Upcoming performances in and around Waterbury
March 29, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout
This post was updated on April 4.
Marsh Lights’ performance in Richmond for April 4 has been postponed and will be rescheduled this summer.
Lost Nation Theater’s Maple Moon Cabaret was postponed from March 23 due to a storm. It will be rescheduled and this post will be updated.
Our inbox is overflowing with performing arts announcements of shows happening over the next several weeks.
Postponed: Acoustic folk-grass with Marsh Lights in Richmond April 4
After living in the western U.S. and Eastern Europe, Burlington, Vt.-musician Colby Crehan returns to the stage with Marsh Lights. The former vocalist and songwriter for the Bluegrass Gospel Project and PossumHaw has reunited with PossumHaw bandmates for this five-piece acoustic project.
The band brings its acoustic folk-grass tunes to the Richmond Congregational Church on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m.
Crehan and bandmates’ accolades include Vermont Vocalist of the Year and Vermont Song of the Year (Tammie Awards, Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus). Vermont fans have caught them live at the Flynn Mainstage and Higher Ground. “While I don’t write autobiographical songs,” Crehan said, “I can always relate to the characters and stories in the songs in a deeply personal way. I hope our listeners will feel the same connection.”
The band also plays high-energy instrumentals written by banjoist Ryan Crehan and mandolinist Stephen Waud. In addition to new songs, Marsh Lights pulls from the old songbook of PossumHaw, particularly the live 2017 album “Limberpine.” Marsh Lights is preparing to record their first studio album in 10 years.
Tickets are available online: $25 in advance, $27.50 day of show; kids 16 and under and seniors 65+ are $17.50 in advance and $20 day of show. More information: marshlightsmusic.com.
Solaris embraces 10th anniversary with spring concerts, April 6-7
Marking its 10th year of music-making Solaris Vocal Ensemble has two performances planned, Saturday-Sunday, April 6-7, in Burlington and Montpelier.
Conducted by Dr. Dawn Willis the anniversary “Radiant Light” concerts will feature Mozart’s “Vesperae Solennes de Confessore” accompanied by a virtuosic chamber orchestra. Other selections on the program include works by Bruckner, Hogan, and Thompson.
Also in store is the world premiere of Solaris' own composer-in-residence James Stewart’s new work, “It Had to Be Your Fascinating Rhythm,” a reimagining of two iconic 1924 jazz tunes.
“We are thrilled to share this program and two evenings filled with radiant light and the power of choral music, as we continue to celebrate our 10th anniversary,” Willis said.
Concerts are Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Burlington’s College Street Congregational Church, and Sunday, April 7, at 4 p.m., at Bethany United Church of Christ in Montpelier.
Advance ticket purchase is recommended online at SolarisEnsemble.org, SevenDaysTickets.com. Tickets also will be available at the door.
TURNmusic presents Pianist Adam Tendler for two recitals April 11, 14
TURNmusic presents pianist Adam Tendler in two Waterbury performances April 11 and 14 as a residency project in partnership with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
Tendler performs an intimate recital of works by Vermont-born Nico Muhly at the Phoenix Gallery and Music Hall on Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Muhly has been commissioned by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra to compose a new piano concerto to be premiered by Tendler and the VSO on May 4 at the Flynn in Burlington. Tendler’s program at The Phoenix includes pieces specifically written for him and some other surprises. This recital explores firsthand the powerful works of Nico Muhly, interpreted by Tendler, the composer's friend, colleague, and dedicatee of his newest concerto.
Adam Tendler is a recipient of the Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, the Yvar Mikhashoff Prize, and "currently the hottest pianist on the American contemporary classical scene" (Minneapolis Star Tribune), and a "relentlessly adventurous pianist" (Washington Post) "joyfully rocking out at his keyboard" (New York Times).
A pioneer of DIY culture in classical music, at age 23 Tendler performed solo recitals in all 50 states as part of a grassroots tour called “America 88x50,” the subject of his acclaimed coming-out memoir. He has become one of classical music's most recognized and celebrated artists, commissioning major works from composers as diverse as Christian Wolff and Devonté Hynes, and appearing as soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra, LA Philharmonic, and on the main-stages of Carnegie Hall, the Barbican Centre, and BAM.
Tendler is a Yamaha Artist and serves on the piano faculty of NYU. More information online at turnmusic.org.
Performances: Thursday, April 11, doors 7 p.m., music 7:30 p.m. And Sunday, April 14, doors 3:30 p.m., music 4 p.m. BYOB.
Tickets: $25-$40 at sevendaystix.org or thephoenixvt.com.
Vermont Fiddle Orchestra takes the stage in Barre on April 13
The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will perform its spring concert on Saturday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at the Barre Opera House.
Music Director is Peter Macfarlane with Assistant Director Susan Reid. The orchestra will perform traditional marches, jigs, reels, waltzes and airs from Quebec, England, France, Sweden, Ireland and Scotland.
The program also will feature a contemporary tune honoring the late David Kaynor, Vermont Fiddle Orchestra’s former director.
Admission is by donation. More information online at vermontfiddleorchestra.org.
