Rocket Shop Live

The 2013-2014 Series

Rocket Shop Live at Main Street Landing was a family-friendly monthly concert series at the Black Box Theater of the Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center. It was a live concert event & radio, television, & streaming broadcast of Big Heavy World's weekly 'Rocket Shop' local music radio hour, presented by Big Heavy World, Main Street Landing, & RETN. Musicians for Musicians panels are followed by live performances from Vermont's bright and rising musical stars. The 2013-2014 series was generously supported by Advance Music Center, Moreau Theatrical Services, 105.9FM The Radiator, The Vermont Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

4/16/2014 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Preparing to Enter the Studio

Lane Gibson of Lane Gibson Recording and Mastering and Andre Maquera of West Street Digital Recording spoke on the topic of studio recording – preparing, and the process. It touched on what the recording process is generally like and what we as artists can do to make it go as smoothly as possible. Stories and experiences on what to and not to do, best practices, preproduction versus post, what is mastering, etc. Hosted by Steve Hartmann. It was part of the live concert event & radio, television, & streaming broadcast of Big Heavy World’s weekly ‘Rocket Shop’ local music radio hour, presented by Big Heavy World, Main Street Landing, & RETN.

4/16/2014 Gregory Douglass

Gregory Douglass' evocative, alternative sound blends "Rufus Wainwright´s opulent musicality and Justin Timberlake´s accessible soulfulness," according to OUT Magazine. His recent spotlight on NPR's "Morning Edition" has coined him "one of New England's best-kept secrets." Douglass has shared the stage with artists like They Might Be Giants, Shawn Colvin, The Weepies, Jason Mraz, Regina Spektor, and Margaret Cho. Douglass' 2009 release BATTLER features duets with friends and fellow Vermonters Grace Potter (Grace Potter & The Nocturnals/ Hollywood Records) and Anais Mitchell (Righteous Babe Records), and he is currently touring in support of his latest release, LUCID, a dream-themed concept album, and ode to Kate Bush. Douglass is an internationally renowned independent musician with eight critically acclaimed albums under his belt. According to Pandora's founder, Tim Westergren, Douglass is one of the top independent artists on Pandora radio today. Douglass has sold 100,000+ songs digitally on his own and his videos have amounted to over 600,000 views on Youtube alone. His music videos have charted numerous times on MTV Network's LOGO TV. Douglass was a finalist in the 2011 Mountain Stage NewSong Competition and won Yobi.tv's "New Stage" competition, an original web series starring Jersey Shore's Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino. http://www.gregorydouglass.com

4/16/2014 Joe Adler & The Rangers of Danger

Burlington, Vermont based singer/songwriter Joe Adler draws on influences that range from the blues, folk, and experimental tendencies of Tom Waits, to the poetic leanings of Leonard Cohen. Adler is known for playing in local groups The Wee Folkestra and The Wind Woods, and has toured the northeast as a solo artist opening for folk troubadour Nathan Moore. Adler has collaborated on stage live with such notables as Brad Barr (The Slip, The Barr Brothers), Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio, Soule Monde), Marco Benevento, Yah Yah Abdel-Majid (Sun Ra Arkestra), Craig Myers (Barika, Rubblebucket), and Dave Dreiwitz (Ween). His debut album, Many Things & Many Scenes, is set to be released in early 2014. http://www.JoeAdler.BandCamp.com

3/19/2014 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Getting the Album Pressed

Join established artists Joe Adler and Patrick Fitzsimmons for this Musicians For Musicians panel discussion on the topic of getting your music from the studio to your fans - what format is best for you, how to raise the funds to afford traditional recording and manufacturing, the digital options for getting your music out there and more. Plan for an intimate, informal discussion with musicians who have 'been there,' and want to share their wisdom to help you succeed.

Vermont singer/songwriter, Patrick Fitzsimmons is a 2011 and 2012 Solarfest national songwriting contest finalist and a three time Ploughshares national songwriting contest finalist. Patrick has just released his sixth CD, 'Hope Is,' which has been getting airplay on radio stations all over the country. Relix Magazine called him, "one of the most captivating songwriters around today" and Seven Days wrote, "Fitzsimmons is an immensely talented singer. With a shimmering, silken delivery, he is effortlessly emotive." Patrick has shared the stage with some of the acoustic music scene's biggest names including Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Roger McGuinn, Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert. Fitzsimmons is a founding member of From Good Homes, a roots rock band signed to RCA Records in the mid to late 90's. He began his solo career in 2001 and continues to tour throughout the northeast building a large and loyal following with his soulful, captivating performances.

