A world-class performance hall. Multiple art galleries. Subterranean concert venues. Art is a way of life here in Randolph, and when it comes to small town Vermont dining, we serve up more than just delicious food – we bring artistic energy! Here are a few events happening during the month of April:
Chandler Center for the Arts - Where the arts and community meet
Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival - Saturday, Apr. 6 at 7:00
A String Trio version of the Bach Goldberg Variations arranged by Dmitry Sitkovetsky. If you haven't heard this music performed in this trio version, you should make plans now to be at Chandler! It will be a special event. Michael Roth, violin. Joana Miranda, viola. Peter Sanders, cello. Get tickets.
New Resident Mixer (Mokoomba) - Friday, Apr. 12 at 5:30
If you've recently moved or are considering a move to Orange or Windsor County or know someone who has, the folks at Chandler would love to invite you to a new resident mixer funded in part by the Vermont Department of Tourism. Get to know your new neighbors with delicious local refreshments on the house! Then dance the night away to Mokoomba - Afrofusion from Zimbabwe. RSVP.
Mokoomba - Friday, Apr. 12 at 7:00
Mokoomba, an explosively talented six-man crew from Zimbabwe, has been hailed as one of the most exciting bands from Africa in the 21st century! Mokoomba combines traditional and modern instruments and a variety of international pop and pan-African styles, including soukous, funk, and reggae. Get tickets.
MaMuse - Tuesday, Apr. 23 at 7:00
MaMuse is delighted to return to their East Coast home away from home, Vermont, for a play in the exquisite Chandler Center for the Arts. Sorah and Karisha will be accompanied by gifted guitarist Scott Ferreter and genius Nate Dittle on keys. The evening will be full of old favorites, new gems and songs from the future, yet to be written. Please join them and tell your friends! Get tickets.
Vermont Philharmonic - Saturday, Apr. 27 at 7:00
Spring 2024 Concert. Felix Mendelssohn: Die schöne Melusine Overture, Op. 32. Erik Nielsen: Reflections on the Way. Mary Bonhag, Soprano. Richard Stoehr: Trumpet Concerto. Billy Hunter, Trumpet. Get tickets.
Playhouse Movie Theater - The oldest movie theater in Vermont
Cabrini
A film about the first U.S. saint, Sister Frances Xavier Cabrini, will be shown at The Playhouse Theatre from March 29 to April 4. It highlights her early years in the U.S. and her recognition as the Patron Saint of immigrants.
Just Getting By
On April 7, Vermont filmmaker Bess O’Brien will screen her new film “Just Getting By” at The Playhouse Theatre. The film portrays the struggles of working families, homeless individuals, New Americans, and Native people, as well as those providing services to Vermonters in need.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Featuring the original Ghostbusters cast - Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts, and joined by Finn Wolfhard, Paul Rudd, and Oswald Patton. The date and time of the show will be announced shortly. Don’t forget to check their website for more films coming up later this month.
Galleries and Exhibits - New Shows
The Gallery at Chandler - The Artistic Journey, Artist Reception and Celebration Day, Apr. 20
Vermont’s Youth Art Month Celebrations will tour the state in 2024, displaying student art from various schools at the Vermont Welcome Center and Galleries. The exhibit will culminate at the Chandler Gallery, featuring over 500 students’ works. The show runs from March 30 to May 4.
People's Gallery - Lauren McKeon's show DRAMA, Opening Friday, April 5 at 6
Lauren McKeon's new show, DRAMA, will run through April at People's Gallery. This show reflects Lauren's journey teaching dance and drama to teenagers in a rural high school, guiding them to express themselves amidst the institution’s restrictive environment.
Art, Etc. Opening Reception - April 5 from 5-7
Art, etc., presents their newest exhibits for April and May, featuring the beautifully contemplative work of nature sculptor Amy Abeyta and abstract artist Mark Rosalbo. Mark's current work delves into the parallels between visual perception and the brain’s interpretation of information, reflecting on how societal division and misinformation can distort reality. This is embodied in an interactive piece made from expired license tags donated by five Vermont towns, symbolizing the harmful impact of misinformation.
