Vermont Music Scene

Follow the latest news, events, and updates in Vermont’s vibrant music scene, featuring local artists and bands.

Circuits in the Woods: A Celebration of Electronic Music

Circuits in the Woods: A Full-Day Celebration of Electronic Sound in Downtown Brattleboro

Electronic music returns to its Vermont roots as Circuits in the Woods transforms downtown Brattleboro into a hub of sonic experimentation on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The all-day festival spans multiple venues—Marigold, Turn It Up!, Tavernier Chocolates, and The Wonky Press—featuring more than twenty artists, two lectures, and two hands-on events. Founded by radio host Wendy M. Levy and co-produced with Eric Gagne, Joseph Conrad, and Chris Randall, the festival honors Vermont’s legacy in electronic innovation—from the Estey Organ Company’s analog synth beginnings to the Synclavier’s birth in White River Junction.

Performers include Wet Tuna, Jeffrey Alexander + The Heavy Lidders, Badweatherfriend, and Dave Seidel, with lectures by Charles Dodge and Caldon Glover-Wessel. Add a “synth petting zoo,” interactive performances, and a food drive for FoodWorks, and you’ve got a day that blends history, creativity, and community in true Brattleboro style.

Heather Mae and Olivia Nied at Stage 33 Live

Heather Mae & Olivia Nied Bring Revolutionary Folk and Radical Joy to Stage 33 Live

Don’t miss Heather Mae and Olivia Nied live in Bellows Falls on Saturday, November 9th, 2025, at the beloved Stage 33 Live.

Heather Mae is a genre-defying artist-activist known for her powerful, anthemic songs about queer liberation, mental health, and survivor empowerment. Her latest double album, WHAT THEY HID FROM ME and kiss & tell, marks a triumphant return to the stage.

Sharing the bill is Vermont-based Olivia Nied, a transgender, neurodivergent multi-instrumentalist whose upcoming album captures the joy of radical self-expression and emotional depth. With a resume that includes sold-out shows and performances across Europe and the U.S., Nied brings tender grit and vibrant honesty to the stage.

This intimate concert is presented in collaboration with Bellows Falls Pride. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Only 40 seats available.

Ulysses Owens Jr by Rob Davidson

Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y Headline 8th Annual Emerging Artist Festival at Vermont Jazz Center

This November, the Vermont Jazz Center’s 8th Annual Emerging Artist Festival welcomes three-time Grammy Award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and his Generation Y Ensemble for a weekend of youth-driven jazz excellence.

Held November 7–8 in Brattleboro, VT, the festival features free student showcases, a hands-on clinic, and a headlining concert with some of the finest young jazz artists in the country.

Owens—a Juilliard professor and cultural leader—has performed with Christian McBride, Kurt Elling, and Wynton Marsalis. His Generation Y Ensemble follows in the tradition of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, elevating rising stars like Anthony Hervey (trumpet), Langston Hughes II (sax), Liya Grigoryan (piano), and Guillermo Lopez (bass).

Events include a Gallery Walk student showcase at 118 Elliot on Friday, a Saturday clinic and student performances at VJC, and the ticketed headliner concert Saturday night. All daytime events are free; concert tickets start at $25.

Shawn Mullins Returns with Soul’s Core Revival & Live Brattleboro Show at Stone Church

Shawn Mullins Returns with Soul’s Core Revival & Live Brattleboro Show at Stone Church

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins comes to Brattleboro’s Stone Church on Wednesday, October 8, for a special evening of acoustic storytelling and Americana songcraft.

Best known for his 1998 breakout hit “Lullaby” and the AAA chart-topper “Beautiful Wreck,” Mullins has built a career weaving intimate folk ballads with widescreen Americana.

He’s also co-written hits like Zac Brown Band’s “Toes” and appeared in supergroup The Thorns with Matthew Sweet and Pete Droge. In recent years, Mullins revisited his breakthrough album with the Soul’s Core Revival, offering new solo and full-band interpretations of the songs that defined his career.

Opening the night is Jennifer Lynn Simpson, a Los Angeles–based songwriter whose blend of old country and Americana has earned festival awards and tours with Rick Springfield. Together, Mullins and Simpson promise an evening of heartfelt music in one of Brattleboro’s most iconic venues.

Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah Brings Stretch Music and Ancestral Memory to Vermont Jazz Center

Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah Brings Stretch Music and Ancestral Memory to Vermont Jazz Center

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM, the Vermont Jazz Center will host Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) for an extraordinary concert in Brattleboro, also livestreamed worldwide.

A six-time Grammy nominee and Grand Griot of New Orleans, Adjuah is celebrated for pioneering “stretch music”—a genre-blind approach that honors jazz’s roots while pushing its possibilities forward. Performing on instruments of his own design, including the Adjuah Bow, he blends ancestral memory with forward-looking innovation.

