Burlington, VT, Oct 19, 2011 — One of the northeast's longest running film festivals marks its 26th anniversary this year. The Vermont International Film Festival begins Friday and continues through October 30th at seven venues in the Burlington area. The festival is best known for featuring groundbreaking and independent films from around the world, including the largest selection of Vermont-made films. Todd Moe spoke with Orly Yadin, a filmmaker and board member of the festival, who says this year's event will focus on themes such as freedom, liberty, borders and food.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Sep 21, 2011 — Vermont Stage Company has a new leader as it opens it's 18th season with Photograph 51 on October 5th at the FlynnSpace in Burlington. The new season also includes The Clean House, Shirley Valentine, As You Like It, and Winter Tales. Todd Moe spoke with newly hired producing artistic director Cristina Alicea about her debut season with Burlington's longest-standing, professional theatre company. Alicea succeeds Mark Nash at the theatre's helm. They talked about some of the challenges and opportunities under the theme "Reinvention".  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Aug 26, 2011 — Creston Lea builds custom electric guitars in Burlington. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop. Betsy Kepes reviews Wild Punch, Lea's book of linked short stories.  Go to full article

Colchester, VT, Jul 22, 2011 — Boeing-Boeing is running at St. Michael's Playhouse in Colchester. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at the opening night and has this review.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Jul 05, 2011 — In 2006, Burlington writer James Lantz's first play, The Bus, was a surprise hit. The play, about two boys who pursue a forbidden relationship late at night in a church bus, drew crowds and glowing reviews. It's set in a small town and deals with gay teens, sexuality, religion and homophobia. An off-Broadway theater is giving Lantz an opportunity to present his play to big city audiences this fall.

James Lantz has written three other plays, including American Machine, which was a co-commissioned project of The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. As an award-winning filmmaker, he has produced, written and directed over 200 commercial films, videos and live events. Todd Moe spoke with him about The Bus and its off-Broadway debut in October.  Go to full article

Colchester, VT, Jun 24, 2011 — The Drowsey Chaperone runs at St. Michael's Playhouse in Colchester VT through July 2. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at the opening night and has this review.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, May 31, 2011 — The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival kicks off this Friday at various venues around Burlington, and this year features more music than ever before. Joel Hurd spoke with the festival's Managing Director Brian Mital.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Apr 22, 2011 — Sylvia is running at Vermont Stage Company in the FlynnSpace through May 8. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at the opening night and has this review.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Mar 11, 2011 — Underneath the lintel runs at Vermont Stage Company in the FlynnSpace in Burlington through March 20. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at the opening night and has this review.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Jan 19, 2011 — A musical event for families comes this weekend to the Higher Ground in Burlington. Grammy award-winning musician Dan Zanes and his band have two shows of music for all ages this Sunday, one at noon, one at 3 pm.

Zanes is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking children's album, "Rocket Ship Beach."

Zanes had a pop music career in the late 1980s as a member of the band the Del Fuegos. Then, in 1994, his daughter was born. He told David Sommerstein he was looking for music to share with her but couldn't find what he was looking for.  Go to full article