Week of Thanksgiving

Sam Borrello, Wednesday, November 23, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Sam Borrello is an evolving guitarist whose show will be a mixture of jazz standards, funk and original compositions. Locally, he has studied guitar with Paul Asbell in Burlington and Helmut Kagerer at The Vermont Jazz Center. He also studied the clarinet for many years with Betsy LeBlanc and piano with Carl Recchia. Sam is currently enrolled at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he is working on a dual degree in jazz performance and a master’s in music education. He studies with NYC-based jazz guitarist, Matt Davis in Philadelphia.

 

51 Main will be open on Tuesday, November 22 and Wednesday, November 23. We will be closed Thursday, November 24 – Monday, November 28. We will reopen on Tuesday, November 29.

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.

Kareem Khalifa & Damascus Kafumbe, Friday, December 2, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Afro-fusion featuring Kareem Khalifa and Damascus Kafumbe. Kareem is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Damascus is Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Middlebury.

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.

Yuki Takeda & Friends, Friday, December 2, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

It all started a year ago on a first-year hall in Battell. Yuki Takeda (alto sax, flute), Taylor Bickford (guitar), Felix Klos (piano), Brian Parker (bass), & Adam Schreiber (drums) are back again 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.

The New Digital Storytelling: Book Talk by Bryan Alexander, Tuesday, November 15, 5:15 pm

Bryan Alexander is the author of, “The New Digital Storytelling,” in which he draws upon the latest technologies, insights from the latest scholarship, and his own extensive experience to describe the narrative creation process with personal video, blogs, podcasts, digital imagery, multimedia games, social media, and augmented reality–all platforms that offer new pathways for creativity, interactivity, and self-expression. He is the Director of Research at the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education, based at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. This book talk is co-sponsored by the Vermont Book Shop.

Green Drinks: Go Vermont & Ridesharing, Wednesday, November 16, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

GreenDrinks.orgis 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. This month we’ll hear an update from Ross MacDonald on Go Vermont and the state’s ridesharing program. Check it out ahead of time at www.connectingcommuters.org. Ross will walk us through how it works and how it’s been working. He’ll also tell you about how the state can help you set up vanpools and its links to other alternative transportation options.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, November 16, 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.

Middlebury College Faculty/Staff Gathering, Thursday, November 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Middlebury College Faculty and Staff are invited to gather informally for drinks and refreshments after work. Cash bar. Light refreshments provided by a work/life balance mini grant from the Sloan Foundation.

Arabic Poetry Reading, Thursday, November 17, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Students in their fourth year of Arabic will present readings of selected modern Arabic poems accompanied by their translations of them.

Verbal Onslaught, Thursday, November 17, 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.

Jazz Jam, Friday, November 18, 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.

Minor Tribal Scuffles, Friday, November 18, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Minor Tribal Scuffles was formed in the shadow of a pig farm in rural Vermont with one heavy mission in mind: to make creative, genre eclectic, paradigm questioning, expressive, challenging music, but most of all, to infuse our love for the note, sharps and flats alike, into the fun of personal creation and delivery. The Scufflers hail as 5 friends from the center of the universe, Poultney VT. A Taun Taun slaps the ivory as a Fuzzy Circus Bear entangles his fur in a slab of wood and metal whilst simultaneously the local friendly neighborhood Drive Through Teller Lady wails unconventional flute jiving to the rolling funk of a bass bomb dropping Lounsbury leaving just enough room for Sir Noleon, a nobleman of chivalrous lineage, to break drum sticks by the cord.The pigs must be proud.

David Bain, Saturday, November 19, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

David Bain, who teaches creative writing at Middlebury, is a lifelong musician. During and after college in Boston, he was the first keyboardist for the legendary James Montgomery Blues Band, gigged with Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, Bill Colwell, Chicago Bob Nelson, and Tom Principato, and was the “blue-eyed soul brother” in a Roxbury R&B group. After, for more than 10 years he soloed in a New York cafe while getting a publishing and writing career underway. Locally, he has played and recorded with a number of county groups and holds the piano stool at the monthly 51 Main Blues Jam with Dennis Willmott and Left-Eye Jump. His solo piano and singing draws from all aspects of American roots music, from Fats Waller to Muddy Waters to Ray Charles to Louis Jordan to Randy Newman to Jerry Lee Lewis.

