua and Dave Halchek and healthy snacks which have been featured in the magazine, newsletter, and on the website. The first 50 people who bring two non-perishable food items will receive a Vermont-inspired “Healthy Hippie” goody bag. Editors, contributors, advertisers, friends, family, and fans have all been invited to join in on the sure-to-be-lively celebration of “living the life you love.” A networking table will be provided for businesses to connect with other like minded individuals.

“I am a big supporter of anyone trying to start their own business,” comments Nectar’s and Metronome co-owner, Damon Brink. “Taraleigh is obviously dedicated to her mission and her energy is evident in every interaction I have with her. I think the party is going to be a great success because she is involving her community and I will continue to support her and other local business as they grow."

The Healthy Hippie Magazine is scheduled to be distributed 6 times a year throughout Vermont and Northeast music festivals. The Healthy Hippie Newsletter is distributed electronically weekly. Subscriptions and more information available at www.healthyhippiemagazine.com. Also check out:
www.guaguavt.com, www.liveatnectars.com.

###

Promote Yo Sho

2008-04-14T14:50:00.003-04:00

Looking to promote your show? Here's a few tips and places:

1.) The Healthy Hippie - Have you heard of her yet? She publishes the Healthy Hippie Magazine and a weekly newsletter. The audience is Vermont and Northeast music festivals. Check out www.healthyhippie.net to learn ways you can promote your show! Oh, and be hip and meet lots of folks at the magazine's launch party at Nectar's, May 17from 5:30 - 8:30!

2.) Yellow House Media - Great Central Vermont/Upper Valley collaboration of folks - check out the weekly newsletter for great publicity options! www.yellowhousemedia.com

3.) WRUV and The Radiator - You can't just send blindly (not that you ever should anyway), but listen and pick a show that reaches your audience and get in touch with the DJ for that show! www.uvm.edu/~wruv/ and www.theradiator.org.

4.) State of Mind Music - of course there's the magazine (think long lead time people), but they also have a new website, email list, podcasts, blog - get in touch and see what opportunities there might be for you! www.stateofmindmusic.com

5.) Brent Hallenbeck - Not only is he the entertainment editor at The Burlington Free Press, but he also writes an active music blog, Brent's Notebook. Good person to send info to - in advance!

6.) Dan Bolles - He may write the critically objective reviews in Seven Days, but he also edits the all important music listings as well as authors an active blog, Solid State. Looks like music coverage might be expanding as well with a few more music writers - so be in touch and once again, in advance!

7.) Weekly and Community Newspapers - If you're playing in almost any Vermont town, there is sure to be a local, weekly type of paper mailed to all residents. Such a fantastic way to promote your show, so look into it!!!

8.) Skyline Music - Run by former Burlington music fave, Pat May, the Skyline Music website - www.skylineonline.com - has a fantastic free download of 100 Free Ways to Promote Your Band. I highly recommend memorizing this document.

Please remember, I only write about music taking place in Vermont, by Vermont musicians! If you are both a Vermont musician and making music in Vermont - I want to know about it!

Art By Kimberlee Forney - www.kimforney.com

VT Musician Services

2008-04-07T22:03:00.004-04:00

Thanks everyone for so much reading and blog feedback - this is great! It seems I have a pretty diverse readership of Vermont musicians, management folks, recording studios, etc. Another words, lots of industry folk. So, bands, fear not - you will still be written about, but since my audience seems to be very "in-the-industry" I thought I'd take a post or a few and highlight some industry insiders! I mean, the music don't play without the peeps in the background, right?

For this post, I'd like to mention a few Vermont Music insiders who have gotten in touch with me and share a brief bit about their services:

Halogen Media Works - www.halogenmediaworks.com - These guys are like the marketing agency of the music business. Working with a very new media driven approach, they bring together a collaboration of record labels, producers, managers, and bands for distribution, production, development, and events. It seems they even stream beyond just music as their client base is broad. They have West Coast offices, but are headquarted in Montpelier!

