Don & Jenn, Thursday, January 5, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Don & Jenn make and teach music in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Their jazz- and folk-inspired originals and covers appeal to a varied audience. Guitarist and songwriter Don Sinclair has been a working musician for over 30 years. His style reveals influences from rock, jazz and classical music. Also a songwriter, Jenn sings and fills out the sound on flute. Folk, pop and the blues accent her warm and expressive voice.

Dan Aaron, Friday, January 6, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

After having played with many rock bands around the northeast, Dan Aaron is breaking out on his own. Often compared to Cat Stevens, Dan’s eclectic brand of songwriting doesn’t so much combine existing genres as annihilate them altogether.  With lyrics ranging from the surreal to let’s-get-real, this is music that will help you get in touch with your inner grown-up.

Wiley Dobbs, Saturday, January 7, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Mandolin, upright bass, and acoustic guitar seamlessly blend together to create the innovative sounds of Wiley Dobbs.The members of the band have had over 15 years in various incarnations to arrive at their musical destination; an inspired fusion of bluegrass, jazz, and original music which charts new musical territories while paying homage to the masters.

Jazz Jam, Wednesday, January 11, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Hosted by Michael Dickerson ’12. All jazz musicians and listeners welcome. Less experienced jazz musicians are encouraged to work on specific standards before calling one on stage.

Ben Silton ’11, Thursday, January 12, 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Ben Silton, who graduated from Middlebury College last May, sings a mixture of reggae-rock covers and original songs with a guitar.

Robert Wuagneux, Thursday, January 12, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Robert Wuagneux is a singer and songwriter who has had countless performances throughout his career, in both Europe and the United States. His high energy, songwriting, musicianship and enthusiasm have earned him the respect of his peers and endless praise from his public. It’s been said that his shows are “pure creative artistry” and “interactive musical journeys.”

Closed for Private Event, Friday, January 13, 4:00 – 8:00 pm

51 Main will briefly close this evening for a private event. We will reopen at 8:00 pm.

Judson Kimble, Friday, January 13, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

Judson Kimble started playing guitar and composing his own music over ten years ago. He has been performing in various venues now for about four years. The solo acoustic instrumental guitar, to him, is one of a kind and can fully stand on its own. It is self-sustaining. It is its own language.

Lunch: Casual French Conversation, Saturday, January 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.

Closed for Private Event, Saturday, January 14, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

51 Main will close briefly this evening for a private event, 6:30-8:30 pm. We will reopen at 8:30 pm with music by the Silentypes to follow at 9:00 pm.

Silentypes, Saturday, January 14, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Duke Ellington once said, “If it sounds good, it is good.” This simple yet powerful quote is perhaps the best description of Silentypes and the music that they commit themselves to creating. A four-part group, Silentypes spends very little time worrying about what genre their music will fall into, or if they are following conventional structures. Instead, they seek to make music that simply “sounds good.” The band founded itself in 2010 with members Andrew Pentz (bass/lead vocals), Adam Ciminello (organ/keys/vocals), Scott Wilson (drums/vocals) and Matthew Lynch (guitar/vocals). Coming from different backgrounds, the diversity of their influences is what has given way to the unique sound of Silentypes’ music.

Green Drinks: Celebration & Green Gift Swap, Wednesday, December 21, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

GreenDrinks.org is a global movement aimed at connecting people informally in cities throughout the world for the purpose of brainstorming and networking on green topics in a relaxed, relatively unstructured setting. Middlebury’s version of Green Drinks meets the third Wednesday of each month at 51 Main and features door prizes, free snacks, drink discounts and themes.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, December 21, 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.

Very Merry Middlebury Stag & Doe Night, Thursday, December 22, 5:00 – 8:30 pm

It’s Stag & Doe Night in downtown Middlebury–time to get those last minute gifts! Free gift wrapping for local purchases will be available here courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce; just show them your receipt.

Open Mic Night, Thursday, December 22, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

It’s time for our annual holiday open mic! All musicians and listeners are welcome.

Closed, Friday, December 23 – Monday, January 2

We’ll be closed for the College break. We’ll see you next year when we reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:00 am. Happy New Year!

Don & Jenn, Thursday, January 5, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Don & Jenn make and teach music in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Their jazz- and folk-inspired originals and covers appeal to a varied audience. Guitarist and songwriter Don Sinclair has been a working musician for over 30 years. His style reveals influences from rock, jazz and classical music. Also a songwriter, Jenn sings and fills out the sound on flute. Folk, pop and the blues accent her warm and expressive voice.

Dan Aaron, Friday, January 6, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

After having played with many rock bands around the northeast, Dan Aaron is breaking out on his own. Often compared to Cat Stevens, Dan’s eclectic brand of songwriting doesn’t so much combine existing genres as annihilate them altogether.  With lyrics ranging from the surreal to let’s-get-real, this is music that will help you get in touch with your inner grown-up.