Burlington, Vermont based singer/songwriter Joe Adler draws on influences that range from the blues, folk, and experimental tendencies of Tom Waits, to the poetic leanings of Leonard Cohen. Adler is known for playing in local groups The Wee Folkestra and The Wind Woods, and has toured the northeast as a solo artist opening for folk troubadour Nathan Moore. Adler has collaborated on stage live with such notables as Brad Barr (The Slip, The Barr Brothers), Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio, Soule Monde), Marco Benevento, Yah Yah Abdel-Majid (Sun Ra Arkestra), Craig Myers (Barika, Rubblebucket), and Dave Dreiwitz (Ween). His debut album, Many Things & Many Scenes, is set to be released in early 2014.

3/19/2014 Deb Flanders

Flanders’ clear soprano voice has been described as “vibrant” by Seven Days and “gorgeous” by the Times-Argus. She has been performing songs from the remarkable ballad collection of her great-aunt Helen Hartness Flanders for several years. Deb’s 1997 CD, Mother Make My Bed, paid tribute to her great-aunt’s life-long work and gave Vermonters a taste of the state’s extraordinary musical traditions. Deb’s latest CD (released in 2012), ‘The Female Highwayman,’ further expands her research into her great-aunt’s collections. http://www.debflanders.net/

3/19/2014 Joshua Glass

Joshua Glass is a singer-songwriter/pianist from Burlington, Vermont who has been steadily gaining praise for his unique musical stylings, impassioned live performances, countless collaborations with other musicians, and one doggone busy schedule---averaging over 100 shows a year since his 2011 solo debut. Drawing from influences like Paul Simon, Wilco, The Beatles, Damien Rice, and embracing a "pop sensibility and improvisational style reminiscent of Allen Toussaint" (BURLINGTON CITY ARTS), Joshua's growing repertoire of original music is a blend of playful blue-eyed soul, handclap-heavy rock, and tender balladry---tied together by his soulful, haunting vocals and lyrics that toe the line between cryptic and brutally honest. Joshua, 28, is also known by his piano-pounding alter-ego WOMEN BE SHOPPIN', a one-man show he dubs as "manic-depressive improv". Utilizing a distinct rhythmic, orchestral approach to the piano, Glass delivers a blitz of constantly shifting keys and tempos, backed by homespun electronic beats and ambient effects. Described as "coming close to the aural equivalent of imbibing whiskey" (Henry Soule of SEVEN DAYS), Glass' stream-of-consciousness style has kept audiences on their toes---fascinated, but never frustrated. In addition to his solo ventures, Joshua remains active as a backing/session musician, collaborating with artists like GREGORY DOUGLASS, JUSTIN LEVINSON & THE VALCOURS, THE BEERWORTH SISTERS, MYRA FLYNN, QUIET LION (w/ TOMMY ALEXANDER), AARON FLINN, BINGER, and others. For his contributions to the musical community, Joshua was voted by readers of prestigious newspaper SEVEN DAYS as Vermont's "BEST SIDE MUSICIAN" of 2011. "Glass' voice is reminiscent to Paul McCartney's, as is his pop-influenced songwriting", writes THE VERMONT CYNIC. "While he is a proficient guitar player, the piano is clearly Glass' home. He constantly toys, smiles and rocks out on his 88 keys. His catchy—but not too catchy—lyrics and melodies keep the mood light and the atmosphere enjoyable." Joshua Glass is currently in the process of recording an album of all-original material. Describing his upcoming debut as a record about "being crazy, being in love, and being crazy in love", Glass is aiming for a 2014 release date---and staying busy every step of the way. http://www.joshuaglass.com

2/26/2014 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Getting Press

Seven Days music editor Dan Bolles, Burlington Free Press Arts Entertainment Writer Brent Hallenbeck, and music journalist Casey Rae (Pitchfork, Dusted Magazine, Groove Magazine, Signal To Noise, Washington City Paper) join moderator Steve Hartmann for a conversation about getting press – what you should know or do as a musician to pave the way to exposure in the publications that matter to you.

