Spring 2010

This Season

Places to go and things to do

Through April 30
"Impressions of Vermont"
On View
Bennington Museum, Bennington

Drawn from the museum's permanent collection, this impressionism exhibit features works largely from 1900 to 1950 and includes many paintings of Vermont by artists with strong Vermont connections. "An impressionist style was extremely popular with artists throughout America in the first half of the 20th century," says collections curator Jamie Franklin, "and Vermont artists, or artists depicting Vermont scenes, were no exception to this popular trend."

Artists whose work is displayed include Clifford A. Bayard, Wallace Weir Fahnestock, Lorenzo Hatch, Louis Aston Knight and Arthur Wilder. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Wednesdays. $9 adult, $8 for seniors and students under 18. (802) 447-1571.

Feb. 27
Middlebury Winter Carnival & Chili Contest
Downtown Middlebury

What better way to warm up in February than with a steaming bowl of chili? How about many bowls of chili? From chicken to venison, Middlebury-area caterers, restaurateurs and amateur cooks get together and make the best chili possible, and you can be the judge. Last year, 29 vendors made more than 50 different kinds of chili. The public determines the best in seven categories.

Nancy Geoghegan of the Grapevine Grille is eagerly awaiting the contest. In December, she was already testing new recipes. The Irish-blooded Geoghegan said she balked at the mention of a chili contest, thinking her background wouldn't help her in a Tex-Mex-themed competition. But she improvised a lamb and Guinness chili, winning her category and drawing droves to her restaurant. "People came in wanting the chili," she says. "I didn't even have a recipe." This year, Geoghegan is going to try to recreate the lamb chili, plus she's testing pork and other types. Live music and more free treats drew 1,500 people last year, so get in on the fun. 2 to 4 p.m. Nominal chili-tasting fee to be determined, other events free. (802) 388-4126.

March 2-3
Masters of the Fiddle
Chandler Music Hall, Randolph

Husband-and-wife duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are known for unbelievably fast, precise fiddling and high-zest step dancing, as well as mastery of ballads and the softer side of Celtic music. 7:30 p.m. $40-45. (802) 728-6464.

March 14
Catamount Trail Challenge
Trapp Family Lodge to Bolton Valley Nordic Center

If 17 kilometers and a 2,420-foot vertical climb sound like a calling rather than a nightmare, sign up for the Catamount Trail Challenge race. The trek begins at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, covering Nebraska Notch to the highest point on the Catamount Trail. This is a tough course designed for experienced skiers in good physical condition. Skiers can enter either a timed course or an untimed touring category. Entry fee includes a post-race banquet, raffle, awards and the Catamount Trail Association Guidebook. $50 for Catamount Trail Association members, $60 for nonmembers. All-day event. (802) 864-5794.

March 19-28 and April 9-11
Green Mountain Film Festival
Various locations, Montpelier and St. Johnsbury

The Green Mountain Film Festival is expanding from Montpelier for the first time, setting up a satellite location in St. Johnsbury. In conjunction with Catamount Arts, many of the films shown March 19-28 in Montpelier will be shown April 9-11 in St. Johnsbury at Catamount Arts and two other locations. Additionally, Catamount Arts will feature a high school filmmakers showcase. Donald Rae, executive director of Focus on Film, said in a release: "This new collaboration with Catamount Arts enables us to reach an even broader audience, while retaining the intimate scale and friendly atmosphere that is so much a part of the festival."

Independent, international and documentary films dominate the festival, including "Conversations With My Gardener," a drama about a painter who returns to his roots and renews a forgotten friendship; "La Danse," Frederick Wiseman's documentary about the Paris Opera Ballet; and "The Necessities of Life," a nominee for best picture at Canada's Genie awards.

For schedule, ticketing information, locales and more, visit www.greenmountainfilmfestival.org. (802) 262-3456.

March 26-28
Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
Statewide

The beautiful spring sugaring scene ? long, blue sap lines hitched from tree to tree, steam rising from chimneys, men and women working in the snow ? never loses its magic. Maple Open House Weekend affords you the chance to learn all about sugaring and watch syrup being made. Activities vary from sugarhouse to sugarhouse, but often include demonstrations and a chance to taste the goodness. Get a glimpse of the way Vermont produces more than 900,000 gallons of syrup each year. Visiting is free. For a list of participating sugarmakers and directions, visit www.vermontmaple.org. (800) 837-6668.

March 30
Zakir Hussain & Masters of Percussion
Flynn Center, Burlington

Mumbai-born percussionist Zakir Hussain began touring at age 12. Now approaching 60, he has evolved from a child prodigy to a master musician, along the way collaborating with such stars as George Harrison, Bela Fleck, John McLaughlin and the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. The New York Times said the "blur of his fingers rivals the beat of a hummingbird's wings." 7:30 p.m. $27-$44. (802) 863-5966.

