The Burlington music scene mourned the loss of Sergei Ushakov, who passed away on January 8. As the head sound engineer at Nectar’s and Club Metronome for over three decades, Ushakov mastered the art of live sound, making performers sound larger than life. His talent resonated deeply with musicians, who took to social media to share memories and stories of his impactful presence. Many recalled being intimidated by Ushakov’s commanding nature, yet they later recognized his passion for music and sound engineering. A statement from Nectar’s highlighted the profound influence he had on his community, describing him as a master of his craft with a generous heart.

In tribute to Ushakov, Nectar’s will host a celebration of his life on February 15. Additionally, Burlington singer-songwriter Sean Hood debuted two new singles, “Mr. Jones [Working Title]” and “Best I Never Had,” from his Eastern Mountain Time project; these tracks mark a shift toward indie rock while reuniting with fellow bandmates from Hello Shark. The jazz scene is also alive, with the Brass Lantern Inn in Stowe kicking off its third season of Jazz at the Lantern on January 16, showcasing acts like Miriam’s Well and MSJ Trio over the winter and spring months.

Overall, the local music community is finding ways to honor Ushakov’s legacy while continuing to celebrate new and seasoned talent alike, ensuring that Burlington’s vibrant music scene carries on amidst the sorrow of his passing.