Galleries & Exhibits - Ongoing Shows
Third Branch Pottery Gallery - Making Spaces
15 North Main Gallery presents Making Spaces: A group exhibition honoring Women’s History Month & International Women’s Day. Curated by Susan Cornick. Featuring Artists: Janet Cathey, Susan Cornick , Laura Di Piazza, Sam Eckert, Pati Braun Grandy, Annette Higby, Cherie Landi, Kirstin Quick, and Amy Schachter.
White River Craft Center
April art programming is in full swing at the White River Craft Center. Weekly programming for adults and youth alike, including a monthly workshop series with teaching artist Elliot Papp at Brainstorm Art Supply and an Intro to Black & White Film Photography with Cooper Dodds. Trust us, you don't want to miss out! They also have awesome youth programs available to the homeschool community. Plus, weekly afterschool programming with Queer Youth Art Care! Check out their website for their programming calendar.
Live Music +
The Underground - Listening Room Night Protocol w/ Andriana, Apr 05 at 7:30
Night Protocol was created to unite the sounds of the past, present, and future with a cutting-edge style of electronic music. Night Protocol shows are driven by live analog synthesizers, pulsing basslines, ripping guitar solos, soaring saxophone leads, and harmonized vocals. Get tickets.
The Underground - Listening Room - Lucky Number 30 Punk Rock Fest, Apr. 13 at 3:00
An all-day music fest featuring some of VT's best punk rock, including Dead Street Dreamers, Shy Husky, Mr. Doubtfire, Embers in Umbra, and more! Braintree Town Hall. Get tickets.
The Underground - Listening Room - Modist & Friends, Apr. 26 at 8:00
‘Modist is a Vermont emcee who has been part of the scene for 12+ years. After a two year hiatus and spending the last year and a half producing new music, Modist is ready to let it be known he’s not going away any time soon. His music is a mixed bag of alternative hip hop, jazz, and emo.’ Get tickets.
Wit & Grit - Trivia Night: Space Trivia, Apr 26 at 6:00
Wit & Grit Trivia Night - get ready to put your knowledge to the ultimate test at Wit & Grit's Trivia Night. Doors open at 5:00, and the games begin at 6:00.
PoemTown - Various dates at 7:00
April 5: The series of four free live poetry events will kick off with a reading at Kimball Library. The evening will feature two Vermont poets, Hatsy McGraw and Gus Speth.
April 11: The following Thursday, the event will move to Chandler’s Esther Mesh Room. This night will be filled with poetry and music, presented by Aaron Marcus and Sam Sanders. Attendees will also enjoy dessert.
April 18: The third event will take place at the White River Craft Center. This will be an open mic night, providing an opportunity for anyone to share their poems or simply enjoy listening to others.
April 27: The final event will be held at the Silloway Maple Sugar House. This night will showcase farmer poets Taylor Katz and Phillip Mulligan.
All events are free of charge and will commence at 7 p.m.
Restaurants
Within just a few blocks, Randolph offers a culinary journey like no other. Prepare your taste buds for a fusion of flavors, from Italian delights to tantalizing Northern Thai cuisine, and everything in between. And here's the exciting part - these restaurants aren't just places to eat, most double as visual art galleries, live music venues, or sometimes both! Talk about a dining experience that feeds your soul. So, buckle up and get ready to savor the creativity at these awesome eateries:
Saap Thai - James Beard Award Winner
One Main Tap & Grill - Farm-to-table, locally inspired cuisine, and craft beer
Tacocat Cantina - casual street tacos (moving to a new location - stay tuned)
East Garden - Chinese takeout
Short Notice - shareable small plates
Chef’s Market - sandwiches & specialty groceries
Randolph Village Pizza - family-friendly Italian
The Forge - American bar & grill
Wee Bird Bagel Café - best bagels ever
Wit & Grit - breakfast and lunch classics with unique style
Windy Lane Bakehouse - freshly baked sweets
Prince Street Cafe - classic bowling alley breakfast and lunch
So, what are you waiting for? Go have some fun!
The art vibe here is passionate, supportive, enriching, and inclusive.