Mark Lavoie, Saturday, November 19, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

For more than 30 years Mark Lavoie has been performing for crowds both large and small. His passion for and commitment to music, particularly blues harmonica, is admired by the many musicians who have played with him. Mark enjoys spreading the word about harmonica music and is an active member of national groups working to preserve and promote the harmonica as an accessible, inexpensive instrument.

Week of Thanksgiving

51 Main will be open on Tuesday, November 22 and Wednesday, November 23. We will be closed Thursday, November 24 – Monday, November 28. We will reopen on Tuesday, November 29.

 

Michele Fay Band, Thursday, November 10, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

The Michele Fay Band is a mix of traditional, swing and bluegrass influenced music with rich female harmonies. Many of the songs are Michele’s originals, inspired by life in Vermont – past and present. Together, the four members put forth captivating sounds from upbeat fiddle tunes to thought provoking ballads. Michele sings with acoustic guitar and banjo, her husband Tim Price embellishes on mandolin, acoustic guitar and electric guitar, Lausanne Allen adds fiddle, whistle, and vocal harmonies, and Mike Santosusso drives the beat on upright bass.

Dayve Huckett, Friday, November 11, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Dayve Huckett’s repertoire spans from Zappa to the Beatles and from Sting to Tommy Emmanuel, as well as his own original music on classical, steel string, and electric guitars

Mogani, Friday, November 11, 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.

Lunch: Casual French Conversation, Saturday, November 12, 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.

AfroZep & Seneke, Saturday, November 12, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

AfroZep and Seneke have teamed up for a joint venture that mixes music and cultures to create a one of a kind experience. Their performance blends traditional West African drumming into original arrangement of the music of Led Zeppelin. AfroZep is a collective of Chicago-based musicians that perform a set of all Led Zeppelin songs that have been re-arranged with Afro-beat and Afro-pop influences. Seneke is a West African Percussion Ensemble that performs and teaches traditional forms of dance, song and music world wide. Both AfroZep and Seneke have recorded and performed all over the country, sharing their unique takes on both traditional and modern African music. Co-sponsored by 51 Main, Office of the Dean of the College, Rohatyn Center for International Affairs, and African Studies.

Folks, This Ain’t Normal: Book Talk by Joel Salatin, Sunday, November 13, 7:00 pm

Joel Salatin, the farmer featured in Michael Pollan’s bestselling Omnivore’s Dilemma and the controversial documentary Food, Inc. will speak at 51 Main. Salatin is the author of Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World, which was recently published by Hachette Book Group. He has previously self-published several books of farming advice, including, Everything I Want to Do is Illegal: War Stories From the Local Food Front. Salatin is a third generation family farmer working his land in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with his wife, Teresa, son Daniel, daughter Rachel and their families. The Salatin Polyface Farm, an organic grass-fed farm, services more than 3,000 families, 10 retail outlets and 50 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs. Salatin writes extensively in magazines such as Stockman Grass Farmer, Acres USA, and American Agriculture. A self-described, “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-capitalist-lunatic-Farmer,” Salatin is widely known for his innovative farming practices. Techniques such as his mobile chicken coop and rotational grazing are meant to maximize production within an integrated system. He strives to use methods that are environmentally responsible, ecologically beneficial, and sustainable, but also that honor “God’s creatures.” Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, has said, “Joel Salatin is a down-to-earth twenty-first-century pioneer, one of those rare contrarian thinkers whose words and work have the power to transform the way a generation thinks…This book is great fun to read. Sacred cows beware.” This event is open to the public and admission is free. 51 Main will not be open for regular service, but there will be complimentary light snacks and a cash bar. This event is organized by the Vermont Book Shop and sponsored by the Middlebury College Program in Environmental Science, Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest, Atwater Commons, and Dean of Curriculum.

