Pamela Polston) Associate Publisher/Co-Editor)

Staff Picks:
04.16.09 Micro-Macro, an exhibit opening this weekend at the Firehouse Gallery. Artist Jason Hackenwerth creates biomorphic micro-creatures in the shape of outsized balloon sculptures. "Who hasn't wanted to see microorganisms that are 12 feet high?" Friday, April 17, Firehouse Gallery, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free
03.26.09 Omar Sosa and his Afreecanos Quartet, "I'll be lucky if I get to Africa or Cuba in this lifetime," says Pamela, "but I can definitely experience Afro-Cuban jazz and shake my booty this Friday night in Burlington!" Friday, March 27, FlynnSpace, Burlington, two shows — 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. $25.
03.12.09 'Looking Over the President's Shoulder', a staged reading of a one-man show about the first African-American chief butler in the White House. "It's a fascinating, real-life story," says Pamela, "and I happen to really like staged readings." Friday-Sunday, March 13-15, 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, FlynnSpace, Burlington, $16-21.
03.05.09 Burlington's First Friday Art Walk. Pamela is going to the show at 215 College Street, with work from abstract artist Linda Jones and her father, Robert, a figurative painter. "I think it's the first time they've ever shown together," says Pamela. "It'll be cool to see them side by side." Friday, March 6, various locations in Burlington. 5-8 p.m. Free.
01.02.09 Aimee Daniel's 'Life Abstractions', manipulated color photographs of natural and organic forms. Says Pamela: "I want to see those weird-looking photos up close." Friday, January 2, Red Square, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free.
11.27.08 The Women's Festival of Crafts. "It's one of the best, and most fun, of the year," says Pamela. "Last year I found a great argyle sock monkey; this year I might have to get him a sole mate." Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday November 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Burlington City Hall, free.
11.20.08 The Honky-Tonk Hoedown. "Imagine the Starline Rhythm Boys — my fave band in Vermont — and Girl Howdy, with outfits to die for and tunes to match, playing in a vintage venue and serving up venison pie. Need I say more?" says Pamela. "Yee-haw!" Saturday, November 22, The Old Lantern, Charlotte, dinner of venison pie and veggies starts at 6:30 p.m. Dancing starts at 8 p.m. $25 includes dinner, $15 for dancing only.
11.06.08 Vermont Pub and Brewery's 20th Anniversary Party. "Twenty years in any business is something to celebrate," says Pamela, "and so much the better with an awesome ale in hand. Congratulations, VPB!" Saturday, November 8, Vermont Pub & Brewery, 4:30 p.m. until... whenever. Free.
10.30.08 Stompin' With the Stars, a competition in which local celebrities team up with some of the state's best dancers. The event is a fundraiser for the Vermont Arts Council, and Pamela is one of the judges. "'Eye on the Sky' guy Mark Breen is reportedly swing dancing," says Pamela. "Who knew?" Saturday, Hilton Hotel, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $50 per person.
08.14.08 'Man of La Mancha'. Pamela went on Wednesday night. "You can't beat theater in a renovated barn for a magical summer-in-Vermont experience," says Pamela, "and Man of La Mancha at Waitsfield's Skinner Barn is wildly entertaining. Go early and picnic on the beautiful grounds!" Thursday-Sunday, August 14-17, Skinner Barn, Waitsfield, 8 p.m. $18.
07.10.08 Flynn Center Garden Tour. "I've become obsessed with my own flower garden and look forward to snooping around other people's," says Pamela. "I find the profusion of colors and scents intoxicating — except for the compost pile." Sunday, July 13, various locations in South Burlington — get a map when you buy a ticket, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $35.
06.26.08 Michael Franti & Spearhead. Says Pamela of Franti: "I love his music, I love his politics, and I love his bare feet." Friday, June 27, Shelburne Museum, 6 p.m. $34 advance, $36 day of show.
06.05.08 Cuba! Art and History from 1868 to Today, an art exhibit in Montreal. It closes this weekend. Says Pamela: "It's contemporary work from Cuba that you most likely wouldn't be able to see in the U.S. because of the unfortunate relationship between our governments." Closes Monday, June 8, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, $15.
05.01.08 The Anthony Sini exhibit at the Firehouse Second Floor Gallery. The reception is part of Burlington's First Friday Artwalk. Says Pamela, "Tony is a good friend. And he rarely ever exhibits." Friday, May 2, Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. Free.
03.27.08 Bridgman/Packer Dance at the Flynn. "Bridgman/Packer's performance is described as visceral, sensuous and magical," says Pamela. "They interact with life-size projections of themselves, like dancing with one's doppleganger. Sounds pretty trippy." Friday, March 28, Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 8 p.m. $26-36.
02.14.08 Border Stories. "Gregory Ramos plays 20 distinct, compelling characters, and I want to watch him do it," says Pamela. "Besides, the performance is a benefit for a good cause: Vermont CARES." Friday, February 15, FlynnSpace, Burlington, two shows, 6 & 9 p.m. $25.
01.24.08 Richard Thompson at the Flynn. Says Pamela: "Richard Thompson is a British folk-rock songwriter and guitarist superhero -- and, as it happens, a time traveler: His concert covers the greatest pop music of the last 1000 years. How cool is that?" Friday, January 25, Flynn Center, Burlington, 8 p.m. $27-44.
12.13.07 Holy Sh*t! Stories from Heaven and Hell, a one-woman stage show featuring Janice Perry, a.k.a. Gal. "As the title of her show suggests, she is devilishly funny," says Pamela. "Besides, her appearances in Vermont are less frequent than sightings of the Virgin Mary." Saturday, December 15, FlynnSpace, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $24.
11.08.07 Craig Mitchell's one-man show at Studio STK. "I've only seen him perform as a DJ," says Pamela. "His show is called 'Do Unto Others,' and I'd like to know what he means by that." Friday, November 9, Studio STK, Burlington, 7 p.m. $10.
09.27.07 American Machine, a new play by Burlington writer James Lantz. "He had a strong debut last year with The Bus," says Pamela, "and I'm eager to see how he addresses a disturbing issue of our times -- American workers displaced by globalism. But I also hope it will be entertaining as hell." Thursday-Sunday, September 27-30, and Wednesday-Sunday, October 3-7. See website for showtimes. $20-29.
09.13.07 The Fudge Festival at Laughing Moon Chocolates. "Who wouldn't want to go to a fudge festival?" asks Pamela. Friday-Sunday, September 14-16, Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free.
05.31.07 Moms Who Rock, a talent show featuring 25 local musician moms. Pamela, former lead vocalist for the Decentz, is one of the judges. She says, "I guess I was asked because I'm a mom who used to rock." Sunday, June 3, Higher Ground, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
03.29.07 "I Am My Own Wife", the Vermont Stage production of the Tony award-winning play. "I really like the actor, Andrew Sellon, who's playing multiple roles," says Pamela. Thursday-Sunday, March 28-April 1, FlynnSpace, Burlington. $25-27. See website for showtimes, this weekend and next.
03.01.07 Keely and Du this weekend at the FlynnSpace. "I've heard a lot about the play," Pamela says of the abortion-related drama. "I think it'll result in some interesting conversations." Thursday - Sunday, March 1-4, FlynnSpace, Burlington, 8 p.m. $20.
01.26.07 Buckwheat Zydeco & Marcia Ball at the Flynn. "It's a dose of New Orleans music, which I adore," says Pamela. "It's just such a good time." Buckwheat Zydeco & Marcia Ball, Friday, January 26, Flynn Mainstage, 8 p.m., $24-38.
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