2/26/2014 Hot Flannel

From the hills of Vermont comes a band that has chewed through the electric fences and let the cows loose. The farmers knew HOT Flannel could not be contained. Patrick Ross plays the fiddle like a machine. Matt Schrag plays one of the best built mandolins in the world (made in Burlington). If you've never heard Doug Perkins play his '69 Martin guitar, then, ladies and gentlemen, be prepared. Pat Melvin is one of the most sought after upright bass players in Vermont. They all sing and all belong to the 10,000 hours club. "It's Newgrass," exclaims Patrick. Everyone will have a good time knowing that the members of HOT Flannel know how to work their instruments. Even if the place catches on fire and the band has to take off their flannel, people will talk, good or bad, people will talk... They are ready for people to talk. http://www.patrickrossmusic.com

2/26/2014 Maryse Smith

Maryse (sounds like Theresa) is a songwriter from Burlington, Vermont. Her songs are reflections on the intricacies of human relationships. http://www.marysesmith.com/

1/22/2014 Panel: Arts Funding for Musicians

Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup, Philanthropic Advisor, Vermont Community Foundation Sonia Rae, Director of Artist and Community Programs

A panel introducing Vermont-based musical artists to opportunities for grant support of your individual or community arts projects. Providing an overview of opportunities, the path to applying for support (and how challenging or frictionless it might be), how you might prepare yourself to seek grants, and how you might combine your energies or objectives with others to achieve both support and extra community benefits. Where does Vermont’s arts funding come from, and how do the grants from the VCF and VAC fit in? Come away with knowledge to help yourself, and with a better understanding of how Vermont’s arts community is helping itself!

1/22/2014 Waylon Speed

Waylon Speed, created by Noah Crowther, Chad Hammaker, Kelly Ravin and Justin Crowther, formed after meeting at a local honky-tonk in Burlington, Vermont. Three days and one practice later, Waylon Speed was born. By instilling each band members individual musical influence, they have created a genre all of it’s own. Named after the Reverend Chitwood Hammaker’s son, Waylon, the band is a family owned and operated organization. Waylon Speed is currently touring in support of their album ‘Valance’ released in 2012. They tour nationally year-round and have offered support for many large-name outfits. Waylon Speed is not influenced by mainstream music. They write, release and distribute their music independently.“Waylon Speed is a cross between Metallica and the Lumineers, with an unnecessary dash of Prince showmanship.” Washington Post. 2013. Waylon Speed has shared bills with: Jane’s Addiction, Clutch, Little Feat, Reba McEntire, Elvis Costello, Primus, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. http://www.waylonspeed.com

1/22/2014 Mark Lavoie

For more than 30 years Mark Lavoie has been performing for crowds both large and small. His passion for and commitment to music, particularly blues harmonica, is admired by the many musicians who have played with him. Mark enjoys spreading the word about harmonica music and is an active member of national groups working to preserve and promote the harmonica as an accessible, inexpensive instrument. Mark had the opportunity to travel and perform with Sonny Terry, harmonica virtuoso and half of the popular duo Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, during the ‘70s. Mark has recorded with many Vermont musicians, from John Gailmor to Big Joe Burrell. He is part of a duo, Cooper and Lavoie, who play regularly at special events, clubs, and ski areas throughout Vermont. He has recorded most recently with Warner Brothers recording artist Bill Sims, Jr. Bill and Mark have performed together at blues festivals and clubs for the past three years. During his live, all ages show Mark plays and sings traditional blues and demonstrates how to play simple chords on the 10 hole diatonic harmonica. Most people have a harmonica somewhere in the back of a drawer and Mark’s show often inspires audience members to go home, dig out their harmonica, and give it a try. One of Mark’s favorite activities is instructing groups of students, young and old, in harmonica. He has given lessons in a small private school, college classroom, and for a high school music class. These instructional workshops can take place during one day or for a series of days. Mark is a Hohner harmonica endorsee and is able to get discount rates on harmonicas for group instruction. http://us.playhohner.com/artists/mark-lavoie

12/18/2013 Quiet Lion

Quiet Lion is a folk duo from Burlington, Vermont consisting of songwriters Tommy Alexander and Alanna Grace Flynn. Their sound has been described as honest and powerful. In 2013 Quiet Lion has opened for Kevin Devine, Night Beds, Spirit Family Reunion, Milo Greene, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, and jenny o. “Jenke Records latest release, 'Whatever You Say,' by local duo Quiet Lion, is by far the label’s strongest to date. A full-length follow-up to QL’s self-titled 2012 debut EP, the album suggests not only maturation by the songwriting tandem of Alexander and Alanna Grace Flynn, but of the label itself” - Dan Bolles, Seven Days. "One listen of Alexander’s new EP, and you’ll see that what we’re dealing with is a modern day Jack Kerouac, whose penchant is for an on-the-road experience and whose mission is to capture what comes from the soul.” - Jesse Aizenstat, Huffington Post. http://www.quietlionmusic.com

