Seven Days Blogs: Stuck in Vermont

Pure Pop Record Store Day [79]

4/19/08: The first ever international Record Store Day was in full swing at Pure Pop Records Saturday. 

Music fans swarmed the bargain bins and went home armed with old and new records, tapes, and CDs.

Why are indie record stores a vital part of our community?  What makes them different from shopping for music online? 

Is it the atmosphere, the browsing, the hunt for rare finds, the album art or the way a new record smells?

Eva bought her first album at Pure Pop (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie in case you care) years ago and she is back to find out why it is still so special.

Music: The Jazz Guys, So Moped Puree, "Try to Find"
As many of you know, the lead singer of The Jazz Guys, Herb van der Poll also works at Pure Pop.  Tell him how much you enjoy his music next time you see him.

Problems watching this video, watch on YouTube here.

Jr Iron Chef [75]

4/12/08: Mmm, something smells good. 

Middle and high school students from all over the state of Vermont compete in the first Annual Jr Iron Chef cooking competition which aims to celebrate local food, showcase VT seasonal produce and promote healthy local-food dishes in schools (Burlington School Food Project and VT FEED).

Competitors vary from professional chefs in training to novices but all share an appreciation for VT produce and creative cuisine.

Vermont is building solid connections between farms, schools and students' plates and championing the nation's localvore movement.

Music: The Smittens, A Little Revolution, "The Garden"

Location: Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vermont

Having trouble watching this video?  Watch it on YouTube here.

Burlington Ultimate [74]

4/1/08: The Burlington Ultimate Winter League spend their Tuesdays at The Field House in Shelburne.  Eva caught up with them for the first night of their Playoffs.

Team members dash back and forth across the courts with lightening speed, forcing the frisbee out of opponent's hands and diving through the air for points. 

The game is all about the Frisbee but Ultimate is much bigger than that.  Players young and old, novice and professional, come together in a unique community.

Music: The Dig, Good Luck and Games EP, "Good Luck and Games"

Watch this video on YouTube HERE.

Skate Deck Art Show [73]

3/28/08: Margaritas, fake mustaches, 80s chic, skulls-a-plenty and skate deck art for a good cause. 

For three years now, Maven has been been teaming up with local artists and presenting different themed Skate Deck Art Benefits.  This year they raised money for the much needed redesign of the Burlington Skatepark. 

In March, funds were approved for a new skatepark as part of the Moran Redevelopment Project.  The money raised from Friday's silent auction of the skate decks will be used to pay for blueprints for a new and improved concrete park.

We talked to skateboarders and deck artists about their work and why they risk broken bones and fractured bits for the pleasure of skateboarding.  And hey, what is that bone jutting out of your neck Big Tim!?

You may recognize some local JDK artists such as Creative Director and Owner Michael Jager and Sachie Tani of the blog My Cat Goma.

"Viy" by Deep Soda off their album Pose Dead - Collected & Destroyed Vol. 2.

You can watch this video on YouTube here.

Dummy Big Air [72]

3/22/08: The 12th Annual Dummy Big Air contest was held at Sugarbush last weekend. 

Eva was late and missed the 15 minute event but she did talk to the winner, Mr Potato Head who received $1000 for his jump! [You can see Sandy Macys photos of the event here!]

Eva also spoke to extreme skiers/snowboarders about why Sugarbush is so special to them.

Music: Chuch, Juarez, "Intro"


Location: Sugarbush, Lincoln Peak
Warren, Vermont

Watch the video on YouTube here.

Broadacres Charity Bingo [71]

3/14/08: What do you get when you combine fried food, high stakes, adrenaline rushes, money for charity and bingo?  A swell evening!

Friday night, over $10,000 in prizes was up for grabs and 100% of the proceeds went to the Humane Society of Chittenden County. 

At Broadacres Charity Bingo in Colchester, old and young alike have been playing bingo for years.  Many began the game with their grandparents and are carrying on the tradition.

So bring a good luck charm, lots of multi-colored dabbers, mind your manners and BE ON TIME for charity bingo at Broadacres.

And remember, when in doubt, YELL BINGO before your 20 seconds is up...

