Middlebury Festival-on-the-Green

For nearly a week, the community of Middlebury, Vermont comes together to celebrate music and the arts on the Village Green of our lovely hamlet. A good time is to be had be all as music wafts in the warm summer air and snacks are enjoyed as the denizens of Middlebury basks in festive community vibes. Here is a schedule of performances provided by Festival on-the-Green secretary Pat Boera. We’re proud to be one of the sponsors of this event.

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Generous support from Addison County Independent, American Legion Post 27,
Courtyard by Marriott-Middlebury, and NeighborWorks of Western Vermont

7:00 PM Kaleta & Super Yamba Band

Kaleta got his start in the late 70s performing in church and was soon after picked up by iconic Juju master and world music pioneer King Sunny Ade. A few years later Fela Kuti came calling. Kaleta would go on to tour the world playing guitar for the King of Afrobeat in his storied band Egypt 80 through the 1980s and into the 1990s. Now based in New York City, Kaleta has been leading Super Yamba Band since 2017.

The members of Super Yamba Band have honed their craft performing with a diverse range of artists including David Byrne, Rubblebucket, Yeasayer, and Between the Buried and Me, to name a few. Collaborating over several years with Senegalese griot and talking drum master Modou Mbenge, known best for his work with African pop star Abdou Guite Seck, was a defining moment in the development of Super Yamba’s sound and the musician’s understanding of the African music tradition.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Generous support from The Middlebury Inn, r.k. Miles, Inc., and Stark Mountain Woodworking

7:00 PM Bruce Molsky 

Bruce Molsky is one of the most revered “multi-hyphenated career” ambassadors for America’s old-time mountain music. For decades he’s been a globetrotting performer and educator, a recording artist with an expansive discography including seven solo albums, and well over a dozen collaborations including two Grammy nominations. He’s also the classic “musician’s musician” – a man who’s received high praise from diverse fans and collaborators like Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, Celtic giants Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine, jazzer Bill Frisell, and the late dobro master Jerry Douglas.

8:30 PM Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem

Harmony, rhythm, and indelible songs have been the hallmarks of Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem for two decades and counting. From the Newport Folk Festival to Solid Sound and beyond, this Americana quartet delivers wit, camaraderie, and pure musicality to renew the human spirit. Acoustic Guitar describes their sound as “tight, with stylish, unexpected choices,” a mix of New Orleans grooves, old-time gospel harmonies, bluesy swing fiddle, fiery electric and acoustic guitar, and junk percussion. Their lockstep harmonies shake the rafters or hush the room, and their originals, wild card covers, and traditional tunes plumb the human condition with joie de vivre.

“Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem dig deep into their collective souls, finding joy in the moment, peace in the harmonies, and rapture in the rhythmic drive.” –The Hartford Courant

“Brown Bag” Family Series at Noon

Our noontime series is sponsored by a longtime friend of the Festival who wishes to remain anonymous.
Sign up for our free raffle. One lucky audience member, selected at random on Friday,
will win a $100 gift certificate donated by Green Peppers Restaurant.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Magician Tom Verner
Tom Verner is a national treasure living right here in Addison County. His Magicians Without Borders performs magic shows for children in refugee camps, orphanages, and hospitals around the world – often in war-torn places like Ukraine where love, laughter, and magic are desperately needed.

Tom says, “I like to think that the magic brings not only laughter and surprise, but on some deeper level perhaps, magic plants seeds of hope. Hope that the impossible is possible. Hope that after years of waiting in refugee camps, the waiting will end, and the people will go home again.”

Since 2002, Magicians Without Borders, featuring Tom and his assistant La Fleur, has traveled to over 30 countries using magic to entertain, educate and empower.

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Mimealot! – Chris Yerlig
Chris Yerlig was first with us in 2019. We are thrilled to have him return this year. Chris has had the privilege of performing all over the world since his European beginnings in France, Spain, and England. He now makes his home in New England, and travels all over the U.S. and the world. Other countries he has performed in are Bangladesh, Benin, and Cameroon (in Africa), Canada, China, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Japan, Morocco, and Switzerland. “One of the funniest…captures the hearts of our audiences…timing and rhythms are flawless…maintains the children’s attention whether they are 3 or 13…you can’t take your eyes off him.” –K.L., Providence Children’s Museum, RI

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

No Strings Marionette Company
No Strings Marionette Company has been an anticipated part of the Festival for years. Puppeteers Dan Baginski and Barbara Paulson’s traveling stage transforms any space into an intimate theater where the seamless blend of movement, music, and masterful manipulation captivates young and old alike. With puppeteers in full view, the audience sees how the puppets are brought to life. These Vermont artisans lovingly hand craft the marionettes, props, and scenery, whether for an original tale or an adaptation of a classic. Shows begin with an interactive song featuring audience members, and finish with demonstrations sparked by the audiences’ curious questions. Once the mind believes there are no strings…this realm becomes real…and the adventure begins! This year they will present Bully! For the Three Big Pigs.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Vermont Troubadour Jon Gailmor
We love Jon Gailmor and welcome him back to our stage. Humor and audience involvement are integral parts of any Jon Gailmor performance. Original, relevant, irreverent, children’s, American, international, and totally absurd tunes are part of his broad repertoire. A fan from Edmonds, WA, said it best: “Jon’s way with an audience is nothing short of genius. He had us in stitches and in tears, with a seamless array of humor, nostalgia, and especially wisdom. One comes away from Jon’s house concert with a renewed dedication to the things we value. We are all encouraged to be a little more of who we are when we’re with Jon.”