Original post listings from March 21 are below
TURNmusic’s Outer Sounds show Saturday night, March 23, was canceled.
Also, the Valley Players Cabin Fever Follies performance for March 23 was canceled. Friday’s show was the only one. Weekend audition times for “Spamalot” were changed, too. Go to valleyplayers.com for details.**
UPDATE: March 22 only - Spring tradition: Cabin Fever Follies
The Valley Players present the 36th Annual Cabin Fever Follies this Friday March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Valley Players Theater in Waitsfield. The Saturday show has been canceled due to an approaching snowstorm.
This popular community event features local amateur performers presenting a wide variety of acts to shake off the winter blues. The program includes singing, fiddling, banjo playing, improv comedy, clowning, poetry, storytelling, magic and more.
Back to facilitate the entertainment are “The World Famous Raisinettes” who share messages with the audience for a small donation. Hosts are Valley Players board members Doug Bergstein and Susan Loynd.
There will be limited table seating (tables of 10) for pre-show dining (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) and individual seating on risers. A prize will be given for the best table decoration/theme each night -- the audience is encouraged to bring their own decorations however no live flames are permitted. The event is BYOB and the audience is asked to “pack-in and pack-out.”
For tickets and more information go to valleyplayers.com or call 802-583-1674.
****UPDATE: Maple Moon Cabaret has been postponed due to the storm expected this weekend. It will be rescheduled and this post will be updated.****
March 23: Lost Nation Theater’s ‘Maple Moon Cabaret’ benefit
To launch its 35th season, Lost Nation Theater this Saturday, March 23, presents the “Maple Moon Cabaret” – an eclectic cabaret night benefit that offers a look at the variety of shows, events and programs planned this year.
The show includes song, dance, comedy, aerial silks, puppetry – and, of course, maple.
The brainchild of Dan Bruce, Kianna Bromley and Taryn Noelle, “Maple Moon Cabaret” is a benefit for Lost Nation Theater, still reeling a little from the 2023 flood.
The host is Mark S. Roberts with the cast including many Lost Nation regulars including Kim Bent, Kianna Bromley, Ann Harvey, Kathleen Keenan, Kate Kenney, Taryn Noelle, Susan Reid, David Ruffin, Jennifer Sassaman, Stoph Scheer, and Shanda Williams. The Lost Nation Theater/MPRS Masque Show Choir – a talented troupe of 20 aspiring actor-singer-dancers age 11-18 – jumpstarts the program by performing “Seize the Day” from the Broadway musical “Newsies.”
An expo is planned for the lobby with information on upcoming programs, performances and volunteer opportunities for this year along with refreshments.
Showtime: 7 p.m. at Lost Nation Theater, 39 Main St., Montpelier. Tickets are by donation – pay what you can. All are welcome, although the show is recommended for ages 8+. Last summer’s flood made Montpelier City Hall’s elevator inoperable, requiring climbing stairs to attend in person. The event will be streamed to be accessible. More information and tickets: lostnationtheater.org.
TURNmusic hosts multiple performances, March 23-28
TURNmusic’s calendar has several performances coming up this month, all at The Phoenix Art Gallery and Music Hall at 5 Stowe Street. Tickets are available online at sevendaystix.org or thephoenixvt.com. BYOB.
Thursday, March 21: POSTPONED due to illness. Parker Shper Trio with Morgan Moore and Tommy Crane will be rescheduled.
Saturday, March 23: Outer Sounds featuring Tongue Depressor with Austin Larkin and E. Jason Gibbs, (curated by Greg Davis)
The Outer Sounds concert series explores the worlds and intersections of electronic, experimental, avant-garde, improvised, ambient, drone, minimalist, free jazz, modern composition, psychedelic music and more. Concerts are intended to be accessible and open to anyone, regardless of knowledge or experience. Organizers aim for the music to encourage discussion, inquiry and feedback. Doors 7p.m. Music 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$30
Sunday, March 24: Liz Reid Solo Viola Recital
In honor of National Women’s History Month, the repertoire for this concert is all written by women composers for solo viola and viola and electronics, including music by Carol Wood, Lydia Busler, Gwyneth Walker, Norma Beecroft, Emily Doolittle, and Jessica Meyer. Doors 3:30 p.m. Music 4 p.m. Free.
Thursday, March 28: Claire Dickson performs her album “Beholder” (in partnership with New Amsterdam Records)
Claire Dickson is a vocalist, composer, and producer based in Brooklyn. Her projects embrace a range of musical aesthetics including jazz, ambient music, and art pop. At heart, she is an improviser and has developed an experimental and emergent songwriting approach based on improvising. In addition to her voice and acoustic instruments, she uses field recordings, synthesizers, and electronics to make her compositions. In 2022 she released Starland, an album inspired by the Arctic, praised by Vijay Iyer as "spectacular" and
featured in Downbeat, Jazziz, Bandcamp, DUMMY Mag, and WNYC New Sounds. In addition to her solo projects, she co-leads the collaborative songwriting project Myrtle (with Otracami) and is active in the New York jazz and improvised music scene. Doors 7 p.m. Music 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-30.