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The first eight people who RSVP to stage33@stage33live.com are guaranteed 12 minutes at an open mic on November 28 starting at 6:00 PM. (If we can keep changeovers to three minutes, that’s two hours.) If there are unreserved slots, walk-ins go next. If people are into it continuing after eight slots have gone, we’ll go long… people who haven’t played first, then second slots for people who want one.
ORIGINAL MATERIAL ONLY. All performances will be recorded and filmed for downstream audiences, there’s a media release that all performers need to sign. This is an open mic, not a paying gig… but you can do whatever you’d like with the documentation we produce, including monetizing it.
Sign-ups so far (not necessarily the performance order) –
1. Trevor Robinson
2. Will Stahl
3. Gillis Mills
4. Matthew Brader
5. Ezra Holloway
6. Carl Beverly 7. Fred Hill / Jay Church (AKA Fried Fiddleheads)
7. Emily Lyons
8.
Suggested $5+ donation to help support Stage 33 Live’s existence.
Seating is limited. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers in a casual, intimate setting.
Sold Out. If you’d like to be put on a wait list in the event of any reservation cancellations, send an email to stage33@stage33live.com – first come first served.
One performance only of an in-the-round staged reading / radio play / casual theater hybrid of the quirky Prohibition-era Truman Capote story “A Christmas Memory”. John Hadden directs his adaptation of the tale along with David Stern and the Wild Goose Players and others, which will be recorded and filmed with a studio audience at Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on Saturday evening, December 4. Door at 7:00, show at 7:30. $10 suggested donation. Seating is limited.(Read the full press release.)
All individuals are required to wear a mask at our events except when eating or drinking, and maintain a six-foot social distance from people not in their party. Performers are not required to be masked while performing; seating will be a minimum of eight feet from the stage. If you wish to make a custom seating pod for your party, arrive early and we’ll help you do it. (Our chairs are movable and configurable.) People who have already arrived and have arranged their seating will not be expected to move. This policy may change without notice. Some events may have tighter restrictions by the performer’s or presenter’s request.
A Fun and Unusual Staging of Capote’s Quirky Tale, “A Christmas Memory”
BELLOWS FALLS — “A Christmas Memory” is a story by Truman Capote set in his early childhood, when he was forced to live with distant cousins, none of whom paid any attention to him, with one exception… a much older cousin. She was also an outsider in the family, a bit strange, and the two of them became fast friends.
The story takes place at Christmastime when they made little fruitcakes for people they liked, including one for the President. The story climaxes when they go with great trepidation to visit Mr. Haha Jones, who is the only person who can supply them with the whiskey they need for the fruitcakes, because it’s Prohibition.
This version is performed by a chorus that supplies narration, sounds, musical interludes, and character voices. A wild time is expected for all, along with a plentiful dose of Christmas spirit.
John Hadden directs his adaptation of this tale along with David Stern and the Wild Goose Players. The cast includes both John and David, as well as Libby McCawley, Jan and Mike Sheehy, Riley Goodemote, Ibby Hopkins, Susan Still, and Morganna Ekkens. Lighting design by Ira Wilner.
This in-the-round hybrid of a staged reading, radio play, and casual theater will be recorded and filmed at Stage 33 Live in Bellows Falls, Vermont, in front of a live studio audience for one performance only on Saturday evening, December 4. Door opens at 7:00, show starts at 7:30.
SEATING IS LIMITED. Suggested per-person $10+ donation for the cast and crew. Advance donations double as a chair reservation in the studio audience, and can be made online through the www.stage33live.com website. Masks are required — note that the cast will not be masked in case this factors into your decision-making.
Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers in an intimate setting. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
London-born, Oxford-educated touring artist Rupert Wates brings his thoroughly American acoustic folk steeped in deep wells of cabaret and jazz to Stage 33 Live in Bellows Falls, VT, on Sunday, December 12 at 7:00 PM. Local favorite Josh Maiocco opens. $15 in advance, $20 at the door; limited seating; recorded and filmed. Masks required.
Rupert Wates: deeply Americana
BELLOWS FALLS — London-born, Oxford-educated Rupert Wates brings his thoroughly American acoustic folk steeped in deep wells of cabaret and jazz to Stage 33 Live in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on Sunday, December 12 at 7:00 PM.
With the lyricism of Gordon Lightfoot and the attention to craft of Richard Thompson, his highly developed songwriting is by turns vulnerable and bold, featuring intricate lyrics and memorable melodies, exceptional guitar skills, and a smooth, expressive voice.
