The Farmers Night Concert Series is a longstanding State House tradition which goes back over 100 years to a time when lawmakers entertained themselves in the House Chamber mid-week while away from home. Artists from around the state, in genres ranging from classical music to bluegrass to barbershop, perform in the well of the House Chamber each Wednesday night during the legislative session.
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January 18 • Green Mountain Chorus Celebrating their 75th year, the Green Mountain Chorus entertains with acapella arrangements of music from the past and present, all in beautiful Barbershop four-part harmony. |
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January 25 • Concert with players from Young Tradition Vermont CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER Vermont continues to be home for a wide range of traditional music and dance, a tapestry of people from many places, all with their own traditions. Join us for an evening of Celtic (Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton), Appalachian/Old Time and Vermont/New England music. Performed by some of the young players of Vermont Tradition Vermont. |
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February 1 • Vermont Symphony Orchestra David M. Wilson Memorial Farmers’ Night Concert The Vermont Symphony Orchestra returns to the State House with a concert conducted by Dr. Yutaka Kono. Director of Orchestra and Associate Professor of Music at the University of Vermont. Music includes Rossini’s La Scala di Seta Overture, Francis Johnson’s Cotillions, Lauren Bernofsky’s Abendstern, Haydn’s Symphony No. 8, “Le Soir” and a piece by recent West Rutland High School graduate Drew Frankenberg via Music-COMP. |
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February 8 • John Lewis and RUN! An Evening with author Andrew Aydin In this Farmers’ Night performance, the National Book Award winner Andrew Aydin describes the creation of RUN, relates becoming an author, how he became involved in politics, and his experiences working with Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. |
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Showcasing some of Vermont’s brilliant operatic artists, Brandon’s celebrated Barn Opera will perform a pastiche concert of favorite solos, duets, and ensembles of the operatic and musical theatre genres. |
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February 22 • The Enigmatic and Charismatic Alexander Twilight: A Celebration of America’s First Legislator of African Descent Sponsored by the Friends of the Vermont State House Middlebury Historian Bill Hart and others pay tribute to Rep. Alexander Twilight of Brownington, elected in 1836 as the nation’s first legislator of African descent — and the subject of the new State House portrait by Katie Runde. Hart and others explore the somewhat murky story behind this energetic and inspired educator, and the Friends find ways to enliven this presentation with poignant and rollicking music! |
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KeruBo is a Vermont-based singer/songwriter born in Kendu Bay, Kenya. Her music draws on musical influences from traditional African music to gospel, Afro- jazz, and blues. With a mission for social justice her songs convey messages of hope and perseverance. |
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March 8 • Town Meeting break – no program |
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March 15 • Vermont National Guard’s 40th Army Band The unconventional woodwind quintet "5 Above" from the Vermont National Guard's 40th Army Band invites you to leave the Vermont winter behind and set off on a musical world tour. We'll visit the British Isles with favorite's like "Danny Boy," troop through Europe, Scandinavia, and even enjoy a little "Turkish Delight." We'll tango our way back home to the tune "El Choclo" and finally be able to say "Hallelujia." Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the world with 5 Above.” |
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March 22 • Bryan Blanchette and the Black Bears Abenaki singer songwriter Bryan Blanchette and the Black Bears -- featuring Padraic Smith on bass, and Darell Brown on Djimbi/Keys. The ensemble will perform both contemporary and traditional Abenaki songs, featuring traditional social dance demonstrations. Nikwôbi is the Abenaki word for NOW. These new Abenaki songs help demonstrate that Abenaki culture is vibrant and alive. Blanchette plays multiple instruments, writes his own music and lyrics, and sings with a powerful, captivating Abenaki warrior voice. |
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March 29 • Gerry Grimo & the East Bay Jazz Ensemble Gerry Grimo returns to the State House with his 10-piece swing band playing jazz, blues and vocal classics as well as oldies, R&B and Rock of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s |
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April 5 • From the Dump to the Door: A Vermont Politician’s Evolution Josie Leavitt is a comic, storyteller, stand up teacher, cancer advocate and now a State Representative! Please join us for a wonderful evening of storytelling and humor. |
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Presented in partnership with the Vermont Arts Council and the Flynn Center Students and friends of Vermont’s Poetry Out Loud program will come together for an evening of poetry and sharing original works and recitations from the 2023 competition. |
