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Public Discussion Will Explore Ideas to Help Mark America’s 250th Birthday in 2026 – Brattleboro Style!

by WWAC | History

Brattleboro, Vermont, 6 January 2025: Events are being planned all across the nation to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026. This ‘semiquincentennial’ calls for more than just a bigger fireworks display; it offers an opportunity to creatively engage and express ideas about our country’s past and future and what it means to be an American in the world today.

How Vermont and specifically the Brattleboro-area ‘shows up’ and shares these ideas with the rest of the nation during this 250th anniversary will be the subject of a public meeting to be held on January 16, 2025 at the American Legion Hall, 32 Linden Street (just next to the Municipal Center), in Brattleboro, Vermont, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm with light refreshments served. Representatives from various town organizations, including Brooks Memorial Library, Vermont Independent Media (VIM), Windham World Affairs Council (WWAC) and Brattleboro Union High School will share details on what’s happening so far statewide and nationally, and elicit public input. The forum will be taped and subsequently made available on BCTV.

Jim Giddings on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

JIM GIDDINGS talks about early days of the local art scene, co-creating a world-class gallery, dealing with fire and flooding. He also talks about discovering art and how painting connects him to mystery…..And, a magical experience in Notre Dame.… AND this Saturday January 11th at 5pm, help Jim & Petey celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Mitchell-Giddings Fine Arts !

New Music for the New Year – OH NO

by cgrotke | Music
OH NO cover

Greetings! I thought I’d share a new local musical project with you – my new solo EP called “OH NO” is now available.

It’s not for all ears, of course, but if you like quirky, funky, dance-y music, protest funk, and satirical commentary on the present times this just might be what you are looking for to lift your day.  Or 18 minutes of it, at least. 

Firas Zreik Performs Original Compositions in the Arabic Maqam Tradition at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents a concert of original compositions in the Arabic Maqam tradition, featuring Kanun player Firas Zreik on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 pm.

Kanun player and composer Firas Zreik has transformed global perception of the Kanun (Mediterranean harp). His treatment of the instrument preserves its identity as a vital part of the Maqam tradition, and stretches its potential as a cultural chameleon enhancing a range of fresh, evolving sounds. The Palestine-born New Yorker views the Maqam’s improvisation-driven legacy as a vessel for unbound creative expression across musical styles. His nuanced approach translates the Kanun’s resonant depth of emotion, with a mastery of microtonal soundscaping. In live performance, Zreik conjures a complexity of emotion that shape-shifts throughout his sets. He enters fragile places and sits inside them. This commitment to stark exploration has sent him around the world, performing at storied venues, intimate clubs and international festivals.

The Gaslight Tinkers – Dance Party at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present a dance party with roots and world music quintet The Gaslight Tinkers at Next Stage on Friday, January 24 at 7:30 pm. Blending African, Caribbean, Funk, Reggae, and Latin grooves with traditional fiddle music, the quintet creates the genre-bending future of the music of the past.

The Gaslight Tinkers’ mix of global rhythms creates a joyous world beat sound around a core of traditional New England old time and celtic fiddle music, merging boundless positive energy with melody and song. Drawing from their extensive musical backgrounds in traditional folk, Caribbean, old time, Celtic, and rock, I-Shea, Clara, Garrett, Elie, and Peter craft a sound that brings world traditions together.

Kristin Sullivan on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

Fascinating stories of Kristin Sullivan’s explorations into the arts and traditions of other cultures, indigenous people here and abroad – she wraps all of that into her job here as E.D. at the Retreat Farm. Take a look, it’s an engaging ride!

Some Local Holiday Video Favorites

by cgrotke | Creative

Need something to lighten your day? Here are some of our holiday specials created over the years. Apologies for the corporations slapping occasional ads on there now (wasn’t us…). It’s all run by a big eastern syndicate, you know.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes – December 10, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● Following a discussion about holding or cancelling the Board Retreat, it was determined to proceed with the Board Retreat on 1/13/24 and have a potluck meal to assist with the containment of expenses.
● Approved EES (Early Education Services) to move forward with the preparation and subsequent submission of their application for funding in the amount of $3,483,623.00 (due 1/6/25).
● To settle on a potential ‘shared read’ for the Board to engage in, a group of three to four Board Members have committed to review suggestions in order to select one to bring to the Board.
● A presentation was given by Dr. Rachel Glickman about Community Schools.

Cellist Mike Block & Kora Player Yacouba Sissoko at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents a special duo collaboration between cellist Mike Block and master kora player Yacouba Sissoko on Saturday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage.

Mike Block is a Grammy-winning multi-style cello player, composer, singer, and educator, with a passion for cross-cultural collaborations. Hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene” by Gramophone, he was acclaimed by the New York Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”, and “a true artist… a sight to behold” by Salt Lake City Deseret News. In addition to his solo performances and touring bands, since 2005 Mike has been a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, with which he has been featured as a cello and vocal soloist, contributed arrangements and compositions, and earned a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.

Christmas Sale of West River Railroad Books

by LarryRobinson | History, West River Valley

The Historical Society of Windham County located in Newfane, Vt is selling West River Railroad Books at a discounted price in time for Christmas.   The West River Railroad ran from Brattleboro to South Londonderry for the period of 1880 to 1936,  the Historical Society has purchased the Newfane Depot which was one of 10 stations along the route.  The depot has been refurbished and is now a museum for the railroad.

The Smack Dabs and Rhythm Future Quartet at Next Stage in the New Year

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents a double bill of good-time swing blues music from the 1930s from The Smack Dabs, and Gypsy jazz from Rhythm Future Quartet, on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage

The Smack Dabs specialize in good-time Swing Blues music from the 1930s, featuring the songs of Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, The Harlem Hamfats, and many others. This delightful and timeless genre features a rich variety of musical styles, ranging from mournful blues to joyful celebrations, setting the stage for incredible solo and group improvisations and delighting audiences and dancers alike.

They are proud to feature some of Boston’s most compelling improvising musicians in their lineup, bringing a fresh and unique sound to each performance. The core band includes Mark Earley on guitar, vocals, and kazoo; David Sparr on piano; Jim Gray on upright bass Mark Berney on cornet; Kit Buckley on saxophone and clarinet; and Jon Kraus on washboard.

Dear Governor Scott: Protect Our Books and Librarians

by annikee | Books

I just sent this msg to our Governor. We should start this movement.

Dear Governor Scott,

Please consider doing this for Vermont. We cherish our freedom and our libraries.

“PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law Monday to prohibit public and school libraries from banning books in the state and to enshrine protections against civil and criminal charges for librarians who comply with the law.”