Friday, July 15, 2022

Middlebury Community Music Center’s Steel Drum Camp Band
The faculty, staff, and board of Middlebury Community Music Center believe that expressing the universal language of music strengthens individuals, relationships, and community. This 501(c)3 non-profit organization offers year-round music lessons in 24 instruments and voice, classes, camps, and workshops for all ages. Through drumming and singing, campers will present Caribbean music and culture. Working together as an ensemble, they will create their own musical production on steel drums from Trinidad.

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Generous support from Bethany Barry and Andrew Menkart, George and Sue Cady,
Eleanor and David Ignat, and the Town of Middlebury

7:00 PM Vermont Folklife Center Traditional Arts Showcase 

In 2022 the Vermont Folklife Center celebrates 30 years of innovation in tradition in their Vermont Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. In the words of program founder Greg Sharrow, “the making of art is an irrepressible force that is true of everyone!”

VTAAP works to create opportunities for traditional arts in Vermont communities to grow and thrive, helping to shape identity and support both individual and community wellbeing. An apprenticeship is a face-to-face learning opportunity where a master artist passes on their skills to one or more apprentices through hands-on work. During the past 30 years, Vermont Folklife Center has supported over 350 apprenticeships representing everything from the arts of native Abenaki and of English, French, Polish and Irish immigrants, to those of Lao, Somali Bantu, Congolese, Bosnian, Tibetan, and Bhutanese Nepali refugee communities. Anniversary festivities are taking place throughout 2022.

Tonight’s showcase highlights three virtuosic artists who have been involved with VTAAP over the years and have made major efforts to pass on their artistic mastery to the next generation: Migmar Tsering, Pete Sutherland, and Shvan Nepali.

8:30 PM É.T.É.

Awarded the OPUS prize for “Discovery of the Year 2017-2018,” among many other accolades since their first album release in 2017, this trio has been winning over the hearts of listeners worldwide, young and old alike. É.T.É are Élisabeth on fiddle, step-dancing, and vocals; Thierry on bouzouki, podorythmie, and vocals; and Élisabeth on cello and vocals. The word été in French means summer – a fitting tribute to how their original, lively take on Québec traditional music is infused with a new vitality. With lovely vocal harmonies, deep groove, and rich instrumentation, É.T.É are an explosive trio on stage, transforming the nostalgia of a kitchen party into an unforgettable show experience that celebrates the joie de vivre of Québecois culture.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Generous support from Agri-Mark/Cabot Vermont, Hannah and Eric Benz, Nancy and Ben Rosenberg,
East View Electrical Services, and Equine Science Solutions

7:00 PM Radio Free Honduras

Radio Free Honduras is a diverse collective of Chicago musicians, all united under one goal – supporting the artistry of Charlie Baran and bringing this tremendous talent into the spotlight where it belongs. Founded by Dan Abu-Absi, longtime guitarist for JT and the Clouds and Birds of Chicago, Radio Free Honduras plays mostly Baran originals, but their live shows often include a wide variety of reimagined cover songs. This band provides Charlie with the wide musical pallet his talent (and songs) deserve. Abu-Absi has gathered a large, revolving collective of some of Chicago’s most talented musicians; lively percussion, eclectic instrumentation, and rich harmonies all provide the backdrop, allowing Charlie to do what he does best – stunning guitar work, tapping into what seems a limitless supply of energy and enthusiasm for music.
“Traditional Honduran music with Rhumbas, Los Lobos inspired rock, and south of the border soul. Baran has made a record that feels right at home as a summer sound-track for Chicago’s eclectic Latin neighborhoods.” –Illinois Entertainer

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Generous support from Casella Waste Systems, Jessica’s at Swift House Inn, and Middlebury Dental Group

7:00 PM Reggie Harris

Reggie Harris is a musician, storyteller, and educator who has been a vibrant force in musical, educational and historical circles for over 35 years. Steeped in the tradition of African American spirituals, folk, gospel, rock and the music of civil and human rights, Reggie’s writing, research, field work, and recordings have amassed an amazing repertoire of African American music, blending spirituals and freedom songs, the old with the new. A songwriter of great depth and passion, Reggie’s songs reveal thoughts about life and love and some of the deep aspects of the human experience and cover topics from his own personal journey to world issues and history.

8:30 PM Damn Tall Buildings

Damn Tall Buildings, featuring Avery Ballotta on violin and vocals; Max Capistran on guitar, banjo, and vocals; and Sasha Dubyk on upright bass and vocals, draws on early 20th century Americana/Bluegrass music, repurposed for a modern audience. The performance of Damn Tall Buildings is fully underwritten by Neat Repeats Resale Shop.
They’ve been hailed by The Boston Globe as “The Carter Family for the millennial generation.”

