Loose Change, Wednesday, September 1, 8:00 – 9:00 pm

Daniel Mench-Thurlow and Eben Schumacher are two high school students from Vermont who play a mixture of blues, classic rock, and original songs. Some of their greatest influences are the Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Doors. They have been playing together for about two years, and enjoy performing and sharing their music.

Verbal Onslaught: First-Year Orientation Edition, Thursday, September 2, 11:00 pm – 12:00 am

The First-Years are coming! The First-Years are coming! We will welcome them to Middlebury 51 Main-style with a little Verbal Onslaught. Drawing from our Middlebury community of faculty, staff, students, local community members and other special guests, Verbal Onslaught adds dynamic poetic and cultural diversity to our vibrant town nestled between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks. Shy and Outspoken Poets, Storytellers, Writers, Artists, and Listeners are more than welcome.

Guagua, Friday, September 3, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Guagua’s original “psychotropical jazz” blends guitar, piano & horn melodies with tropical African, Caribbean & Brazilian polyrhythms for a uniquely exuberant and danceable sound.

The Neil Pearlman Band, Saturday, September 4, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Scottish music with a heavy dose of Latin, Funk and Jazz. Pianist Neil Pearlman (”I’m a fan!” –Alasdair Fraser) is rapidly distinguishing himself as a uniquely innovative artist in the contemporary traditional music scene and his newest project continues that trend.  Drawing on a wide variety of musical influences, Pearlman and his fellow musicians take traditional Scottish and Irish melodies to unexpected and exciting places.  High energy and grooving, their music may be difficult to classify but is anything but difficult to listen to.

The Energy of Thought with Dorothea Langevin, Thursday, September 9, 5:15-6:45 pm

Local resident and Professional Certified Energy Coach Dorothea Langevin will facilitate a discussion, “The Energy of Thought: Tapping Into Our Internal Energy Sources Through Powerful Questions.” By combining a life long love for reading and questioning with her training as a Facilitator and Professional Certified Energy Coach, Dorothea will be offering thoughts from various sources as a base for an engaged exchange of thought. She writes, “As latest research in Quantum Physics shows, powerful questions are the key to connecting with the most powerful energy source there is: our connected consciousness.”

Dorothea affectionately calls this “The Other Book Club,” as it involves no preparation, no homework, no assigned readings. She wants you to come, sit back, and join on any level that feels right for you. It’s for all of you who like to ask questions, feel inspired by thought that challenges our current beliefs, and are willing to ask, “What if…?” Dorothea notes, “There are no right answers, only answers that ring true for you!”

Charlie Hilbert, Thursday, September 9, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

New York City blues legend Charlie Hilbert has played the blues for forty years – from his time in the streets of NYC with harmonica master Nat Riddles to his recent performances with Adam Gussow, headlining Mundharmonikalive in Klingenthal, Germany, and teaching and playing at Hill Country Harmonica in Oxford, Miss. If you like traditional blues, harmonica, and slide guitar, with maybe a country or rock tune thrown in, come on down; you won’t be disappointed.

Middlebury Arts Walk ft. Tim O’Grady ‘12 and Sophia Perlman ‘12, Friday, September 10, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

From September 7 through 30, the brick walls of 51 Main will feature, “Bygone Vermont: Photographs from Vermont’s Rural Past,” an exhibit by Middlebury College students Tim O’Grady ‘12 and Sophia Perlman ‘12.

