The Blue Ribbon Pavilion will host over 60 crafters and artisans each day. Patrons can browse and shop artisans and craft vendors from across Vermont and New England. These include woodcrafts, clothing, jewelry, spices, pottery, food stuffs & sweets, leather goods, maple products, artwork, teas, meads, wines and distilled spirits, games, pet goods and so much more.
THUS LOVE Bound by circumstance, identity, and creative spirit, three trans multi-instrumentalists founded THUS LOVE in 2018 in Brattleboro, Vermont. But the shared experience of Echo Marshall (she/her), Lu Racine (he/they), and Nathaniel van Osdol (they/them) runs much deeper, tracing its roots to poor, rural towns where it was difficult to find communities to call their own. That feeling of loss and solitary longing has also, paradoxically, cemented their powerfully close connection in THUS LOVE. The band lived together in a one-bedroom apartment above downtown Brattleboro during the entire recording process of their debut album, Memorial, with Marshall cordoning off a room to build a studio from scratch. Musically, THUS LOVE combines their love of post-punk with a loose, eclectic experimental streak that owes as much to van Osdol’s jazz collection as it does to Marshall’s classical training as a cellist. The band is unafraid to tackle weighty themes with startling intimacy and vulnerability — and with a goal of amplifying the voices of those who continue to struggle. Says Marshall: “What I hope we’re able to accomplish with THUS LOVE is to redirect opportunities to those who haven’t had them and to create communities in the kinds of places where we grew up. We want them to know they’re not alone.” GIFT GIFT is a psychedelic rock band from Brooklyn, NY. GIFT’s sonic vibrations nod to echo-heavy ’90s psychedelic icons like Brian Jonestown Massacre and Spiritualized. Started in January 2020, GIFT quickly became one of Brooklyn’s favorite psych outfits with their kaleidoscopic live shows. Blending heavy pop sensibilities with pysch filled improvisational jams. Inspired by Ram Dass’ legendary book Be Here Now, the name GIFT is a play on words invoking the word “present,” as in “the present,” as in “it’s a gift to live and breathe in the present.” GIFT’s debut album is expected to release in late 2022.
Don’t miss Thursday, celebrating 21 years of Full Collapse, joined by Cursive who will be celebrating 20 years of Domestica along with special guest Anthony Green.
On a dark, December night, Illuminate Vermont shines bright with the power of artistic expression and celebration. Winter lights, hot beverages, local artisan food, unique handmade products, live music, and more — join us for a magical evening in the heart of South Burlington’s growing downtown and support local Vermont artists. The event is free for all to attend! Attendees can enjoy discount hotel rates with Comfort Suites, Homewood Suites, and The Delta.
Vermont Ballet Theater is pleased to present their luxurious production of The Nutcracker ballet at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington. For families in and around Vermont, it has quickly become a Christmas tradition not to be missed! All ages will be enthralled with VBT company director Alexander Nagiba’s stellar choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and performed by extraordinary dancers from VBTS and the local community. Joining our cast this year as the Cavalier is guest artist Kyawzwa Lwin from City Ballet San Francisco. We are very happy to welcome him to Vermont’s Own Nutcracker! Follow the delightful adventures of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they conquer the evil Mouse King and travel on a mystical journey to The Land of Sweets where the enchanting Sugarplum Fairy reigns. From snowflakes swirling in dreamy white tutus to a growing Christmas tree towering over Clara and Herr Drosselmeyer, VBT’s Nutcracker will thrill one and all.
