The Burlington area is currently facing a challenge with diminishing live music venues, as establishments like Nectar’s, ArtsRiot, and Despacito have closed, and others, such as the Monkey House in Winooski, have cut back on live performances due to increasing insurance costs. However, this situation has prompted a positive response, with various venues stepping up to fill the void.

Einstein’s Tap House and the Skinny Pancake have started hosting live music nights catered to Grateful Dead enthusiasts, while Roost.World has been organizing pop-up raves. Notably, Burlington Odd Fellows, located in the New North End, is taking the initiative by booking more concerts, especially for punk and metal bands facing a tough gig economy. The venue is all-ages and substance-free, maintaining a donation-based entry model to ensure affordability for all.

Upcoming events at Odd Fellows include a show on August 1 featuring local punk and indie acts like Dog Water and the War Turtles, as well as touring performances like Rick McGuire of PILE on August 7. Additional details can be found on burlingtonoddfellows.com.

Meanwhile, the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester has introduced a new concert series named “SOUNDS GOOD: Friday Nights Live at SVAC,” aiming to unify the community through music in a scenic setting. This series, which is free and family-friendly, starts on July 25 with a performance from THUS LOVE and features various artists throughout the month, including Howard Fishman and Jonathan Whitney.

For more information on SVAC’s schedule, visit svac.org/performances. These initiatives showcase the community’s resilience and dedication to preserving live music in Vermont.