Wiley Dobbs, Saturday, January 7, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Mandolin, upright bass, and acoustic guitar seamlessly blend together to create the innovative sounds of Wiley Dobbs.The members of the band have had over 15 years in various incarnations to arrive at their musical destination; an inspired fusion of bluegrass, jazz, and original music which charts new musical territories while paying homage to the masters.

Psst…Did you know 51 Main gift certificates are now available for purchase online? Visit the Middlebury College Online Box Office for all the details.

Bread and Bones, Thursday, December 15, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Bread and Bones is a Vermont-based acoustic trio performing original music with a strong traditional-roots foundation. Made up of Richard Ruane, Beth Duquette and Mitch Barron, their sound is characterized by imaginative two- and three-part harmonies over solid guitar and bass work.

Telling Point, Friday, December 16, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Ask for the background of each member and you’ll understand how this Cleveland based duo came to have such an eclectic sound. Influences ranging from jazz and middle eastern to classic rock and new metal have caused Telling Point to classify their style as ‘Tribal Rock’. The commanding drums will keep you moving as the sensual vocals embrace you. The Telling Point Acoustic show provides listeners an intimate connection with the band. Each song is a story: personal, inviting. Whether it’s the djembe groove or the poetic lyrics, you’ll want to take this music in and let it touch you.

George’s Back Pocket, Saturday, December 17, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

George’s Back Pocket is a dynamic group of talented and seasoned musicians who come together to support singer-songwriter, George V. Nostrand, (a.k.a. George, by George!) in his musical adventures. The band’s sound fuses folk, bluegrass, rock, jam, blues, jazz, country and more into their original music as well as their choice of covers which they make sound like their own.

Green Drinks: Celebration & Green Gift Swap, Wednesday, December 21, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

GreenDrinks.org is a global movement aimed at connecting people informally in cities throughout the world for the purpose of brainstorming and networking on green topics in a relaxed, relatively unstructured setting. Middlebury’s version of Green Drinks meets the third Wednesday of each month at 51 Main and features door prizes, free snacks, drink discounts and themes.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, December 21, 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.

Very Merry Middlebury Stag & Doe Night, Thursday, December 22, 5:00 – 8:30 pm

It’s Stag & Doe Night in downtown Middlebury–time to get those last minute gifts! Free gift wrapping for local purchases will be available here courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce; just show them your receipt.

Open Mic Night, Thursday, December 22, 7:00 – 10:00 pm

It’s time for our annual holiday open mic! All musicians and listeners are welcome.

Closed, Friday, December 23 – Monday, January 2

We’ll be closed for the College break. We’ll see you next year when we reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:00 am. Happy New Year!

51 Main invites you to join us for the Super Bowl on February 5, 2012. We’ll start serving at 5:00 pm and kick-off is at 6:30. Check out the amazing menu we have planned. All of the delicious details are here. We hope to see you!

Artist of the Month: Sopheak Chheng ’12

This month, 51 Main will feature photography by Middlebury College Senior Sopheak Chheng. For more, visit Sopheak’s website.

Cafecito Hour: Una China Latina Comes Out, Tuesday, December 6, 4:30 pm

Through a mix of spoken word, dramatic reading, and performance, Rosita Choy spins tales about growing up immigrant and Chinese in Chicano Los Angeles. Sometimes bittersweet, often funny, her stories begin with the intensely personal and offer commentary about immigration, race, class, and sexual orientation. Short readings to be followed by Q&A.

Cafecito Hour is distinctive for its informal series of presentations and discussions around special interest topics, drawing from our Middlebury community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and other special guests. The series is intended to provide an innovative and dynamic venue for individuals to present challenging topics that engage critical dialogue. We proudly serve Café Alta Gracia, organic fair trade coffee from Finca Alta Gracia in Dominican Republic. Co-sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the College.

Charlie Hilbert, Thursday, December 8, 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.

Meridith Messier ’15, Friday, December 9, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Native Vermonter Meridith Messier ’15 plays covers and original songs on the guitar and ukulele.

Folk by Association, Friday, December 9, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

After ten years of performing as Folk By Association, Karen Krajacic and Jill Cowen have certainly traveled a long and interesting road together. They’ve now played hundreds of shows in 26 states, gaining a reputation for both their top-notch vocal harmonies and their grassroots approach to working as independent artists. With intricate harmonies at the forefront, Folk By Association embraces elements of folk, roots, bluegrass, jazz, and world music, weaving these eclectic traditions together in a unique, contemporary way. The duo uses multiple acoustic instruments, switching off between the guitar and mandolin, throwing in a banjo here, a toy xylophone there. Said to be both nostalgic and modern, soothing and energizing, Folk By Association is both a throwback and a surprise.

Lunch: Casual French Conversation, Saturday, December 10, 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.

Bain, McMahon, Eaton, and Williams, Saturday, December 10, 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Local musicians David Bain, Paul McMahon, Bob Eaton, and Keith Williams are sneaking into our schedule for some quiet blues. A nice way to start your Saturday night!

