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NXT Gallery Presents Home Land: New Paintings by Finn Campman

by hahrenholz | Arts

Next Stage Arts’ NXT Gallery will open a new exhibition, Home Land: Paintings by Finn Campman, with a public reception on Sunday, February 15, from 3–5 pm at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney. The exhibition will remain on view through May 10.

In Home Land, Finn Campman explores painting as an act of orientation—both personal and geographic. His work reflects a deep attentiveness to place, memory, and presence, using the painted surface as a way to mark time and affirm connection. “My process is about the act of reaching out to make sure I know where I am,” Campman writes. “To check my coordinates, to mark a signpost for my memories—as if to say, ‘This is where I am now.’” The resulting paintings feel grounded and contemplative, tethered to the land and to the lived experience of being part of it.

Masters of Nordic Folk: Frigg Brings “Nordgrass” to Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts will welcome an electrifying night of Nordic folk music on Thursday, February 5, when internationally acclaimed Finnish band Frigg takes the stage with opening set by fiddle duo Teho. The show begins at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:15 pm, at Next Stage Arts, 15 Kimball Hill, Putney.

Hailing from Finland and celebrated worldwide, Frigg is among the most exhilarating and innovative bands in contemporary folk music. The six-piece ensemble are true masters of the Finnish folk tradition, known for delivering heart-bursting, life-affirming tunes with astonishing precision and joy.

Named after the Norse goddess of love and fertility, Frigg has forged a singular sound they call “Nordgrass”—a captivating fusion of Nordic folk music and American bluegrass. Their violin-driven melodies soar over ringing strings and the deep, propulsive pulse of double bass, creating music that feels both ancient and entirely fresh. The result is hypnotic, infectious, and often impossible to sit still through.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

by ACCVT | Entertainment

The Asian Cultural Center of Vermont (ACCVT) celebrates the Lunar New Year of China, Korea and Vietnam Sunday, February 8, 1:00-3:00. You don’t have to be Asian or know anything about Asia to participate! Join us at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center to usher in the year of the Red Fire Horse ushering in  a year focused on bold moves, exploration ,and potentially transformative change.

Join us for traditional Chinese Performances with Li Fei Osborne and her Mandarin language students, Chinese morning exercises and Qigong led by Cai Xi, and traditional New Year songs and crafts. We end our celebration with a Dragon parade up from the Museum towards Main Street to bring us luck for the coming year. 

Endless Butter: A Communal Feast of Poetry and Music

by hahrenholz | Music

Midwinter calls for warmth, words, and community—and Endless Butter: A Communal Feast of Poetry and Music offers all three.

On Sunday, February 1, from 1–4 pm, Next Stage Arts in Putney will host an afternoon inspired by the legend of St. Brigid, patron saint of poetry, fertility, and everyday miracles. The title nods to one of her most beloved miracles: endless butter—an emblem of abundance, generosity, and shared sustenance during the lean months of winter.

This gathering brings together an extraordinary roster of regional poets, musicians, and a storyteller for a relaxed, come-and-go celebration of art and connection. Poets include Sarah Anderson, Katie Bachler, Megan Buchanan, Michael Carter, James Crews, Dede Cummings, Alice Fogel, Lyedie Geer, Taylor Mardis Katz, Brad Peacock, Ben Pease, Erin Pesut, Nellie Prior, and Diana Whitney. Music will be woven throughout the afternoon by Elijah Berlow, Gráinne Buchanan, Jake Klar, Shawn Magee, Hannah Mohan, and Brendan Taaffe, with Michael Kohout serving as seanchaí—traditional storyteller and keeper of tales.

Next Stage Arts and Twilight Music Present a Singer-Songwriter Showcase

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts, in partnership with Twilight Music, welcomes an evening of intimate storytelling and rich musical textures on Friday, January 30, with doors at 6:45 PM and the show starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at nextstagearts.org: $20 advance, $25 at the door, or $10 for the livestream.

The evening features Southern Vermont’s own Jason Scaggs, Emily Margaret, and Michael Roberts, opening with an intimate in-the-round set. Jason Scaggs blends Appalachian roots with Southern Vermont’s adventurous spirit, fusing bluegrass traditions with improvisation and groove-forward rhythms. Emily Margaret, an 18-year-old from Guilford, VT, captivates with a voice that moves effortlessly from subtle intimacy to full-bodied power, blending influences of R&B and jazz into deeply personal songs. Michael Roberts, described by Seven Days Vermont as “a Vermont treasure,” brings his wide-ranging experience—from indie folk to ambient soundscapes—creating a textured, soulful performance.

Maeve Bald on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Education

Always enlightening to hear from our local BUHS students! Maeve has thrived in our local public schools and is a strong voice and presence in many leadership roles, youth activism and sports. She talks about her experiences and influences and looks forward to following a career in Early Childhood education.

Guilford Center Stage Announces 2026 Season

by DonInGuilford | Arts

Guilford Center Stage enters its second decade with the traditional spring and fall productions at Broad Brook Community Center.

