Island Arts

Haiduck & Heckendorn
2024-08-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Isle LaMotte Town Hall Community Room, Isle LaMotte, VT 05463, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte, VT, 05463, United States
Haiduck & Heckendorn Sing & Play the Great American SongbookDate and Time: Saturday, August 17, 2024; 7 PM to ~9 PM, with an intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Concert tickets: $25.
Table Reservation: $14 / $20
Reserve a table for seating at $14 for a 2-top, $20 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served, and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
Enjoy an informal cabaret-style evening featuring a fine jazz quartet of clarinet, concert grand piano, double bass, and drums! Relax at your own table while the quartet performs all-time favorite music from the Great American Songbook.
Neal Haiduck on clarinet and David Heckendorn on piano are joined by two of Burlington’s finest musicians: J.D. Haenni, accomplished bassist from New Orleans, and Dan Ryan on drums. A special guest is to be announced. (It’s a surprise—you’ll like it!)
The quartet will play—and sing—songs by composers they didn’t get around to last summer. This year you will hear music by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Lerner & Loewe, and Matt Dennis. And music by Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Mercer, and others––some well-known, some not-so-well-known.
Haiduck and Heckendorn have performed and recorded together for many years in the New York City area. Clarinetist Neal Haiduck has played jazz and classical music in New York City, Montréal, London, Europe, South America, and Japan. He now makes his home in Burlington, where he makes the lively jazz scene.
Pianist David Heckendorn was the orchestrator for “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” His compositions have been performed in various American venues, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Birdland in New York City, and in Europe and East Europe. He lives in Ulster County, New York.
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Vermont Jazz Ensemble
2024-08-18 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Isle LaMotte Town Hall Community Room, Isle LaMotte, VT 05463, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte, VT, 05463, United States
Vermont Jazz EnsembleDate: Sunday August 18, 2024, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Picnic on the green at 3:30, weather permitting; otherwise, concert will move inside the barn.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25
Vermont’s premier big-band swing/dance group. Swingin’ for over 40 years! Their appearance is always a popular event in the hot venues across Vermont such as Nectar’s in Burlington, The Stone Barn in Brattleboro, and the Zenbarn in Waterbury. Now appearing right here for you in the Islands.
Photo courtesy of The Vermont Jazz Ensemble
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Sohyun Ahn, Piano Solo & 4 Hands
2024-08-23 19:00 - 20:15 (America/New_York) | Isle LaMotte Town Hall Community Room, Isle LaMotte, VT 05463, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte, VT, 05463, United States
Sohyun Ahn, Piano Solo & 4-HandsDate and Time: Friday, August 23, 2024; 7 pm to 8:15 pm. No intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center red barn, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25.00 online or at the door
Concert Program: Click here for the program
New York City concert pianist Sohyun Ahn returns to Island Arts for the third year with another beautiful program for our community. Her well-attended concerts of the last two summers elicited raves, including “amazing delicacy” and “world class”.
This program showcases Ahn playing solo piano the Ballade No. 4 and Three Nocturnes Op. 15 by Chopin, and Sonata in E flat Major by Haydn.
Local Vermont pianist Eun Hee Park joins Ahn to play the piano 4-hands work Romantiques, Op. 55 by Cécile Chaminade. Watching the interaction of four hands sharing the keyboard is always a special treat. French composer Chaminade was awarded the Légion d’Honneur, a national award of merit, a first ever given to a female compose
Sohyun Ahn has been described as “an absolute master” by the New York Concert Review, and as an “amazing pianist” by the Classical New Jersey Society. Our Vermont audience raved: “Absolutely superb”. “I was enthralled”. “Their fingers danced on the keyboard”, “Such a different experience from the big city hall where you are miles from the performer”.
Ahn is not to be missed. From the liner notes for Ahn’s Bach Goldberg Variations: “Her playing exhibits a crystalline clarity, insightful nuance, and dynamic breadth.” From Piano Music Magazine, Korea: “Such a gifted virtuoso, wonderful performing the emotional storm … with the perfectly balanced elegance.”
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Island Arts 40th Anniversary Celebration & Marsh Lights Bluegrass Concert
2024-08-25 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Isle LaMotte Town Hall Community Room, Isle LaMotte, VT 05463, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte, VT, 05463, United States
Marsh Lights Bluegrass
Island Arts 40th Anniversary Celebration with Food Truck Date and Time: Sunday, August 25, 2024; 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Outside concert with option to picnic on the green at 3:30 pm, weather permitting. If weather requires, concert will move inside the barn.
Lightning Lardy’s Catering food truck will be on premises for BBQ purchases!
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 U.S. Rte. 2, North Hero
Tickets: FREE event thanks to generous sponsors!
Vermont musician Colby Crehan, former vocalist and songwriter for the Bluegrass
Gospel Project and Possum Haw, reunites with Possum Haw bandmates for the new
5-piece acoustic project Marsh Lights.
BYOB. Rain or shine. A chair or blanket is suggested.
Vermont Vocalist of the Year
Vermont Song of the Year
Former members of PossumHaw and The Bluegrass Gospel Project
“The combination of talent, passion, and songwriting in the band is breathtaking.”
– Mary-Nell Bockman, Whallonsburg Grange
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Alexander String Quartet
2025-06-07 19:00 - 20:45 (America/New_York) | South Hero Congregational Church, 24 South St., South Hero, VT
The Alexander String QuartetDate and Time: Saturday, June 7 2025, 7 PM. ~80 minutes of music, with an intermission. Meet-and-greet with Quartet members post-concert.
