Concert series to begin in July
Burlington-based trio Pete’s Posse will kick off Pentangle Arts’ “Music by the River” summer concert series at the North Chapel’s back lawn on July 24. From left are Pete Sutherland, Oliver Scanlon and Tristan Henderson of Pete’s Posse. (Photo Provided)
Amid a year of constant change, Pentangle Arts in Woodstock, Vermont, just confirmed its summer concert series will begin later this month.
It was exciting news, following a springtime that saw the schedule wiped clean due to the pandemic.
"It feels really good to have some programming, I can tell you that," said Alita Wilson, Pentangle's executive director. "Any opportunity to support artists and present entertainment to our community and visitors is welcome."
The weekly concerts are in partnership with the North Chapel, which will still be hosting the series on its back lawn at 5:30 p.m. The line-up for 2020: Pete's Posse on July 24; Interplay Jazz on July 31; Emerald Rae on Aug. 7; VSO's Jukebox Quartet on Aug. 14; and Jay Nash on Aug. 21.
"I think it's a good representation of Vermont artists," Wilson said, noting the addition of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra's Jukebox Quartet this year. "I'm thrilled to have them; it's classical with a twist."
Wilson said she's looking for some clarification from the state on what the mask requirement will be, since a number of patrons usually bring something to eat. She said there will be social distancing, with groups asked to enter the event six feet apart. Wilson said there will be sufficient distance between the performers and the audience, as well.
"We will ask when patrons leave, that they put their masks back on," she said. There will be no tables at the concerts, and no food served.
Despite the changes, Wilson is just glad to have this series going forward, noting how important it is to support the musicians.
"This is going to be part of our new world, trying to support our local artists in our state, so they can get their feet underneath them and have the opportunity to perform," she said.
Throughout that very long, difficult springtime we had, music and the outdoors are two things that gave people a sense of peace, and continue to do so. This series combines them, and people are sure to love the opportunity to enjoy both.
This welcome news follows several statewide reopenings connected with outdoor fun in the warmer weather — still a very attractive notion after those many weeks stuck at home. On Monday, Vermont cleared playgrounds to reopen amid guidelines such as six feet of social distancing. State parks reopened Friday.
For more information about "Music by the River", go to www.pentanglearts.org or send an email to info@pentanglearts.org.
— Gareth Henderson
