MIDDLEBURY — The green in downtown Middlebury is a happening place this week as the venue for the Middlebury Summer Festival on-the-Green celebrating its 35th Season from July 7-13.
The week opened on Sunday evening with the Brooklyn-based Lake Street Dive. The four-piece ensemble pleased the crowd with two sets of soulful pop music on a beautiful evening under the tent next to St. Stephen’s church.
The shows will continue with two acts each of the next five nights — at 7 and 8:30 p.m. The Festival wraps up Saturday with the traditional Vermont Jazz Ensemble Street Dance on Saturday night, complete with Jim Condon leading the swing dance instruction.
The popular “Brown Bag” series returns during the noon hour Monday through Friday.
As always, admision is free, though donations to the volunteer-run events will be happily accepted, More information is at festivalonthegreen.org.
 
Festival on-the-Green 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Noon Brown Bag: Rik Palieri
7 p.m. Brooks Williams ~ One of the most commanding performers on the acoustic roots scene.
8:30 p.m. Frank Vignola & Vinny Raniolo ~ World renowned jazz guitarist with finger-flying solos.
 
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Noon Brown Bag: Stephen Gratto Variety Show
7 p.m. Ellis ~ Engaging writer/singer/performer hot off a Prairie Home Companion appearance.
8:30 p.m. Cassie & Maggie MacDonald ~ Dynamic Celtic sister duo featuring fiddle, piano and step-dancing.
 
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Noon Brown Bag: No Strings Marionette Company
7 p.m. After the Rodeo ~ Innovative and imaginative Americana act featuring some of Vermont’s most sought-after musicians.
8:30 p.m. The Holmes Brothers ~ Magnificent old time trio offering gospel-style R&B and raw electric blues.
 
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Noon Brown Bag: Gary Dulabaum & Rebecca Padula
7 p.m. Raz-de-Marée (a.k.a. Tidal Wave) ~ Unique traditional music ensemble on the Quebecois folk music scene.
8:30 p.m. Kobo Town ~ Calypso, roots reggae, and acoustic instrumentation meet innovative production techniques.
 
Friday, July 12, 2013
Noon Brown Bag: Magician Tom Verner
7 p.m. Bob Amos & Catamount Crossing ~ Talented bluegrass ensemble featuring some of Vermont’s premier acoustic musicians.
8:30 p.m. The Clayfoot Strutters ~ New England-based Contradance Jam Band.
 
Saturday, July 13, 2013
7 p.m. Vermont Jazz Ensemble/Street Dance ~ 17-piece Big Band.