12/18/2013 Steve Hartmann

Where it takes some musicians numerous types of tricks, bells and whistles in order to create their musical message, singer/songwriter Steve Hartmann needs nothing more than his voice and a guitar. After years as the front man for Acoustic/Rock group SIMON, he has since ventured forth as a solo artist with the long awaited release of his full-length debut solo album, “Waking Up the Echoes” on December 31st 2012 at First Night Burlington. Drawing upon the influences of his favorite performers (U2, The Dave Matthews Band, The Counting Crows, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel and others), he crafts acoustic songs about life, relationships, and the courage to dream. Whether a soft ballad or a harsh melody, his dynamic songs follow the high and low points of his life. “I like toying with the quiet that creeps up just before the storm,” he admits. “I like playing with that part of a song (or themselves) that only the heart can feel and the ears can hear and when it comes, everything falls into place just right... and you can breathe.” http://www.stevehartmannmusic.com

11/20/2013 Panel: Copyrights

With Derek Pearson & David Cooper

11/20/2013 Hana Zara

Hana Zara is a Nebraska native and Burlington transplant. Her latest album, 'Tatterhood,' received rave reviews from Arts Riot and Seven Days. First hand testimony about Hana’s live show: ”I suppose Bob Dylan had a first gig somewhere. I don’t know where but I would imagine that if we could crawl into a time capsule and travel back to that moment it would be one to savor, or maybe Leonard Cohen…the music that had a real message, poetry that evoked something inside and stirred up the spirit. This is what I observed on Thursday night at Cafe Vivaldi listening to Hana Zara perform her first bonafide gig in NYC. While I really wanted to stand up and say to the audience… you are witnessing the beginning of what I truly in my heart think is a momentous occasion….the birth of a real artist. And so amidst the chatter and sound of plates clanking she took a sip of water, lifted her guitar and quickly tested her starting note. The sound of her voice has a vulnerable lilting quality with an airy kind of tone. You might be inclined to close your eyes to just listen but you will not because there is a sweet kind of self conscious shyness rolled up into a street smart gypsy. She paints her lyrics. I imagine what might happen with this career and only hope that she remains true to the exquisite essence of her unplugged self. Standing up there alone is perfection. She is a little dark jewell. I am really looking forward to her CD.” -Kathy Ingraham (singer and composer for film, TV Commercials, Records- Warner, RCA, Arista, Epic, AVI). http://reverbnation.com/hanazaramusic

11/20/2013 Aram Bedrosian, Mahlon Gross and Mark Lapierre

Aram's debut album of funk driven, melodic pieces instantly earned him international acclaim for it's balance of technical achievement and musicality and solidified his place on the forefront of bass innovation. He is hard at work on the follow-up, A Dark Light, set for release in October 2013. He has performed on stages across the country, appeared on dozens of albums, owns and instructs at The Bass Dojo in Burlington, Vermont where he resides. He is also the resident bass instructor at multiple colleges and gives lessons worldwide via webcam. http://www.arambedrosian.com

The 2012-2013 Series

4/17/2013 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Getting Press

4/17/2013 Dupont Brothers

Two brothers reunite after years of geographical separation by a fortified collaboration in music. Sam and Zack Dupont are best friends, siblings and now coconspirators in a shared passion that runs deep in their family. After a ground breaking show at Nectars in Burlington, Vermont, it was clear that the next step was to merge the brothers writing styles and form one super group to be known as The Dupont Brothers. The sound is Vermont made folk-rock-Americana. http://www.dupontbrothersmusic.com/

4/17/2013 Tim Brick

Singer, songwriter and guitarist: You could say that Tim Brick is a triple threat, but you’d be wrong. Add entertainer, band leader and all-around working man to that list and you begin to get a sense of what Tim is all about. Raw and real! A born and bred Vermonter and son of a hard living trucker, country music has graced Tim Brick’s life since birth. The influence of fine-crafted songs by Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. and Don Williams along with the rockier sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Bruce Springsteen has forged Tim Brick’s soulful edge. Standing on stage since the early age of twelve, he is at home entertaining audiences. His ability to engage people from the stage and draw them into his songs is what separates Tim from the average entertainer. Tim says, “It’s about a lot more than just playing the right notes. You have to live it, breathe it, and drink it. The audience has to believe that these songs come from your heart and soul.”