Maiden Vermont After-Glow, Saturday, December 10, 9:30 pm

Maiden Vermont will perform at the Town Hall Theater and then drop by 51 Main for more music, food, and drink after the show. Get your tickets to see them at THT and join us for a little after-glow!

Bread and Bones, Thursday, December 15, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Bread and Bones is a Vermont-based acoustic trio performing original music with a strong traditional-roots foundation. Made up of Richard Ruane, Beth Duquette and Mitch Barron, their sound is characterized by imaginative two- and three-part harmonies over solid guitar and bass work.

Telling Point, Friday, December 16, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Ask for the background of each member and you’ll understand how this Cleveland based duo came to have such an eclectic sound. Influences ranging from jazz and middle eastern to classic rock and new metal have caused Telling Point to classify their style as ‘Tribal Rock’. The commanding drums will keep you moving as the sensual vocals embrace you. The Telling Point Acoustic show provides listeners an intimate connection with the band. Each song is a story: personal, inviting. Whether it’s the djembe groove or the poetic lyrics, you’ll want to take this music in and let it touch you.

George’s Back Pocket, Saturday, December 17, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

George’s Back Pocket is a dynamic group of talented and seasoned musicians who come together to support singer-songwriter, George V. Nostrand, (a.k.a. George, by George!) in his musical adventures. The band’s sound fuses folk, bluegrass, rock, jam, blues, jazz, country and more into their original music as well as their choice of covers which they make sound like their own.

Vermont Book Shop Book Discussion, Tuesday, November 29, 7:00 pm

Join the Vermont Book Shop at 51 Main for a discussion of “Cleopatra” by Stacy Schiff. Pick up the book for 20% off at the VBS website or at its brick-and-mortar location on Main St. in Middlebury. Whether or not you have read the book yet, we welcome your participation.

Verbal Onslaught, Thursday, December 1, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

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.

Kafumbe, Khalifa, Velez, Rost, and Goodwin, Friday, December 2, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

A new ensemble plays a fusion of African and Western music. The group features Damascus Kafumbe (various Ugandan instruments); Kareem Khalifa (guitar); Carlos Velez (percussion); Ron Rost (keyboard); Glenn Goodwin (bass guitar).

Jazz Jam, Friday, December 2, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

All jazz musicians and listeners welcome. Less experienced jazz musicians are encouraged to work on specific standards before calling one on stage. Attention Jazz Jam enthusiasts: This will be the last Jazz Jam until January. Jazz Jams in January will occur on Wednesday, January 11 and Wednesday, January 25, 8:00 – 10:00 pm.

Klos, Bickford, Donnelly, and Feier, Friday, December 2, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Felix Klos ’14, Taylor Bickford ’14, Paul Donnelly ’15, and Joel Feier ’13 are here to play jazz and groove-oriented instrumental music, which ranges from introspective to laid-back to highly energetic.

Anthony Santor Jazz Group, Saturday, December 3, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

They’re back! Considered by many to be the hottest and freshest jazz in town.

Cafecito Hour: Una China Latina Comes Out, Tuesday, December 6, 4:30 pm

Through a mix of spoken word, dramatic reading, and performance, Rosita Choy spins tales about growing up immigrant and Chinese in Chicano Los Angeles. Sometimes bittersweet, often funny, her stories begin with the intensely personal and offer commentary about immigration, race, class, and sexual orientation. Short readings to be followed by Q&A.

Cafecito Hour is distinctive for its informal series of presentations and discussions around special interest topics, drawing from our Middlebury community of faculty, staff, students, alumni and other special guests. The series is intended to provide an innovative and dynamic venue for individuals to present challenging topics that engage critical dialogue. We proudly serve Café Alta Gracia, organic fair trade coffee from Finca Alta Gracia in Dominican Republic. Co-sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the College.

Charlie Hilbert, Thursday, December 8, 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.

Meridith Messier ’15, Friday, December 9, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Native Vermonter Meridith Messier ’15 plays covers and original songs on the guitar and ukulele.

Folk by Association, Friday, December 9, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

After ten years of performing as Folk By Association, Karen Krajacic and Jill Cowen have certainly traveled a long and interesting road together. They’ve now played hundreds of shows in 26 states, gaining a reputation for both their top-notch vocal harmonies and their grassroots approach to working as independent artists. With intricate harmonies at the forefront, Folk By Association embraces elements of folk, roots, bluegrass, jazz, and world music, weaving these eclectic traditions together in a unique, contemporary way. The duo uses multiple acoustic instruments, switching off between the guitar and mandolin, throwing in a banjo here, a toy xylophone there. Said to be both nostalgic and modern, soothing and energizing, Folk By Association is both a throwback and a surprise.

Lunch: Casual French Conversation, Saturday, December 10, 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.

Maiden Vermont After-Glow, Saturday, December 10, 9:30 pm

Maiden Vermont will perform at the Town Hall Theater and then drop by 51 Main for more music, food, and drink after the show. Get your tickets to see them at THT and join us for a little after-glow!