The 2026 season opens the first weekend in May with “Shorts,” a program of small plays. Stage manager is Sue Kelly. Several works by regional playwrights are already in the lineup, and the group still welcomes script submissions by a January 23 deadline. Plays of about 8-10 pages are ideal, and a maximum of 12 minutes running time is suggested. Authors may submit pdf or word documents to producer Don McLean at don.inscape@gmail. com (or use the address to arrange to deliver a hard copy.)

Open auditions for actors for “Shorts” will be held in two sessions: Thursday, February 5 , from 5 to 7 pm, and Saturday, February 7, from 11 until 1:00 pm. No appointment is needed. Auditioners may come unprepared, or have a short monologue ready, and scenes from the short plays will be available for an impromptu reading. Auditions take place in the fully accessible upstairs theater room of the Broad Brook Community Center at 3940 Guilford Center Road, about 4 miles west of the Country Store.

Beat the Winter Blues with Cereal & K-Pop at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

If winter cabin fever has your household climbing the walls, Next Stage Arts has the perfect cure. On Saturday, Jan. 24 at 10:00 AM, families are invited to a lively, low-pressure morning event in Putney: Cereal & K-Pop: Cabin Fever Cure!

Held in the Next Stage Arts Community Room (15 Kimball Hill, Putney), this family-friendly gathering is designed to get kids—and adults—out of the house and having fun together. The morning kicks off with a build-your-own cereal bar, followed by about 30 minutes of classic indoor fun: board games, card games, and even Twister to shake off those winter cobwebs.

Kora Skeele on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Media

A dynamic community advocate and organizer, Kora Skeele inspires and supports by her example. In 2024, she received the Emerging Leader Award from SVT & Shires Young Professionals and Vermont Business Magazine’s Rising Star Award. Kora is currently the buzz behind BEE, a new discovery tool that connects folks with local activities and volunteer opportunities. Tune in to get stung in a very good way!

WSESU Board Meeting Minutes – Dec 10 and 15, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Harley Sterling gave the board an overview of the food service programs first months of operation and plans for the future. His team is constantly seeking out additional revenue sources to support the program and last month received $99,000 from the Kendall Foundation’s Food Vision program for kitchen infrastructure. Over the summer the food service team hosted the 3rd largest summer food program in Vermont. They are looking to increase to 15% the percentage of local foods used as well as expanding participation in our schools.

Adam Strauss Returns to Next Stage for Two Nights of Comedy and Storytelling

by hahrenholz | Entertainment

Next Stage Arts is thrilled to welcome back award-winning comedian and storyteller Adam Strauss for a special two-night engagement, featuring two of his acclaimed solo shows: The Mushroom Cure on Friday, January 9, and Before I Forget on Saturday, January 10.

Tickets are $22 in advance / $25 at the door or take advantage of a special $35 advance package for both nights. Tickets and details are available at nextstagearts.org.

Brattleboro On Parade by Kevin O’Connor

by cgrotke | Books
brattleboro parades cover

Looking for a gift for someone who loves Brattleboro? There’s a new book celebrating all the various types of parades that have marched through town.

“Brattleboro On Parade” by Kevin O’Connor, featuring photos from the Brattleboro Historical Society is now available at most bookstores in town and at the BHS offices on the third floor of the Municipal Center. It is hot off the presses.

WSESD / Senate Listening Session on Proposed Vermont Education Reform

by Not Signed In | Education

The Board of the Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) invites you to an upcoming WSESD Board meeting that will include a listening session with our local senators. The purpose of the listening session will be to provide an opportunity for comments and concerns regarding changes to the education system and school district redistricting. This listening session will take place during a WSESD Board meeting:

WSESU Board Meeting Minutes Dec 3, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

The main components of the $2 million dollar increase in Special Education funding includes:

● An increase in intensive services at the elementary level including medically fragile students and the need for specialized equipment and technologies.

● An increase of $700,000 in benefits with the majority in health insurance as well as about $500,000 in contractual salary increases. It was noted that it is a new occurrence that an increase in benefits is now larger than salary. The balance of the increase is from the additional need for contracted services for evaluations and specialists such as speech language pathologist and psychologist services.

WSESD Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Dec 1, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Ruby McAdoo noted that the next step in the budget development process will be at the full WSESD Board meeting 12/16/25. Working with the Board Chair, the budget review will be earlier on the agenda to encourage public involvement. The Communications Committee will be spreading the word about this meeting.

WSESD Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Nov 24, 2025

by Not Signed In | Education

Frank Rucker reviewed the proposed budget summary (linked above). The percent change is currently at a 2% change. When developing a budget, meeting student needs as well as inflation rates are heavily considered in order to put forth a fiscally responsible budget.

Nancy Wiese shared information about the budget development for WRCC. She spoke to the challenge specific to WRCC; if a position is reduced, then a program is eliminated. Using carefully designed solutions, this year she is able to present a zero increase budget. This will not be sustainable in the future, but is the case this year. Currently the culinary program is being rebuilt and will be offered again next year.

Michael Bodel on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Arts

Our local Dance Ecology is alive and well – and thriving! MICHAEL BODEL’s innovative dance projects open our minds and hearts to explore ideas, concepts and beauty in new ways through movement, sound, objects…even fragrance!