In the early years, He cut his teeth playing guitar in numerous bands. Performing with a number of talented musicians helped educate him in a variety of styles, but it was country music that was always in his heart. Growing tired of bouncing from band to band and the lack of success that each misadventure brought, Tim emerged as an independent country entity with a new sound and a new vision. Tim brought his career to the next level. Playing clubs throughout New England, appearing regularly on country radio, and the independent release of two albums (‘Free to Run’ & ‘Borderline’) have made him one of the top country entertainers in the region. The release of his latest CD ‘Free To Run’ puts Tim’s songwriting skills on full display. While on stage, Tim and his band deliver consistent solid performances for country fans throughout the state of Vermont and beyond. http://www.timbrickmusic.com

3/13/2013 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Talent Buyers Present the Skill to Get Booked

With panelists Alex Budney of Nectar’s and Linda Little, Managing Director of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival.

About Panelist Linda Little: Linda, a jazz saxophonist, brings a vast amount of jazz knowledge in addition to arts administration experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music. While at Berklee, she was a member the school’s top ensembles, performing with music legends Joe Lovano, Chaka Khan, Michel Camilo, and Terry Lynne Carrington, to name a few. It’s also where her desire to present jazz began, as she established the college’s first jazz record label. Upon graduating, Linda relocated to London, where she continued to perform and teach for over two years. She has also played at over a dozen jazz festivals, toured Japan, and spent six months performing on a cruise ship. As a high school student, Linda performed at the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in 1999 and 2000 with the All-State Jazz Ensemble when they opened for Herbie Hancock/Wayne Shorter Duo (’99) and Chucho Valdez (’00). Linda refocused her energy into presenting performing arts after many years of struggling with a chronic injury that made it difficult to perform. Since returning to her home state of Vermont, she has been the managing director of Kingdom County Productions, producing live performing arts in the Northeast Kingdom along with feature and documentary films. She is also no stranger to the Discover Jazz Festival, having managed merchandise for the past three years. In addition, she was the operations manager for the Festival of Fools, and independently produces jazz events at St. Micheal’s College, Catamount Arts, and the Greensboro Country Club.

3/13/2013 Patrick Fitzsimmons

Patrick has recently released "Hope Is", his sixth CD and first on Malletts Bay Records. The title is directly inspired by the Emily Dickinson poem, "Hope Is the Thing With Feathers" but the albums emotional content is grounded in powerful real life events. Fitzsimmons has been called “one of the most captivating songwriters around today” by Relix Magazine. Seven Days wrote "Fitzsimmons is an immensely talented singer. With a shimmering, silken delivery, he is effortlessly emotive. Wide eyed and heartfelt, his music ably and honestly recalls a simpler period of American pop music." Fitzsimmons is a 2011 and 2012 Solarfest national songwriting contest finalist and a three time Ploughshares national songwriting contest finalist and has had his songs placed in several independent films. Patrick has shared the stage with some of the acoustic music scene's biggest names including Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams, Roger McGuinn, Ellis Paul and Vance Gilbert. Fitzsimmons continues to tour throughout the northeast building his large and loyal following with soulful, captivating performances. As a young boy, Patrick loved the singer-songwriters of the ’70’s, drawn to the works of such artists as Cat Stevens, Paul Simon & James Taylor. Though his first instrument was the drums, he eventually came full circle to follow the path of his childhood heroes. In high school in Sparta New Jersey, he and two classmates formed a band that would ultimately become From Good Homes, a folk/rock band signed to RCA Records in the mid ‘90’s. FGH recorded three CDs with RCA & toured the country sharing the stage with Bob Dylan, Dave Mathews Band, Joan Osborne and many others. In 1999 the band broke up and Patrick moved to Vermont and began his solo career. http://patrickfitzsimmons.net

3/13/2013 Samara Lark Brown

Fresh out of the Los Angeles Music Academy in 2004, jazz vocalist and songwriter Samara Lark migrated to the Green Mountains of Vermont. Her initiation into the Burlington music scene was an invitation to sit in with Big Joe Burrell and the Unknown Blues Band. Playing with such talented and experienced musicians was just the beginning for Samara. She soon began writing her own songs and performing solo at local venues in the area.