Location: Congregational Church of South Hero, 24 South St, South Hero, VT 05486
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets. NOTE 6/3: The South Hero, Grand Isle, & North Hero outlets are sold out. Tickets are still available online, and at the door subject to availability.
The Alexander String Quartet stands among the world’s premier ensembles, having performed in the major music capitals of five continents. The quartet has performed at Lincoln Center, the 92nd Street Y, the Metropolitan Museum, Jordan Hall, the Library of Congress, and appeared as guests at universities including Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Lewis & Clark, UCLA, St. Lawrence, and many more. Numerous overseas tours include the U.K., the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, France, Greece, the Republic of Georgia, Argentina, Panamá, and the Philippines. The quartet’s extensive recordings have won international critical acclaim.
This ensemble appears in South Hero on June 7. Experiencing an ensemble such as this up close—to see the sweat on their brows—is truly amazing. It is SO unlike the experience in a big concert hall. Not to be missed! The concert may sell out, so please consider getting your tickets now.
The program includes Haydn String Quartet in G major, Op. 77, No. 1; Tarik O’Regan Gradual; and Schubert String Quartet No. 14 in D minor “Death and the Maiden.” https://asq4.com/

WHAT REVIEWERS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE ALEXANDER STRING QUARTET:
“Dream-come-true performances ….” — THE BOSTON GLOBE
“… as ferociously impressive as a small group of precision fighter pilots going through aerial maneuvers at breakneck speeds.” — LOS ANGELES TIMES
“a special privilege to hear the dynamic Alexander performances… — THE NEW YORK TIMES
“They make music with a remarkable joy in playing.” — NRC HANDELSBLAD (The Netherlands)
“…. terrific of tone, virtuosity and balance. The general quality level, as well as all the particulars of communicative virtuosity, place the Alexander Quartet right up there with the best on today’s international scene.” — SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
PROGRAM:
Alexander String Program 7 June 2025_v5_ONLINE edition
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"Making Magic with Ken Burns" - Schwab Piano Lecture
2025-06-15 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Isle LaMotte Town Hall Community Room, Isle LaMotte, VT 05463, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte, VT, 05463, United States
“Making Magic with Ken Burns” – A Jacqueline Schwab Piano-LectureDate and Time: Sunday, June 15, 2025, 4 PM. Inside concert
Grounds open at 3:30 for optional picnic on the green before the concert, weather permitting. Bring a chair or blanket if desired.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: FREE concert for all to enjoy. Registration requested and appreciated but not required.
Pianist Jacqueline Schwab performs her solo program “Making Magic with Ken Burns.” Heard for many years on numerous Ken Burns’ documentaries, in this concert, she will feature pieces from her Burns soundtrack performances—vintage American folk tunes and standards, spirituals, traditional Celtic tunes and more. She will also share some of her own work celebrating cultural diversity, inspired by her work with Burns.
Schwab will speak about the tunes and Burns’ unusual way of working with music—how he inspires emotive performances and uses music to amplify his messages and shed historical light on today’s world. This will be Jacqueline’s first Island Arts appearance. She spins musical stories out of the many strands in the American quilt, with community music-making at their heart.
Her signature playing has been featured in over a dozen Ken Burns’ documentaries, including his Grammy-winning Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, The War, and his recently-released Benjamin Franklin, as well as in other PBS documentaries, such as The Irish in America—The Long Journey Home. She has performed at the White House and on national PBS, accompanied Scottish singer Jean Redpath on A Prairie Home Companion, and appeared on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman. She is well known to the traditional dance world for her groundbreaking playing with the Bare Necessities ensemble. Her recently-released solo album––I Lift My Lamp, Illuminations from Immigrant America––celebrates vintage music from American immigrants. She is a graduate of the New England Conservatory’s Third Stream Department (now Contemporary Music) with a degree in piano improvisation. She lives in the Boston area.
Concert Program: http://www.islandarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Program_Schwab_15-June-2025_v1.1-1.pdf
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Mango Jam Vermont
2025-06-28 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Isle LaMotte Town Hall Community Room, Isle LaMotte, VT 05463, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte, VT, 05463, United States
Mango Jam Vermont – Free Family Barn DanceDate and Time: Saturday, June 28, 2025, 6 to 7:30 PM. Outside concert. Grounds open at 5:30. Optional picnic on the green. If weather requires, concert will move inside the barn.

Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: FREE concert for all to enjoy. Registration requested and appreciated but not required.
Free concert for all. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a summer evening overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain. Boogie on the Bayou – the Zydeco and Cajun sounds of Louisiana! Lots of room to dance and space for kids to move around.
Mango Jam Vermont, a six-piece dance band from Burlington, plays straight-ahead Zydeco as well as New Orleans-inspired funk, Reggae, and Ska. Its infectious beats and great sound will get your feet moving. Band members are Gus Ziesing, accordions, saxophones and vocals; Mimi Ryan, alto saxophone, rubboard, and vocals; Peter Riley, bass and vocals; Dennis Willmott, guitar and vocals; Bill Mullins, guitar; Cannon Labrie on Cajun accordion and vocals; and Michael Bradshaw on drums.
Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome outside.
Laissez le bon temps rouler!
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Counterpoint Vocal Ensemble
2025-07-11 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Counterpoint Vocal EnsembleDate and Time: Friday, July 11, 2025, 7 PM. Inside concert.
Grounds open at 6:30. Optional picnic on the green. Bring a chair or blanket if desired.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.

Table Upgrades: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served, and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
A concert of unaccompanied choral music performed by the outstanding Montpelier-based chamber chorus Counterpoint, directed by Nathaniel Lew.