The New Digital Storytelling: Book Talk by Bryan Alexander, Tuesday, November 15, 5:15 pm

Bryan Alexander is the author of, “The New Digital Storytelling,” in which he draws upon the latest technologies, insights from the latest scholarship, and his own extensive experience to describe the narrative creation process with personal video, blogs, podcasts, digital imagery, multimedia games, social media, and augmented reality–all platforms that offer new pathways for creativity, interactivity, and self-expression. He is the Director of Research at the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education, based at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. This book talk is co-sponsored by the Vermont Book Shop.

Green Drinks: Go Vermont & Ridesharing, Wednesday, November 16, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

GreenDrinks.orgis 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. This month we’ll hear an update from Ross MacDonald on Go Vermont and the state’s ridesharing program. Check it out ahead of time at www.connectingcommuters.org. Ross will walk us through how it works and how it’s been working. He’ll also tell you about how the state can help you set up vanpools and its links to other alternative transportation options.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, November 16, 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.

Middlebury College Faculty/Staff Gathering, Thursday, November 17, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Middlebury College Faculty and Staff are invited to gather informally for drinks and refreshments after work. Cash bar. Light refreshments provided by a work/life balance mini grant from the Sloan Foundation.

Arabic Poetry Reading, Thursday, November 17, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Students in their fourth year of Arabic will present readings of selected modern Arabic poems accompanied by their translations of them.

Verbal Onslaught, Thursday, November 17, 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.

Jazz Jam, Friday, November 18, 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.

Minor Tribal Scuffles, Friday, November 18, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Minor Tribal Scuffles was formed in the shadow of a pig farm in rural Vermont with one heavy mission in mind: to make creative, genre eclectic, paradigm questioning, expressive, challenging music, but most of all, to infuse our love for the note, sharps and flats alike, into the fun of personal creation and delivery. The Scufflers hail as 5 friends from the center of the universe, Poultney VT. A Taun Taun slaps the ivory as a Fuzzy Circus Bear entangles his fur in a slab of wood and metal whilst simultaneously the local friendly neighborhood Drive Through Teller Lady wails unconventional flute jiving to the rolling funk of a bass bomb dropping Lounsbury leaving just enough room for Sir Noleon, a nobleman of chivalrous lineage, to break drum sticks by the cord.The pigs must be proud.

David Bain, Saturday, November 19, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

David Bain, who teaches creative writing at Middlebury, is a lifelong musician. During and after college in Boston, he was the first keyboardist for the legendary James Montgomery Blues Band, gigged with Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, Bill Colwell, Chicago Bob Nelson, and Tom Principato, and was the “blue-eyed soul brother” in a Roxbury R&B group. After, for more than 10 years he soloed in a New York cafe while getting a publishing and writing career underway. Locally, he has played and recorded with a number of county groups and holds the piano stool at the monthly 51 Main Blues Jam with Dennis Willmott and Left-Eye Jump. His solo piano and singing draws from all aspects of American roots music, from Fats Waller to Muddy Waters to Ray Charles to Louis Jordan to Randy Newman to Jerry Lee Lewis.

Mark Lavoie, Saturday, November 19, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

For more than 30 years Mark Lavoie has been performing for crowds both large and small. His passion for and commitment to music, particularly blues harmonica, is admired by the many musicians who have played with him. Mark enjoys spreading the word about harmonica music and is an active member of national groups working to preserve and promote the harmonica as an accessible, inexpensive instrument.

Snake Mountain Bluegrass, Thursday, November 3, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Middlebury College teacher, Gregg Humphrey, and Middlebury construction company owner, Mike Connor, formed Snake Mountain Bluegrass about twenty years ago. At the time, both Gregg (guitar and vocals) and Mike (banjo and vocals) were living near Snake Mountain and someone asked them what style of bluegrass they played. “Snake Mountain Bluegrass,” was their immediate response and the name had been theirs ever since. They are joined in the band by Earle Provin (mandolin and resophonic guitar) and Mike Schuster (bass). Mike Schuster also works for Middlebury College as a Programmer Analyst while Earle owns Graph-X in Middlebury, a printing and signs business.