April 9
Pacifica Quartet
Chandler Music Hall, Randolph

Winner of the 2009 Grammy Award for best chamber music performance, the Pacifica Quartet are at the leading edge of their craft, and for the 2009-2010 season, they are the quartet-in-residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. "They play with stupendous, breathtaking virtuosity," said a review in the Sunday Times of London. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called their performance "luscious, edge-of-your-seat music making." 7:30 p.m. $30 and less. (802) 728-6464.

April 22
Patty Larkin and Chris Smither
Higher Ground, South Burlington

Calling Patty Larkin a singer-songwriter is too simple. On her latest release "Watch the Sky," industry guide allmusic.com says Larkin went into the studio alone and "produced, wrote, sang and played every note herself" on about a dozen instruments, including guitars, keyboards and drum machines. Larkin will be joined in concert by veteran folk and blues artist Chris Smither, whose latest album is "Time Stands Still." 8 p.m. $20 in advance, $22 day of show. (888) 512-7469.

April 25
The Wailin' Jennys
Landmark College, Putney

You may have heard The Wailin' Jennys on "A Prairie Home Companion," where they are often featured. The Juno Award-winning trio are like a softened, sweetened version of the Dixie Chicks ? three accomplished bluegrass and traditional musicians who also sing with beautiful harmonies. Nicky Mehta (guitar, harmonica, ukulele, percussion), Ruth Moody (guitar, accordion, bodhran, banjo) and Heather Masse (bass) are celebrating the release of their latest album, "Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House." 7:30 p.m. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. (802) 254-9276.

May 7
African Children's Choir
Flynn Center, Burlington

Comprised of orphaned children from across Africa, this choir has performed with many music stars, such as Josh Groban, and has appeared on the hit TV series "American Idol." Numerous songs in their repertoire have Christian and spiritual themes, and the stage show also uses traditional instruments, costumes and geographic video projections. The Flynn Center says that these high-energy young people "show the world that Africa's needy and vulnerable children (and indeed, all children) have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability." Proceeds from the tour go to children in Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Sudan to help with clothing, schooling and other needs. 8 p.m. $24 to $39. (802) 863-5966.

May 16
"Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece" and more new exhibits
Shelburne Museum, Shelburne

Vermont's folk art institution opens for the season with several new exhibits, including a display of quilts made by family members and caretakers of someone who has Alzheimer's disease. Among other highlights: "Circus Day in America" celebrates the golden age of traveling circuses, and "Ansel Adams and Edward Burtynsky: Constructed Landscapes," contrasts works by the legendary wilderness photographer and those of Burtynsky, who chronicles modern environmental blight. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily through Oct. 24. $20 for adults, $10 for children, Vermont residents $10 adults, $5 children. All children under age 5, free. (802) 985-3346.

May 20
Burlington Clothes Exchange
Doubletree Hotel, South Burlington

Fashion and fundraising merge at the Burlington Clothes Exchange, where you can score great deals on new and gently worn clothing while raising money to help the King Street Center, a social-service agency in downtown Burlington. Boutiques including ECCO, Monelle and Sweet Lady Jane provide new women's merchandise. As Elzy Wick, a veteran Clothes Exchange shopper says, "The Clothes Exchange is eco-chic philanthropy at its best. It's my favorite fundraiser ? good for my wardrobe, my wallet and my community." Early shopping from 6 to 7 p.m.; main event from 7 to 9 p.m. $100 for early shopping; $10 for the main event. (802) 826-6736.

Events

February

Folkie Catie Curtis plays a benefit for the Burlington-based Peace & Justice Center. A native of Maine, the singer-songwriter came up through the Boston music scene and recently released her 10th album, "Hello Stranger." 7 p.m. Higher Ground, South Burlington. (888) 512-7469.

Postmodern jazz pianist Hiromi plays two solo concerts at the intimate FlynnSpace in Burlington. "Tradition is of considerable use to Hiromi, but mainly as a springboard," said the New York Times, describing a July performance. "She's always poised to jackknife through the stratosphere." 7 and 9:15 p.m. Flynn Center, Burlington. 863-5966.

24 and March 3

Create a masterpiece in Found Metal Wall Hangings. This workshop focuses on how to assemble found objects without welding or using heavy machinery. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Studio Place Arts, Barre. 479-7069.

Get ready to funk things up with Deep Banana Blackout, a perennial high-energy favorite. Though they're not touring with the voracity they once did, the Connecticut-based band has been popping up a bit more often again. 9 p.m. Higher Ground, South Burlington. (888) 512-7469.

