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Crys Matthews and Sam Robbins at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY – Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present contemporary folk singer/songwriters Crys Matthews and Sam Robbins at Next Stage on Friday, July 11 at 7:30 pm. 

A troubadour of truth, Nashville-based Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends country, Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. On a mission to “amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice,” Crys is made for these times.

Lakou Mizik Brings Haitian Soul to Bellows Falls for Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series

by hahrenholz | Music

This Fourth of July weekend, treat yourself to something truly special: a joyful, high-energy performance by Lakou Mizik, one of Haiti’s most dynamic musical exports. The powerhouse collective will perform as part of the Next Stage Bandwagon Summer Series on Saturday, July 5, at Robertson Paper Company Field (21 Island Street, Bellows Falls, VT). Gates open at 5:00 PM and the music starts at 6:00 PM.

Formed in the aftermath of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, Lakou Mizik emerged as a vibrant force in global music. With roots deeply planted in Vodou rhythms, Rara carnival chants, and soulful street melodies, their music is a celebration of resilience, unity, and Haitian pride. Their critically acclaimed debut album Wa Di Yo and their infectious live performances have earned them an international following—and they’re bringing that same dance-floor magic to southern Vermont.

I Draw Slow and Kavaz at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY – Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music present an evening of Celtic and Old-time Appalachian roots music from Quebec and Ireland by Kavaz and I Draw Slow at Next Stage on Thursday, July 3 at 7:00 pm.

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, and led by sibling songwriters Dave and Louise Holden, award-winning quintet I Draw Slow has consistently redefined the boundaries of acoustic roots music over the past decade. Their distinctive blend of Irish and Appalachian roots music and dynamic, immersive performances captivate audiences with exquisite balladry, then bring them to their feet with high energy trad tunes. Their evocative music has been featured in film, TV, and advertising, and their fifth and most recent album “Turn Your Face To The Sun” on Nashville-based Compass Records soared to #1 on the Irish charts. Touring extensively across North America since 2013, I Draw Slow has firmly established itself in the US and Canada’s acoustic music scenes, appearing regularly at some of the biggest and most iconic roots festivals including Pickathon, MerleFest, Grey Fox, Wintergrass, RockyGrass, Edmonton Folk Fest, and Mountain Stage.

Twilight On The Tavern Lawn Presents The Stockwell Brothers

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY – Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts continue the 22nd Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music summer concerts on Sunday, June 29 with contemporary folk and bluegrass quartet The Stockwell Brothers. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by Next Stage, the Town of Putney, and many Putney area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit nextstagearts.org.

The Other Mozart: The Forgotten Story Of Mozart’s Genius Sister

by hahrenholz | Arts

Putney, VT—This June Yellow Barn, in partnership with Next Stage Arts, brings Nannerl Mozart, the “other” Mozart, to southeastern Vermont. 

The Other Mozart is an award-winning play telling the true, forgotten story of Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Amadeus – a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso and composer, who performed throughout Europe with her brother to equal acclaim, but her work and her story faded away, lost to history. Set in a stunning 18-foot dress, The Other Mozart is based on facts, stories and lines pulled directly from the Mozart family’s humorous and heartbreaking letters.

WSESU, WSESD, Vernon Town School Boards “Summit” Agenda June 9, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, Windham Southeast School District, and Vernon Town School District Boards will meet at 5:00 PM on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood Street, Brattleboro, and remotely via Zoom. The boards will convene at 5pm for dinner, during which time no business will be conducted. The agenda begins at 6pm, at which time the Zoom link will open to the public.

Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Minutes May 28, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

F5 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students By Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel

F5 was readopted last August, but the committee is revisiting the policy due to concerns that it may conflict with the District’s Commitment to Student Safety statement for students with immigration status.

The committee discussed several potentially problematic areas in F5:

A Feast for the Senses: “Eat Drink Man Woman” and Dim Sum Delight at Next Stage

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

PUTNEY, VT – On Sunday, June 22 at 5:00 PM, join Next Stage Arts for an unforgettable evening of cinematic storytelling and exquisite cuisine as part of the NXT Feast & Film Series. This unique community event features a screening of Ang Lee’s classic 1994 film Eat Drink Man Woman, paired with a prix fixe dinner by the acclaimed Cai’s Dim Sum Catering.

Curated by James Beard Award-winning food writer Deborah Krasner, the Feast & Film Series pairs meaningful films with meals inspired by their themes. In Eat Drink Man Woman, food is both a familial bond and a silent battleground. The story follows Master Chef Chu and his three daughters as they navigate life, love, and generational change in Taipei—with Sunday dinners anchoring their emotional journeys.

WSESD Board Minutes May 27, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● The Brattleboro Area Youth Council made a presentation to the Board and shared a statement regarding harassment, hazing and bullying.
● The Board voted to adopt the Ongoing Social Justice and Anti-Racist Commitment updated in 2025.
● The Board approved sending the Open Letter to the VSBA.
● The Board voted to send the Resolution presented this evening to the VSBA.
● Following a discussion about having meetings in July or taking a break, the Board voted to meet on 7/8/25 and 7/22/25.
● The Board accepted the resignation of five staff members and approved seven new hires.