Kareem Khalifa & Damascus Kafumbe, Friday, November 4, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Afro-fusion featuring Kareem Khalifa and Damascus Kafumbe. Kareem is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Damascus is Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Middlebury.

Jazz Jam, Friday, November 4, 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.

The Buskers, Friday, November 4, 9:30 – 11:30 pm

“Folk impurists” with a smart, distinct voice and a kitchen sink repertoire of influences from jug band and jazz to roots rock, “The Buskers tap the street music tradition for which they are named, then go much farther, with serious musicianship, a sense of humor, and energy to burn.” (Weirs Times) Their sound is defined by deep respect for the craft of songwriting and arranging and a shared love for the inventive possibilities of improvisation.

Closed for Private Event, Saturday, November 5, 5:00 pm – Late

51 Main will be closed starting at 5:00 pm for a private event.

Michele Fay Band, Thursday, November 10, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

The Michele Fay Band is a mix of traditional, swing and bluegrass influenced music with rich female harmonies. Many of the songs are Michele’s originals, inspired by life in Vermont – past and present. Together, the four members put forth captivating sounds from upbeat fiddle tunes to thought provoking ballads. Michele sings with acoustic guitar and banjo, her husband Tim Price embellishes on mandolin, acoustic guitar and electric guitar, Lausanne Allen adds fiddle, whistle, and vocal harmonies, and Mike Santosusso drives the beat on upright bass.

Dayve Huckett, Friday, November 11, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Dayve Huckett’s repertoire spans from Zappa to the Beatles and from Sting to Tommy Emmanuel, as well as his own original music on classical, steel string, and electric guitars

Mogani, Friday, November 11, 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.

AfroZep & Seneke, Saturday, November 12, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

AfroZep and Seneke have teamed up for a joint venture that mixes music and cultures to create a one of a kind experience. Their performance blends traditional West African drumming into original arrangement of the music of Led Zeppelin. AfroZep is a collective of Chicago-based musicians that perform a set of all Led Zeppelin songs that have been re-arranged with Afro-beat and Afro-pop influences. Seneke is a West African Percussion Ensemble that performs and teaches traditional forms of dance, song and music world wide. Both AfroZep and Seneke have recorded and performed all over the country, sharing their unique takes on both traditional and modern African music.

Folks, This Ain’t Normal: Book Talk by Joel Salatin, Sunday, November 13, 7:00 pm

Joel Salatin, the farmer featured in Michael Pollan’s bestselling Omnivore’s Dilemma and the controversial documentary Food, Inc. will speak at 51 Main. Salatin is the author of Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World, which was recently published by Hachette Book Group. He has previously self-published several books of farming advice, including, Everything I Want to Do is Illegal: War Stories From the Local Food Front. Salatin is a third generation family farmer working his land in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley with his wife, Teresa, son Daniel, daughter Rachel and their families. The Salatin Polyface Farm, an organic grass-fed farm, services more than 3,000 families, 10 retail outlets and 50 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs. Salatin writes extensively in magazines such as Stockman Grass Farmer, Acres USA, and American Agriculture. A self-described, “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-capitalist-lunatic-Farmer,” Salatin is widely known for his innovative farming practices. Techniques such as his mobile chicken coop and rotational grazing are meant to maximize production within an integrated system. He strives to use methods that are environmentally responsible, ecologically beneficial, and sustainable, but also that honor “God’s creatures.” Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, has said, “Joel Salatin is a down-to-earth twenty-first-century pioneer, one of those rare contrarian thinkers whose words and work have the power to transform the way a generation thinks…This book is great fun to read. Sacred cows beware.” This event is open to the public and admission is free. 51 Main will not be open for regular service, but there will be complimentary light snacks and a cash bar. This event is organized by the Vermont Book Shop and sponsored by the Middlebury College Program in Environmental Science, Franklin Environmental Center at Hillcrest, Atwater Commons, and Dean of Curriculum.

