Stroll Weekend 2013 entertainers

See schedule on our Weekend Entertainment listings page. Here are some details about our 2013 performers:

Alan Greenleaf and the Doctor

Singer-songwriter Alan Greenleaf is one of Vermont’s most prolific and beloved songwriters. Robert Resnik considers Alan “the best songwriter in Vermont” He is a self taught finger picking guitar player whose songs and lyrics reflect the people and country around him. The stories he tells are greatly inspired by his years as a farmer in Northern Vermont . His music draws from many American traditions, including country, Appalachian, Blues and Jazz. And of course, he wrote the official song for the Strolling of the Heifers. Alan has been playing with “Doc” for a dozen years. Jonathan Kaplan is a classically trained pianist who fell for the blues and old time traditional American music, and his keyboard work provides an inspired backdrop for Alan’s stories. Together, they bring a wide variety of original ballads, rhythm and blues and moving melodies that is “Americana” music at its best.

Alotta Hoopla

Our mision is to inspire healthy happy presence through rhythmic revolving movements with these toys, tools and instruments for the bodies, minds and spirit of our world. Alotta Hoopla is created by spreading joy, health and consciousness through the playful, present movements of hooping. In spinning around the world, AH offers an experience of the spiraling rhythm revolving and evolving around and within us. When we are exposed to a pure expression of beauty we can experience the beauty within ourselves to explore, nurture and share. To master an art or simply witness it, is to recognize the creative force within all of us. Alotta Hoopla offers each hoop as a gift of divine possibilities.

Atom Planet

Atom Planet combines the sultry sonics of jazz with the fresh forward feel of pop music in their own unique sound. A mix of eclectic cover songs and zesty originals, their sound has been described as “eclectic acoustic world soul pop”, with “a little bit of kazoo”…. In the group: Libby – lead vocals, percussion, guitar, flute, melodian, kazoo; Bob Everingham – guitar, upright bass, accordion, mandolin, ukelele, banjo, vocals; Jay – upright bass, accordion, ukelele, keys, vocals

Bhangra

Let’s get the party started. Come dance the Bhangra on Main Street, CircusYoga Style! Love to dance? Got two left feet? Either way, this is the dance for you! You may have stumbled onto this Bollywood-style dancing event at previous Heifer Strolls. As with any CircusYoga experience, its easy to learn, has a good dose of hilarity and you and your friends will be “intoxicated with joy” (the very definition of Bhangra). CircusYoga is a Brattleboro based organization that offers joyful, creativity and relationship building opportunities through kids’ summer camps, in-school residencies, teacher trainings and more. Find out more at www.circusyoga.com.

Brendan Carey- Block

Brendan Carey-Block is a multi-faceted fiddler grounded in the musical traditions of New England and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. He has been performing since the age of ten and has made many trips to Cape Breton to learn from master fiddlers and be immersed in the Scottish-based heritage of the island. Brendan has achieved wide recognition for his virtuosic fiddling and was named the U.S. National Junior Scottish Fiddle Champion for 2000 and 2001. In addition to his traditional repertoire of jigs, reels, and airs of Cape Breton Island, Brendan has harnessed his youthful creativity to craft an innovative and energetic sound that is based in his love of Cape Breton music and incorporates Jazz and Rock elements, as well as ideas from the many Celtic regions of the world. Brendan has toured and recorded with many great artists including the renowned Glengarry Bhoys, the Boston-based band Annalivia, and his own duo project with guitarist Flynn Cohen. Brendan is also and avid dogsledder and raises Siberian huskies. For more information please visit www.brendancareyblock.com

The Brattlyn Brothers

Kevin Parry, Rich Mayer, Ken Storey and Joe Santry play 60s and 70s rock and roll the way it should be played. Scott Sizer sits in on the trumpet and blues harp. Catch them weekly at the Marina Open Mic show, or at Rick’s Tavern, the Guilford Fair, Whetstone Station, West Dover Inn, or One More Time in Dover.