He’s released eleven internationally acclaimed solo albums and won dozens of songwriting awards, and his work has been covered by artists in the UK, Canada, and the US, including two tribute albums to his material. While the doors to large venues and big festivals are open to him, he prefers intimate, up-close audiences in small listening rooms where the emphasis is on the music. The recognition that regular people are what make the world extraordinary reflects in his vivid, sophisticated songwriting about the American experience.
“A prime figure in American music.” — Folk And Acoustic Music Exchange
“As the former manager of the late Harry Chapin, I’ve heard my share of story songs. Rupert’s are right up there with the best.” — Bob Hinkle
“Gripping lyrics with great themes and troubling, witty messages.” — Leith Radio, Scotland
“Astonishing fingerpicking chops.” — Monterey County Weekly
Sunday, December 12, 7:00 PM, Stage 33 Live at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Advance tickets are $15, or $20 at the door.
Local favorite Josh Maiocco opens.
Seating is limited. Performances are recorded and filmed. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic nonprofit listening room run by volunteers in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers in a casual, intimate setting.
The artists have made the difficult but entirely sensible decision to postpone this show, with the desire to rebook down the road.
An exciting co-headline matinee show with multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Olivia Nied and powerful musician-poet Doctora Xingona Diana Alvarez, two tremendous LGBTQ+ / BIPOC talents on January 2 at 3:00.
Seating is limited. The performances will be recorded and filmed.
BELLOWS FALLS — Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Olivia Nied has been performing since she was nine years old as a soloist, ensemble leader, and side person in styles ranging from edgy pop to jazz fusion to hip hop and straight up rock and roll. Her solo performances often utilize looping and multiple instruments. As a Transgender/Queer musician, Olivia often incorporates LGBTQ+ lyrical themes in her work and believes in creating safe spaces at her shows for gender diverse individuals. She was awarded a merit scholarship to Berklee College of Music’s Summer Jazz Program, where she received honors. She has also studied at the Vermont Jazz Center, and studied music and film at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, graduating with a BA in 2020. While at Hampshire College, Olivia studied music at Goldsmiths University in London and filmmaking in Paris.
Doctora Xingona Diana Alvarez‘s ancestors bloom in her/their voice, roaring an otherworldly fire against oppression, exalting queer love and liberation, and creating a gripping atmosphere for healing in poetic songs that live in-between, where borders are a myth. An expansive multimedia artist and educator, Doctora Xingona’s music, poetry, performances, films, and gatherings center transcendence, kinship, and the co-liberation and nourishment of queer and trans artists of color. Doctora Xingona is the composer and filmmaker behind the award-winning Quiero Volver: A Xicanx Ritual Opera, a multimedia performance altar for queer and trans BIPOC artists to convene and manifest futures, described in the press as an “acoustically stunning performance.” Doctora Xingona’s new album, Ser Artista, is a roaring, genderqueer, extraterrestrial, Xicanx collection. Dr. Alvarez earned her PhD in Electronic Arts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, mentored by groundbreaking composer Pauline Oliveros, and is an invited performer, guest lecturer, workshop facilitator, and keynote speaker at venues and schools across the US and worldwide.
Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. Seating is limited. Performances are recorded and filmed. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers in a casual, intimate setting. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
The exceedingly difficult decision to postpone has been made. We’ll get them in the room as soon as we can.
The Man Made Tragedies show is still on. They’re 17 and immortal.
Honestly, neither they nor we are expecting a crowd because of the current state of COVID. But that’s OK — a live video shoot with a small studio audience is also excitin’, and can help them land bigger gigs in more sane times which is basically the whole premise of our existence.
We’ll have everything out and ready, and we’re gonna work it as hard as any other show. Maybe harder.
If you’re comfortable coming out to support this loud young band with punkish tendencies from Saxtons River, that’s great. If you decide to wait for the videos, that’s also great. If you do both, bonus points.
Masks are definitely required. If you don’t have one, we’ll give you one. Maintaining a social distance from people not in your party is also required. The room has good air changes and is big enough for people to spread out.
We’ll have a tip jar out for the band, we suggest five bucks. Or whatever. If you want to tip them in advance, there’s a thing on the website — if you want to tip them just on general principle even if you have no intention of coming, that’s extra cool.
Man Made Tragedies from Saxtons River in Rockingham, Vermont, has been around for some time, notching up their game while going through the personnel and name changes that most young bands go through. The current incarnation is front-man Ezra Holloway on vocals and bass, guitarist Jake Tretler, and Kiegan Eastman drumming.
The band was a highlight at BrattRock 2019 according to the festival’s founder, Jaimie Scanlon, who told local press that their set was “jaw dropping… really brought the crowd to its knees.” They’re loud and they have attitude. This is not the softer fare typical of Stage 33 Live.