The Beehive Queen Brings Rock and Soul to Putney: Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez Perform June 21

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage’s Bandwagon Summer Series continues with a high-octane evening of music and soul as Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez take the stage on Saturday, June 21 at 6:00 pm at the Putney Inn Field, 57 Putney Landing Road, Putney. Tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the gate, and children under 12 are free. Food will be available from 802 Soul Kitchen, with more information and tickets at nextstagearts.org.

Known as “The Beehive Queen” for her signature mile-high platinum hairdo, Christine Ohlman is a powerhouse of American rock and soul. Best known as the longtime vocalist for NBC’s Saturday Night Live Band, she most recently appeared in the SNL 50th Anniversary telecast in February 2025. With her band, Rebel Montez, Ohlman brings her fiery energy and deep musical roots to the hills of Vermont for a family-friendly, can’t-miss performance.

Tim Weed on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Books

With a new award-winning novel just published, author Tim Weed talks about the many worlds of fiction, his outdoor adventures and leading international education programs through NatGeo and Putney Student Travel. “The Afterlife Project”book launch party is at NXT Stage on June 3 at 6pm.

Laughs Take Center Stage at Next Stage Arts with the Return of Vermont Comedy All Stars – June 20

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

PUTNEY, VT — Get ready to laugh until it hurts! On Friday, June 20 at 7:30 pm, Next Stage Arts will be shaking with laughter as Gordon Clark and his Vermont Comedy All Stars return for another unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy. This all-star lineup of local and regional talent is guaranteed to bring the house down in one of southern Vermont’s most cherished performance spaces.

Watercolor Discoveries: A Show by Artists Working with Lynn Zimmerman

by ann.newsmith | Arts

Throughout the month of June, local artist and teacher Lynn Zimmerman presents Watercolor Discoveries, a group show of work by her students at the Crowell Gallery in Newfane. These 20 women artists, who have studied with Lynn in her online classes, will share a variety of paintings in watercolor. Most of the artists are local, although a few live elsewhere in the U.S. Each artist will share a discovery made while exploring this challenging and rewarding medium.

WSESU Board Meeting Minutes May 14, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Administrative Report – Mark spoke of the ongoing development of the district’s pre-K program.

The Oak Grove pre-K will move to the Canal Street facility giving more opportunities for collaboration and teamwork as well as a specialized program for intensive behavior which may reduce out of district placements. We are in the beginning phase of this new project with an expected start date of the fall. Open house tomorrow night 4-6 pm. Mark gave thanks to Mary Kaufmann for her work on both the intensive services program and the Pre-K.

Twilight On The Tavern Lawn Presents The Emily Margaret Band

by hahrenholz | Music

PUTNEY – Twilight Music and Next Stage Arts continue the 22nd Twilight On The Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, Americana, world, swing, and pop music summer concerts on Sunday, June 15 with The Emily Margaret Band. The seven concert series continues every other Sunday through August 24. All concerts begin at 6:00 pm in downtown Putney on the Putney Tavern lawn (bring a lawn chair or blanket) or at Next Stage at 15 Kimball Hill in case of rain. The series is sponsored by Next Stage, the Town of Putney, and many Putney area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public (donations are accepted) and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit nextstagearts.org.

WSESD Board Meeting Agenda – May 27, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

A. Leadership Council Updates
B. Board Sub-Committees and SU Updates
C. Update on legislative issues related education (Tim & Jocelyn)
D. Update regarding Board Goals (Kim, Tim, Jessica, Ruby)
E. Consider annual review as per WSESD Ongoing Social Justice and Anti-Racist Commitment (Matt, Jocelyn, Mikaela)

Lissa Weinmann on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

LISSA WEINMANN is a powerful force in our community who has helped bring our history, people and stories together through the creation of The Brattleboro Words Project and 118 Elliot arts center. Tune in for some great stories of her other lives as a foreign agent and in international and local affairs.

A Mesmerizing Evening of Global Rhythms: Aura Shards and Compass Trio to Perform at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts is thrilled to present an unforgettable double bill of transcendent world music featuring Aura Shards and the Compass Trio on Friday, June 13 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for livestream access, available now at nextstagearts.org.

Hailing from Brattleboro, Vermont, Aura Shards is a world fusion duo known for their immersive soundscapes centered on the Hand Pan—a mesmerizing, melodic percussion instrument. Fusing contemporary instrumentation with ancient rhythms, Anders Burrows (Hand Pan, Didgeridoo, Djembe) and Jed Blume (Hand Pan, Tabla, Djembe) deliver original compositions that are both rhythmically dynamic and harmonically serene. Their music invites both introspection and movement, offering listeners a rich, meditative journey through sound.

The Promises and Perils Of Gene Editing

by RDavis | Sci-Tech

It would have seemed impossible only a few years ago, but medical researchers have been able to edit a baby’s genes so that he does not suffer from a rare genetic disease. A press release from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia explains, “In a historic medical breakthrough, a child diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder has been successfully treated with a customized CRISPR gene editing therapy by a team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine. The infant, KJ, was born with a rare metabolic disease known as severe carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency. After spending the first several months of his life in the hospital, on a very restrictive diet, KJ received the first dose of his bespoke therapy in February 2025 between six and seven months of age. The treatment was administered safely, and he is now growing well and thriving.”

There have also been cases of gene editing for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. But in KJ’s case this is the first time gene editing was done for one individual which means the editing only applies to his case. For those other diseases, anyone who has them can use the same editing process.