Samara Lark sings from the heart. Always tinged with a notion of jazz, her songs possess a feeling of nostalgia with a playful quirkiness and a sincere honesty. Her voice conveys a message of strength through open vulnerability with a sound as tough as it is tender and as spicy as it is sweet. It was the voice of Billie Holiday that first inspired Samara to sing outside of church when she was a teen. Soon to follow in her album collection were the voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell and Nina Simone. These powerhouse female vocalists energized Samara and ignited her passion for singing, leading her to school in Los Angeles, where she became trained in several styles of music including jazz, blues, bossa nova, rock, pop and soul.

Now, eight years after moving to Vermont, Samara has immersed herself deeply within the music scene in Burlington. She currently performs regularly as a solo act and also with The Wee Folkestra, Wave of the Future, and Mildred Moody. Samara sings yearly during the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and has been a guest artist for such local talents as Barika, Dr. Ruckus, and the Swingin’ Vermont Big Band. In 2011, she had the honor of singing with piano marvel Marco Benevento and his trio with Andy Borger playing drums (Norah Jones, Tom Waits) and Dave Dreiwitz playing bass (Ween). When she’s not performing live, Samara Lark works hard to pass on the tradition of women in music as Volunteer Coordinator for Girls Rock Vermont, a summer camp whose mission is to teach young women and girls how to empower themselves through playing music. https://www.facebook.com/SamaraLarkMusic

2/20/2013 Musicians for Musicians Panel

Panelist Glorg (Douglass) Reinstein: Throughout her adult life, Glory (Douglass) Reinstein has been an avid listener and supporter of Triple-A and Americana radio and independent artists. Her love for indie artists began with her own son, Gregory. Watching him and other local indie artists struggle to be heard, she started a company to help promote them. The company began with radio promotion but now focuses on pitching music to TV/Film music supervisors and licensing agencies. She has capitalized on her many contacts in the industry and continues to provide independent artist support while working within the artists’ budget. Glory completed course work for a Music Business Specialist certificate through Berklee School of Music in Boston working under the tutelage of George Howard (former President of Rykodisc Records). She has since established Brave Bird Music Publishing/ASCAP and Malletts Bay Records and is a member of AMA. Glory is a veteran and award-winning Vermont music educator who has impacted hundreds of high school students throughout her career. She received her B.S. in Music Education from the University of Vermont and her M.S. in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. Her former leadership roles include President of the Vermont chapters of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) and MENC (Music Educators National Conference) as well as guest conducting high school festival choirs throughout Vermont and northern New York. Glory has taught voice, guitar, piano, and clarinet, as well as music theory and composition. In addition, she has arranged and composed music, and currently holds the position of assistant conductor for Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont.

Panelist Sarah Stickle is a 20 year-old singer/songwriter, band manager, and an experienced social marketing leader. She has worked in social networking most recently at a small social marketing firm in New York called Sarah Wilson Business Communications. Sarah has worked with businesses such as the Champlain Valley Fair, First Night Burlington, The Amida Bourbon Project, and others in expanding their reach, and utilizing social media for basic promotion, booking, and more. She works with up to 15 clients at once and most enjoys utilizing Facebook, Pinterest, and email marketing.

2/20/2013 Aaron Flinn

This music is true. When you hear someone who is meant to make music perform, the impact is certain and powerful. This is the experience that comes with listening to Aaron Flinn (solo or with his band Salad Days). The music is meant to be and anyone who takes the time to hear it will be stronger for it. Elements of folk, indie rock and classic country combine with powerful vocals, poetic lyrics and finger-picking guitar. An eclectic group of americana and rock songs, with an emphasis on lyrical substance and performance from the soul. Aaron began playing and writing in high school. He won numerous competitions in performance and writing throughout his time at UVM and Berklee College of Music (where he graduated Magna Cum Laude – for what it’s worth). He has gone onto release an impressive body of original work, all the while touring such hallowed venues as Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Great American Music Hall and many House of Blues and working with the likes of The Samples, Gov’t Mule, Joe Bonamassa, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Don McLean and Tragically Hip to name but a few. http://www.aaronflinn.com

1/23/2013 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Touring Internationally