Music by Colin Clary, off Apocalypse Yow!, "Top Secret Secret Project."  This song is perfect for bingo because many players are highly secretive about their bingo outings.  As one player put it, "You don't want your husband to see you at bingo with your boyfriend."  The presence of my camera was enough to  unsettle many patrons.  Sorry!

You can also view this video on YouTube .

Winter Soldier: Iraq & Afghanistan [69]

We who have come here to Washington have come here
because we feel we have to be winter soldiers now.
We could come back to this country;
we could be quiet;
we could hold our silence;
we could not tell what went on in Vietnam,
but we feel because of what threatens this country,
the fact that the crimes threaten it, not reds, and not redcoats
but the crimes which we are committing that threaten it,

that we have to speak out.

- Vietnam War Veteran John Kerry,

April 22, 1971 before Senate Foreign Relations Committee

In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

In 1971, a group of veterans came forward to share their horrific tales of the Vietnam War in an event called Winter Soldier (there is also a documentary film of the testimonies).

March 13-16, Iraq Veterans Against the War will be holding another event, Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan to put on record the testimonies of over 100 vets and civilians.

On February 28th, four local Vermont veterans gave testimony at UVM's The Davis Center.  Drew Cameron, Adrienne Kinne, Matt Howard and Jon Michael Turner told their tales to a somber crowd of about 200 students and community members.

The testimony of Jon Michael included mentions of mosque bombings, planting of weapons, violent house raids and the murder of innocents.  Jon Michael was stationed in Ramadi and you can even catch a glimpse of him shooting and smoking in this CNN news piece. 

Jon Michael collected a massive amount of photos and video that act as a visual aid throughout his testimony.  Additionally, I thank him for letting me use it in this video. 

As of March, these testimonies will be permanently etched on record to inform future generations and ensure that the dead will never be forgotten.

This video is dedicated to the memories of Shane Swanberg and Richard Z James.  Two young men who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Music is Swale's "Soft Fireworks" off Verdigris.  You might recall that I used this same song months ago in a Cindy Sheehan video which was the first time I met Matt, Adrienne and Drew.  Those were the early days of their activist careers and it is a pleasure to see how far they have come.

Ryan Harvey's "Search and Avoid" off the Line in the Sand compilation which benefits the Iraq Veterans Against the War and was produced by our own Seven Days office manager and blogger, Bridget Burns. 

You can also watch this video on YouTube.

And be sure to check out Jon Taylor's new installment of the Campus Question as it is a bunch of Norwich cadets who plan to enlist.   Do you watch the CQ?  You should.  Every week Jon travels to campuses around VT to ask hot questions.

Also new this week, Lou News hits Seven Days like a Refreshing Bomb of Sass!  Formidable Lou wakes up early to chase Chelsea Clinton on her brief jag through town, sprinkling wit along the way.

Lakeview Terrace at Mardi Gras [68]

2/23/08: Lakeview Terrace is the only neighborhood float to participate in Magic Hat's annual Mardi Gras parade. So what makes them so special?

Odele Peter and her rabbit Betty have been master minding the float for years and fashion designer Allison Bannister is a more recent addition to the hood. 

Together Thing 1 and Thing 2 managed to find a trailer truck (thanks to Zimmer and Aardvark Truck Service), accident insurance, a live band, a gaggle of empty gifts and a generator - all through community connections.

Once again, Lakeview Terrace won the 1st place prize even though they were piecing their float together 3 hours prior to the parade.  All that and they get a lake view?!  Sheesh.

All proceeds from Mardi Gras go to The Women's Rape Crisis Center.  This year they raised around $20,000!

Also featuring a killer Mardi Gras montage (peppered with many 7 Days friendly circus faces) with a song by Montreal band, Bad Flirt who recently passed through town on tour.  The full featured song is "Heart of Darkness" and the song snippet is "Homecoming" [Unmastered].

Apologies for the crummy audio.  My headphones didn't fit over my wig and it was LOUD.  'Nuff said.

You can watch the Mardi Gras 2008 video on YouTube here.

In other news, you can watch the 7 Days video, "Nick Garza is Missing" on YouTube  or below:

King Street Talent Extravaganza [67]

2/16/08: Magic, African drumming, a rock band led by a 9 year old and pies in the face.  No, it isn't Star Search, it's the 2nd Annual King Street Talent Extravaganza.