As the success of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” shows, the final decades of the 19th century in America continue to fascinate the public. The age of the robber barons was also the peak of the middle-class parlor piano and vaudeville, and saw a flowering of tragic ballads, naive love lyrics, theater songs, and pictures of city life, as well as the first stirrings of Tin Pan Alley.
The concert is a tour of this repertory, in sparking a cappella arrangements that show off what critics have praised as the Counterpoint ensemble’s “clarity, skill” and “sophisticated musical expressiveness.”
The program ranges from the evergreen songs of Stephen Foster (“Beautiful Dreamer”) to Bowery waltzes (“The Sidewalks of New York”), and from sentimental classics like “Home Sweet Home” to comic numbers such as “You’ll Have to Put a Nightie on Aphrodite.”
Program_Counterpoint_11July 2025_v1.1
Counterpoint was founded in 2000 by legendary Vermont choral conductor and arranger Robert De Cormier. The ensemble performs throughout Vermont and surrounding regions, and has released seven CDs with Albany Records and five more independently.
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Ken Clark Organ Trio - Soul, Jazz, R&B
2025-07-13 19:00 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Ken Clark Organ Trio – Soul, Jazz, R&BDate and Time: Sunday, July 13, 2025, 7 PM. Inside concert.
Optional picnic on the green starting at 6:30. Bring a chair or blanket if desired.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.
Tables: Reserve a table online or at the door at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are only available online or at the door––first come-first served, subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
The Ken Clark Organ Trio has been performing around New England, the eastern U.S., and internationally for 15 years. This is their first appearance at the Island Arts Summer Festival. “Organist Ken Clark, guitarist Mike Mele, and drummer Steve Chaggaris lean on the beat, (high stepping funk, shuffle boogaloo back beat ballad), build dynamic climaxes sprinkle in jazz solos and deliver the goods. Clark controls the B3 like a master: hip bass lines, sizzling chordal washes, feel-good riffs, funky blues lines and syncopated accents figure in the mix. The groove, the sonic power of the organ and a soulful message are a forceful combination for reaching the people, all the way from the church to the dance floor. Can’t beat the feeling.” ~ Owen Cordle, Jazz Times
“You might be skeptical about listening to a CD without a bass player, but from the opening bars of the first track, school is in session! Organist Ken Clark has a punchy, thick bass tone that rivals Rocco’s, and he grooves like a funky S.O.B. His right hand is pretty happening, too. A must hear for fans of jazzy, funky groove music.” ~ Bass Player Magazine

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Skylark
2025-07-25 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
SkylarkDate and Time: Friday, July 25, 2025; 7 PM, without intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.
Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
SKYLARK is an innovative contemporary string ensemble based in northern Vermont. With decades of professional experience, SKYLARK’s sound and repertoire challenge the boundaries between classical, folk, and modern idioms, creating inspired original works for all audiences. Influenced by the Nordic, Celtic, and American regions, SKYLARK’s music is melody-driven with unique energy, irresistible flair, and undeniable beauty.​
The members of Skylark are Ben Lively on violin & guitar; John Dunlop on cello; Jane Kittredge on violin; and Ana Ruesink on viola.
Ben Lively, violin & guitar, is a violinist, violist, string arranger, and composer. He has worked in a wide range of styles including rock, jazz, tango, and classical music. A versatile musician, Ben is a passionate collaborator equally at home in concert halls and dive bars. Born in England and raised in rural Maine, Ben grew up playing classical violin with the Suzuki method at age five. In high school and at Middlebury College, he began studying jazz and exploring other styles of violin playing, eventually moving to France to study with jazz violin legend Didier Lockwood. Ben spent 15 years working in New York City, much of his time in Broadway pits.
John Dunlop, cello, has been principal cellist with the Vermont Symphony, Burlington Chamber Orchestra, Opera Company of Middlebury, Opera North, Vermont Mozart Festival, Vermont Virtuosi, and Green Mountain Opera Festival. He has performed as soloist with both the VSO and BCO. John is also the cellist with TURNmusic, which features many interesting young composers of our time. He studied under Richard Kapuscinski at Oberlin Conservatory and Bonnie Hampton at the San Francisco Conservatory, and has played in master classes for Yo Yo Ma, Jerry Grossman, Steve Doane, and others. John has also composed and recorded several award-winning film soundtracks for short films, including a documentary on childhood hunger in Vermont, where he called on his skills as a guitarist and bouzouki player in addition to cello. He has played for Bernadette Peters, Lyle Lovett and Phish. John is Vermont’s busiest cellist!
Ana Ruesink, viola, enjoys exploring musical styles and traditions. An active freelance musician, she performs with the Vermont Symphony, Playing for Good, Dartmouth Symphony, and other regional ensembles. She plays English country dance music with her band Impropriety, Irish and Scandinavian tunes with her trio Symphony Reel, and an eclectic mix of old-time and traditional music with the Barker Family String Band (featuring her guitar-playing husband and two daughters). Beyond her musical pursuits, Ana likes to read, hike, and make kefir.
PROGRAM: http://www.islandarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Program-SKYLARK-25-July-2025.pdf
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"Alice in Wonderland," A Very Merry Theatre Youth Camp
2025-08-08 13:30 - 14:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
“Alice in Wonderland,” A Very Merry Theatre Youth Camp“Alice in Wonderland” – VMT Musical Youth Performance
Performance Date: Aug 8, 1:30pm
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT
Tickets: Free.
Enjoy a musical production of “Alice in Wonderland” by the Very Merry Theatre Youth Camp inside Island Arts Center’s iconic Homer Knight Barn. The Aug 8 performance is free to the public and is the culmination of a week-long camp held daily Aug 4-8.
