Upcoming @ 51 Main (April 10-21)

Philip Hoff: How Red Turned Blue in the Green Mountain State: Book Talk by Steve Terry, Tuesday, April 10, 5:15 pm

During Philip Hoff’s six years as governor of the Green Mountain State (1963–1969), the politics, demographics, economics and government structure of Vermont changed in major and long-lasting ways, and a new liberal tradition took hold. He was an activist governor, pushing new ideas, concepts and programs and challenging the idea that Vermont governors should be caretakers in the way that his predecessors had been. Hoff very much believed that government was and should be the primary force in bringing about social change, saying that “Every significant decision of our time is going to be made in the governmental arena.” He was quick to support efforts to modernize government operations that he considered obsolete and inefficient. But his influence on the state was profound and long lasting. At the time he left office in January 1969, the Rutland Herald predicted that, “it will be impossible to turn back the clock to the political era of caretaker governors.” Hoff himself left office believing that his six years as an activist governor finally “got Vermont off the dime.” Bill Kearns put it more bluntly, saying that Hoff “picked up the state by the back of the neck and gave it a damned good, much needed shaking.”

Relay for Life Silent Auction, Wednesday, April 11, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Relay for Life is an annual American Cancer Society fundraiser that occurs across the country. Throughout the year, the Middlebury College student committee hosts small fundraisers to promote and support the main event in the spring. The proceeds raised go directly to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and various treatments. Relay for Life allows the American Cancer Society to help more cancer patients and fight back against cancer. The silent auction will feature art by students and the local community, as well as a performance by the a cappella group Stuck in the Middle. Although the event is free, there is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

Nick Marshall, Thursday, April 12, 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Nick Marshall is a local high school student who loves performing music. He has played at many other places around the Middlebury area including Carol’s Hungry Mind, Ripton Coffee House, and Town Hall Theater. He is also very interested in acting. He has been in many shows through the high school and the Town Hall Theater. He plays a combination of acoustic, progressive, and rock and roll. He loves performing and hopes to continue with it for the rest of his life.

Globemed Benefit Dinner, Friday, April 13, 5:00 pm – 12:00 am

GlobeMed at Middlebury College is a student organization working to achieve global health equity. On Friday, April 13th, GlobeMed will hold a dinner at 51 Main to benefit our partner Gardens for Health International, an NGO in Rwanda that supplies malnourished families with the supplies and skills to cultivate their own sustainable home gardens. For $30, donors will enjoy a three-course African-inspired meal and live music all night from several local musicians, including Dayve Huckett; the Fred Barnes Trio with Liz Cleveland; the Usual Suspects with David Bain, Bob Eaton, and Paul McMahon; and the Ryan Hanson Band.

Lunch: Casual French Conversation, Saturday, April 14, 1:00 pm

For several months now, a group of community members have met at 1:00 pm on the second Saturday of the month to enjoy lunch and French conversation. They invite you to join them for this super casual, super chouette time.

Final Round: 2nd Annual Vermont Battle of the Bands at Town Hall Theater, Saturday, April 14, 8:00 pm

Join Town Hall Theater for the final round of the second annual Vermont Battle of the Bands, sponsored by Magic Hat Brewing Company! Winning bands from the first round (April 5-7 at 51 Main, Two Brothers Tavern, and American Flatbread) will advance to tonight. The winner will be determined through a combination of judging and audience voting. The grand prize? $2000. Just as awesome? Bruce Zeman and Hobbes of WVTK 92.1 will emcee! A light menu of food and beverage will be available for sale. For more information, visit www.vtbob.com.

Tuesday Talks, Tuesday, April 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

The Middlebury Chapter of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility invites all to its monthly event, Tuesday Talks, held the third Tuesday of every month at 51 Main. Tuesday Talks will feature a brief presentation in the form of a TED talk, Ignite talk, or presentation by a local business, all centered around what it means to run a ethical, successful business. The rest of the hour will be dedicated to socializing with drink specials and free appetizers. All are welcome (you do not need to be a member of VBSR). Questions? contact Colin Davis at colind[at]good-point[dot]net or 802-989-0895.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, April 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.

Rick Hawley, Friday, April 20, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Rick Hawley’s jazz stylings cover the range of the Amercan song book from Gershwin to Cole Porter to Lennon-McCartney. He also favors memorable themes from great stage musicals and films. His musical influences are New Orleans jazz, the virtuosity of Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson, and the playfulness of younger artists like Harry Connick, Jr. Hawley has recorded two CDs and for several years was a featured performer at Cleveland’s premier jazz venue, Nighttown, as well as at other clubs and restaurants across the country.

Gypsy Reel, Friday, April 20, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Gypsy Reel plays high energy, stirring music rooted in the Celtic tradition but garnered from the whole world. Their music is an exciting synthesis of world rhythms and influences from 3 continents featuring fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolins, upright bass and vocals. The line-up includes hot banjoist/guitarist/vocalist Claudine Langille, formerly of ‘Touchstone’, the sensational Irish/American fusion band that won critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic;  Camille Parker who has captivated the hearts of audiences across the globe with her singing in Spanish, French and English; Graham Parker – fiddler extraoirdinaire; and Mark Harding keeping the heat on the beat and the bass in the right place: With twin turbo vocals this is Celtic music in overdrive – not to be missed.

Closed for Private Event, Saturday, April 21, 8:00 pm – 1:00 am

51 Main will be closed for a private event. We apologize for any inconvenience.