Charles Eller Studios - www.charlesellerstudios.com - Located in beautiful yellow farmhouse in Charlotte is one of Vermont's most renowned recording studios. Charles, or as those who know him well, Chas, has been recording for 30 years and has a very impressive list of credits to his name. The studio offers analog and digital recording, remote recording, audio for video, music production, and sideman services. Home base for Vermont world music record label, Cumbancha, Charles Eller Studios offers services to everyone from musicians to companies to other business and entertainment production companies.

Thrive Promotions - www.thrivepromotions.org - Ah-ha! For those bands who have contacted me as a potential publicist - check these guys out! (while I'd love to be a music publicist, my niche is with Vermont companies - I'll just write about the music for now!) Anyway, Thrive is located in Burlington and is your all-purpose artist promotion company. Going on tour in a new region or heading out nationally - get in touch with Thrive and see how they can help you out!

Vermont Music Gripe

2008-03-28T16:04:00.003-04:00

Or actually, it's more of a fan gripe - Pay For The Music!

This is to everyone who says they support local music but don't want to pay for it.

It makes me mad.

Local musicians do not get money from big record labels, they don't all live off trust funds, they work hard usually doing day jobs and play music because they love it.

But that doesn't mean they love playing for free!

It is damn time consuming to lug all your equipment to and from a gig. Equipment and instruments need repairs and upgrades. Practice space needs soundproofing or rental fees. Gas to and from gigs is a bank breaker. And there's a dozen other things I am sure I am leaving out. To refuse to pay donations or to always try to find free ways into shows is disrespectful to the music and the musicians you say you support.

We are all guilty of it to some extent and times are hard on everyone! If you so choose to live in Vermont, you do not get equal pay to living in other places and the cost of living in Vermont is ridiculously unfair. These are simple facts that are brushed under the rug by many powers-at-be because no one can admit that our class system is now those with lots of none and those without. Why are there so many people like me out there being self employed? Because we can't afford to work in most of the jobs that are offered in Vermont!

But none of this is an excuse to deny a cover charge, donation, or ticket price to the very musicians who help us escape the crappy, daily financial woes we all suffer from!

I have griped my gripe, and now only ask - the next time you are trying to avoid paying for live music - take a moment, close your eyes, and put yourself in the musician's shoes...

Red Hot Juba

2008-03-21T18:14:00.004-04:00

Ooooooo - these guys are fun! When I said I got a CD release email from Red Hot Juba, even that elusive drummer Mitch got all excited. Of course, that got me all excited. Ok, enough about that. But, really, how could I not like a band called Red Hot Juba - it just oozes some form of naughtiness!

And sure enough some of the way they describe themselves includes "timeless hot jazz," "turning onto a country road with Hank Williams," and "juke joint jumping rockability." Plus, some of their songs are called "Lover's Lane," "After Dark," and "Capable."

The lyrics simmer and steam with catchy and naughty phrases, all combed together with eye-slitting bounce. Yum...Mitch?!!? My quote for Red Hot Juba is "Vermont Music Blog thinks this is the perfect music to have play at a rolling farm landscape, kick-you-shoes off summer party and may need to invite Red Hot Juba to play her farmhouse July 4th weekend party."

They are gigging extensively this spring - so warm up people and go check them out! View their full schedule here and by all means, go to their CD Release Party on Saturday, April 5th at The Monkey House in Winooski! Website is at www.redhotjuba.com and also check out their My Space!

The Farm Fresh Arts Fesival

2008-03-12T22:18:00.003-04:00

Yay! Combining the localvore movement with music in Vermont! Fantastic concept and the surely event to experience and help make it happen is The Farm Fresh Arts Festival being held Sunday, March 30th at the LACE Gallery at the Farm Fresh Market on North Main Street in Barre. LACE stands for Local Agricultural Community Exchange and can be found online at http://lacevt.org/.

The Farm Fresh Arts Festival kicks off at 10:00 am with brunch featuring fresh farm produce and products and live music by Vermont musicians until 4:00 pm. Other highlights include Senator Patrick Leahy unveiling a photography exhibit between 2:00-4:00 pm and there will also be a Rock and Roll Silent Auction as well as a raffle for a Vermont made Froggy Bottom guitar. (John Mayer has one.)