His band features Lawrence Fields (piano), Kris Funn (bass), and Brian Richburg Jr. (drums), each a powerhouse in their own right. Rooted in the traditions of New Orleans’ Maroon societies and Black Masking Indians, Adjuah’s music is as much cultural preservation as it is artistic revolution.  Tickets start at $25. 

Don’t miss this rare chance to experience a performance that bridges history, identity, and sound.

Sunny Lowdown Brings Intimate Blues to Thrush Hill Stage on October 4

Sunny Lowdown Brings Intimate Blues to Thrush Hill Stage on October 4

Sunny Lowdown brings his hypnotic, soul-deep blues to Thrush Hill Stage on October 4th for a night of raw groove and slide guitar magic.

Known for his slow-burning style and powerful stage presence, Sunny has backed legends like John Lee Hooker, Pinetop Perkins, and Otis Rush. With a sound shaped by decades in the blues world, he delivers an experience that’s emotional, authentic, and timeless.

His 2018 album Down Loaded, earned a Blues Blast nomination, and he’s been recognized by the Vermont Blues Society and the International Blues Challenge.

Thrush Hill Stage, tucked into the hills of Marlboro, Vermont, is the perfect backdrop for Sunny’s style—a cozy, outdoor venue where music and nature meet.

Grab your flannel, a favorite drink, and a blanket, and settle in for a rich musical journey under the stars. Tickets are $20 online or at the event.

Vermont’s Vibrant Influence: The Best Country Music on Bandcamp, August 2025

Vermont’s Vibrant Influence: The Best Country Music on Bandcamp, August 2025

In the August 2025 edition of *Best Country Music on Bandcamp*, Vermont emerges as a notable contributor to the indie music scene through the artist Greg Freeman. His album *Burnover* is highlighted as it straddles the line between indie rock and country, showcasing an eclectic mix of styles infused with local flavor. The article emphasizes how Vermont's unique musical landscape fosters creativity, allowing artists like Freeman to blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences, thus amplifying the richness of the country and folk music genres. This narrative not only celebrates Freeman's work but also underlines Vermont’s role as a nurturing ground for innovative musical expression within the broader spectrum of American roots music. A diverse array of tracks and influences gives credence to the idea that Vermont's artistic scene offers a refreshing twist to classic sounds.

Source: daily.bandcamp.com

Discover How Vermont Shapes the Death Metal Scene: For The Best New Death Metal, Head To North Dakota. Trust Us.

Discover How Vermont Shapes the Death Metal Scene: For The Best New Death Metal, Head To North Dakota. Trust Us.

In the realm of underground death metal, North Dakota has emerged as an unexpected epicenter, boasting a vibrant scene despite its sparse population. The article from daily.bandcamp.com spotlights Fargo, a city that embodies the duality of desolation and creative abundance. As the narrative unfolds, the mention of Vermont serves as a poignant reflection of North Dakota's unique standing; both states may encompass breathtaking landscapes and small communities, but Fargo's burgeoning music scene stands as a testament that richness can thrive in less populated areas.

In contrast to Vermont's serene nature and quaint charm, Fargo pulsates with an energetic DIY ethos that galvanizes its musicians—most notably bands like Gorgatron and Maul. These artists exemplify how a strong community, even in a relatively small place, can foster creativity and a shared love for heavy music. The camaraderie among local musicians creates not just a music scene but a cultural movement, illustrating that even from the fringes, a powerful sound can resonate far beyond state lines. The article ultimately conveys that in the tapestry of American metal, North Dakota—challenging the perceptions often held about its remote counterparts—is becoming a loud and proud contender, overshadowing the quietude of states like Vermont.

Vermont’s Vibrant Contribution: The Best Country Music on Bandcamp, February 2025

Vermont’s Vibrant Contribution: The Best Country Music on Bandcamp, February 2025

In the recent article from daily.bandcamp.com, titled "The Best Country Music on Bandcamp, February 2025," Vermont holds a distinctive place through the mention of Olivia Lurrie, a musician who has transitioned from New York City to the Green Mountain State. Lurrie's debut album, Sweetheart Of The BQE, exemplifies her commitment to classic honky-tonk sound while bringing a touch of urban influence from her previous home. The piece highlights how Vermont not only serves as a new backdrop for Lurrie's artistry but also reflects a broader trend of artists reinterpreting country music through their unique experiences. This juxtaposition of rural heritage with urban dynamics underscores a central theme of the article: the evolving landscape of country music, where tradition meets innovation, enriching the genre’s diversity and reach.

Witness the Acclaimed JACK Quartet’s Captivating Performance – November 8

Witness the Acclaimed JACK Quartet’s Captivating Performance – November 8

Join the world-renowned JACK Quartet on Friday, November 8 at Ragle Hall in Marlboro, VT, for a free public concert, co-presented by Next Stage Arts. Known as 'our leading new-music foursome' by The New York Times, JACK Quartet will perform works by Travis Laplante, Eduardo Aguilar, and more before their New York premiere. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness Grammy-nominated musicians and the future of contemporary classical music!