About panelist Rik Palieri- Folk-singer, Songwriter & Storyteller Rik is a talented singer, song writer, multi instrumentalist, storyteller and member of “The Mythical Order of The Rose Tattoo”, who lives the musical life to the fullest. He is a very energetic performer who captivates audiences of all ages with his stories and songs. In a typical performance Rik will sing an old ballad with a fret less banjo, stomp out a Leadbelly style blues on the 12 string guitar, squeeze an exotic instrumental on the Polish bagpipes, spin out a wild and wooly story of his travels, pluck out a tune on the Ozark mouth bow, blow a mournful melody on the Native American flute and end the evening with an original Yodel-sing-a-long Rik has performed at concert halls, schools and festivals throughout the lower 48 states, toured Alaska by float plane, rode camelback in Australia and sung on trains throughout Europe… He has appeared on countless TV programs including recent spots on ABC’s 20/20. He also has his own Public Access TV show “Song Writers Notebook” ( Now archived by the Library of Congress), that has featured interviews with artists like Pete Seeger and U. Utah Phillips. Rik has recorded six albums. His newest CD is called “Hobos & Heroes”. He is also an occasional writer for Sing Out!, Banjo Newsletter and author of a new book “The Road Is My Mistress, Tales Of A Roustabout Songster”

About panelist Ryan Krushenick: Ryan Krushenick of Unrestrained and the legendary My Revenge, two of our region’s most-traveled hardcore punk rock bands, has brought an original Vermont sound to 49 states and the countries of Mexico, Canada, Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Russia, and Ireland and others. Touring economically, surviving (and thriving) in foreign cultures, finding support in the underground music communities across the world, and growing personally from these travels are topics Ryan looks forward to sharing.

1/23/2013 Katie Trautz & Alec Ellsworth

Twin Fiddle & Country Songs: Katie and Alec are fiddlers in the Montpelier area who play mainly old-time and cajun music. Vermont-based multi-instrumentalist Katie Trautz is one of the state’s busiest and most creative young folk musicians. She is a fiddler, songwriter, music instructor and director of the Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture in Montpelier, a training ground for aspiring acoustic musicians that features a top-notch teaching staff including some of Vermont’s best acoustic musicians. Trautz has released three albums, and joined ensembles for numerous recording projects over past few years. She tours and performs solo, and with Katie Trautz and the Tall Boys, Mayfly and Wooden Dinosaur. http://www.katietrautz.com/

1/23/2013 Steve Hartmann

Where it takes some musicians numerous types of tricks, bells and whistles in order to create their musical message, singer/songwriter Steve Hartmann needs nothing more than his voice and a guitar. After years as the front man for Acoustic/Rock group SIMON, he has since ventured forth as a solo artist with the long awaited release of his full-length debut solo album, “Waking Up the Echoes” on December 31st 2012 at First Night Burlington. Drawing upon the influences of his favorite performers (U2, The Dave Matthews Band, The Counting Crows, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel and others), he crafts acoustic songs about life, relationships, and the courage to dream. Whether a soft ballad or a harsh melody, his dynamic songs follow the high and low points of his life. “I like toying with the quiet that creeps up just before the storm,” he admits. “I like playing with that part of a song (or themselves) that only the heart can feel and the ears can hear and when it comes, everything falls into place just right… and you can breathe.” http://www.reverbnation.com/stevehartmann

12/12/2012 Vedora

Sultry vocals, jangly guitars, driving drums, melodic bass lines and gritty lyrics take you out of your self and into a dark forest of moody rock. Vedora’s captivating live performance showcases stormy arrangements, poetic songwriting, and lush harmonies. Coming off the recent release of their debut album, Vedora is ready to play their hearts out for you. Vedora is: Matt Hastings (guitar, vocals), Caroline O’Connor (bass, vocals), and Jeff LaBossiere (drums). http://vedora.bandcamp.com

12/12/2012 Jen Crowell

Developing her skills originally as a Jazz vocalist Jen Crowell graduated into performing original work several years ago, including performances around the area, though her original jazz roots can still be heard in her vocal style. Her most recent release, Cold Front, showcases her broad musical range and has been compared stylistically to work by Natalie Merchant and The Cowboy Junkies. Her repertoire includes influences from Chris Whitley, Richard Thompson, Red Bird and more, with the same, soulful pull. Her songs leave a haunting sense of emotion sure to move even the most jaded of souls. Combining acoustic guitar with her broad vocal range creates an ethereal experience, while her lyrics and music mix roots of bluegrass and folk with haunting phrasing and modern melodies to create more than the sum of the parts. http://www.reverbnation.com/jencrowellthewoodsvehicle

