OK, I’m in.... Read more

’Twas 400 years ago this very week that a hardy Frenchman named Samuel de Champlain sailed an ocean, forded rivers and scaled mountaintops before reaching what would come to be called Vermont and forging Lake Champlain with his bare hands.

In celebration, the entire…

I’m sorry, what? He didn’t actually create the lake? He just “discovered” it, eh? Hmm … take two.

This week, in celebration of Sammy D discovering Lake Champl…... Read more

This just in: Reggae Fest is not, repeat NOT canceled.

Oops, hold on a sec … yes, yes, it is. Sorry, folks. Pack up the bongs, funny hats and move alo … wait. What? It’s back on?

Just what in the name of Jah is going on around here?... Read more

All together now: exhale.

For yet another year, the Burlington Discover Jazz Fest has come and gone. And as much fun as I had boppin’ — and be-boppin’ and post-boppin’ — around, I gotta say, I am spent. You know those jerks who say they need a vacation from their vacation? Similar story here — minus the “vacationing” part, of course. But before we close the book on this year’s fest, I wonder if you’d indulge me for a quick story? Gather ’round, childrens.... Read more

One of the best parts of being the music editor for the state’s preeminent rag is that, within reason, I pretty much get to make up my own rules. Like, for example, last week when I declared Soundbites a “jazz-free zone” during Jazz Fest. Somewhat surprisingly, given that I did the exact same thing during last year’s festivities, designating this column a refuge from all things jazz-tacular appears to have ruffled some feathers.... Read more

It’s here, it’s here! It’s finally here! The 2009 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival is about to begin! In a matter of mere days — hours, even! — the entire city will be enveloped, ever so carefully, by an enormous pair of velvety soft jazz hands, lulling our every waking sense into a sweet, narcotic slumber. From this Thursday’s opening “ceremonies” — i.e., boozing at Halvorson’s — straight on through for nearly a fortnight, the Queen City will swing like never before.... Read more

That squishy sound you’re hearing is the collective rolling of the eyes of scores of jaded hipster types at the mere thought of reading any more news related to Grace Potter and what’s left of her Nocturnals. To those folks, I suggest you take a seat in the waiting room. We’ll call you when we’re ready.... Read more

A couple of weeks ago, in this very column, I wondered aloud about the impending tsunami of marquee music headed for our shores: Are there enough people here to sustain it? It’s a legitimate question to ask, especially as more shows are still being announced — such as Neko Case, presented by Higher Ground at the Flynn on August 5 … call me back, Neko! But there is really no way to know the answer until it’s all said and done.... Read more

The year was 1999. Bill Clinton was in the waning days of his presidency. Texas Governor George W. Bush announced his candidacy for the job. The Euro united a continent in financial snobbery. Napster made its debut. Gene Siskel, Dusty Springfield and Stanley Kubrick passed away. The Dow Jones closed above 10,000 for the first time in history.... Read more

Boy, have we got some huge news to unveil this week regarding the already historic number of amazing concerts on tap for this summer — hint: said historic number is probably not decreasing. And typically, that is just the sort of news that would nab top billing in this li’l ol’ column. But while the explosion of marquee acts making the Green Mountains a stop on their summer itineraries is remarkable, exciting and, dare we say, sexy, let’s not forget about the homegrown folks whose yeoman efforts keep our ears occupied more than once every 400 years.... Read more