Exploring Vermont’s Influence: ‘The Female Bob Dylan’ Podcast Reframes the Narrative (and Shares Their Taste)

Exploring Vermont’s Influence: ‘The Female Bob Dylan’ Podcast Reframes the Narrative (and Shares Their Taste)

In the article titled “The Female Bob Dylan” Podcast Reframes the Narrative (and Shares Their Taste,” the significance of Vermont is highlighted through the personal and professional connections made by one of the podcast's co-hosts, Emily Hilliard. Reflecting on her experiences in Vermont, Hilliard shares her journey of musical exploration, which began with a "domestic noise band" that creatively used everyday sounds as instruments. This anecdote underscores a broader theme of the podcast: the importance of re-examining and celebrating the contributions of female musicians often overshadowed in the music industry. The podcast serves as a platform for reframing narratives around underappreciated artists, making it essential for recognizing the diverse influences that shape contemporary music. Hilliard’s Vermont roots serve not just as a backdrop but as a foundational element in her artistic identity and the project’s mission to amplify women's voices in music.

(Source: daily.bandcamp.com)

SETH GLIER and ROSIER at NEXT STAGE

SETH GLIER and ROSIER at NEXT STAGE

Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of contemporary and indie folk music from the US and Canada by Massachusetts-based singer/songwriter Seth Glier and Montreal-based quintet Rosier on Friday, October 11 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage.

All-Star Soul Jazz Group Something Else to Perform at the VJC

All-Star Soul Jazz Group Something Else to Perform at the VJC

Don’t miss the exciting performance of the All-Star Soul Jazz Group, Something Else, at the Vermont Jazz Center on October 5th at 7:30 PM. This 7-piece band, led by renowned alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, draws inspiration from the rich legacy of soul jazz, combining sophisticated jazz improvisation with the rhythmic energy of Black popular music from the 1960s. Featuring three horns and a stellar rhythm section, Something Else will deliver a vibrant and groove-filled evening.

Vermont’s Pivotal Contributions Spotlighted in The Tape Label Report, August 2024

Vermont’s Pivotal Contributions Spotlighted in The Tape Label Report, August 2024

In an exploration of the vibrant underground music scene, Vermont's own Nick Dentico and his label, Histamine Tapes, exemplify a unique blend of artistic passion and environmental consciousness. Founded in 2017, Histamine Tapes champions genre-defying sounds created by artists who share a commitment to sustainability. Dentico's approach—recycling old cassettes and crafting distinctive, handmade covers—highlights the label's DIY ethos and dedication to individuality in each release. Operating from Vermont has not only influenced the label's aesthetic but has also fostered collaborations with local talent, encapsulating a spirit of community. This commitment to creativity and sustainability resonates with the broader movement within cassette culture, where the medium is embraced for its accessibility and personal touch. As Dentico puts it, cassettes “bring a democratic feel to making music and releasing music,” a sentiment that reflects the essence of Histamine Tapes and the thriving independent label landscape. (Source: daily.bandcamp.com)

Vermont’s Integral Role in the Narrative: A Mini-Guide to This is Lorelei

Vermont’s Integral Role in the Narrative: A Mini-Guide to This is Lorelei

In her article titled "A Mini-Guide to This is Lorelei," Mariana Timony explores the creative journey of Nate Amos, the mind behind the music project This is Lorelei. A significant aspect of Amos's process is tied to his experiences in Vermont, where he often recorded music during visits to his parents' home. He reflects on this connection, stating, “It was very much just making stuff in my room then putting it online... documenting that because it’s like dating a diary entry.” This intimate relationship with his surroundings in Vermont underscores the theme of spontaneity and personal expression that defines his work. The article discusses Amos's latest album, Box for Buddy, Box for Star, which marks a formal introduction of his project to a wider audience and highlights the evolution of his sound from casual experimentation to a more polished, cohesive product. Through the lens of his Vermont roots, Timony captures how the environment significantly influenced his artistic output, making the location a vital part of his narrative as an evolving musician.

Source: daily.bandcamp.com

Vermont’s Vibrant Influence: Exploring ‘Robber Robber, “Wild Guess”’ | Bandcamp Daily

Vermont’s Vibrant Influence: Exploring ‘Robber Robber, “Wild Guess”’ | Bandcamp Daily

The article from daily.bandcamp.com highlights the cultural significance of the debut album "Wild Guess" by Burlington, Vermont-based band Robber Robber. In an era characterized by rapid societal changes and fragmented cultural landscapes, the music offers a raw reflection of contemporary American life, which feels increasingly disjointed and surreal. The band's sound—an amalgamation of garage-punk and post-punk influences—mirrors the uncertainty of the times while also grounding itself in the vibrant DIY scene of Vermont. With both abrasive elements and dreamlike atmospherics, "Wild Guess" encapsulates a sense of inscrutability, embodying the collective feelings of confusion and lack of direction prevalent among today's youth. This connection to Vermont not only enriches the album's identity but also roots it in a place that has fostered such artistic explorations.