Vermont Book Shop Book Discussion, Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 pm

Join the Vermont Book Shop at 51 Main for a discussion of “Still Life” by Louise Penny. 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.

tooth ache, Wednesday, October 26, 9:00 pm

51 Main’s own Alexandria Hall is about to depart for a two month, cross-country tour. Her music, consisting of synth dirges with soaring vocals, is best described as indie electro downer pop. Come check her out and wish her well before she leaves!

All Hallow’s Eve ², Thursday, October 27, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

The 51 Main Advisory Board presents All Hallow’s Eve ². Kick off the Halloween Weekend with music by Ben Silton ’11 and sip spooky mocktails and cocktails.

Verbal Onslaught, Thursday, October 27, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

Drawing from our Middlebury community of faculty, staff, students, local community members and other special guests (this month: Karina Sanchez, co-star of the film To Be Heard), 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.

Bobolinks, Friday, October 28, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

The Bobolinks (pronounced, BOB – oh – links) are Middlebury College’s oldest mixed a cappella group. What is a Bobolink, you ask? Not a lynx / monkey, as recently speculated – but rather, a bird of song! They are an entirely student-run ensemble with a repertoire as diverse as a typical college student’s iTunes library – from rock to hip-hop to bizarre British neo-pop and everything in between. The Bobolinks love to perform and frequently do so at schools and venues in the greater New England area. PS: Are you a Bobolinks alum in town for Homecoming? We’d love to see you!

Homecoming, Friday, October 28, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Young (of body and heart) alumni are invited to this mixer brought to you by the Alumni Office. $2 draughts and glasses of wine. Music by Soularium!

The Move it Move it, Saturday, October 29, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

The brainchild of Burlington, Vermont based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Robin Sunquiet, The Move it Move it offers up an original blend of catchy afro-pop tunes painted with reggae and electronica hues, that is heavily influenced by many different strains of world music. Each member of the band brings to the table a strong unique sound that results in a dance floor erupting party featuring sweet, instantly addictive grooves and melodies, and almost tribal like vocal chants. The band’s live show is guaranteed to make you move it, and will have you begging for more!

Snake Mountain Bluegrass, Thursday, November 3, 8:00 – 10:00 pm

Middlebury College teacher, Gregg Humphrey, and Middlebury construction company owner, Mike Connor, formed Snake Mountain Bluegrass about twenty years ago. At the time, both Gregg (guitar and vocals) and Mike (banjo and vocals) were living near Snake Mountain and someone asked them what style of bluegrass they played. “Snake Mountain Bluegrass,” was their immediate response and the name had been theirs ever since. They are joined in the band by Earle Provin (mandolin and resophonic guitar) and Mike Schuster (bass). Mike Schuster also works for Middlebury College as a Programmer Analyst while Earle owns Graph-X in Middlebury, a printing and signs business.

Kareem Khalifa & Damascus Kafumbe, Friday, November 4, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Afro-fusion featuring Kareem Khalifa and Damascus Kafumbe. Kareem is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Damascus is Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Middlebury.

Jazz Jam, Friday, November 4, 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.

The Buskers, Friday, November 4, 9:30 – 11:30 pm

“Folk impurists” with a smart, distinct voice and a kitchen sink repertoire of influences from jug band and jazz to roots rock, “The Buskers tap the street music tradition for which they are named, then go much farther, with serious musicianship, a sense of humor, and energy to burn.” (Weirs Times) Their sound is defined by deep respect for the craft of songwriting and arranging and a shared love for the inventive possibilities of improvisation.

Closed for Private Event, November 5, 5:00 pm – Late

51 Main will be closed starting at 5:00 pm for a private event.

Green Drinks: Acorn Network Project Updates, Wednesday, October 19, 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. This month’s theme is Acorn Network Project Updates.

Blues Jam, Wednesday, October 19, 8:00 pm – 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.

Verbal Onslaught presents Brown Hips, Red Lips, Hot Skins, Thurday, October 20, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Through spoken word poetry Maria Aponte-Gonzalez, NY-based Latina poet and performance artist, takes a look at Latina life and the meaning of love. Ms. Aponte is accompanied by NY-based musicians Chacho Ramirez and Dwight Brewster. Co-sponsored by the Office of the Dean of the College, 51 Main, and Women’s & Gender Studies Program-Chellis House.

