Sight-Specific
Ongoing
The 2024-2025 Curated Program at the newly minted Mill in Westport, N.Y., brings museum-quality contemporary art to the region. Curated by Catherine Ross Haskins, the exhibition displays works by Amy Ellingson, Adam Frelin, Stephen Hendee, Jillian Mayer and Ann Toebbe throughout the building’s unique gallery spaces.
Bird’s the Word
Friday 27
The Hunger Mountain Winter Bird Count allows Waterbury-area birders to contribute to the longest-running community science project in Vermont. The count began in 1900 when an ornithologist posed an alternative to the traditional Christmas side hunt (no shotguns necessary). Now in its 125th season, volunteers continue to provide invaluable data on feathered friends.
Once in a Lifetime
Tuesday 31
Talking Heads tribute band Start Making Sense bring the funky new-wave vibes to Higher Ground in South Burlington for an epic New Year’s Eve show fit to burn down the house. The band, fronted by David Byrne doppelgänger Jon Braun, faithfully re-creates the group’s genius, expertly executing all of its most danceable, quirky hits of the ’80s and beyond.
Early Bird Special
Tuesday 31
The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich offers New Year’s at Noon for wee ones who desire that celebratory ringing-in experience — a little bit early. The morning features hands-on family activities, plus New Year’s countdowns every hour, on the hour, until noon. Revelers are invited to dress creatively (jammies and glitter encouraged!) to usher in 2025 with style.
Get Your Fixe
Tuesday 31
Gastronomes buckle up for a New Year’s Eve Dinner at Barr Hill distillery in Montpelier. The prix fixe menu of five delectable courses — including a chef’s-kiss surprise course — serves up brown butter Tom Cat gougères, Maine crab cakes and seared yellowfin tuna. Paired with a cocktail or two, there’s no better way to kick-start 2025. Word to the wise: Wear stretchy pants!
Happy Feet
Tuesday 31
Favorite local roots group Dave Keller Band play party tunes with enough energy to tear the roof off of Bent Nails Bistro in Montpelier. Folks don their dapper dancin’ shoes and boogie down while Keller belts out soulful blues and slings some fiery guitar. For a New Year’s Eve shindig to remember, look no farther than Langdon Street.
Ballin’ Out
Tuesday 31
New Year’s Eve With Joe’s Big Band at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater includes a Champagne toast for those who imbibe and a swing dance lesson for those who jive. Founded in the ’80s by local legend Joe Levesque, the 17-piece jazz ensemble continues to dazzle listeners with a dynamic repertoire ranging from funk to the Great American Songbook.
Drop the Ball
Tuesday 31
First Night North spreads New Year cheer all across St. Johnsbury, with shuttles running loops around town so that no one misses out. If your bedtime happens to be before midnight, don’t fret: Festivities begin before sundown and include vaudeville acts, circus performances, storytelling and magic. For you night owls, a midnight dance party awaits after the ball drop.
Summit All Up
Wednesday 1
Vermont State Parks’ First Day Hikes are a statewide effort to usher in the New Year on the right foot — outdoors! Park entry is free all winter long, but January 1 is a particularly good day to get outside on a guided hike. No matter where you live in the Green Mountain State, a park trailhead surely isn’t far. As Jack Kerouac would say, “Climb that goddamn mountain.”
Roll Over, Beethoven
Wednesday 1
The Green Mountain Mahler Festival Orchestra & Chorus take the stage at Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester for a stirring performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Conductor Daniel Bruce and talented vocal soloists make this “Ode to Joy” a classical concert to remember all year long.
It Takes a Village
Friday 3 & Saturday 4
All events are family-friendly and free at Cabot Village’s annual 12th Night Celebration. The two-day festival marks the end of Christmas with an array of activities for all ages — from a Newfoundland ugly stick-making workshop to a winter woods scavenger hunt. Don’t miss Saturday evening’s magical sunset lantern parade. (Bring those ugly sticks!)
Be Sharp
Saturday 4
Marty Fogel’s Mixed Bag Quartet assume the spotlight at the Phoenix in Waterbury to play original jazz compositions from Fogel’s 2023 double album, Now and Then. The multi-instrumentalist — a deft saxophone, clarinet and flute player — has many claims to fame, including the fact that he spent several years taking a walk on the wild side with legendary rocker Lou Reed’s band.
To the Pointe
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5
Billings Farm & Museum presents Chelsea McMullan’s immersive 2023 documentary, Swan Song, as part of the Woodstock Vermont Film Series. The film affords audience members a behind-the-scenes look at the National Ballet of Canada’s new production of Swan Lake, while simultaneously challenging the outdated — yet seemingly dug-in — dance ideals of body type, class and race.
Hint of Tint
Through January 7
Edgewater Gallery at Middlebury Falls’ “Color Dance” group show is a juried art competition showcasing the work of fine artists carefully selected by Terry Norton-Wright. Through paint, mixed media, photography and other mediums, the artists interpret the theme of color in extraordinary and diverse ways.
Related events
2024-2025 Curated Program
Location: The Mill, 6679 Main St., Westport
This article appears in Dec 25, 2024 – Jan 7, 2025.
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