Musicians and fans pay tribute to a Ludlow artist

As many of you know, Sandra Wright, a blues singer and resident of Ludlow, VT passed away this winter at the age of 61. Her music and generosity have filled the Okemo Valley for over 15 years. On June 12th we pay tribute to one of Ludlow's great musicians with a remembrance concert for the Friends of Sandra Wright. Artists including Chris Kleeman, Rick Reddington, Gypsy Reel, The Pleasents, and members from three of Sandra's previous bands will play during an all day concert event. Music starts at 1pm at Okemo's Jackson Gore and will run until 8pm, ending with Sandra's Memphis Band, Soul Kitchen.

Advance tickets are on sale at the following locations:

Chittenden Bank, Ludlow, VT
BE Music - Rutland, VT
Blue Mountain Guitar - Hanover, NH
The Northshire Bookstore - Manchester, VT
The Belmont General Store - Belmont, VT

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door

Okemo's Outdoor Music Series is BACK!

I don't remember who came up with this idea, but it was a good one! The Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series has become a Friday-night ritual for lots of local folk (myself included). It's such a great vibe with people socializing, listening to the music, kids running around, burgers on the grill and a cold beer in hand ... what could be better? It's a great way to start the weekend from June 18 through September 3.

On Friday nights throughout the summer season, the lawn in the courtyard at Okemo's Jackson Gore Inn is transformed into an outdoor concert venue featuring popular local and regional entertainers. Admission to the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series is free and the grounds open at 5 p.m. Concerts are slated to run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Families are welcome and all attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. In case of rain, the concerts will move indoors. Dining options include fresh-from-the-grill burgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs, or full-service dining with an al fresco seating option at Jackson Gore's Coleman Brook Tavern.


Here's the lineup:

Kicking off this year's concert series, on June 18, is Dr. Burma. Dr. Burma has been playing for enthusiastic audiences all over New England for more than 20 years. Dynamic vocals, stellar musicianship, and an irresistible groove have built Dr. Burma's reputation as one of the area's premier rhythm and blues dance bands, playing clubs, concerts, festivals and parties throughout northern New England and New York.

Following Dr. Burma, the summer lineup for the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series includes: Twiddle, June 25; Banjo Dan and the Mid-nite Plowboys, July 2; Crunchy Western Boys, July 9; The Butties, July 16; The Pete Kilpatrick Band, July 23; The Alchemystics, July 30; Sly Geralds, August 6; The Chris Kleeman Band, Aug. 13; The Slim Redmond Band, August 20; Bud and Budd the Kind Buds, Aug. 27; The U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty, September 3.

Saturday BONUS:
In addition to the Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series, Okemo will host three special Saturday events. The Flip Flop Festival, slated for June 26, features musical guests J-San & the Analogue Sons opening for Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. Okemo's second annual Hops in the Hills Beer Festival and Chicken Wing Championship will include the folk and bluegrass sounds of PossumHaw on August 7. The final festival of the season is scheduled for October 9. Okemo's fourth annual Parrothead Party celebrates the music of Jimmy Buffett with tribute band Changes in Latitudes.

Go online for more event info or call 802-228-1600. For dinner reservations at Coleman Brook Tavern, call 802-228-1435.