Rincon Pizzeria and Tapas Bar, which opened in October in Burlington, has closed within a month of its launch. The restaurant, offering Puerto Rican-inspired tapas and pizza, ceased operations in early November. Co-owner Nathan MacAlpine hasn’t commented on the closure, but visible renovations indicate significant changes are underway. Rincon faced challenges, notably with co-owner David Quintana remaining involved as an investor after controversies at the prior establishment, Manhattan Pizza & Pub, led to staff boycotts. There were hopes for Rincon to be a music venue, but it currently lacks scheduled events.

In more uplifting news, Killington Resort is set to host the 2024 Stifel Killington Cup, featuring U.S. Olympians like Mikaela Shiffrin, alongside a lively weekend of music with performances by Fitz and the Tantrums, Eve 6, and others. Burlington’s Greg Freeman announced the rerelease of his 2023 LP, “I Looked Out,” adding bonus tracks, while NYC-based rapper rivan released “deep blue,” reflecting a blend of indie-R&B influences. Winooski’s Greg Bonsignore, through his project Ruminations, launched a new single “Carnival in Town,” showcasing an experimental spoken-word style.

Furthermore, Burlington synth-pop band Night Protocol shared their new single “Mindkiller,” inspired by the sci-fi classic Dune. Lastly, the benefit concert “Hug Your Farmer” at the Flynn featured a plethora of Vermont musicians, including Grace Potter and Mike Gordon, raising funds for farm recovery efforts in Vermont following a natural disaster, culminating in a community sing-along.