The show has lots of fun roles for everyone in this VMT original musical! Alice goes into a dream adventure in Wonderland where she meets many whimsical and magical characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, the Caterpillar, and the Mad Hatter.
The VMT Camp is free to youth thanks to a generous grant from Senator Bernie Sanders.
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Jorge Garcia Herranz, Solo Piano
2025-08-09 19:00 - 20:15 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Jorge Garcia Herranz, Solo PianoDate: Saturday, August 9, 2025; 7 PM, without an intermission
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.
The program presents works by Beethoven including the Sonata “Pathetique” in C Minor, op. 13; the Sonata “Moonlight” in C Sharp Minor, op. 27; and the Sonata “Waldstein” in C Major, op. 53.
Spanish-born pianist Jorge Garcia Herranz began his musical studies in Madrid, where he learned to love Spanish composers such as Albéniz, Granados, and Falla whose music he regularly includes in his concerts. For the last fifteen years, he has worked on various tango projects and released a CD featuring Astor Piazzolla’s music.
Herranz’ solo performance repertoire includes Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, and Schubert among others. He also improvises and draws on diverse musical genres to accompany silent movies. In addition to his solo concerts, his experience as an accompanist at the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud in Paris, France, makes him a frequent partner in chamber music performances.
He has appeared with Island Arts for many seasons, to the delight of both local and more distant audiences. We are delighted to welcome Jorge Garcia Herranz back to the Islands once again.
BUY TICKETSPhoto courtesy of Maison Heinrich Heine.
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The Dixie Six
2025-08-10 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
The Dixie SixDate and Time: Sunday, August 10, 2025; 6 PM to ~7:30 PM, with an intermission. Inside concert.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474.
Grounds open at 5:30 for an optional picnic on the green, subject to weather. Bring a chair or blanket if desired.
Tickets: FREE concert for all to enjoy. Sponsored by anonymous Vermont donors. Registration requested and appreciated but not required.
An outstanding roster of players, several new to The Dixie Six within the last year or so, have infused the music with new energy. Tony Pietricola – clarinet, Lisa Henry – sousaphone , Chris Scribnau – cornet, Rich Magnuson – drums, Charlie MacFayden – piano, and George Voland – valve trombone will get your feet tapping.
Vermont’s Dixie Six is a band well-loved by Island Arts’ audiences, and the group is well-known in the greater Burlington music scene. The six Vermont musicians focus on the sound and repertoire of Louis Armstrong’s All Stars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Though retaining a traditional Dixie feel, the band’s updated rhythm section gives a new energy to New Orleans classics and mid-century standards.
“Thanks to Island Arts for inviting us to play. We hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoy playing it for you.”
~ The Dixie Six
Listen to a recent performance:
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Haiduck & Heckendorn
2025-08-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Haiduck & Heckendorn Sing & Play the Great American SongbookDate and Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025; 7 PM to 9 PM, with an intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.
Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
Enjoy an informal cabaret-style evening featuring a fine jazz quartet of clarinet, concert grand piano, double bass, and drums! Relax at your own table while the quartet performs all-time favorite music from the Great American Songbook.
Neal Haiduck on clarinet and David Heckendorn on piano are joined by two of Burlington’s finest musicians: Bruno John, bassist, a young addition to the growing Burlington jazz scene, and Dan Ryan, drums, leader of the popular “Dan Ryan Express. The quartet will be joined by special guest John Lehmann-Haupt, the superb classical guitarist from New York City who treated us last year.
The quartet will play—and sing—songs by composers they didn’t get around to last summer. This year you will hear music by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Lerner & Loewe, and Matt Dennis. Still on the program will be music by Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Mercer, and others––some well-known, some not-so-well-known.
Haiduck and Heckendorn have performed and recorded together for many years in the New York City area. Clarinetist Neal Haiduck has played jazz and classical music in New York City, Montréal, London, Europe, South America, and Japan. He now makes his home in Burlington, where he makes the lively jazz scene.
Pianist David Heckendorn was the orchestrator for “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” His compositions have been performed in various American venues, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Birdland in New York City, and in Europe and East Europe. He lives in Ulster County, New York.
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Vermont Jazz Ensemble
2025-08-17 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Vermont Jazz EnsembleDate: Sunday August 17, 2023; 4:00 – 5:30 PM. Outside concert. Grounds open at 3:30. Optional picnic on the green. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if desired.
NOTE: If weather is inclement, the concert will move to inside the Barn.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.
Vermont’s premier big-band swing/dance group, directed by Andy Gagnon. Swingin’ for over 40 years! The appearance of these 17 musicians is always a popular event in the hot venues across Vermont such as Nectar’s in Burlington, The Stone Barn in Brattleboro, and the Zenbarn in Waterbury. Now appearing right here for you in the Islands.
Sponsored in part by Otter Creek Awnings of Williston.
Photo courtesy of The Vermont Jazz Ensemble
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Sohyun Ahn, Solo Piano
2025-08-22 19:00 - 20:15 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Sohyun Ahn, Solo PianoDate and Time: Friday, August 22, 2025; 7 PM. No intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online and at the door, $20 at local outlets.
New York City concert pianist Sohyun Ahn returns to Island Arts for the fourth year with a beautiful program for our community. An Island Arts’ favorite, Sohyun’s well-attended concerts of the last three summers elicited raves. “Amazing delicacy” and “world class.”
This program showcases Ahn in a solo piano concert featuring the first set of Chopin Nocturnes. She comments that this Chopin is “the perfect music for a dreamy summer evening, in a beautiful place like the Island Arts barn, with a fine concert grand piano.”