Global rhythms and influences converge at Voices: Philip Hamilton '82, offering a wild array of sounds and textures. Middlebury College says "vocal tones and techniques, such as Tuvan throat-singing, Balinese monkey-chanting and hip-hop's beat-boxing" will combine with a cappella singing styles "including doo-wop, Bulgarian choirs, barbershop quartets, South African miners' songs and Gregorgian chants." Keynote event for the Vermont A Cappella Summit. 8 p.m. McCullough Social Space, Middlebury College. 443-6433.

27-28

The Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge is a casual family race series for skiers and riders, open to all ages and abilities. Choose from an easier or more difficult course, and prizes are awarded in categories based on age and gender. Free. Registration starts at 8 a.m., races at 11 a.m. Feb. 27, Killington; Feb. 28, Pico. Other Vermont dates and locations: March 13, Bromley Mountain; March 14, Mount Snow. www.snocountry.com.

Strap on your skis and say your prayers for the Stowe Derby. Traverse 16 downhill kilometers on Nordic skis (classic or skate!). The course gets tough and competitive ? spills are not out of the norm. Events for kids as well. 8 a.m. Pick up bibs at Stowe High School, Stowe. 253-7704.

March

TIMBER! Watch the Perrucci Brothers build a course of thousands of dominoes. Then, watch them topple it! Correctly guess the number of dominoes and you could start the chain reaction. Last year's course had nearly 7,000 dominoes. 5:30 p.m. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. 257-0124.

Come as you are to a discussion about Nirvana and Kurt Cobain, led by George Dennis O'Brien, former president of Bucknell University and the University of Rochester. In Search of Nirvana: Rock 'n' Roll Religion looks at the world of rock, its promise and its dangers. Presented as part of the Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays Series. 7 p.m. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury. 388-4095.

Jungle Jack Hanna introduces you to the live, wild animals of far away places. Hanna, who has appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman," "Good Morning America" and "Larry King Live," sold out two Rutland appearances last time he was in town. 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Rutland. 775-0903.

Strap on your snowshoes and head into the forest for a Woodland Snowshoe. Explore the hardwood and boreal forest ecosystems, and learn to identify moosewood, rock maple and shadbush trees with guidance from a naturalist. 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Mad River Glen, Fayston. 496-3551.

The Brattleboro Music Center Chamber Music Series presents New England Bach Festival Musicians Reunion Concert. The original orchestra was chosen by Marlboro Music Festival founder Blanche Moyse. Sixteen of the original members reunite to celebrate Moyse's 100th birthday. 3 p.m. Latchis Theatre, Brattleboro. 257-4523.

12-21

The Women's Film Festival in Brattleboro screens more than two dozen documentaries and feature films, "made mainly by women, highlighting women's lives around the world, telling women's stories with drama, wit and candor." Other events include the exhibit "Visions," featuring work by women artists from the Brattleboro region. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Women's Crisis Center of Windham County. For films, times and locations visit www.womensfilmfestival.org.

13-14

Gorgeous Gardens & Green Living is a new event this year, and featuring four landscaped displays, 25 seminars and workshops, plus more than 40 vendors. You'll be sure to get inspired for the gardening season. Riley Rink, Manchester. (888) 518-6484.

15-21

Your chance to see Shaun White, Danny Kass, Kelly Clark and Hannah Teter ride in person comes this spring at the Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships. Stratton Mountain Resort, Bondville. (800) 787-2886.

17-April 3

Northern Stage presents the New England premiere of "Damascus," a 2007 work by one of Scotland's leading playwrights, David Greig. Born in Edinburgh in 1969 and raised in Nigeria, Greig and his East-meets-West play drew acclaim in the United Kingdom. Philip Fisher said in the British Theatre Guide that Greig "uses wit and subtlety to explore an alien culture, as seen through the eyes of an ignorant outsider who gets way too involved ? very Graham Greene." Briggs Opera House, White River Junction. 296-7000.

There are no winners or losers at the rugged Backcountry Challenge ? "only those who finish the course and those who don't." Choose telemark, snowshoeing or randonee skiing and make your way through the Green Mountains. Lunch is included with the entry fee. Registration at 9 a.m., race at 10 a.m. Mad River Glen, Fayston. 496-3551.

20-21

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra presents Masterworks Series 4. The program includes works by Mozart, Richard Danielpour, De Falla, Delius and Copland. March 20 performance at 8 p.m. at the Flynn Center in Burlington, March 21 at 4 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. www.vso.org.