Vermont has been popularized in the American consciousness as a place of rural charm, simplicity, and natural beauty. The state’s landscape itself is imbued with meaning as a place that reflects a simpler time in American history. The vernacular architectural structures of Vermont sit upon expansive farmlands, open fields, and winding country roads. Every year, thousands of tourists come to admire the area’s transcendental beauty. However, most overlook individual elements in the landscape, instead preferring to view the state as an ideal place seen in travel guides. If one observes Vermont with an acute eye, it becomes evident that the pristine image of Vermont is not always upheld in reality. Rural decay coexists with the open pastures and rolling hills. Along the major roads that tourists, students and locals frequent there are a plethora of dilapidated barns and abandoned homes that reflect greater social issues, such as poverty and a decreased interest in rural lifestyles among young Americans. Although “decay” and the notion of a “Bygone Vermont” may have negative connotations, Tim and Sophia hope to emphasize, with their collection of photographs, the modern state of Vermont rural life and the aesthetic beauty inherent in these structures.

Their images will be shot with traditional 35mm black and white film and some digital color photographs. By photographing the buildings on a variety of scales—ranging from up-close architectural details to more distant images– they hope to present a complex representation of how decay is present in Vermont.

Dreams of Tomorrow, Friday, September 10, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Nick Marshall is a student at Middlebury Union High School. He plays a combination of acoustic, grunge, and progressive rock n’ roll. Influences include Dream Theater, Pink Floyd, Black Label Society and Rush. He loves to play music and share it with anyone who is willing to listen.

Jenni Johnson & Friends, Saturday, September 11, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Jenni Johnson has been described as “a renaissance woman” in the many articles written about her for publications such as the Burlington Free Press, Seven Days, Vermont Woman, Rutland Herald, as well as articles in New York State and Yaroslavl, Russia. Born in New York City’s Harlem Hospital and raised in the Big Apple, she now resides in the Green Mountain State where she wears several hats in order to “Moonlight in Vermont.” Jenni will be joined by Mark Van Gulden on keyboard and Glendon Ingalls on acoustic bass. Enjoy an evening of jazz and blues when Jenni renders her unique style,  keeping your feet moving and your soul full of joy.

We’re trying something new: each week, we will post upcoming events for the following two weeks. We hope to give you more notice about what’s happening here. But, as always, you can check out our Entertainment Calendar, which is up-to-date through October 31.

The Fizz, Thursday, August 26, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Mix up a bunch of great music that you have heard over the years and pour it into a blender. Add influences from Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Talking Heads,The Beatles. Throw the entire mixture into the trash and try to remember what it sounded like. Produce lots of little songs that sound like you should have heard them before somewhere. Sit back and enjoy an evening with your crew and cheer after every song!

David Bain, Saturday, August 28, 8:30 – 10:30 pm

David Bain, English and American Literature lecturer at Middlebury College is our own piano man – playing the keyboard in a way that makes your toes tap and your spirits rise.

Loose Change, Wednesday, September 1, 8:00 – 9:00 pm

Daniel Mench-Thurlow and Eben Schumacher are two high school students from Vermont who play a mixture of blues, classic rock, and original songs. Some of their greatest influences are the Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Doors. They have been playing together for about two years, and enjoy performing and sharing their music.

Verbal Onslaught: First-Year Orientation Edition, Thursday, September 2, 11:00 pm – 12:00 am

The First-Years are coming! The First-Years are coming! We will welcome them to Middlebury 51 Main-style with a little Verbal Onslaught. Drawing from our Middlebury community of faculty, staff, students, local community members and other special guests, Verbal Onslaught adds dynamic poetic and cultural diversity to our vibrant town nestled between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks. Shy and Outspoken Poets, Storytellers, Writers, Artists, and Listeners are more than welcome.

Guagua, Friday, September 3, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Guagua’s original “psychotropical jazz” blends guitar, piano & horn melodies with tropical African, Caribbean & Brazilian polyrhythms for a uniquely exuberant and danceable sound.

