Last week, I traded the urban buzz for a mountain retreat to catch Noah Kahan at a unique concert and golf tournament benefiting the Busyhead Project, his mental health charity. The intimate setting at Spruce Peak in Stowe and the gondola ride up added to the excitement, where I joined a mix of fans eager to enjoy the show in a picturesque backdrop.

Kahan, dressed in a full-denim outfit, captivated the crowd with hits like “Dial Drunk” and “Northern Attitude,” sharing laughs along the way. Despite the short set, the audience felt privileged to witness him perform in such a cozy environment. Conversations revealed expectations for Kahan’s future work—while fans appreciate his Vermont roots, some are eager for a musical evolution.

As I descended back down the mountain, Deltron 3030’s “State of the Nation” echoed in my mind, reminding me that whether on stage or in a gondola, good music knows no boundaries.

Get ready for an exciting evening of cinematic and musical creativity at Champlain College this Thursday, October 9! “Sound, Light, Movement: Solo Cello + Handmade Film” promises a unique experience as ten short experimental films, each originally shot on 16mm, come alive with new live soundtracks composed and performed by Lori Goldston. The Seattle cellist, known for her collaborations with Nirvana and a diverse range of artists from Cat Power to conductor Ilan Volkov, will bring her versatile musical talents to the night. Curated by Caryn Cline of Seattle’s Interbay Cinema Society, the event is free and open to the public, so don’t miss your chance to see these silent films reimagined. In other Vermont music news, singer-songwriter Emma Cook is gearing up for her new album release with upcoming singles and shows, while David Karl Roberts has dropped three fresh tracks. Check out the local scene—there’s something for every music lover!

Crossing the border after a wild night at a music festival can be a gamble, but it’s always worth it for the vibrant energy of POP Montréal. With 24 years under its belt, this indie festival didn’t disappoint, offering a mix of music, comedy, and rooftop concerts that captivated attendees.

This year, highlights included the ethereal sounds of Thanya Iyer at La Sala Rossa, blending folk with experimental beats, and a rocking performance by the legendary Michel Pagliaro at Théâtre Rialto, whose charisma evoked rock greats like Fogerty and Costello. And let’s not forget the quirky dog fashion show at Entrepôt 77—because what’s a festival without some cute pups strutting their stuff?

With more festivals on the horizon, including the spook-tacular Festival SPASM and the monumental M for Montréal, there’s no shortage of reasons to keep crossing that border for unforgettable experiences.

A sold-out crowd at the Monkey House in Winooski felt the pulse of Burlington indie-soul act Acqua Mossa as they launched their debut album. The night kicked off with “THIS IS REAL,” featuring haunting vocals from Stephanie Wilson, reflecting on climate change and personal struggles. Formed in 2020, the band has faced a challenging journey, notably Wilson’s 2022 cancer diagnosis, yet they emerged with a powerful self-titled record blending EDM, soul, and indie rock.

Despite the heavy themes, the music is a cathartic release, capturing their evolution both personally and musically. The trio, which includes keyboardist Derek Rice and drummer Tim Heaghney, has poured years into this project, battling postproduction hurdles and a pandemic. Now, with plans for a follow-up EP already underway, Acqua Mossa is set to take the next leap in their creative journey, leaving fans eager for what’s next. Their unforgettable live performance showcases the resilience and spirit of this dynamic group.

Last Sunday, the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington transformed into a time capsule, celebrating the grand finale of the Burlington Baroque Festival. As sunlight streamed through the stained glass, the church was packed for “The Splendor of Versailles,” the last event in this four-part series.

An ensemble of 33 vocalists and 21 musicians, dressed in elegant black and wielding period instruments like the flauto traverso and 14-string lute, transported the audience back to the era of King Louis XIV. Under the expert direction of Eric Milnes on organ and harpsichord, they delivered four stunning compositions that captivated all in attendance.

As I left, bracing for a celestial reprimand for my Sunday revelry, I instead felt embraced by the warmth of the sun—a fitting end to a magical afternoon. Can’t wait to see what next year’s festival brings!

Get ready, music lovers! Stage 33 Live, a cozy nonprofit listening room in Bellows Falls, has just launched a brand-new podcast. Airing every third Thursday, the “Stage 33 Live Podcast” combines the best performances from local and touring artists, all centered around a fun theme. The debut episode explores “Food,” featuring tracks like Ian Galipeau’s “Cotton Candy” and Toussaint St. Negritude’s “Just One Bowl of Love.” It’s a unique peek into the vibrant world of this special venue set in a former industrial factory.

But that’s not all! On September 27, The Monkey House in Winooski will host a benefit for Migrant Justice, featuring Burlington favorites like Peg Tassey & the Loud Flowers and Boston’s Stace Brandt. This night of music supports advocacy for migrant workers in Vermont. Plus, don’t miss the sixth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rocks! celebration on October 4 at Shelburne Farms, headlined by blues legend Kenny Neal. Check it out and support local tunes!

Vermont’s music scene is buzzing with fresh talent and new sounds! Ali McGuirk has just unveiled her sultry single “Graveyard,” the last preview from her album Watertop, which dropped on September 12. Filled with socially conscious lyrics, McGuirk emphasizes love as a transformative force in the opening track “Love Goes First.” Catch her live at the Higher Ground Showcase Lounge on October 4!