For decades the King Street Youth Center has served as a resource for children of all ages. 

Over the past 11 years Kevin Greenblott has been a mentor to Will Liberty, now aged 19, through the Buddy Program at KSYC.  Kevin and his family instigated the first KSYC talent show.

Mike Fife and his buddy Brandon McDonald have been hanging out for 1.5 years through KSYC. 

This year Brandon wrote a play called "The Pie" in which Mike gets, you guessed it, pied by his best pal.  Maybe it is better than last year when he was forced to wear a dress?

Other show highlights include Mashobane Moruthane and The Village Drumming, 9 year old Aiden Patterson Deutsch and his band Space Tiger, Edmunds Middle School Music Club led by Dan LeFrancois and Betsy Nolan and Edmunds MS Chorus also led by Betsy Nolan.

To quote Space Tiger, "Monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, monkey, I'M TIRED OF YOU!" 

There are all sorts of things you can do to help out at King Street Youth Center, email Gabriel at gabe@kingstreetyouth.org to find out more.

Watch video on YouTube here.

Location: Contois Auditorium, Burlington Vermont

NVAC Cheerleading Competition [66]

2/9/08: Once a year cheerleaders gather from all over the state of VT to show their spirit and shake their pompoms at the NVAC Cheerleading Competition, a multi-division contest open to youth, middle school, junior varsity and varsity groups.

The Fairfax Middle School Cheerleading Squad spent the morning getting ready at Coach Brown's house.  While curling their hair, fueling up on food and bonding, the girls talked about what cheerleading means to them.

Thanks Coach Brown for inviting us over!

You can find out more about VT programs for students at VPA.

WARNING: Around 4:30 you may require EARPLUGS!

You can watch this video on YouTube here.

Vermont 3.0 Creative/Tech Career Jam [64]

1/26/08: Is there a brain drain in Vermont?  Are we losing geeky young people to metropolitan areas?  These days, Vermont's economic forecast seems glum which is where Seven Days and Vermont 3.0 come in.

This Saturday over 1,500 people stopped by Main Street Landing to mingle with the 50+ exhibitors at the first ever Vermont 3.0 Creative/Tech Career Jam. 

The concept was simple, provide a meet and greet for innovative Vermont technology companies and people searching for jobs.  Voila!

In case you were one of the few who missed it, Governor Douglas played Guitar Hero (not too successfully), Bernie Sanders and Anthony Pollina came through, students from all over VT and leaders in Vermont's creative technology industries rubbed shoulders.

After a successful event like this, the future seems bright enough for shades.

Super fresh song by Missy Bly, "Afraid to Fly," off her brand new album, MB3.

If you prefer to watch this video on YouTube, go here.

VT Comedy Divas [62]

1/12/07: Vermont Comedy Divas sold out the ballroom at Higher Ground last Saturday.  A line stretched around the building with VTers hungry for comedy and eager for a winter respite.

Four funny female VTers, Josie Leavitt, Martha Tormey, Sally Stevens, and MaryAnne Gatos warmed up the crowd with their tantalizing tales.

Josie Leavitt has been performing stand-up for almost 20 years.  She left NYC for VT, opened the Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne and began teaching comedy at the Flynn.  The divas met in Josie's classes and the seed for a bigger act was planted.

What comes next for these funny ladies?  With a state lacking a comedy club and hungry for laughs, the divas future looks bright.

Please note: You can also watch this video on YouTube.

VT Fancy Felines [61]

1/5/08: Once a year, VT Fancy Felines cat show takes over the Sheraton Burlington Hotel & Conference Center.  Parades of well-cared for Balinese, Burmese, Exotics, Maine Coons, Persians, Russian Blues, Siamese, and Sphynx compete for ribbons and titles.

Why do attendees love their cats so much?  Spending hours brushing and grooming them, breeding them over and over again in search of the perfect cat and traveling all over the country to compete?

Cat lovers give us a peek into their world.

Some of the featured breeders are Suzette Garey of Cozycreek Cattery (and breeder of internet SUPA STAH, Goma!), Karen Greenman of Sunlit, Teresa Signore and Edwin Sweeny of Highlander Cattery, Carole Goubault of Chatterie Serenite, Margaret Gadouas of Dahlias and Karina Brien of Feli Folie.

