BRATTLEBORO, VT—A celebration of the arts and all things Brattleboro will be the focus of the first annual Festival 05301, a major fall festival spanning 4 weeks from Thursday, September 29 – Monday, October 31, with top-notch performances, exhibits, workshops and hands-on experiences to engage and inspire creative spirits of all ages.

The world-renowned musicians, outstanding regional artists, celebrated and emerging performers taking part in the Festival are all connected to Brattleboro—part of the fabric that makes this historic Vermont town one of the nation’s top ten small arts communities all year round.

The Festival is building on Brattleboro’s past and present day creative heritage with a town-wide showcase of events including the fourth annual Brattleboro Literary Festival a three-day celebration of the literary arts with author John Irving, and other luminaries featuring readings, panel discussions, and special events, with emerging and established authors; and EsteyFest, a five-day, largest-ever gathering of the International Reed Organ Society celebrating reed organs and the history of the Estey Organ Company of Brattleboro, the largest, longest lived, and best-known maker of reed organs in the world. Reed organ enthusiasts from all over are expected to convene in Brattleboro to enjoy, with the general public, performances, exhibits and tours of Estey organs and Estey historic buildings in the area.

By tying together many of the events already taking place, the Festival is creating greater awareness of the many cultural experiences available to the community and visitors. Where else could you enjoy a wide variety of music from the Vermont Symphony Orchestra; the Miami String Quartet; the highly acclaimed Boy's Choir of Kenya; The Johannes String Quartet; The Revels Circle of Song singing troupe; or the Speaking in Drums Youth Ensemble? Or watch The Love Show, a thrilling aerial, acrobatic, & juggling comedy performance? Or participate in creating a large mural downtown with renowned local muralist Terry Sylvester or take a rattle-making class for mothers and daughters?

Workshops and hands-on activities will give families and children a variety of opportunities to explore their own creativity. The New England Youth Theater, Brattleboro Clayworks, the Loft and other organizations and artists will offer hands-on experiences for residents and visitors alike.

An array of marketing and public relations activities are planned including a Web site, regional and local media promotion, a Festival guidebook, and a series of fun, visual events that are designed to capture the attention of media and the public.

A Festival 05301 Party is slated for Friday, October 7, hosted by the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, as part of Gallery Walk’s moving party on the first Friday of each month when the town’s growing number of art galleries open their new shows, street musicians fill the streets with music, stores stay open late and cafes and restaurants fill with art lovers.

The Festival Steering Committee believes Festival 05301 will raise awareness of Brattleboro as a regional arts and recreation destination, encourage active participation in the arts, and help strengthen local businesses and arts organizations.

“Brattleboro is a unique destination with its share of Who’s Who. It has long been a center for the arts with numerous writers, painters, poets, and artisans living in and around the area. We believe that events that showcase why we flock here, will bring lasting benefits to Brattleboro,” said Allyson Villars, festival organizer.

Festival 05301 is building on Brattleboro’s creative and entrepreneurial capital, rich history and natural beauty, dynamic performance and arts community, and the area’s sophisticated array of restaurants, shops, galleries, crafts studios, hotels and B&Bs and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Festival 05301 Organizing Committee includes Meg Donahue, Director of Admissions, Marlboro College Graduate Center; Zon Eastes, Managing Director of the Brattleboro Music Center; Betsy Gentile, former Director of the Brattleboro Regional Chamber of Commerce; Gail Nunziata, Managing Director, Brattleboro Arts Initiative/Latchis Project; Steve Procter, consultant, David Bury and Associates; Allyson Villars, former Executive Director of the River Gallery School; Konstantin von Krusenstiern, Executive Director of the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. The Festival is operating under the non-profit umbrella of the Windham Arts Council.

For more information or to join in, please contact Allyson Villars at 254-8873 or email aavillars@gmail.com. On the Web at www.festival05301.org.

Press contact: Lynn Barrett 802-258-3992

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