Gihon Valley Hall in North Hyde Park Village, which has served as a community social hub since its establishment in 1910, is witnessing a revival as Vermont navigates venue changes and closures. On May 17, the hall hosted a concert featuring local talents, including singer-songwriters Piper Hall and Fisher Wagg, along with the indie folk-rock group Dogface, of which the author is a guitarist. The event was organized by volunteers Liz and Zeph Courtney, both seasoned musicians with a background in bands like Milligram and Diehard.
The Courtneys managed all production aspects for the concert and are also working on establishing a recording studio nearby. Their efforts underscore a broader movement to celebrate and revive local music scenes in rural areas, keeping the spirit of rock alive. Wagg humorously noted the ambition of the night by invoking Nirvana’s legacy, signaling a desire to make an impactful mark despite the challenges faced by smaller venues.
This concert not only highlighted the talents of local artists but also emphasized the importance of community spaces in sustaining cultural life in small towns. As larger cities grapple with changes in their music scenes, places like Gihon Valley Hall remind us of the value and resilience of rural social hubs. With plans for more live performances and recordings on the horizon, the ongoing revitalization of these spaces is a beacon of hope for local musicians and their audiences alike.