Brattleboro Music Center’s Celtic Group

This group is comprised of students from the Brattleboro Music Center’s program of Celtic music classes. They play traditional tunes from Scotland, Ireland and from French Canadian origins. The tunes are played as jigs, reels, waltzes and strathpeys.

Tony Duncan

Tony Duncan has appeared throughout the United States in theaters, corporate shows, nightclubs and colleges, and in different venues all over the world, from circuses in Denmark and Japan to cruise ships in Antarctica. Tony received rave reviews in the Broadway show Sugar Babies, and has opened for such comedic stars as Jeff Foxworthy, Tony Randall and Henny Youngman. Tony worked with Martha Stewart both on her K-Mart commercials and in her TV show. Tony is the winner of the IJA World Juggling Championship, and twice took home top honors at the Variety Artists World Cup in Japan by being named Most Original Act and Most Impressive Act. Using all original material, with absurd characters and humorous execution, Tony is currently performing with a number of circus groups- Nimble Arts, formed by former Cirque Du Soleil performers in Brattleboro, VT – Zany Umbrella Circus in Pittsburgh, and Cirque Motion Productions in Tennessee.

Electric Fence

Southern Vermont-based acoustic/electric quartet Electric Fence takes down the barriers between American musical styles. Merging original songs with the music of Louis Jordan, Tom Waits and Emmylou Harris, Electric Fence has created a sound that is both familiar and new.

Jamie Kent

A fresh, young 25-year-old singer-songwriter with big dreams and an ever-expanding fanbase, artist Jamie Kent’s future as a performer looks quite promising. Drawing on influences from modern artists like Ray Lamontagne and Amos Lee as well as paying tribute to classic greats like Bruce Springsteen and Ray Charles, Kent’s perfectly mellifluous tunes are roll-the-windows-down, soak-up-some-sun kind of good. Since the release of his debut album “Neoteny,” the singer-songwriter is currently collaborating with his trio, Jamie Kent & The Options, to cultivate a sound with a strong folk rock, americana, and funk influence. In the past year they have toured extensively across the US, playing over 200 shows throughout 40 states, including multiple showcases at the South By Southwest Music Festival. Additionally, they have received international radio play on over 120 stations (including BBC Radio), and recently signed licensing agreements with MTV, VH1, Bravo, and The Discovery Network! In October 2012 Jamie was accepted in ASCAP’s 2012 Lester Sill Songwriting Workshop where he spent a month working with some of the best writers in the business writing material for his next album (due out in 2013), and other prominent artists in the industry. Most recently, their single “Changes” was named the #5 song of 2012 by 93.9 The River, one of the most influential AAA Radio Stations in the country.

Lost Cost

The Lost Cost sprouted from a friendship between Eddie jabblonski Bigelow (Bass) and Dharma Ramirez (Guitar and vocals) back in November. They began writing original songs (starting with Carcinogen kiss) which they later showed to Nelson Congleton (Guitar). At the time, with no drummer, Nelson provided the beats. That was until Jacob Gartenstein came into the mix with his many years of talent on the drums. Nelson moved to guitar where he began layering amazing leads and rhythms to the tunes. This band has accelerated over a small period of time with tons of original, edgy jams and skill at quirky covers.

New Orleans Brass Band Project

The New Orleans Brass Band Project was founded in early 2009 by New Orleans native Pete Simoneaux, as a means of developing a community of musicians, interested in performing traditional and contemporary New Orleans style Brass Band music. This is the music of jazz funerals and street parades in New Orleans, the style that gave birth to the careers of Buddy Bolden, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and whose lineage continues to this day in the funky, driving street rhythms of groups like the Dirty Dozen, the Rebirth, New Birth & Treme Brass Bands. The musicians of the N.O.B.B.P.  have become familiar to Brattleboro area audiences through their performances at numerous Gallery Walks, the Strolling of the Heifers, 4th of July parades, and a host of other local community events. For the 2013 edition of  the Strolling of the Heifers, the Celebration Brass Band will feature Tim Ellis on sousaphone, Ben James on bass drum, Stephen Voorhees on snare drum, Scott Sizer on trumpet, Dan DeWalt on trombone,  Jim Kurty on clarinet, Walter Slowinski, Frank Sansone & Jon Mack on tenor, baritone & alto saxes, with Pete & Linda Simoneaux serving as parade marshalls.

