Spring 2008
This Season
By Sky Barsch
February 20: Taj Mahal at Higher Ground, South Burlington
Seeing and hearing Taj Mahal, in his infinite incarnations, is like taking a trip around the world. His numerous influences and interpretations mean you can never be quite sure what kind of set you're going to get: blues, world beat, reggae, folk or something entirely different. If you're lucky, you'll hear them all, with a sprinkling of favorites like "Fishing Blues" and "Corrina." Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30. $25 in advance, $27 day of, at (888) 512-7469.
February 23: Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade, Church Street, Burlington
Join 20,000 of Burlington's most rousing revelers at the 13th annual Mardi Gras parade. Beads, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Magic Hat beer and more than 30 floats fuel the festivities, where merriment and conviviality are lauded. It's a family-fun event, and chilly February temps deter the topless. Proceeds benefit the Women's Rape Crisis Center. 3 p.m. for the parade, revelry for as long as you can stay awake.
March 1: Frigid Infliction Winter Adventure Race, Bolton
Think you've got what it takes to tackle the nation's largest winter adventure race? Show 'em what you've got at the 2008 FIWAR at Bolton Valley Resort. Teams of two or three compete in co-ed or single-sex divisions with topical map and compass, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, post-holing and a ropes course. First-timers welcome. Sanctioned by the U.S. Adventure Racing Association. www.gmara.org/frigid to register.
March 7: Shelter building for children with the Green Mountain Club, Waterbury Center
Join the Green Mountain Club staff for "Making Mountains out of Molehills," an ongoing series of outdoors workshops for families with young children. Explore forest, field, stream; foster environmental stewardship and meet other outdoors-loving families. This segment of the series focuses on shelter building, an important part of winter survival. 9:30-11:30 a.m. with optional picnic lunch. All ages welcome, $5, $3 for members, and kids under 12 free. Limited space, register early at 244-7037.
March 15: Chiara String Quartet at Chandler Music Hall, Randolph
The Chiara String Quartet makes a habit out of playing, as quoted on their MySpace page, "chamber music in any chamber." That means concert halls, clubs and bars. They impressed New York Times critic Bernard Holland when they didn't dumb down a set featuring Mozart, Haydn and Brahms for the Friday night drinking crowd at a Brooklyn nightclub, and they stray from classical too: a recent performance included a string-laden cover of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy." 7:30 p.m., $25, $5 for students under 18. 728-6464.
March 22: Dummy Big Air Competition, Sugarbush Resort, Warren
In a word? Hilarious. Contestants build dress-up dummies, strap them onto skis or snowboards, and launch them high in the air. The goal: lots of air and a crash landing to remember. Points given for air, landing, creativity and crowd approval. Participate or watch; either way you're going to laugh. Noon at Lincoln Peak. (800) 537-8427 or www.sugarbush.com
March 22-23: Art in the Snow, Brandon Open Studio Weekend, Brandon
Art is elegant, quirky, practical and whimsical at "Art in the Snow" in Brandon. See this western Vermont town come together in support of the growing and active arts community that Warren Kimble calls home. Artists, inns, galleries, restaurants and merchants all participate to show you the best they have to offer. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (802) 247-4956 .
April 4: Artist Peter Huntoon, Rutland
Join watercolor artist and Rutland native Peter Huntoon as he demonstrates his craft. Huntoon is known for his colorful, lively interpretations of Vermont towns and landmarks. 6-8 p.m., Arts & Antiques, Center 17, Center Street. 786-1530.
April 26-27: >West River Spring Release at Jamaica State Park
Grab your canoe, kayak or raft and join paddlers from around the Northeast to ride class II to class IV rapids as the water is released from the Ball Mountain Dam. Not quite ready for that? Join the thousands who watch the wild rides. Vendors, including food. Park entrance $2.50, $2/children. (888) 409-7579.
May 1: Kingdom Cottage Gardens
open for the season. Tour three acres of gardens nestled around an 1860 farmhouse. "Most people spend four hours here,'" said Sue Strifert, who with her husband, Dick, grows the gardens and opens them to the public. Picnic areas available. Call for hours. Free. North Danville. 748-4096.
May 4: The Vermont Youth Orchestra and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra
A collaboration and performance of Shostakovich. 3 p.m. $15 and less. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington. 863-5966.
May 18: Shelburne Museum Opens
Each year, the Shelburne Museum outdoes itself getting first-rate art and exhibits. This year, new exhibits include "Mary Cassatt: Friends and Family," "Warren Kimble's America," "Purse-onality: Handbags with Attitude" and "Growing Green." Check out renovations in the Circus Building, Beach Lodge and Beach Gallery. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Thursdays until 8 p.m. Open through Oct. 26. $18 and less, (802) 985-3346.
For more calendar listings, view this article as a PDF of the actual magazine pages.