So, you’ve been to Higher Ground, the alternative Monkey House in Winooski, nostalgic Nectar’s, its little brother Metronome, retro Radio Bean, even Club 242 and other bars with the occasional hip act in town.
Think you’ve seen it all in town? You’re going to be happily surprised.
One of the more surprising venues featuring folk and singer-songwriters is The Skinny Pancake. Yes, that incredible creperie with a perfect view of the beautiful sunset on Lake Champlain.
Although the cozy nook known for it’s delicious French-inspired delicacies has had acts on Friday and Saturday nights for the last few months, the upcoming schedule is particularly enticing.
On Friday night at 9 pm, local act Villanelles will strip away their amps and showcase their alternative, tavern-friendly rock in an intimate setting. The garage rockers border somewhere between the riffs of upbeat Spoon and the distinctive voice of Cold War Kids’. They hope to satiate the concertgoers’ aural need just as the Pancake fills them up with delicious cuisine.
Next Friday, look out for highly touted jazz rock That Toga Band at the Pancake.
Earlier in the night, a weekend of avant-garde electronica opens up at Radio Bean at 8 pm with Montreal-based Echoes Still Singing Limbs. Labeled experimental folk, the Middle Eastern tinged ensemble features a diverse assortment of instruments: a trained Operatic vocalist, a classically trained cellist and noise guitarists. The melodies akin to DeVotchKa push genre boundaries in a dark, mysterious fashion, but they are sure to be an intense listen.
On Saturday night at 8 pm, the lesson in sound experimentation continues at The Bakery. Sponsored by the Burlington, VT based noise label Aether Everywhere, another intimate setting will be sure to set the mood for a night of ethereal melodies.
Pawlet Performance Project, a local act known as “a vehicle for experimental and non-mainstream events and performances using audio and visual elements,” will be sure to utilize the close confines of the Bakery. In addition to setting a introspective mood, their eclectic instruments — including bulbul tarang (an Indian banjo) and kalimba (an African sound box with metal keys) — will be sure to please.
Local favorite minimalist vocalist and electronic dabbler Nuda Veritis and free improv band the le duo will open.
Tonight, Vantage Point hosts a benefit at the Metronome at 8:30 pm featuring UVM mainstays the Feverbreakers, Powder Kegs, Buzz Jar and Goldtown (members of Greyspoke).
On Friday, local favorite Rough Francis will bring the grunge folk to Monkey House at 9 pm. At Nectar’s, Mardi Gras will be celebrated a few days late as New Orleans tinged rock will be featured after the parade well into the night.
This weekend, UVM students will be sure to flock to Higher Ground as The Disco Biscuits come to town for a sold out two night stand. Just remember, guys, there’s more to music than jamming out to groovy tunes.
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