“If you like your bluegrass served with a little punch, attitude, grit and gravy … Damn Tall Buildings will slide in nice as a welcome addition to your listening rotation. Bluegrass at heart, but pulling from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime, jazz, and even a hint of contemporary perspective in the songwriting, they offer virtually unmatched energy and enthusiasm, underpinned by intelligent songs that don’t skimp on the infectiousness…” –Savingcountrymusic.com

Throughout the week, we’ll be doing periodic free raffles. By completing an audience survey card, and
including your contact information, you’ll automatically be entered in these drawings.

Friday, July 15, 2022

Generous support from Vermont Gas Systems (VGS), Middlebury Community Television,
and Festival volunteers honoring the late Dick Thodal

7:00 PM Oshima Brothers

Oshima Brothers’ magnetic sibling sound and contagious joy result from a lifetime of making music together. Raised in a musical family in rural Maine, the brothers have honed a harmony-rich blend of contemporary folk and acoustic pop. Music has always been a central part of the brothers’ lives. Their parents performed folk songs and encouraged their sons to make music too. On stage, Sean and Jamie create a surprisingly full sound with dynamic vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, octave bass, loops, and percussion. The brothers live in Maine but are often on the road performing, producing music videos, and dancing.

“Sean and Jamie are two of the most inspirational people I’ve met. They perform a roots-based pop sound that is infectious and fun, and even though a little wistful, this song gets in your head and won’t let go.” –Chris Wienk, WEXT

8:30 PM CFI featuring George Walker Petit

CFI ~ The finest Vermont musicians exploring the common language of funk, jazz, reggae, blues, and rock at a level that is very, very high indeed…both vocal and instrumental. CFI is George Petit on guitars, John Rivers on electric bass, Geza Carr on drums, and Mike Hartigan on keyboards. For the show at the Festival, they will be joined by Connor Young, Avery Cooper, Nate Reit, Jake Whitesall, and Rob Debruyn. The evening’s concert will be performed with a full nine-piece band including a four-piece horn section. They brought down the house at their recent 2022 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival appearance. Come dance and hear what fans are raving about!

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Generous support from Bristol Park Dental, Middlebury College, Otter Creek Engineering, and Sylvamo-Ticonderoga Mill

7:00 PM Vermont Jazz Ensemble Street Dance

Since 1984, our capstone event has been the Street Dance, featuring big-band selections by the Vermont Jazz Ensemble. With musicians hailing from all corners of the Green Mountain State, Vermont Jazz Ensemble is a 17-member instrumental group that performs selections in the jazz and Big Band styles, and also plays a repertoire of rock, fusion, Latin, and popular styles. Its extensive library includes standards by Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and others.

This is a wonderful event for the whole family. Main Street will be closed from Merchants Row to the Middlebury Community Music Center for the dance.

Important Information and Festival Notes

If you are not fully vaccinated, wearing a mask and staying at least 6 feet apart helps protect you and the people around you from getting or spreading COVID-19.

The Village Green is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking spots are marked. Designated accessible seating is available under the tent and will be held for 15 minutes after the start of performances. Large-print programs are available upon request. Festival volunteers will be on hand at all events to assist patrons with accessibility needs.

Seating under the tent is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We discourage seat-saving. If you wish to save seats, your party must be in their seats by 10 minutes prior to the start of the performance. Otherwise, items on seats will be removed and held for you to pick up from Festival staff.

All Festival events take place rain or shine. Check the bulletin board and listen to local radio stations for updated info.

A Festival Emergency Plan is posted at various spots around the Green. Volunteers will be available at each performance to assist with evacuation in the event of an emergency or severe storm activity.

Middlebury Town Ordinance prohibits possession of open containers holding alcoholic beverages on Town property. As a condition of our permit, we must inform event guests that the use of tobacco or tobacco products is prohibited.

“If You See Something, Say Something™” is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities. If you see something suspicious taking place, report that behavior or activity to a Festival volunteer or to local law enforcement. If you notice unattended bags, backpacks or containers, please alert a Festival volunteer. In the case of emergency, call 911.

Festival T-shirts will be on sale at the Information Table. Visit our Performer Merchandise Boutique in the gazebo.

You can support the Festival by purchasing tickets for our 2022 raffle. The list of prizes appears elsewhere in the program. We accept PayPal and Venmo.

Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance alumni and Mexico in Vermont are on site to provide concessions during evening events.

Middlebury Community Television volunteers will be recording performances which can be viewed throughout the year at middleburycommunitytv.org.

Let’s keep Vermont and the Village Green beautiful! Please deposit trash and recyclables in appropriate containers provided by Casella Waste Management and the Addison County Solid Waste Management District.

Standard and accessible portable toilets are located on the Merchants Row side of the Green.

Parents: Please encourage youngsters playing on the Green to keep voices and activities at a moderate level out of courtesy to performers and fellow audience members. We also ask that you keep young children within your view for safety purposes.

Please keep pets on a leash and bring your pooper scooper.

We always welcome your feedback. Please speak with any member of the Festival committee if you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help plan next year’s event.