The Vermont musician lineup includes:

10:00 am - Kristina Stykos/Doug Perkins (dueling guitars and original songs) www.kristinastykos.com
11:00 am Dave Keller (local bluesman) www.davekeller.com
12:00 noon Earthman (world beat/digeridoo)
1:00 pm Susan Reid/Pam Bockes (celtic fiddle/guitar and songs)
2:00 pm Scott Ainslie (traditional blues and original songs) www.cattailmusic.com
3:00 pm Jamie Masefield/Doug Perkins (acoustic jazz masters) www.jazzmandolinproject.com

Hope folks get a chance to check it out to support your local food providers and entertainment makers!

Maire Claire - NOT the Magazine

2008-03-07T12:45:00.005-05:00

She uses that slogan on her My Space, so I thought it would be a catchy title. Maire Claire is fantastic and I am totally a fan. If you have not heard of her, I am proud to be the one to introduce, and if you have, I am sure you will share my sentiments.

I mostly see Marie perform at Honky Tonk Tuesdays at Radio Bean, but know she plays much more widely than that and my to do list involves making it to a solo performance of hers.

Marie strikes me as very versatile, easy to get along with, and helpful to other musicians she plays with - I have observed her many times showing drummers specific rhythms for songs and easily interchanges from vocals to piano depending on what the audience demands and what other musicians can offer to the mix.

She is most pleasant to talk to and oh-so-pleasant to listen to. Her vocals are always right on and effortless - a true mark of talent and professionalism. And her piano playing rocks!

Keep an eye out for Marie Claire's name when looking for music to see - whether it's a solo performance or her joining forces with some of Vermont's best musicians, you will be pleased and so will your ears.

Check out her My Space at http://www.myspace.com/marieclairemusic

Photos courtesy of Robin Reid, Publisher of Rural Route Today and helps head up the Charlotte Coffee House.

Call To Musicians!

2008-02-25T12:06:00.004-05:00

Seeing live music has been a bit more sparse this winter than I would like. Running a Vermont public relations business that essentially has nothing to do with the music business in Vermont has really taken up all parts of my life, leaving just enough time to get in a few runs at the mountain and watch a few escapist themed movies. But, this blog is being read and I want to keep providing and need help from Vermont musicians! It will, in turn, help you!

Please, please, please, send me info and websites of Vermont musicians. Any sort of musician, band, or artistic endeavor involving music works! If you are a band outside of Vermont and looking for promotion in Vermont, I am sorry, this is not an outlet for you. I specifically want to be a resource for Vermont musicians and Vermonters looking for Vermont music!

My mission in sharing Vermont music is not to be some stick-up-the-ass reviewer and always look for flaws in music (I'm a music lover, not hater - never really got that concept anyways). I really want to share the positivity of all the varied music in this state. That doesn't mean that I am not going to be honest, but I'm not looking to pick a fight - so send away - let me know what's going on!

Revolve with Me and Theory!!!!

2008-02-15T20:21:00.003-05:00

Yay!!!! My sweet, awesome drummer lover's band is having a reunion show and I will most certainly use my blog for shameless boyfriend promotion - especially the day after Valentine's Day! In their heyday, Theory of Revolution was kind of the unofficial band of Magic Hat Brewery events and parties. Well, with Mardi Gras just around the corner, the Magic Hat crew got together to plan their Mardi Gras kick-off night at Nectar's and when deciding on the bands to play kept saying they wished Theory of Revolution hadn't broken up. Not that a broken up band is gonna stop Magic Hat from having their fun - I mean c'mon - who can argue that they aren't the kings and queens of fun? So, through connections and life's little acts of randomness (which are of course not random at all, but meant to happen to connect the cosmos), the line up of keyboard extraordinarie, Taylor Johnson (and uber rad designer); ripper, tearer and shredder guitar man, John Verryt (driving in from NH with the baby expecting wifey {without a knifey}); edgy and raw bass master, Matt Gadouas (happily back from twiddling some nonsense); and bringer of the sick beats, brah, Mitch Pauley (my superdrumalicious better half) come together for this medley of Magic Hat, music, and an air of headiness.

