POP MUSIC > VERMONT

BASIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Basin Rd (off Rte 73), three miles east of Brandon, VT (map)
802.247.3275 or 802.236.1096 after July 6
basinbluegrass@yahoo.com
http://www.brandon.org/bluegrass.htm

This year's festival, July 13, 14, and 15, features the Lonesome Whistle Band, Dave Nichols and Spare Change, Blistered Fingers, Cabin Fever, Yonder Hill, Snake Mountain, and others in the scenic Green Mountains. The site includes camping, food, concessions, and arts and crafts. Bring lawn chairs. Three-day passes are $35 in advance, $40 at the gate. Daily tickets $20 on Fri and Sat, $10 on Sun, free for children 15 and under. Camping free with weekend ticket. Call or check the Web site for daily schedule.

HASKELL OPERA HOUSE
93 Caswell Ave, Derby Line, VT (map)
802.873.3022
http://www.haskellopera.org

Straddling the US/Canadian border, the opera house opened in June 1904 and remains virtually the same today. Most of the seats are in the US, and the stage is in Quebec. Performers run the gamut from bluegrass and Broadway to classical and jazz. Shows start at 7:30 pm unless noted otherwise. Senior discounts are available.

JULY 27 A Salute to Sinatra with Mike Goudreau, $14
AUG 3 A Stroll Down Tin Pan Alley with Bob Milne, $10
AUG 25 Banjo Dan and Mid-Nite Plowboys, $15

ROBERT D. THUM MEMORIAL CONCERT
Hildene Meadowlands, Route 7A, Manchester, VT (map)
802.362.1788
info@hildene.org
http://www.hildene.org

This year the concert will be held on Aug 8 and features Wood's Tea Company's blend of Maritime, American, and Celtic folk music. Grounds open for picnicking at 5:30 pm, concert at 6 pm. Eat quickly. Rain or shine. Admission $5, $1 for kids.

SOLARFEST
Forget-Me-Not Farm, McNamara Rd, Tinmouth, VT (map)
802.235.2707
info@solarfest.org
http://www.solarfest.com

This music festival, July 14 and 15, promotes "renewable-energy education." The line-up of family entertainment and music includes storytellers, a singer-songwriter competition, and performances by the Ember Swift Band, Twiddle, ilyAIMY, the Flying Garbanzos, and more. This year's keynote speakers are Bill McKibben and John Elder. Not to be missed is the renewable-energy fair with enviro-centric workshops, sustainable-living vendors, and demonstrations. Walk-in camping is free, vehicle camping is $20. Tickets $25 for the weekend, $20 for Sat, $15 for Sun, free for children 12 and under. Tickets available at the gate, online, by phone, or by sending a ticket request and money order to SolarFest, 12 McNamara Rd, Tinmouth, VT 05757.

VERMONT ROOTS REGGAE FESTIVAL
Rutland, VT (map)
413.367.9112
general@vermontreggae.org
http://www.vermontreggae.org

Food, crafts, camping, and all-day jamminÆ Aug 11 through 12. Line-up includes Everton Blender, Batch with the Zioneers, Lambs Bread, Victor Essiet and the Mandators, Ethiopian Dread, and more. Fri show starts at 5 pm and ends after performances. Sat festivities run from 10 am to midnight, and Sun ends at 5 pm. Admission: $105 weekend pass with camping, $55 for minors ages 12 through 17. Daily passes $40 for Fri and Sun, $60 Sat. Check the Web site for updated schedule.