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, who had a string of hits including "Run to You," "Heaven," "Summer of '69" and "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You," performs a solo acoustic concert as part of his Bare Bones Tour. 8 p.m. Paramount Theatre, Rutland. 775-0903.

Graduate from your bread machine to making rustic, artisan breads in Foccacia & Fougasse. Discover how to handle the slack doughs, which may be intimidating to learn on your own. With the support of an instructor and classmates, learn about preferments and shaping techniques. 6 to 9 p.m. King Arthur Baking Education Center, Norwich. (800) 652-3334.

Get your mind out of the winter gutter at Jay Peak's Beach Party, one of the big bashes of the year at the Northeast Kingdom ski area. Music, barbecue and beer start on the deck at 11 a.m., then things move inside (21 years old and up) from 4 till 9 p.m. 988-2611.

A night with basketball jokers The Harlem Globetrotters is a great event for families. No wonder this troupe has been around for 84 years. 7 p.m. University of Vermont, Burlington. $20-70. (866) 422-8849.

April

Like to go big? Enter the Gravity Control Big Air Event at Smuggs' terrain park and you could win cash prizes. 8 a.m. registration, event kicks off at 10 a.m. Free to watch. Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville. 644-8851.

Middlebury College says pianist Richard Goode "has been acknowledged worldwide as one of today's leading interpreters of classical and Romantic music." Easter Sunday performance, 4 p.m. Mahaney Center for the Arts. 443-6433.

Vermont author Chris Bohjalian discusses the writing process for his latest book "Secrets of Eden," a novel about "shattered family ties, intimate secrets and the nature of sacrifice." Part of the Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays Series. 7 p.m. Rutland Free Library, Rutland. 773-1860.

Martha Dana and her life-size, handmade puppets will surely entertain the kids in your life. She brings folk tales to life with cool cats, raging reptiles and fuzzy dragons. 11 a.m. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph. 728-6464.

16-17

Beat the blah season blues with the Mud Season Variety Show, a menagerie of local acts including comedy, dance, music, drama and suspense. 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph. 728-6464.

Sunshine Daydream Festival or Pond Skimming? Well this year, you don't have to choose, as the two events will merge into one. Don a wild costume, try to ski or ride over a pond without getting wet, and listen to jam bands. Time TBA. Killington Resort, Killington. www.killington.com.

21-May 2

Vermont playwright Dana Yeaton ("Midwives") and Vermont Stage Company unveil his new work "My Ohio." Billed as "an insightful musical comedy," the play is set in the Midwest and revolves around a young, evangelical kindergarten teacher and a new-in-town chiropractor from New York. FlynnSpace, Burlington. 863-5966.

Purchase new and used clothing, household items, antiques and jewelry, and help benefit Woodstock-area service organizations at the Woodstock Glad Rags Sale. Over the years, the event has raised more than $1 million for local charities, including the Woodstock Community Food Shelf and the Thompson Senior and Community Center. 9 a.m. Masonic Lodge, Woodstock. 457-4166 or 457-2864.

Jonathan Edwards performs his mellow, storytelling style of folk music, and is joined by Stuart Schulman (piano, fiddle, bass and vocals) and Troy Armerding (mandolin and vocals). 7:30 p.m. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph. 728-6464.

30-May 2

Celebrate the end of sugaring season at the Vermont Maple Festival. Pancake breakfasts, crafts, antiques, fiddlers, sugarhouse tours and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown St. Albans. Full schedule and more information at www.vtmaplefestival.org. 524-5800.

May

Middlebury College's best student jazz musicians play in The Sound Investment Jazz Ensemble. Styles swing from big band to bebop, standards and contemporary sounds, under the direction of Dick Forman. Free. 8 p.m., Mahaney Center for the Arts. 443-6433.

6-9

An interesting play for Mother's Day Weekend: "The Trip to Bountiful," by Horton Foote, tells the story of an elderly woman who wants to leave Houston and return to her small-town childhood home. Her son and bossy daughter-in-law try to shield her from making the voyage. 7:30 p.m. Thu. through Sat.; 2 p.m. Sunday. River Arts Center, Morrisville. 888-1261.

14-16

Smell your way to spring at the Woodland, Wildflower & Primrose Days. Learn about springtime plants as you tour gardens, and pick up a spring growing tip sheet. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cider Hill Gardens & Gallery, Windsor. (800) 232-4337.

All area codes 802 unless otherwise noted.
Schedules subject to change; please call ahead to events.
Sometimes we find out about interesting events after the magazine has gone to press. As an added benefit to subscribing to our e-newsletter Vermont Life e-news, you'll get an updated list of great Vermont events each month. To sign up, visit www.VermontLife.com/gm-news/newsletter.htm.