The Plex Arts Festival, held in Burlington’s Old North End on May 24, showcased its unique blend of performances, emphasizing unconventional art in its third year. Known for celebrating the avant-garde, the festival encourages participants to fully embrace its eccentricity. One highlight was the delightful mango TajÃn cream puff offered at the Ratsmission parking lot, exemplifying the festival’s sensory experiences.
The event featured captivating performances, with the Brass Balagan energizing the outdoor atmosphere despite the rain. Indoor venues like Tank Recording Studio also buzzed with creativity, showcasing sets that included a particularly smooth performance by Freeway Clyde.
Among the notable acts was C Green, who, along with Cam Gilmour, created a piece called “untitled (Meeting).” This performance involved improvisational movements that complemented Gilmour’s saxophone-based ambient loops. Additionally, Juliet Paramor’s piece “eulogic” brought a poignant touch, as she performed a mournful balancing act atop an amplified black-and-white Fender Stratocaster displayed on the floor, challenging the audience’s perception of instruments.
The Plex Arts Festival consistently exposes attendees to new artistic expressions and interpretations, demonstrating that guitars can serve purposes beyond mere strumming. This year’s event reinforced the festival’s commitment to embracing creativity and the unconventional, making it a vibrant highlight of Burlington’s cultural scene.