Andy “A_Dog” Williams, a beloved DJ from Burlington, passed away from leukemia in 2013, but his legacy lives on through the Friends for A_Dog Foundation. This nonprofit has organized bone marrow drives, music and skateboarding programs, and scholarships, while also providing free activities for local youth. Each year, on the last Saturday of August, the foundation honors Williams with A_Dog Day.

In 2023, his friends, local hip-hop artists Nastee and Konflik, have organized the AfterLyfe Bornday Celebration at the Alchemist brewery in Stowe on December 26, the anniversary of Williams’ passing. The event includes live performances, cake, and balloons, aiming to celebrate Williams’s life and contributions to the Burlington music scene.

To commemorate the event, they will release “Tribute Volume 1,” a scratch DJ compilation featuring contributions from local and renowned artists. Additionally, they will premiere a music video for “Itchy & Statiky,” which features A_Dog’s scratches over a beat by Statik Selektah and includes rare footage of Williams.

In parallel, Hartford High School senior Macy Bettwieser is making waves in the artistic community by advancing in Broadway’s Next On Stage competition, now reaching the final five contestants. Community members, including her music teacher and author Jodi Picoult, are rallying support to help her secure votes to win a trip to New York City for a live performance.

Lastly, Westport, N.Y. has launched a new radio station, 102.9 FM WEXP, aiming to deliver “pop-up experimental radio” with unique programming that showcases various music genres seldom heard in the area, led by local radio talents.