11/7/2012 Musicians for Musicians Panel: Drawing A Map to Success As A Musician

Everyone’s idea of achievement as a musician is different, but the roads to it have been walked before. Learn from the personal stories and get advice from Vermont’s most dedicated and determined musicians about resources and obstacles they’ve encountered in their musical careers, and benefit from a community discussion about planning for success, however you measure it. Panelists include veteran independent Vermont musicians Jen Crowell, Gregory Douglass, and Zach duPont, and are moderated by musician Steve Hartmann.

About the panel moderator Steve Hartmann: Where it takes some musicians numerous types of tricks, bells and whistles in order to create their musical message, singer/songwriter Steve Hartmann needs nothing more than his voice and a guitar. After years as the front man for Acoustic/Rock group SIMON, he has since ventured forth as a solo artist with the long awaited release of his full-length debut solo album, “Waking Up the Echoes” on December 31st 2012 at First Night Burlington. Drawing upon the influences of his favorite performers (U2, The Dave Matthews Band, The Counting Crows, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel and others), he crafts acoustic songs about life, relationships, and the courage to dream. Whether a soft ballad or a harsh melody, his dynamic songs follow the high and low points of his life. “I like toying with the quiet that creeps up just before the storm,” he admits. “I like playing with that part of a song (or themselves) that only the heart can feel and the ears can hear and when it comes, everything falls into place just right… and you can breathe.”

About panelist Jen Crowell: Jen has been working in the music business world for over 10 years. As a singer/songwriter, tour manager for Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, band manager, owner of her own production company Crow Artists, and current Executive Director of First Night Burlington, Jen brings a wealth of information and experience to speaking about and teaching about how to survive in the music business. She has grown up performing and appreciating music her whole life in Vermont and North New York and currently resides in the Montpelier area. http://www.reverbnation.com/jencrowellthewoodsvehicle

About panelist Gregory Douglass: An internationally renowned independent musician with eight critically acclaimed albums and a multitude of digital singles & music videos. His recent spotlight on NPR’s “Morning Edition” has coined him “one of New England’s best-kept secrets.” Douglass has sold over 75,000 songs digitally on his own and his videos have amounted to over 600,000 views on Youtube alone. His music videos have charted numerous times on MTV Network’s LOGO TV and his newest single “Naysayer” is slated to air on MTV’s upcoming “World Of Jenks” series. Douglass was a finalist in the 2011 Mountain Stage NewSong Competition and won Yobi.tv’s “New Stage” competition, an original web series starring Jersey Shore’s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino. http://www.gregorydouglass.com

About panelist Zach duPont: A budding songwriter based out of Burlington, VT. At the young age of 27, his music has displayed nothing but natural potential for growth and in return, has served as a vehicle for plays in most of the major cities in America. His finger-style guitar techniques create the illusion of two or more instruments playing simultaneously and are accompanied by intriguing lyrics, haunting melodies and one of a kind harmonic structures.The sound is contemporary folk with a twist of soul and blues. http://www.dupontbrothersmusic.com

11/7/2012 Beerworth Sisters

The Beerworth Sisters have been playing music together at family functions for a number of years and decided to take their passion on the road. Stylistically, they tend toward a whimsical mix of folk, country and classic rock. They have been playing at various local venues for the past two years as they juggle teaching careers, family, and time on the slopes. They hope to continue to share their passion for songwriting and live performances and they are thrilled to be releasing their first full-length album, "Simple Things," in December of 2012. http://www.TheBeerworthSisters.com

11/7/2012 Keeghan Nolan

Throw Country, Rock and Blues together and there you have her Keeghan Nolan. Keeghan is 20 yrs old , Vermont born and raised and is from a small town not far from the Canadian Border. She grew up listening to country music and started performing on stage when she was 12 yrs old .She now writes her own music and enjoys playing out with her band . Keeghan travels to Florida and Nashville performing at many Venues , Festivals , County Fairs and Benefits. She has opened for many National acts such as Craig Morgan, David Alan Coe, Jimmy Wayne, Chris Young, Love & Theft, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin, Jeff Bates and in November will be opening for John Michael Montgomery at the Memorial Auditorium. http://www.reverbnation.com/keeghannolan