You also might recognize cameos by local cat lovers/bloggers Sachie Tani and Undead Molly.

Here is a video montage of the fancy felines featuring the full-length Smittens song, "My Favorite Dream" off A Little Revolution:

PLEASE NOTE: Stuck in Vermont will be posted on Thursdays from this day forth!

As always, you can watch this vlog on YouTube if you prefer it.

Drums & Dragons Parade [60]

12/31/07: New Year's Eve in downtown Burlington and First Night was in full swing. 

Colorful dragons, life size puppets, an AT-AT walker (All Terrain Armored Transport from Star Wars), The Junkman and his posse of junk-playing kids, Burlington Taiko and Sambatucada paraded down Church St to the delight of onlookers young and old.

Happy New Year!  It's nice to be stuck in VT with you!

The Cabot Sock Sale [53]

The 28th Annual Cabot Sock Sale was held this weekend in Northfield Vermont.

Each year thousands of visitors flock to the Cabot Hosiery Mills factory to pounce on the heavily discounted, high quality, VT-made socks.

Coinciding with the start of Vermont's deer season, the sale was originally billed as a party for "Hunter's Widows."  Nowadays, men, women, teens, kids and even hunters all flock to the sale.

Cabot Hosiery Mills has been in the Cabot family for three generations. They are the only sock company remaining in Vermont and one of the last sock companies in the country.

The sock sale will be continuing the weekend of November 17th and 18th in Northfield Vermont.

Music by Colin Clary, "Kisses," Sweater Weather or Not, These Are the Songs I Got

Editor's Note: Want to learn more about hunting season in Vermont, read these 7 Days articles!

Jeh Kulu's West African Dance & Drum Festival [52]

The 13th Annual West African Dance & Drum Festival took place this weekend in Contois Auditorium in Burlington Vermont. 

Master artists from Mali, Senegal, and Guinea taught West African dance and music classes.  Festival participants traveled from far and wide to soak up the knowledge.

Saturday evening brought the high octane premiere of "Inu Sene" (Welcome Home), a celebration of West African dance, music and song to a sold-out house.

Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater was founded in 1993 and is comprised of 16 artists who share traditional rhythms and dances from the countries of Guinea, Senegal and Mali, West Africa.

How did the 3rd oldest West African Festival end up in Vermont?  Watch and learn.

Please note: The Stuck in Vermont compression settings have recently changed.  Does this video play better or worse in your browser?  Any feedback is helpful!  Thanks!

Burlington Zombie Walk [51]

Last Saturday the undead lurched along the streets of downtown Burlington looking for fresh brains to munch on.  The innocent town folks did not stand a chance against this rowdy gang of braindead flesh eaters.

According to Wikipedia, zombie walks have been taking place in urban city centers since 2001.  The Burlington Zombie Walk is in its second year and was organized by Adrienne Goulette.

This year there was a solid turnout despite the rain.  Participants dressed in fanciful costumes (prom dresses, football jerseys, hospital garb), soaked themselves in blood, and cavorting down Church St screeching at the top of their lungs.

The zombie walk came to a close at Nectar's where the living dead munched on french fries and BLTs (Brains, Lettuce and Tomatoes).

Deep Soda, Pose Dead - Collected & Destroyed Vol. 2, "Leviathan Hades" provide the oh so perfect zombie music.

PS: As fate would have it, after 50 episodes of Stuck in Vermont, The Smittens were able to rerecord the snippet of their song that plays in each vlog intro. 

Can you tell the difference?  WE LOVE IT!!  Thanks Smittens!

Taiko in the Orchard [46]

On a blustery Saturday afternoon, Burlington Taiko celebrated their 20 year anniversary with high-speed drumming, group dancing and a funky parade at Shelburne Orchards.  Just try to keep your foot from tapping!

Shelburne Orchards is an 80 acre family farm where you can enjoy apple picking (macintosh are ripe at the moment), hot cider donuts (you get to eat them straight out of the fryer), fresh apple pie (made by the "Pie Lady," Moriah, whose father Nick Cowles owns the orchards), a kid-covered hay maze, and breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. 

Nothing says Autumn in Vermont like a trip to the orchards, an earful of Taiko, a tummy full of apples and a carload full of orchard booty.