Sohyun Ahn is described as “an absolute master” by the New York Concert Review, and an “amazing pianist” by the Classical New Jersey Society. Our Vermont audience rave: “Absolutely superb.” “I was enthralled.” “Such a different experience from the big city hall where you are miles from the performer.”
From the liner notes for Ahn’s Bach Goldberg Variations: “Her playing exhibits a crystalline clarity, insightful nuance, and dynamic breadth.” From Piano Music Magazine, Korea: “Such a gifted virtuoso, wonderful performing the emotional storm … with the perfectly balanced elegance.”
Concert program:
http://www.islandarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Program_Ahn_concert_Aug-22-2025_v2.0.pdf
This concert is sponsored in part by Toni Fasi and the Churchill-Wanagaitis Family.
The Yamaha C7 concert grand piano is provided courtesy of the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Island Arts is very grateful for their support.
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Marsh Lights Concert
2025-08-24 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Marsh Lights
Date and Time: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025; 4-5:30 PM. Grounds open at 3:30.
Optional picnic on the green. Bring a chair or blanket if desired. If weather requires, concert will move inside the barn.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: FREE concert for all to enjoy. Sponsored by anonymous Vermont donors. Registration requested and appreciated but not required.
Vermont musician Colby Crehan, former vocalist and songwriter for the Bluegrass Gospel Project and Possum Haw, reunites with her Possum Haw bandmates in the 5-piece acoustic project Marsh Lights.
Marsh Lights plays acoustic folk-grass music. The program features songs composed by Crehan. “Colby Crehan is a powerful and magnificently talented musician.”–– Robert Resnik, host, All the Traditions, Vermont Public Radio.
Marsh Lights’ new songs explore bravery, darkness, spirituality, and grace with lyrics that often employ metaphoric places and female heroes and perspectives. And Marsh Lights pulls from the old songbook of PossumHaw, particularly the songs found on their last recording, the live 2017 album Limberpine. The band also plays instrumentals written by banjoist Ryan Crehan and mandolinist Stephen Waud. Charley Eiseman’s warm vocals join Colby and Ryan’s for hauntingly sweet three-part harmonies. Charley plays lead acoustic guitar with nuanced blues and jazz inflections. Mitch Barron, a long-time essential presence in the Vermont folk music scene, brings his skilled upright bass playing to the stage, along with deep, rich vocal backup.
Vermont Vocalist of the Year
Vermont Song of the Year
“The combination of talent, passion, and songwriting in the band is breathtaking.”
– Mary-Nell Bockman, Whallonsburg Grange
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Top of the Mountain Blues Band
2025-11-08 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | United Methodist Church, 67 Church St., Isle LaMotte,, VT, 05463, United States
Top of the Mountain Blues BandDate and Time: Saturday, November 8, 1pmLight refreshments will be served at Intermission thanks to the Isle LaMotte Recreation Committee
Location: Isle LaMotte United Methodist Church 67 Church St. Isle LaMotte, VTCost: Free concert for all to enjoy, Sponsored by Island Arts and the Isle LaMotte Recreation Department.Seating capacity 70, please respond if attending to: recreation@islelamotte.gov
Come join us and your neighbors at a free concert event featuring the Top of the Mountain Blues Band. A recently formed trio of accomplished artist-entertainers:

Marie Ragan. Formerly with the Johnny Cash Tribute Show in Vermont for 6 years, playing the part of June Carter Cash. Marie sang duets with “Johnny ” and also, did some solos as June and as Patsy Cline. In 2019, Marie portrayed Patsy Cline in the play, ” A closer Walk With Patsy Cline” at the Enosburg, Vt. Opera House. It was well attended and well received. The show ran for 4 days. Marie performs at open mics with a group called AdHoc and sings with a group called Seniors sing in St. Albans. You’ll find Marie out supporting local musicians on the weekends when she’s not performing. She thanks you for supporting live and local music.

“Gentleman” Bruce Leclair. Bruce hails from Champlain, NY and has been playing bass and cigar box slide guitar for many years. Bruce played in the Resonators trio with Dennis Willmott and Harpo Mike some years ago. He and John have been a duo for 10 + years. Background vocals are his thing!

John “Mad Dog” Marino. John’s been playing/singing the blues since 1966. Lives around the Lake Placid area and played the Heritage blues fest there, 3 years running. He’s played with Devin Allman, Lewis Walker, the Ink Spots and several other well known artists. He is a master on the harp (harmonica) and plays slide guitars and some mean blues. John and Bruce Leclair have played many venues throughout N Y State over the past 10 years.

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THALIA: 'An Untold Story.' Music by Female Composers
2026-06-13 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
THALIA: ‘An Untold Story.’ Music by Female Composers
Date and Time: Saturday, June 13, 2026; 7 pm – 8:15 pm
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: Free concert, thanks to VT Anonymous Donors. Please Register below–registration appreciated but not required.
THALIA presents ‘An Untold Story.’ Music by Female Composers through the Centuries. This unusual program includes a wide array of styles and arrangements, from solo piano, to violin and piano, and violin duets alone and with piano.
The Thalia ensemble–Mary Jane Austen on piano, and Sofia Hirsch and Laura Markowitz violins–looks forward to sharing this unique program with you.
Composers range from the 18th century Maddalena Lombardini Sirmen, 19th century Clara Schumann, and 20th century Gracyna Basewicz, Amy Beach, Rebecca Clark, Eva Saether, and Jessie Montgomery. There will be introductions to the more unknown of these artists.