Jazz Jam, Friday, October 21, 7:00 pm – 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.

Bent by Elephants, Friday, October 21, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Described by the Globe and Mail as “post-modern Billie Holiday blues,” Bent By Elephants is a groundbreaking orchestral-pop outfit from Montreal. Since they released their self-titled debut EP in 2009, Bent By Elephants has already toured from western Ontario to Atlantic Canada, appearing at festivals such as NXNE, Pop Montreal and the Hillside Festival. After charting on community radio across the country, being featured on CBC Radio and various pop culture blogs, BBE has established itself as a permanent fixture on the Canadian music scene.

The band’s debut full-length album This is Water was engineered at Breakglass Studios by Jace Lasek (Besnard Lakes, Patrick Watson, Land of Talk) and was self-released in May 2010. The album’s eleven tracks were recorded live-off-the-floor in only four days. The results capture the dynamic energy of the band’s “spontaneous and compelling” live performance (midnightpoutine.ca). Their sound benefits from the classical training background of members, but Bent By Elephants has crafted a style that is difficult to capture within genre. Instead, “Bent By Elephants are the rarest of things… a musical collective that specializes in restraint… the results are spectacularly intricate (iheartmusic.net).”

Trench Town Oddities, Saturday, October 22, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

The Trench Town Oddities is a 5-piece band consisting of Sean Harley(Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Steve R. (Backing Vocals, Lead Acoustic Guitar), Nick Kalil (Bass Guitar), Todd Harrington (Drums) and Randy Lalonde (Djembe, Bongos, Percussion). Playing an eclectic blend of pop, funk, rock, blues and reggae – often called Caribbean pop or rock reggae – listening to the Trench Town Oddities conjures up images of summer fun and beaches! A crowd pleaser for every age group.

Vermont Book Shop Book Discussion, Tuesday, October 25, 7:00 pm

Join the Vermont Book Shop at 51 Main for a discussion of “Still Life” by Louise Penny. 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.

tooth ache, Wednesday, October 26, 9:00 pm

51 Main’s own Alexandria Hall is about to depart for a two month, cross-country tour. Her music, consisting of synth dirges with soaring vocals, is best described as indie electro downer pop. Come check her out and wish her well before she leaves!

All Hallow’s Eve ², Thursday, October 27, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

The 51 Main Advisory Board presents All Hallow’s Eve ². Kick off the Halloween Weekend with music by Ben Silton ’11 and sip spooky mocktails and cocktails.

Verbal Onslaught, Thursday, October 27, 9:00 – 11:00 pm

Drawing from our Middlebury community of faculty, staff, students, local community members and other special guests (this month: Karina Sanchez, co-star of the film To Be Heard), 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.

Bobolinks, Friday, October 28, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

The Bobolinks (pronounced, BOB – oh – links) are Middlebury College’s oldest mixed a cappella group. What is a Bobolink, you ask? Not a lynx / monkey, as recently speculated – but rather, a bird of song! They are an entirely student-run ensemble with a repertoire as diverse as a typical college student’s iTunes library – from rock to hip-hop to bizarre British neo-pop and everything in between. The Bobolinks love to perform and frequently do so at schools and venues in the greater New England area. PS: Are you a Bobolinks alum in town for Homecoming? We’d love to see you!

Homecoming, Friday, October 28, 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Young (of body and heart) alumni are invited to this mixer brought to you by the Alumni Office. $2 draughts and glasses of wine. Music by Soularium!

The Move it Move it, Saturday, October 29, 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

The brainchild of Burlington, Vermont based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Robin Sunquiet, The Move it Move it offers up an original blend of catchy afro-pop tunes painted with reggae and electronica hues, that is heavily influenced by many different strains of world music. Each member of the band brings to the table a strong unique sound that results in a dance floor erupting party featuring sweet, instantly addictive grooves and melodies, and almost tribal like vocal chants. The band’s live show is guaranteed to make you move it, and will have you begging for more!