Did the rhythm of the drumming help ripen the apples?  Time will tell.

Strut II [44]

9/7/07: This year's 15th Annual Art Hop brought hundreds of people to the South End to view the works of over 500 artists spread between 60 sites.

Strut II kicked off the Art Hop 2007 festivities with a procession of goodies such as a flouncy red wedding gown, silk-screened tees and clothes made out of playing cards. 

Strut took place in a cavernous garage and even without the aid of the stifling heat, the models sizzled.

Strut was coordinated by Xmas Maxon-Alley, Reconstruction Designer + owner of the Green Closet Eco Chic Boutique and hosted by WCAX’s own Jack Thurston + Syndi Zook of the Lyric Theatre Company along with music by DJ Precious.

Strut II designers were: Ava Bishop, Catalyst/Brand New, Laura Fuchs, Loraleh Harris, Joanne Kalisz, Carolyn Little, Tara Lynn, Janii Peterson, Autumn Polidor and Almir Salkic.

Check out that pink codpiece and the dresses made from t-shirts some dude threw out (left).

These designers make both casual and high end clothing using recycled materials and each dedicates much precious time to the art of sewing.

And my favorite quote from the vlog and possible title for the codpiece outfit, "I would grope you if we weren't in such public place."

Peppy tunes by Pretty & Nice off their album Pink & Blue, "Busy Bees."  They have a new record coming out really soon so stay tuned!

Champlain Valley Fair [42]

Saturday was the opening day of the 2007 Champlain Valley Fair. 

Even impending rain could not keep the crowds away from the death-defying rides, tasty fried cuisine, diverse animal displays and 4-H competitions.

Eva talks to 4-Hers about their cows and finds out who will be the Supreme Grand Champion Cow.

Did you know that cows have different personalities just like people? 

And what makes an "ideal cow" anyway?

And why isn't Rusty DeWees entered in the Best Cock contest?!

Rocking tunes by Avi and Celia - "Down to You" and "Soak Her In" from their album Off the Floor.

And for more fair fun, you can watch a meatier montage below:

Bennington Battle Day [41]

August 16th is a state holiday in Vermont.  It commemorates the Battle of Bennington which was fought in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War. 

Although the battle did not take place INSIDE Vermont's borders, it was fought in defense of Bennington's food and military supplies. 

The American victory during the Battle of Bennington not only ensured that their provisions would be safe but depleted the strength of the Loyalists.

Today, the Bennington Battle Monument, a 306 foot obelisk commemorates the battle. 

On August 18th, history reenactors and members of the Living History Association from all over the country converged on the monument to celebrate the holiday.

The reenactors portray specific military figures, uphold the rigid ranking system and often carry weapons, as long as they are 16 years of age or older. 

While the firing of military gear and female arts such as spinning and sewing are a large part of the activities, there is much more to it than that.

The reenactors have a deep love of history and hope to share their knowledge of events with the general public. 

They are a tight knit group of individuals which often includes multi-generational extended families.

It is more than a hobby, reenacting is a way of life.

Nicely fitting music by The Reverend Nathan Brady Crain and Friends, Blow it All, "The Sawyers of the Truth."

NOTE: If you would like to learn more about the details of the Battle of Bennington, you can hear the Major General describe it indepthly here!

Mud Volleyball [39]

On August 5th, teams gathered from all over Vermont on a muddy field in Essex for a day of mud volleyball. 

It was the 18th Annual Mud Volleyball Tournament and the proceeds benefited The Epilepsy Foundation of VT.

The Town of Essex provided the field and the firetrucks which poured over 160,000 gallons of water into the parched earth. 

The mud was fragrant and spiced with manure.  Frogs kept the volleyball players company in the pits.

95 Triple X was on hand for musical accompaniment (I counted and "Beautiful Girls" played over 4 times - the glories of Top 40 radio).

The players worked hard to detach their feet from the treacherous muddy pits but there were many ungraceful belly flops and Jackson Pollock-esque mud splatters. 

At the end of the day, there was a garbage can filled with discarded and duct-taped shoes.  Fire hoses were used to clean off the first layer of dirt.

Did you know that mud can creep into your most intimate crevices and days after the event, the pesky substance continues to seep out slowly?  Eek. 