This Wednesday people, February 20th at Nectar's - bring it.

Booking Gigs in Vermont

2008-02-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

It seems this Vermont Music Blog has been getting quite a bit of traffic lately which is super fun to see! I do plan to update the venues and bands very soon as it's been a while since I've done so. I am writing this post because I have been getting quite a few phone calls and emails lately regarding booking gigs. First off, I do not do that and do not plan to do that. I am a publicist and have to stick with my niche or I would be like a hippie dancing in a straightjacket. So, with that being said, I have two wise words of Vermont music, PR mama wisdom:

1. To Bands from Out-of-State - Nectar's and Higher Ground are not the only venues in Vermont. Heck - Burlington - is NOT the only place you should be playing. Please know that Vermont's biggest industry is tourism and you should play where the people are. Foliage resort communities, ski areas, summer festivals, fairs, and field days. There is tons of competition in the more "hip" towns. There are other colleges in Vermont besides in Burlington. Look into such places and play there - they'll be stoked to have you. Want to get people there? Send a press release to the local town paper - all Vermont communities have one - and people read them.

2. To Smaller Bands in Vermont - Same Advice!!! Why? Because Vermont is a home grown state - don't fight it and get mad at it - embrace it! People in smaller towns really appreciate live music coming to them - so bring it!!!

Trade a Trumpet for the Vocals

2008-01-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

In a way that's what Japhy Ryder does, and very well I might add. Based in Burlington, Japhy Ryder is a funky, jazzy, and beat-centric quartet with trumpet, guitar, bass, and drums. They take a jazz base and electrify it with beats and energy which is fantastic for dancing. I am not the biggest jazz based modern music fan, but like what Japhy does in taking the mournful sounds of jazz, especially with great trumpet playing (and I can judge that as my bro is a classically trained phenomenal trumpeter), and creating jams and beats around that voice. I also like that there is no voice, vocally speaking. There is sometimes nothing worse than a good jam band feeling they need to have vocals and sticking one of the members on the mike when they really can't sing, never mind the sound issues that come with adding vocals to a band. Japhy Ryder knows what they do well and they do it, smart move boys.

I have boogied down to them before and even got my first kiss from my sweetie at a Japhy Ryder show! Last week they played the Five Year Anniversary Party at Nectars, an early, happy hour crowd, and proved they can also provide great background music for an event without making anyone there feel uncomfortable that no one's paying attention to the band. While those are not the most fun gigs for a band, they did a great job and the music was certainly enjoyed by everyone there.

Japhy Ryder has a ton of Vermont shows coming up and while I am happy to provide links to their website - www.japhyryder.com - and their My Space Page, I am also going to list their calendar because you should check them out. Plus, they're doing quite a few apres ski gigs which are a great way to support local music, local mountain life, and local beers!

Feb 2, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Feb 8, 10:15 pm, Oliver’s (Cask’n Flagon), Boston
Feb 16, 3 pm, Castle Rock Pub - Sugarbush Ski Resort
Mar 1, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Mar 22, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Mar 27, 11 pm, the Monopole, Plattsburgh
Mar 29, 3 pm, Castle Rock Pub - Sugarbush Ski Resort
Apr 5, 9 pm, James Moore Tavern - Bolton Valley Ski Resort
Apr 11, 9 pm, Unity College, Maine
Apr 19, 11 pm, the Monopole, Plattsburgh
Apr 26, 10 pm, The Hub, Johnson
Jul 26, 9 pm, Samson’s Bar & Grill, Paul Smith, New York

I'll be at the Sugarbush shows - hope to see some peeps there!

New Venues!

2008-01-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

These venues are not brand new, but relatively new and worth checking out a band and the ambiance! Would love to hear feedback too!

The Hub - Johnson
Fully known as The Hub Pizzeria & Pub and located in the heady Vermont college town of Johnson (location of Johnson State College), The Hub has fast become a popular location for Vermont's blues rock circle - Seth Yacavone, guys from former Miracle Train, somewhat molded into Liquid Dead (Brian Lauri), Jeremy Harple, and the Nightbirds, which makes up a good part of the next few week's lineup at The Hub. Johnson needs a place like this - makes for a great road trip! Enjoyable Vermont drive out to Johnson, cheap and groovy shopping at Forget-Me-Not Shops, tea at Edelweiss Bakery and Cafe, fill up on spring water from the Johnson Cold Spring, and pizza and tunes at The Hub.