Andrew Pinard

Performed in a style reminiscent of the vaudeville era, Andrew Pinard presents a wonder-filled magic with an emphasis on audience participation, visual magic, and physical comedy guaranteed to amuse the whole family. Blending magic, story-telling and comedy with a little help from volunteer assistants, Pinard draws spectators into his zany world of wonder. Suitable for family audiences, Andrew provides different performances for venues as varied as small-group private events to his full two-act theater show. Andrew Pinard has been a full-time performer and theatre artist for over twenty-five years. He has presented thousands of performances throughout the northeastern United States as well as internationally in Montreal, London, Switzerland and Italy. In 1998, Andrew was recognized by his peers as one of the finest close-up performers throughout the Northeast and in April of 2000, Andrew took the top honors in the 18th Annual New England Magic Competition. Andrew was selected twice as Editors’ Choice for Best Magical Entertainer in the “The Very Best of New Hampshire” July 2000 & 2002 issues of New Hampshire Magazine.

Rise!

Rise! brings a unique style of New England mountain music to the Americana/folk scene. With a respectful nod to the past, their eclectic style blends the sound of traditional folk & bluegrass instruments with the diverse influences of all of its band members. Shawna’s steady bass lines echo bluegrass and old time tradition while Andrew’s cello blends classical and old time fiddle with chunky and modern rhythmic chops. Kevin’s guitar and Dave’s mandolin riffs drive the music forward with influences of blues and rock and Dave P. rounds out the sound with Scruggs-style banjo rolls and licks. Alicia Flammia’s powerful and soulful singing puts an indelible stamp on the band’s signature sound. No matter how you describe their sound, it’s undeniable that Rise! has created an emotional and stirring sound that is both uncommon yet familiar and which continues to evolve with each show.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce was formed in the summer of 2011 after six siblings performed together spontaneously at a party. They had been singing together for enjoyment since childhood, being exposed to many genres of music across the decades. The musicians; Brittany, (23) Rebecca, (20) Olivia, (17) James, (15) Robert, (13) and Gregory, (11) released their first CD “At the Crossroads” January 2013. While predominately recognized for their vocal harmonies, they play a variety of instruments including guitar, mandolin, bass, drums/percussion, tin whistle and native flute. The chemistry of Santa Croce stems from family connection, playful intuition and personal interpretation and is lovingly expressed through their music.

The Snaz

The Snaz started a year ago with Dharma Ramirez and Mavis Eaton. We soon discovered Zack James on the drums and Sally Fletcher as a bass player. Ever since, we have been writing originals, playing concerts and recording. Along the way we met a great producer, Peter Solley,  who helped develop our indie rock tunes for recording at guilford sound. Our prize for winning the battle of the bands. At the moment we are trying to get our recordings out and about and play as many shows as we can get our hands on.

 

 

Southern Vermont Dance Festival 2013
July 18 – 21, 2013 • Brattleboro, VT

Several dancers from multiple studios will be participating in a Belly Dance performance to Madonna’s “Material Girl” as pre-parade preview for the Southern Vermont Dance Festival in its inaugural year! The Southern Vermont Dance Festival promises to be a exciting four days of dance classes, lectures and performances hosted in the one and only Brattleboro, VT. The festival attendees will have their choice of several performances to attend each evening as well as a choice of many different classes to choose from each day. There will be many amazing opportunities offered to the professional dancer, dance student, and dance enthusiast. Info: www.southernvermontdancefestival.com.