Despite this, you will probably see me on the field next year.  It is too fun to watch from afar and it is for a really good cause. 

I plan on being a mud beast but don't expect me to wear one of those yellow banana hammocks - they take guts! 

I am glad to have been, quite authentically "stuck" in a field in Essex Vermont.

Aptly titled song, "Let Go," by Lowell Thompson (MySpace).

UPDATE: 8/12/07 - YouTube made Mud Volleyball it's Pick of the Day which lead to 11,000 hits.  Thanks YouTube!

The Ramble [38]

The Ramble is a free for all festival that takes place in big and small locations all over the Old North End, an eclectic Burlington neighborhood packed full of farmers, artists, young families...and chickens?! 

The Ramble was started by Heather Driscoll and Lee Anderson 4 years ago and is currently helmed by Lee and Sage Tucker-Ketchum of Studio STK.

Some major events this year included The Old North End Parade, Crombie Street Block Festival, performances by Very Special Arts at Studio STK, a community graffiti mural at Kriya Studio, a bike parade, and a big closing party at 294 North Winooski Ave.

Artists opened their studios, businesses opened their doors with special offers, residents had yard sales, and there was an abundance of free food, balloons and face painting.  The entire community was outside meeting and greeting one another.

Field Day, also known as War of the Wards is an athletic event pitting the North side against the South Side.  Organized by Adrian Tans, Michael Nedell and Lee Anderson, it was a flashback to elementary school but a lot more fun. 

Games included water balloon toss, 100 yard dash, hula hoop race, standing long jump, bowling ball shotput, the mile, sack race, arm wrestling and a giant tug-of-war.

Despite the occasionally rainy conditions, attendance was good, if a bit late to arrive.  The North had more people but the South fought long and hard. 

Last year with similar circumstances, the South managed to pull together a win and the North was determined to prevent this from occurring once again.

The final event was the Tug of War.  Who won the War of the Wards?  Watch and see. 

And why do so many North Enders have chickens anyway?

"Ramble On!"

Most perfect diddy by Colin Clary and the Magogs, Her Life of Crime, "The Shape of this Town."

Harry Potter [37]

At midnight on Friday, July 20th 2007, the last installment of the Harry Potter series was released in bookstores across America. 

At The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne VT, owners Elizabeth Bluemle and Josie Leavitt have been celebrating Harry Potter book releases for years.

The costumed crowd numbered in the hundreds and the air was thick with excitement. 

Anxious house elves, thunder-bolted wizards, Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, high-hatted witches and even a Hagrid waited for midnight to roll around so they could read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Why do people love Harry Potter so much and what will the final book tell us?  Watch and see...

Rosie's Girls [36]

Do you know how to transform a copper pipe into a bracelet?  How to cut shapes out of sheets of metal and attach them to one another in a sculpture? 

How to hammer evenly and keep your hair from catching on fire while welding?  Me neither but some 9-12 yr old girls showed me the basics.

Rosie’s Girls Summer Program is a three-week day camp for girls entering 6th – 8th grade that is organized by Vermont Works for Women.  The camp is named after the WWII fictional feminist icon Rosie the Riveter who commandeered the phrase, "We can do it!"

During the three weeks of intense activities which include carpentry, bike repair and welding, many of the girls discover that they can, indeed, do it.  Whatever "it" may be.

For three days, campers attended metal workshops at Kat Clear and Kate Pond's St Griswold studio in Williston.  Kat and her assistants showed the girls how to use the Mig welder (a glorified sewing machine with sparks), the oxyacetylene torch and the plasma cutter.

These are all formidable looking tools that blast impressive sparks and intense heat.  It took some getting used to but after three days, the tools felt familiar to the girls and they were able to make their own abstract sculptures as well as a Rosie the Riveter bracelet (I am wearing mine right now!).

Even if you don't know Kat, you have probably seen her work all over town.  Whether it is the classy sign hanging above the Green Door, the fanciful bike rack outside Radio Bean or the monkeys hanging around outside the Monkey Bar. 

Kat shared her love of welding with the girls and showed them that anything is possible if you work hard enough.

There is an elemental time period in many girl's lives when they cross over from girlhood to adulthood.  It is a time when many women lose their voice and their self-assurance and spend years trying to get back to their confident, carefree, adolescent selves.