This program was designed in celebration of women’s history month in March, but anytime is a great time to correct the narrative of music history and remember all people have a voice and a place in the evolution of classical music.
Mary Jane will play a Yamaha C7 concert grand piano provided through the courtesy of the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Island Arts is most grateful for their support.
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Mango Jam Vermont
2026-06-27 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Mango Jam Vermont – Free Family Barn Dance & Boerie Roll Food TruckDate and Time: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 6:00-7:30 pm. Grounds open at 5:30. Optional picnic on the green. The Boerie Roll food truck will be on-site to purchase food.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474. Outside concert. If weather requires, concert will move inside the barn.
Tickets: Free concert, thanks to VT Anonymous Donors. Please Register below–registration appreciated but not required.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a summer evening overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain. Boogie on the Bayou – the Zydeco and Cajun sounds of Louisiana! Lots of room to dance and space for kids to move around.
Mango Jam Vermont, a six-piece dance band from Burlington, plays straight-ahead Zydeco as well as New Orleans-inspired funk, Reggae, and Ska. Its infectious beats and great sound will get your feet moving. Band members are Gus Ziesing, accordions, saxophones and vocals; Mimi Ryan, alto saxophone, rubboard, and vocals; Peter Riley, bass and vocals; Dennis Willmott, guitar and vocals; Bill Mullins, guitar; Cannon Labrie on Cajun accordion and vocals; and Michael Bradshaw on drums.
Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome outside.
Laissez le bon temps rouler!
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The Boerie Roll brings the flavor of South Africa to the Islands. Menu below:
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Calamellus Trio: Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon
2026-06-28 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Calamellus Trio: Oboe, Clarinet, BassoonDate and Time: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, with a brief intermission
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
This ensemble of local musicians features music of the Baroque and contemporary women composers, played on the oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. Experience the Calamellus Trio in an intimate chamber concert that brings rich, layered sound to our island community. This is the first appearance of Calamellus at the Island Arts Summer Arts Festival.
Reserve your seat, invite a friend, and spend an evening discovering how three woodwinds can fill the room with color, conversation, and connection.
The program includes:

A Baroque Suite with pieces by Handel, Rameau, Lully, and Boyce
Century Dances by Cecilia McDowall, a contemporary British woman composer, highlights the wide variety of dance music; Allemande, Menuet, Mazurka, Tango, and Rock – Last Dance
Mozart Divertimento
The Sequoia Trio for oboe, clarinet, bassoon by contemporary American composer Jenni Brandon, a very atmospheric and environmentally conscious piece that will speak to people who love Vermont
Pajirillo “little bird” by Cardozo Castro, a Columbian composer and infused with a Latin feel

The three musicians are principals in the Champlain Philharmonic Orchestra:
Ruby Brezinsky — Oboe
Lisa Hoyt — Bassoon
Margaret Barsumian — Clarinet
Meet and greet the Trio members and enjoy light refreshments after the performance. Their concert last Fall in South Hero was enjoyed by a full house. This is your opportunity to enjoy this unusual ensemble.
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Island Arts Jam Session
2026-07-11 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Island Arts Jam SessionAn amateur musicians’ event for everyone
Date and Time: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: Free for all. Registration appreciated but not required. Click below.
Attendees bring their instruments to the barn for an informal jam session. All instruments are OK, from bassoon and cello to ukelele and washboard. All ages OK. Children must have a parent or other adult accompanying.
Jam session will be led by music teacher Tony Pietricola, who is an active performing member of The Dixie Six, a popular local jazz ensemble, and a former music teacher in the Grand Isle School. Music will include Blues and a mix of music for all.
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Ken Clark Organ Trio - Soul, Jazz, R&B
2026-07-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Ken Clark Organ Trio – Soul, Jazz, R&B, FunkDate and Time: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25-$30
Tables: Reserve a table online or at the door at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and
BYOB. Table tickets are only available online or at the door––first come-first served,
subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
Tables: Reserve a table online or at the door at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are only available online or at the door––first come-first served, subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
The Ken Clark Organ Trio has been performing around New England, the eastern U.S., and internationally for 15 years. This is their second appearance at the Island Arts Summer Festival. “Organist Ken Clark, guitarist Mike Mele, and drummer Steve Chaggaris lean on the beat, (high stepping funk, shuffle boogaloo back beat ballad), build dynamic climaxes sprinkle in jazz solos and deliver the goods. Clark controls the B3 like a master: hip bass lines, sizzling chordal washes, feel-good riffs, funky blues lines and syncopated accents figure in the mix. The groove, the sonic power of the organ and a soulful message are a forceful combination for reaching the people, all the way from the church to the dance floor. Can’t beat the feeling.” ~ Owen Cordle, Jazz Times
“You might be skeptical about listening to a CD without a bass player, but from the opening bars of the first track, school is in session! Organist Ken Clark has a punchy, thick bass tone that rivals Rocco’s, and he grooves like a funky S.O.B. His right hand is pretty happening, too. A must hear for fans of jazzy, funky groove music.” ~ Bass Player Magazine
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Skylark
2026-07-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
SkylarkDate and Time: Friday, July 24, 2026; 7 PM
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online – $30 at the door.
Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
SKYLARK is an innovative contemporary string ensemble based in northern Vermont. With decades of professional experience, Skylark’s sound and repertoire challenge the boundaries between classical, folk, and modern idioms, creating inspired original works for all audiences. Influenced by the Nordic, Celtic, and American regions, SKYLARK’s music is melody-driven with unique energy, irresistible flair, and undeniable beauty.