Weathervane Music Hall - Brattleboro
Down in the southern end of the state is the artsy town of Brattleboro - a town I never get to as much as I'd like. A little over a year ago two women created and started a music venue business called The Weathervane Music Hall. Live music 5-7 nights a week, rotating art exhibits, full bar, local brews, soups, paninis, and burritos with local ingredients - all the attributes which make up the kinds of places I like most! Coming up are quite a few good acts I've heard around Vermont - if you're down the Brattleboro way, please visit The Weathervane Music Hall. I wish the very best to owners, Andrea and Gina!

Skinny Pancake - Burlington
The owner of the Skinny Pancake once asked me why I was writing in a cafe. Now I understand more about why he asked that and wonder if he has found the answer. At that time, The Skinny Pancake was a yummy food cart on the Church Street Marketplace (and a favorite of mine after a night downtown). Soon after a Skinny Pancake booth could be found at music festivals around the Northeast. Not long after, The Skinny Pancake opened on the corner of College and Lake Streets on the Burlington Waterfront. It may be one of the best locations ever for such a joint and is certainly getting a lot of attention lately for its innovative music offerings. I tend to think that is owner Benjy's culmination of careful observation around the Burlington scene. The Folk & Fondue Music Series runs Thursday through Saturday, with Thursdays now being a special night for college student performers. Make it a point to stop by The Skinny Pancake for some tunes, some fondue, oh yeah, and a crepe!

Nectars 5 Year VIP Event

2008-01-13T18:18:00.001-05:00

Listen up Vermont music lovers! You will only hear about this here on my blog - yet another reason you should read Vermont Music, share Vermont Music with others, and, most importantly, get in touch with me (via my website - www.RachelCarterPR.com) and fill me in on Vermont music news and happenings!!

Nectars Restaurant & Bar, a staple in the Vermont music community, was sold by original owner Nectar Rorris five years ago to the trio of Damon and Sally Brink and Chris Walsh. Five years later Damon and Sally are celebrating their five year anniversary of Nectars ownership and management (Chris is directing movies in the Caribbean and checks in from afar).

To honor Nectar's friends, patrons, musicians, and other folks, Sally and Damon are hosting a VIP Happy Hour and Vermont Music Blog readers are invited! Simply email me or mention me at the event which is set for Wednesday, January 23rd from 5 - 7 pm. Live music will follow the "happy hour" and is then open to the general public. In return for reading my blog - if you find me at the event I will happily get info on your band and do a Vermont Music Blog post as well as introduce you to any folks you'd like to meet at the event.

Hope to see you there!!!

The Cush

2008-01-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

Imagine a foursome of artsy rockers and their rock and roll instruments stumbling upon an empty church on a rainy non-Sunday afternoon. They enter the church and see a vintage pipe organ at the pulpit. Filled with images, thoughts, and musical interludes, they venture to the organ, set up their guitar, bass, and drums and start to play.

This is how I envision The Cush in my head. While their music fits into the more Indie-genre - a genre I do not particularly listen to - it also has glimpses of one of my more favorite bands, My Morning Jacket, which leaves a sort of eerie, mystical ringing in my ears afterwards. Listening to the The Cush evokes a similar state - perhaps that which helps bring images of empty churches to my mind.

The Cush started in Texas, but have made their name and home in Vermont, so I can definitely promote them in the Vermont Music Blog! They are also returning to their roots with a small Texas tour right now, but hopefully they will be back in Burlington for a show or two before they head out and make it big - I have a feeling they are certainly on the verge...plus, whether you like Indie rock or not, their music is developed, orchestrated, and certainly hits a chord when listened to.

Check them out at www.thecush.com (only complaint is you can't use the back button to navigate) and on their My Space, which has recently been updated so bands can post more than four songs - yay!