Our Favorite Things 2014

This bands sound blends ragtime, punkified blues, old and new timey without settling upon a particular era, inspired as much by mountain music as by Preservation Hall jazz. “We bend genres pretty hard,” Pete (Guitarist) says.

"Boasting Matt Valentine’s unique production technique “Spectrasound”, in which many sounds swirl around the stereo mix rather than stay cemented in place, Barn Nova is a compellingly dedicated take on the country rock of Grateful Dead or My Morning Jacket."- Popmatters: David Amidon

In short, J.P. Harris plays Country Music. Not “Americana,” not “Roots,” “Folk,” or any other number of monikers used to describe a slew of spin-off genres; he plays from the foundation of these styles, the music that has influenced four generations of songwriters. In a world where prefixes have been added to the term “Country,” JP simply sticks to the old-fashioned sounds that have called to him.

"For some reason, no one can really explain how the Black Moon Spell came to be. It just appeared one day and demanded heavy rock music and meatball subs," explains King Tuff. So, If twinkling lights and carols make your eggnog curdle, this bands mix of garage and glam rock should be enough to get even the most downtrodden of winter warriors feeling like their old misfit self.

"Mr. Amidon reaches into the dark depths of American traditional music and pulls out 10 songs of entrancing, often disturbing beauty."-  The New York Observer

Sweetback Sisters precise, family-style harmonies recall the best of country music with a spirited rockabilly energy.They are concerned with the traditional subjects of heartbreak, revenge, remorse and staying strong in the face of relationships gone wrong, albeit with a contemporary sensibility.

This band started in 2011 and quickly gained a following and notoriety. Made up of four Brattleboro teenagers (Dharma Ramirez: 16, singer, guitarist and songwriter, Mavis Eaton: 16, keyboardist, Zack James: 14, drums, and Nina Cates: 15, bass), the Snaz is the snazziest band around!

Vermont-based acoustic trio with a distinctly unique sound. Their music consists of quick, high-energy bluegrass tempos, thumping rockabilly bass lines, and soaring three-part vocal harmonies, as well as punchy rhythmic improvisation, effects-driven guitar solos, beat-boxing, and even the occasional sitar interlude. 

Scott Ainslie is a traditional acoustic Blues singer, guitarist, historian and songwriter with personal roots in the Civil Rights era and a great affection for cross-cultural exchange. He is a powerful musician, a fine singer, and a masterful storyteller.

Bruce and Bill put together a number of double-banjo arrangements over the course of the grant and decided to take their show on the road. Adding to the band are April Jubett on guitar and vocals and Kelly Stockwell on double bass.

Old Man Joe is a very refreshing addition to the Vermont music scene, embarking on a band that hopes to share their music far and wide; creating positive music for your heart and soul!

This NH-MA homegrown string band has created an emotional and stirring sound that is unique yet familiar and which continues to evolve with each show.

Northern Fiddle, Afro-pop, Caribbean, Reggae, Funk, and Latin grooves meet traditional. It's the future of the music of the past; it's a live remix; it'll move your feet and intrigue your mind.

Belle Machine has audible influences from the rock, new wave, punk, and blues worlds but has one mission only… make them move. They’re quickly becoming southern Vermont’s favorite band for slick, well-crafted songs that make people jump up and down.