 

Spike Dogtooth

Spike Dogtooth is a local bluegrass band that has been playing in the area for over 15 years. With guitar, banjo, mandolin, acoustic bass, fiddle, percussion and strong vocals, they play Irish, Bluegrass, Traditional, Cowgirl Swing and lots of original tunes. They’ve appeared at the Grafton Tavern, Roots on the River Festival, The Pleasant Valley Brewery, Magic Mountain Ski Area, Pliny Park Music Series, The Brattleboro Area Farmer’s Market, The Pizza Stone, The Charlemont Inn and they played the first ever Strolling of the Heifers, in 2002, in the parade and in the Harmony lot.

Amelia Struthers

Amelia Struthers, performance artist also known as the “Dairy Godmother,” has been with the Stroll since the first heifers took to the streets of Brattleboro in 2001. Amelia is a veteran entertainer, performing throughout New England as an actress, storyteller, comedian, children’s musician, and emcee, on stage, television and radio. Since moving to Brattleboro in 2000, she has regularly performed comedy improv, and won silver and gold medals, as well as a People’s Choice Award at the 2002 International Clown Convention for best sketch comedy act. Her latest project, a CD called “All About the Heart,” highlights her musical side; Amelia and her singing/songwriting partner perform as Vermont Timbre. Amelia is an educator who lives with her daughter, Maia, also known as the Dairy Fairy and a veteran comedian herself.

Suffolk Punch

Rock trio Suffolk Punch are Miles Hiler, Zack James, and Archer Stone. Their original music takes inspiration from both classic and alternative rock. You may have caught them previously at the Youth Services Battle of the Bands, the Youth Band Open Mic and the Cotton Mill w/ Brett Holmes, the Lilac Ridge Farm Stand Summer Show or at Strolling of the Heifers.

Truffula Jungle

Truffula Jungle is a local band that came together out of the Open Music Collective last summer. They play original and cover songs, classic and alternative rock. Rob ( 28) bass, Sam (21) drums, Nelson (16) guitar and Gabbi (14 ) vocals and guitar. Gabbi will open solo for the band.Truffula Jungle (previously known as Brain Saw) has performed at Open Music Collective, Head Room Stages, and Battle of the Bands. Independently, these artistis have performed in a wide range of venues such as opera, jazz , hiphop, open mics, farmer’s markets, fundraisers & honors events.

Wild Country Cloggers

Wild Country Cloggers performs traditional and modern clog dancing — American step dancing executed to variety of musical genres & different eras. They blend the original southern Appalachian style of clogging with jazz, hip hop, tap, Zumba, etc. for a fun and exciting brand of dancing. They’ve been seen at Fallapalooza in Bennington, Peru Fair, the Bennington Car Show,Southern Vermont Garlic and Berb Festival, the Bondville Fair, Windsor County Agricultural Fair, Londonderry 4th of July Parade, etc.

Xopo

Xopo plays traditional dance music from the Balkans in many styles on clarinet, accordion, trombone, acoustic string bass, various drums, as well as a large array of plucked stringed instruments. Captivating vocals round out the sound of this exhilarating dance music from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Albania and beyond. “Xopo” is the Cyrillic spelling of the Bulgarian word “Horo” meaning “dance”. Their Americanized pronunciation “zo-po”, reflects their identity as Americans, passionate to be playing music from the Balkans, to which they bring their own native influences. This kind of community dancing has played an important social role in many parts of the world over a span of centuries, just one reason why it has survived this long. The intoxicating music is another reason for its longevity. Xopo’s goal is to help perpetuate this life enhancing experience of music and dance into future generations.

Robin Zegge

Robin Zegge performs sketch comedy, comedy improv and tours as a fire-eater, magician, clown and juggler. She has performed on television, radio, at festivals, colleges, theaters and comedy clubs around New England, as well as having clowned throughout Nicaragua, including the Managua Circus. Robin  won a Gold Medal and People’s Choice Award in comedy competitions at the International Clown Convention in New York in 2002. She adds these medals to Silver and Gold won in regional competitions 2000 and 2001. She is currently artistic director of the comedy improv troupe, The Eggplant Players. In addition to performing, she teaches clowning, juggling and comedy improvisation classes and workshops. This summer she is teaching comedy and acting with the Theater Adventure Program’s three week session in June and July.