Meanwhile, experimental indie-rockers the Dead Shakers are gearing up for their politically charged release, Now That’s What I Call Missiles and Bombz 4 Kidz!, dropping September 19. Frontman Kevin Bloom’s poignant lyrics tackle complex themes, with the first single “Raytheon’s Quarterly Profit Review” already making waves on YouTube. They celebrate the launch at Burlington’s Radio Bean.

Also, don’t miss Grace Palmer’s jazzy new track “Wanna Go Out?” streaming now, as she prepares for her debut album. And for festival lovers, mark your calendars for POP Montréal from September 24-28—350+ artists and an exciting dog fashion show await!

Foam Brewers is buzzing with energy lately, creating a vibrant scene reminiscent of Burlington’s iconic 242 Main. Recently, the brewery on Lake Street welcomed a mix of older punks and their younger counterparts for a 30th anniversary reunion of the ’90s band Common Ground, complete with a birthday bash for drummer Bobby Hackney Jr.

With its increasing role in the local music scene—filling the void left by venues like Nectar’s—Foam is championing original music thanks to talent buyer Greg Rothwell. He’s focused on offering diverse genres, from punk to indie, and ensuring most shows remain free. The brewery’s scenic lakeside location and upgraded sound system have transformed it into a go-to spot.

With an ever-growing lineup of original artists and various events on the horizon, Foam Brewers is solidifying its place as a hub for both locals and visitors. It’s a space where everyone can unite, celebrating all that’s fresh in Vermont’s music scene.

Why would you want to be anywhere else? That’s the question Grace Potter—and many music fans—are pondering as the Grand Point North festival returns to Burlington, bringing a powerful collaboration with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Set for September 12-14, this year’s festival boasts a dazzling lineup, featuring local, female-led acts like Grace Palmer and Brattleboro’s synth-pop sensation Dutch Experts, alongside more familiar faces from New York’s indie scene.

Potter, a beloved figure in Vermont’s music landscape, is pushing the envelope this time around. After successful prior performances with the VSO, she’s reimagining songs from her catalog for this orchestral format, creating a fresh, vibrant sound that amplifies their emotional depth. With a renewed focus on showcasing local talent and culture, Potter’s vision for Grand Point North is a beacon for the state’s artistic community. As attendees gather by Lake Champlain, they’ll surely find themselves echoing that very sentiment: “Why would you want to be anywhere else?”

Vermont’s music scene feels a void after Waking Windows wrapped up, but a vibrant new festival is set to fill that gap! On October 3, Noah Kesey’s Spirit of Vermont festival kicks off at Red Barn Gardens in Williston. This DIY event shines a spotlight on the local indie talent, showcasing acts like Greg Freeman—who just gained buzz from Pitchfork—and a slew of others including the Dead Shakers, Greaseface, and Wild Leek River.

Kesey views this festival as a “quiet rebellion” against the pressures of modern life, emphasizing community building through music. With a lineup cultivated from personal connections rather than agents, attendees can expect an intimate, heartful experience surrounded by a scenic, grape-filled venue. Meanwhile, across the border in Plattsburgh, the Battle of Plattsburgh promises a unique musical commemoration of the historic 1814 clash, featuring gospel and classical performances that bring history to life. Mark your calendars—Vermont’s music scene is buzzing!

Burlington’s vibrant music scene and the staff at Seven Days have always had a tight bond, making it hard to separate the two. From cofounder Pamela Polston, who fronted the beloved post-punk band The Decentz, to contributors like graphic designer Bobby Hackney Jr. of Rough Francis, local musicians are woven into the paper’s fabric.

At the heart of this connection is the band Enemy of the People, whose raucous performances draw on inside jokes and co-worker camaraderie. Lead singer Diane Sullivan insists they’re not just a “house band,” but their antics at events like the 2019 holiday party certainly suggest otherwise. Songs like “Sasha’s Getting Drunk” and “Paper Jam” reflect their irreverent humor and rock spirit, with a debut album anticipated, albeit still in the works. As they navigate their creative process and plan future jams, rest assured—whenever they do finally drop that album, it’ll be worth the wait!

Get ready to dive into three decades of Vermont’s vibrant music scene! Since 1995, Seven Days has been your go-to source for the best—and yes, even the weirdest—sounds from our state, from the meteoric rises of Phish and Anaïs Mitchell to the hidden gems tucked away in local venues. To celebrate this incredible journey, the music editors have curated a Spotify playlist that revisits memorable tracks, featuring both nostalgic bands like the Pants and emerging talents like Lutalo. While the list leans heavily on artists from the last 20 years—thanks to the constraints of Spotify—it offers a fascinating look at our musical landscape. Remember, this isn’t a definitive “best of” list; it’s just a collection of tunes that stuck with us. Keep an ear out for updates and share your favorite local tracks that we might’ve missed!

Burlington’s music scene is buzzing as Maiz Vargas Sandoval and his band, Sonido Mal Maiz, get set to reclaim the spotlight. After a challenging few years for local venues, Sandoval is determined to bring Latin pride and vibrant energy back to the Queen City. He’s headlining the RIVEN Studio Block Party during the South End Art Hop on September 5 and 6, promising a lineup packed with local talent and high spirits.

Originally from Costa Rica, Sandoval formed Sonido Mal Maiz to showcase traditional Latin sounds, but their music has evolved into a unique blend of psychedelic Latin rock. This fall, the band will also release their long-awaited album, Mama Abuela. With an urgent need to celebrate Latino culture amidst a turbulent political climate, Sandoval is not just focused on his band. He’s pushing for a revival of the Latin Heritage Festival, aiming to create a space for connection and celebration in the community. Get ready, Burlington—it’s time to dance!