The Saturday, January 15 performance begins at 7:00 PM and will be recorded and filmed. Suggested $5+ donation for the band in advance or at the door. Seating is limited. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
The artists have made the difficult but entirely sensible decision to postpone this show, with the desire to rebook down the road.
Josh Maiocco showed up at an open mic at Stage 33 Live in 2018 and stunned everyone with a pair of skillfully wrought songs performed brilliantly. Since then he’s played the stage as an opener and a side-person, but this is his first headline in the room.
It should be enough to say that he’s a talented writer and a standout player, but that makes for lean promotion.
The fact is that there’s a lot we don’t know about him. Like, almost everything.
We know that he’s not from here originally, but since arriving has played in tasty and stylistically diverse bands like Ingrid’s Ruse, Ninja Monkey, 84 Sheepdog, and the Ben Carr Music Project, in addition to solo gigs.
There are hints that in younger days he may have played in New Jersey and New York City a lot.
He has a lingering MySpace page with basically nothing on it that he probably forgot about long ago.
He’s an enigma. Come and bask. He might bring an opener.
Sunday, January 23, 7:00 PM. $5 suggested donation for Josh. Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Seating is limited. Advance donations though stage33live.com double as chair reservations. Performances are recorded and filmed. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers in a casual, intimate setting. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
It seems increasingly likely that this show will also end up getting postponed due to COVID-19. Omicron is expected to peak in late January, but high transmission may linger. Put it on your calendar and check back closer to the date to make sure it’s still on.
Eleanor & The Pretty Things is a dynamic alt-indie band known for live performances that range from downright shimmering to borderline screamo, always tastefully, and often within the same song. Slow Pony opens with accordion-centric music from the corners of the globe. Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street, Bellows Falls VT, on Saturday, February 12 at 7:00 PM. Suggested $10 donation, more or less. Limited seating; recorded and filmed; masks required. More info at stage33live.com
Eleanor & The Pretty Things is a dynamic, atmospheric, emotionally charged alt-indie band from Boston known for powerful emo-leaning live performances that range from downright shimmering to borderline screamo, always tastefully, and often within the same song.
The members’ diverse tastes merge to create, as they put it, “music that helps us sort out the great big mess that is life” with lyrics obliquely addressing themes like isolation, detachment, heartache, and anxiety. But they’re not scary, stand-offish, crazy, or self-important. These are friendly, slightly geeky-looking people who love their effects pedals, who aren’t afraid to be heartfelt and, at times, awkward.
They’ve asked Slow Pony from Brattleboro to open for them, which just adds to the pile of cool. They’re an accordion-centric revolving cast of anywhere from one to many, performing deep-sea outer-space music from the far corners of the globe, some of which don’t exist.
This will be louder than our shows usually are.
The Saturday, February 12 performance begins at 7:00 PM and will be recorded and filmed. Suggested $10 donation in advance or at the door, or $5 if you don’t have $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Capacity is limited. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; snacks by donation. Stage 33 Live is an industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performers in a casual setting. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
Here’s video of a recent short set they did as part of a streaming show during the pandemic downtime:
Man Made Tragedies will perform at Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on Saturday, March 5 at 6:00 PM. This will be a loud rock show. $5+ recommended donation for the band, but nobody will be turned away for lack of money. Advance donations made through stage33live.com double as chair reservations. The performances will be recorded and filmed.
Man Made Tragedies in Bellows Falls
Man Made Tragedies will perform at Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on Saturday, March 5 at 6:00 PM.
This band from Saxtons River has been around for a while, dialing through the personnel and name changes that most young bands go through and notching up their game as they go. The current incarnation is front-man Ezra Holloway on vocals and bass, guitarist Jake Tretler, and Kiegan Eastman drumming. They’re loud and they have attitude. This is not the softer fare typical of Stage 33 Live.
The band was a highlight at BrattRock 2019 according to the festival’s founder, Jaimie Scanlon, who told local press that their set was “jaw dropping… really brought the crowd to its knees.”
They lean into American garage punk… not afraid of having fun, but equally unafraid of taking things seriously. They probably would have nestled in comfortably at CBGB in the late ’70s, in the pre-hardcore days.
The Saturday, March 5 performance begins at 6:00 PM and will be recorded and filmed. Suggested $5+ donation for the band at the door or in advance through the stage33live.com website. Nobody will be turned away for lack of money. Seating is limited.