The members of Skylark are Ben Lively on violin & guitar; John Dunlop on cello; Jane Kittredge on violin; and Ana Ruesink on viola.
Ben Lively, violin & guitar, is a violinist, violist, string arranger, and composer. He has worked in a wide range of styles including rock, jazz, tango, and classical music. A versatile musician, Ben is a passionate collaborator equally at home in concert halls and dive bars. Born in England and raised in rural Maine, Ben grew up playing classical violin with the Suzuki method at age five. In high school and at Middlebury College, he began studying jazz and exploring other styles of violin playing, eventually moving to France to study with jazz violin legend Didier Lockwood. Ben spent 15 years working in New York City, much of his time in Broadway pits.
John Dunlop, cello, has been principal cellist with the Vermont Symphony, Burlington Chamber Orchestra, Opera Company of Middlebury, Opera North, Vermont Mozart Festival, Vermont Virtuosi, and Green Mountain Opera Festival. He has performed as soloist with both the VSO and BCO. John is also the cellist with TURNmusic, which features many interesting young composers of our time. He studied under Richard Kapuscinski at Oberlin Conservatory and Bonnie Hampton at the San Francisco Conservatory, and has played in master classes for Yo-Yo Ma, Jerry Grossman, Steve Doane, and others. John has also Publicity Details for All Events_2026_with SHORT Blurbs_v2.0.docxNAC Feb 26, 2026 Page 22 of 40 composed and recorded several award-winning film soundtracks for short films, including a documentary on childhood hunger in Vermont, where he called on his skills as a guitarist and bouzouki player in addition to cello. He has played for Bernadette Peters, Lyle Lovett and Phish. John is Vermont’s busiest cellist!
Ana Ruesink, viola, enjoys exploring musical styles and traditions. An active freelance musician, she performs with the Vermont Symphony, Playing for Good, Dartmouth Symphony, and other regional ensembles. She plays English country dance music with her band Impropriety, Irish and Scandinavian tunes with her trio Symphony Reel, and an eclectic mix of old-time and traditional music with the Barker Family String Band (featuring her guitar-playing husband and two daughters). Beyond her musical pursuits, Ana likes to read, hike, and make kefir.
Jane Kittredge, violin, can be heard performing with her contemporary string quartet, SKYLARK, along with a variety of regional ensembles including the Vermont Symphony, Springfield Symphony, Opera Company of Middlebury, Opera North, Dartmouth Symphony and Handel Society of Dartmouth College, Middlebury Bach Festival, Burlington Choral Society, and on albums put forth by Vermont singer-songwriters. An avid educator, Jane is the Violin Professor at the University of Vermont and maintains a small private studio. She is an active member of Vermont’s arts community boards and currently serves on the Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival Board and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Boards. Jane has also been the orchestral contractor for the Burlington Choral Society since 2018.
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Sylvia Parker Plays the Classics
2026-07-26 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Sylvia Parker Plays the ClassicsDate & Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026; 4 pm – 5:30 pm, no intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center (barn), 1127 U.S. Rte. 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online – $30 at the door
Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to availability. Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
Sylvia offers a solo piano recital of beloved shorter classical music (including some jazzy numbers) by composers that include Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Bartok, George Gershwin, and Scott Joplin.
A long time University of Vermont music professor and concert pianist (now retired), Sylvia enjoys spending the summer here in the Champlain Islands. Island Arts is delighted to showcase her musical talents for the first time in this concert.
Sylvia will play a Yamaha C7 concert grand piano provided through the courtesy of the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Island Arts is most grateful for their support.
IMAGE CREDIT: Centaur Records CRC 2811. Photo by William DiLillo. Permission granted by Centaur Records.
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The Dixie Six
2026-08-08 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
The Dixie SixDate and Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026; 4PM to 5:30 PM, with an intermission. Inside concert.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474.
Grounds open at 3:30 for an optional picnic on the green, subject to weather. Bring a chair or blanket if desired.
Tickets: $25 online -$30 at the door.
Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table
tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to availability.
Tables tickets are not available from local ticket outlets.
An outstanding roster of players, several new to The Dixie Six within the past few years, have infused the music with new energy. Tony Pietricola – clarinet, Lisa Henry – sousaphone , Chris Scribnau – cornet, Rich Magnuson – drums, Charlie MacFayden – piano, and George Voland – valve trombone will get your feet tapping.
Vermont’s Dixie Six is a band well-loved by Island Arts’ audiences, and the group is well-known in the greater Burlington music scene. The six Vermont musicians focus on the sound and repertoire of Louis Armstrong’s All Stars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Though retaining a traditional Dixie feel, the band’s updated rhythm section gives a new energy to New Orleans classics and mid-century standards.
“Thanks to Island Arts for inviting us to play. We hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoy playing it for you.”
~ The Dixie Six
Listen to a recent performance:
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Haiduck & Heckendorn Sing & Play the Great American Songbook
2026-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Haiduck & Heckendorn Sing & Play the Great American SongbookDate & Time: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 7 to 9 pm with an intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center (barn), 1127 U.S. Rte. 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 online -$30 at the door; Cabaret table seating is an option at this concert.
Tables: Reserve a table for seating at $15 for a 2-top, $25 for a 4-top, and BYOB. Table
tickets are available online or at the door, first come-first served and subject to
availability. (Tables tickets are not available from the local ticket outlets).
Enjoy an informal cabaret-style evening featuring a fine jazz quartet of clarinet, concert grand piano, double bass, and drums! Relax at your own table while the quartet performs all-time favorite music from the Great American Songbook.
