Coming up at Grange Hall

If you want to hear some great music in a beautiful, cozy historic building close to home, check out these events happening at the Charlotte Grange Hall in the coming weeks.

Sunday, January 19, starting at 4 p.m. The Addison County group, Va-et-vient (Come and Go) celebrates the many colors found in music from several French cultures. These musiciennes will take you through the centuries from France to Quebec to New Orleans with lively dance numbers, touching love songs, kickin’ Cajun and Creole tunes and rollicking Quebecois favorites. From our neighbors to the north, they bring back traditional tunes learned from Quebecois elders (and youngsters!) and reweave them into their own arrangements. They’ve been spreading their music throughout New England and Quebec since 2001. The group includes Carol Reed from Leicester (voice, guitar and mandolin), Suzanne Germain from Lincoln (voice and percussion) and Lausanne Allen from South Starksboro (voice, fiddles, flute, penny whistles, harmonica and mandolins).

Admission is by a suggested donation of $10 for adults; children are free.

Tuesday, January 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. Kick off the New Year at our first regular acoustic Open Mic evening in 2020. Did you make a New Year’s resolution to take your music outside your home and perform? Here’s your golden opportunity! Any type of acoustic music, poetry or storytelling is welcome. Each performer is allowed two songs or eight minutes. We have developed an informal, friendly and very supportive atmosphere, and we always have an opportunity for songs or tunes where everyone can join in, playing or singing. Make 2020 the year you, as a budding performer, dip your toe into the water and perform in a safe and friendly environment for the first time or to further hone your skills in public. Hot cider is served.

If you would like to perform, please sign up in advance by emailing Mike Walker or visiting our Facebook page. If you don’t play or sin, but want to support some musicians and listen to and enjoy some great music, come to the Grange Hall and be entertained.

No admission, but donations appreciated. All donations go towards keeping the Hall open for these events during the winter.

January 24, 25 and 26. The Grange Hall will be busy these three days with local volunteers and members from both Transition Charlotte and the Charlotte Grange building and assembling window inserts for several private homes and the Grange Hall. We need volunteers to help build and assemble the inserts and to provide sustenance for those worker bees. These inserts are designed to be used year after year during the winter months to help save on fuel costs. If you are able to help by working or donating food (breakfast, lunch-type food), please contact Ruah Swennerfelt.

Sunday, January 26, starting at 2 p.m. The Charlotte News, the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Grange have joined forces to invite Steven Kiernan to present his “Vermont To the Tenth” proposal. Come and listen to Kiernan explain how a small state like Vermont can thrive in a time of federal collapse. It should prove to be a lively and enlightening conversation. For those who might be interested in reading Stephen’s proposal beforehand, go to www.stephenpkiernan.com/vermont-to-the-tenth-power

Admission is free but donations, as always, are welcome.

Coming in February and March
Tuesday, February 11, at 7 p.m.: The Charlotte News and the Charlotte Library will co-host Candidates Night at Grange Hall.
Tuesday, February 18 stating at 6:30 p.m.: acoustic Open Mic.
Friday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.: Hugh McBride performs at the Grange Hall. Pot luck and music.
Saturday, March 8: Our second annual Mardi Gras.