Newz from Big Heavy World

'In Silver Light' is a breathtaking sampler of Vermont's singer-songwriting and instrumental music. Atmospheric tracks mesh to create a mesmerizing listening experience that will remind you of how fortunate we are as Vermonters to count such talented artists as our neighbors. Order 'In Silver Light' for yourself, family and friends and look here for news of the upcoming CD release celebration! Proceeds benefit the VMLS. 'In Silver Light' artists include: Spencer Lewis, James O'Halloran, Karen McFeeters, Kris Gruen, Jess Clemons, Paul Webb with Patti Casey, Dan Zura, The Cush, Patrick Fitzsimmons, Native Daughters (Deb Flanders and Michele Choiniere), Ken Mahren, Social Band, Lar Duggan, and Aaron Flinn. Above, the CD cover image, "Harvest Time." a hand-colored photograph by Lincoln, VT artist Victoria Blewer.

By Casey Kaufman
Photo of Vermont band Lucy Vincent

Everyone knows that the main attraction of Vermont during the winter is the selection of great slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Thousands of people from all over the world flock to these mountains, from families to winter sport fanatics, which inspired The Vermont Ski Areas Association to use this wide-reaching venue to introduce visitors to another exciting aspect of the Green Mountain State: the Vermont music scene! The Vermont Ski Areas Association, well-known as Ski Vermont, is passionately committed to the promotion of skiing in Vermont. This winter, the organization invited Big Heavy World, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of Vermont-made music, to coordinate programming for a new promotional effort geared to the skiing and snowboarding community.

Live at the FlynnSpace, Friday May 25
7pm, $17.00, Student/Senior $14

'In Silver Light' is a breathtaking sampler of Vermont's singer-songwriting and instrumental music. Join the artists for a panoramic performance celebrating the release of this critically acclaimed CD and the Vermont Music Library's work to preserve the state's contemporary musical heritage. Performing: Spencer Lewis, Native Daughters (Deb Flanders & Michele Choiniere), Paul Webb, Aaron Flinn's Salad Days, The Cush, Karen McFeeters, Social Band, Lar Duggan, Kris Gruen, James O'Halloran, Ken Mahren (and more!). Made possible by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.

Sample the music and learn more about the project here!. Proceeds from this event benefit the Vermont Music Library, vmls.org. Purchase your ticket at: FlinnTix or at the door.

Photos: Above, Aaron Flinn's Salad Days; below, Kris Gruen.

Photo: Below, Karen McFeeters.

Photo: Below, Native Daughters (Deb Flanders & Michele Choiniere).

Photo: Below, Social Band.

Photo: Below, Ken Mahren.

Photo: Below, Paul Webb.

Thank you to everyone who came out May 25th to celebrate the release of the ‘In Silver Light’ CD. Over a dozen singer-songwriters shared the intimate setting of the FlynnSpace stage and performed for a full, appreciative house. Made possible by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, proceeds from the evening and sales of the compilation CD – a ‘breathtaking sampler of Vermont’s singer-songwriting and instrumental music’ – will benefit the Vermont Music Library and Shop.

From the Native Daughters (Michele Choiniere and Deb Flanders), a duo who combines traditional French Canadian songs with Vermont’s folk roots, to The Cush, an eclectic band fronted by Gabrielle and Burette Douglas, whose influences are old tape delays, wind and constellations, and analog equipment, the night unfolded with the eerie sounds of “The Last Whale,” by Ken Mahren and the joie de vivre of Aaron Flinn who hit us right in the heart and kept on strumming.

The sound filtered across the stage seamlessly and the diversity was captivating. As host, Spencer Lewis shared his genuine appreciation of each piece about to be performed and capped the evening on violin and acoustic guitar.

Our deepest thanks are extended to the artists who performed to celebrate the CD and support our work, and also to Harry Chalkin, Sound Engineer; Sean Larock, Engineering Assistant; Brian Johnson, FlynnSpace Manager; and Arnie Malina, Flynn Center Artistic Director; to the family farmers of Cabot Creamery and Jeb Norris, Mike Luoma, and the on-air staff of 104.7FM ‘The Point.’ And again, if you were able to attend, thank you for your support and for sharing this magical night with us!

You can sample and order the ‘In Silver Light’ CD here.

Photo: Ken Mahren performing ' The Last Whale.'

The Big Heavy World Record Label is working with Maine filmmaker Nikolai Fox to produce the soundtrack to 'Music for the Sky' a documentary video featuring six Vermont fiddlers carrying-forward old time fiddle traditions. A special preview of the film will be shown continuously at the Vermont Music Library & Shop booth in the Vermont History Expo Museum Tent, June 23 & 24, 10am-5pm.

The Vermont History Expo brings together 150 local historical societies, museums and heritage organizations from across the state to gather at the historic Tunbridge Worlds' Fairgrounds. The exhibits, music, food, presentations, performances, and family activities at the Expo are a stellar experience; enthusiasm for Vermont's deep, quirky, and treasured cultural heritage runs high and the annual Expo is always memorable.

The Vermont Music Library & Shop will also be displaying information about our work to preserve Vermont-made music and the 1907 L. S. Gordon general store building we are working to restore to become our archive. T-shirts and copies of the new 'In Silver Light' Vermont artists compilation CD will be available. Come meet Ryan, Jim, and Tonya from the crew!

Directons, admission, and information can be found at the Vermont History Expo web site.

Photo: Michael Donahue, featured in 'Music for the Sky,' photographed by Amanda Kowalski.