The venue’s COVID-19 policy may change without notice, but at this writing all individuals are required to wear a mask except when eating or drinking, and maintain a six-foot social distance from people not in their party. Performers are not required to be masked while performing. Seating will be a minimum of eight feet from the stage. If you wish to make a custom seating pod for your party, arrive early to do so; the chairs are movable and configurable. People who have already arrived and have arranged their seating will not be expected to move.
Stage 33 Live is a casual and intimate industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performances and presentations of original material. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; coffee / soda / juice / water and weird snacks available by donation. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
Stage 33 Live gratefully acknowledges the help of so many individuals without whom none of this would be happening, and institutional support from The Island Corporation, the Vermont Arts Council, Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, Covered Bridge Cookies, the Bellows Falls Opera House, and the Rockingham Arts & Museum Project that helps fund improvements and maintenance, and generally smooths out a lot of the rough edges. Stage 33 Live is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are deductible to the fullest extent. Volunteers run the thing from stem to stern.
This show has been postponed – Jan slipped on ice outside a venue and has a concussion. She’ll be OK, but doctor’s orders are for her to lay low for the next month. Jan didn’t want to postpone, but her excellent husband Mike is putting his foot down… it’s really very sweet.
This happened after press deadline for several papers, so you may see some column inches or calendar listings that are unaware of the situation. Apologies as needed for any confusion.
The Milkhouse Heaters will play the Stage 33 Live listening room at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on Sunday, March 6 at 6:00 PM. $5 recommended donation for the band. Limited seating. The performance will be recorded and filmed.
The Milkhouse Heaters in Bellows Falls
BELLOWS FALLS — The Milkhouse Heaters will play the Stage 33 Live listening room in Bellows Falls. Vermont, on Sunday, March 6 at 6:00 PM. Twice canceled by COVID-19, the third time’s the charm.
Jan and Mike are refugees of the Boston music scene, where they were nominated for a Boston Music Award and shared the stage with The Black Crowes, Corey Glover, Fuel, Feeder, and Hum, and their songs are on compilations alongside the likes of G. Love and Special Sauce, Jack Johnson, Burning Spear, and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Their music has been licensed to television shows on ABC, VH1, MTV, ESPN, and ESPN 2.
They moved to southern Vermont in 2003, rolled Americana into their punk roots, and became The Milkhouse Heaters. They’ve opened for Fred Eaglesmith and closed for Billy Bragg, had two songs featured on The Shoulder to the Plough CD, and were repeat invited performers at the Roots on the River Festival.
They’re beloved not just for their strong writing and performing chops — they’re ardent supporters of local live music and considered, considerate living.
Milkhouse Heaters highlights from “A Christmas Memory” — a promo for their upcoming show at Stage 33 Live on March 6, 2022
This listening room show is on Sunday, March 6 at 6:00 PM, at Stage 33 Live, 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont. The performance will be recorded and filmed. Seating is limited to 40. A $5+ donation is suggested for the band, but nobody will be turned away for lack of money. Advance donations made through the stage33live.com website double as chair reservations.
All individuals are required to wear a mask except when eating or drinking, and maintain a six-foot social distance from people not in their party. Performers are not required to be masked while performing. Seating will be a minimum of eight feet from the stage. If you wish to make a custom seating pod for your party, arrive early to do so; the chairs are movable and configurable. People who have already arrived and have arranged their seating will not be expected to move. This policy may change without notice.
Stage 33 Live is a casual and intimate industrial-rustic listening room in a former factory hosting local, regional, and national performances and presentations of original material. No bar or kitchen, the stage is the mission; coffee / soda / juice / water and weird snacks available by donation. More info about the nonprofit, all-volunteer project, and this and other upcoming events, online at stage33live.com
Stage 33 Live gratefully acknowledges the help of so many individuals without whom none of this would be happening, and institutional support from The Island Corporation, the Vermont Arts Council, Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, Covered Bridge Cookies, the Bellows Falls Opera House, and the Rockingham Arts & Museum Project that helps fund improvements and maintenance, and generally smooths out a lot of the rough edges. Stage 33 Live is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and all donations are deductible to the fullest extent. Volunteers run the thing from stem to stern.
Stage 33 Live is run and done by volunteers, small donations, and little grants.
Extra hearty pats on the back lately to:
Run and done by volunteers stem to stern. Donations are what keep this thing going.
We squeeze every penny, and we'd be so happy to squeeze yours.
Or @stage33live on paypal.me or venmo. Or drop off cash / checks at any event. To send us anything by surface mail, contact us for the admin mailing address —
the venue does not receive postal service!
Tax deductible to the fullest extent. Stage 33 Live LTD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, EIN 82-2349941.
Donated equipment or services are welcome, and volunteers too!