Neal Haiduck on clarinet and David Heckendorn on piano are joined by two of Burlington’s finest musicians: Bruno John, bassist, a young addition to the growing Burlington jazz scene, and Dan Ryan, drums, leader of the popular “Dan Ryan Express. The quartet will be joined by special guest John Lehmann-Haupt, the superb classical guitarist from New York City who treated us last year.
The quartet will play—and sing—songs by composers they didn’t get around to last summer. This year you will hear music by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Lerner & Loewe, and Matt Dennis. Still on the program will be music by Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Mercer, and others––some well-known, some not-so-well-known.
Haiduck and Heckendorn have performed and recorded together for many years in the New York City area. Clarinetist Neal Haiduck has played jazz and classical music in New York City, Montréal, London, Europe, South America, and Japan. He now makes his home in Burlington, where he makes the lively jazz scene.
Pianist David Heckendorn was the orchestrator for “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” His compositions have been performed in various American venues, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Birdland in New York City, and in Europe and East Europe. He lives in Ulster County, New York.
David will play a Yamaha C7 concert grand piano provided through the courtesy of the
Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Island Arts is most grateful for their support.
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Vermont Jazz Ensemble Celebrates 50 Years!
2026-08-16 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Vermont Jazz Ensemble Celebrates 50 Years!Date & Time: Sunday, August 16, 2026, 4 to 5:30 pm. Outside concert.
Location: Island Arts Center (barn), 1127 U.S. Rte. 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Optional picnic on the green starting at 3:30. Bring a chair or blanket if desired. If weather
requires, concert will move inside the barn.
Tickets: $25-$30
Celebrating their 50th Anniversary! Vermont’s premier big-band swing/dance group.
Swingin’ for over 50 years, with this event directed by Grand Isle’s own Tony Pietricola.
In recognition of their enduring history, the program will include highlights from two
albums that Vermont Jazz Ensemble has published over the years.
Don’t know much about VJE? Their appearance is always a popular event in the hot
venues across Vermont such as Nectar’s in Burlington, The Stone Barn in Brattleboro, and
the Zenbarn in Waterbury. Now appearing right here for you in the Islands.
This VJE concert is sponsored by Otter Creek Awnings of Williston, for the fourth year!
Photo courtesy of The Vermont Jazz Ensemble
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Sohyun Ahn: Bach & Schumann
2026-08-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
Sohyun Ahn: Bach & SchumannDate and Time: Friday, August 21, 2026 7 PM-8:30 PM No intermission.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: $25 – $30
New York City concert pianist Sohyun Ahn returns to Island Arts for the fifth year. An Island Arts’ favorite, Sohyun’s well-attended concerts of the last four summers have continued to elicit raves, including “dreamy”, “amazing delicacy”, and “world class.” This program showcases Sohyun Ahn in a solo piano concert featuring shorter works by J. S. Bach, Robert Schumann, and other composers to be announced.
J. S. Bach has long been an important composer in Sohyun Ahn’s repertoire. Her 2021 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations is described by critics: “crystalline clarity,” “insightful nuance,” and “dynamic breadth”, and offering a “perfectly balanced elegance” and “emotional storm,” with a high level of technical skill.
She is described as “an absolute master” by the New York Concert Review, and as an “amazing pianist” by the Classical New Jersey Society. Our Vermont audience raved: “Absolutely superb.” “I was enthralled.” “Such a different experience from the big city hall where you are miles from the performer.”
From Piano Music Magazine, Korea: “Such a gifted virtuoso, wonderful performing the emotional storm … with the perfectly balanced elegance.”
Your enjoyment of this fine concert will be enhanced by the improvements to the Island Arts barn completed this past winter. The 2025 renovations include new sound-proofed walls, doors, and windows to improve listening pleasure and comfort.
Sohyun will play a Yamaha C7 concert grand piano provided through the courtesy of the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Island Arts is most grateful for their support.
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MetalWerx Tuba/Euphonium Quartet
2026-08-23 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rte 2, North Hero, 05474, United States
MetalWerx Tuba/Euphonium QuartetJoin us as we honor the memory of Ann Porter, one of the founders of Island Arts
Date and Time: Sunday, August 23, 2026; 4 PM.
Inside concert with option to picnic outside on the green at 3:30, weather permitting.
Location: Island Arts Center, 1127 US Rt 2, North Hero, VT 05474
Tickets: Free concert, thanks to VT Anonymous Donors. Please Register below–registration appreciated but not required.
Prepare to be amazed! MetalWerx is a unique local quartet consisting of two euphoniums—played by and Jenna Schultz of Winooski and Cynsy Van Santen of Bristol, and two tubas—played by Tim Foley of Burlington and Yutaka Kono of Shelburne.
The repertoire is an eclectic mix of fantasies, suites, marches, jazz, and pop music standards, and a few favorite classical transcriptions sure to please the ear of every music lover’s taste. Noted composers include Holst, Sousa, Puccini, Rossini, and Piazzolla. MetalWerx has presented concerts at the University of Vermont, participated in the 2015 “Bach In The Subways” event in Burlington, and provided music for wedding and funeral services.
MetalWerx spreads the gospel of the lush and colorful sounds of the tuba and euphonium by performing works written or arranged for this specific instrumentation. The group has commissioned new pieces for this quartet by Vermont composer/hornist Lydia Lowery Busler and Burlington trombonist/ pianist/ composer/ arranger Andrew Muroz.
The quartet was founded in 2008 to provide incidental music for the Milton Community Band Christmas concert. They had so much fun putting that together, they decided to continue and see where it led.
Come hear the remarkable range of sounds and the wide array of musical styles presented by MetalWerx.
It is a sound like no other!
View their Face Book page here
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