The Neil Pearlman Band, Saturday, September 4, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Scottish music with a heavy dose of Latin, Funk and Jazz. Pianist Neil Pearlman (”I’m a fan!” –Alasdair Fraser) is rapidly distinguishing himself as a uniquely innovative artist in the contemporary traditional music scene and his newest project continues that trend.  Drawing on a wide variety of musical influences, Pearlman and his fellow musicians take traditional Scottish and Irish melodies to unexpected and exciting places.  High energy and grooving, their music may be difficult to classify but is anything but difficult to listen to.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, August 18, 8:00-10:00 pm

Join us every 3rd Wednesday for Blues Jam! Dennis Willmott from Left Eye Jump will provide lead guitar, bass, and drums and these guys will back you up or take a break and let you play. All musicians and blues fans are welcome! Everyone will get a chance to play.

Ed Thorndike & Earle Provin, Thursday, August 19, 8:00-10:00 pm

They’re back! Join Ed & Earle for Blues & Ballads on Guitar & Mandolin. Sounds kind of catchy, doesn’t it?

Hebrew School Talent Show, Tuesday, August 10, 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Students from the Middlebury Hebrew School host their own talent show. All are welcome to attend.

Wine Pairing Dinner, Wednesday, August 11, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

In case you missed, all the tasty details appear here.

Portuguese School Open Mic, Thursday, August 12, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Middlebury Arts Walk ft. Legacy Tree Project, Friday, August 13, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

During the month of August, 51 Main will feature the Legacy Tree Project. Join us tonight for the opening reception during the Arts Walk. Photographer Jonathan Blake will be in attendance.

Mogani, Saturday, August 14, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Come check out Mogani, a Jazz | Latin | Fusion sextet playing a funky fusion of hot Latin numbers, cool jazz classic and originals. The group features a veritable who’s who of the area’s finest musicians: Cobey Gatos, keyboards; Glenn Goodwin, bass; Michael Morera, saxophones; Justin Perdue, guitar; Daniel Scharstein, drums; Carlos Velez, percussion.

As part of the effort to purchase the 194-acre Indiana Bat habitat immediately adjacent to TWC property, The Watershed Center on Plank Rd. in Bristol is selling the right to bear witness to 32 beautiful tall trees, each a wonderful representative of its species. This Legacy Tree Project is designed to honor these majestic trees, giving each of you the opportunity to develop a personal and long-lasting relationship with one (or more!) of them. For a donation of $250, you will receive an 8×14” black-and-white photo of “your” tree, taken by Jonathan Blake, framed in local maple. Each photograph is accompanied by a certificate that honors the bearer with the right to bear witness to this tree.
In the fall of 2009, eight TWC board members and friends (and two dogs!) walked the trails of the watershed property, seeking large and noble representatives of 12 species (Northern White Cedar, American Beech, Yellow, White, and Black Birch, White Pine, Hemlock, Sugar and Red Maple, Red and Chestnut Oak, Butternut). Each tree was marked with a permanent numbered tag and its GPS coordinates and diamtere at breast height were recorded.

If you are interested in purchasing a photograph and the right to bear witness to a Legacy Tree, please contact Helen Young, 453-2856 or hjyoung@middlebury.edu.

The Legacy Tree Project will be on display at 51 Main August 9 – September 5. Please join us on Friday, August 13, 5:00-7:00 pm for the opening reception during the Middlebury Arts Walk. Photographer Jonathan Blake will be in attendance.

Please join us on Wednesday, August 11, 7:00-9:00 pm

for our second monthly wine pairing dinner.

Butter Lettuce Salad with Celery, Cherries, Nectarines, Chevre, Toasted Pistachios dress in a Green Goddess Dressing.

Pairing: Fresh Tracks Farm “Little Piggy Pink” (Vermont)

Summer Mushroom & Leek Risotto with Gruyere.

Pairing: Independent Producers 100% Chardonnay (Washington)

Korean Barbecue Short Ribs with Asian Pear Kim Chee.

Pairing: Four Vines Zinfandel (California)

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Brandied Apple-Almond Conserve.

Pairing: Farnum Hills Summer Cider (New Hampshire)

Reservations by calling 388-8209. $38 for Pewter Club Members. $50 for Non-Members.