It is exciting to imagine these Rosie's Girls going forth into the world, breaking down stereotypes, being comfortable with who they are and braving their own road.   I can't wait to see what comes next. 

"Ground Level Up" by Antara off her album, "All the Strays."   Could any song fit as perfectly?

UPDATE: 8/12/07 - YouTube featured Rosie's Girls on their Howto & DIY homepage which lead to 128,000 hits as well as a spirited debate about VT and the abilities of women.  Additionally, there were these honors:

#5 - Most Viewed (This Month) - Howto & DIY

#64 - Most Discussed (This Month) - Howto & DIY

#86 - Top Favorites (This Month) - Howto & DIY

#14 - Recently Featured - Howto & DIY

Cirque du so Gay [35]

On July 7th, hundreds of people in Burlington celebrated 25 years of PRIDE in Vermont. 

After a rainy day parade,  revelers squeezed into tight corsets, applied pasties and false eyelashes, adorned themselves in bold stripes, domineering top hats, riding crops and a plethora of sequins for Cirque du so Gay at Higher Ground.

I asked party goers what "pride" means to them.  Like their costumes, their answers were wildly different.  Common themes were community, celebration, a chance to look back at history, self-acceptance and freedom to be who you please and love whom you like.  The night was all about love, fearlessness, self-expression and boundary busting.

The evening included peacock-like go go dancers, local and regional performers including Karen Grenier, Nebulai, Antara & The Chris', Poof!, Rue Melvana, The 4th Annual Vermont Drag Idol & DJ Precious. 

Shawn Lipenski, the Ringmaster, towered above the rest of us mere mortals in 5 inch boots and a formidable top hat.  Allison Davis, the sultry Ringmistress, helped keep the rowdy crowds at bay with her lightening quick riding crop.

There were many lovely drag queens in attendance and I felt like a midget beside these towering Super Models: Chastity Pariah, Miss Kayla, Victoria Demeanor, Celeste LeRue, Margaurite LeMay, Lucy Belle LeMay, Liza Little, Amber LeMay, and Precious.

The Poof! Drag Cabaret performers were kind enough to let me into their sanctuary/dressing room as they were changing out of their show costumes and into their party ensembles. 

Celeste showed me her "cutlets" and Kayla modeled her purple creation, the "Kylie Minogue dress."  You can see more of Poof! in this video.

Many attendees mourned the loss of Pearls and its negative effect on the gay community.  There are currently no gay bars in the state of Vermont.   The future of the local bi/gay scene remains to be seen.

After a unifying, celebratory night like Cirque du so Gay, it is hard to go back to the "real" world - there are not enough sequins, feathers or diamonds...

For more Pride photos, check out The House of LeMay blog.  Those classy dames sure can party!

Circus Smirkus [34]

This summer is the 20 year anniversary of founder Rob Mermin's Circus Smirkus.  What began as a little itty bitty dream to begin a circus in Vermont has turned into a formidable institution. 

Sunday was the opening day of the tour in Greensboro, VT.   1 Circus Road in Greensboro, the original home of Smirkus, is remote and beautiful. 

After 3 weeks of intense rehearsals, the 75-member staff and crew will tour for 7 weeks throughout New England, performing twice every other day for a total of 71 shows.

The young performers are skilled in multiple circus arts such as the diablo, single, double and triple point trapeze, rings, juggling, the plank, the tightrope, fabric and clowning. 

Or they might just use a couple of ladders to perform balancing tricks, you never can tell what is coming next.

In the beginning, the troupe consisted of farm hands learning how to juggle.  Thanks to the prominence of circus camps and training programs, performers now travel from all over the world to be a part of Circus Smirkus. 

The giggly contortionists from Mongolia, the nimble tightrope walker from Columbia and the rosy-cheeked hula hooper from Minnesota - they are all part of one big circus family. 

All come together and become friends almost instantaneously, immediately trusting one another as they hang by each other's ankles, balance side by side, and rocket each other into the air. 

These days, it is less about running away to the circus and more about proudly adding it to your resume.  But one thing hasn't changed, the kids in the audience still squeal with delight at the simplest of gags and pies in the face are always in style.

 

Geek Week [33]

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