Friday, July 31. 2009
The Ball & Chain welcomes Patrick Fitzsimmons to Brandon. A singer-songwriter in the tradition of Paul Simon and James Taylor, Patrick writes songs that have that rare combination of strong lyrics AND strong melody. Relix Magazine called him "one of the most captivating songwriters around today." He is a three-time Ploughshares songwriting contest finalist and has had his songs placed in several independent films. His latest CD, So Beautiful So Blue, has made several Best of 2008 lists and is being played on radio stations all over the country. He continues to tour throughout the northeast, building a large and loyal following with his soulful, captivating performances. Due to his popularity, this event may have special entry requirements, so stay posted or call the store for details. For more information about him and his music, visit his website: patrickfitzsimmons.net.
Thursday, July 30. 2009
In Early Spring Amy Seidl, an ecologist, records her observations of life and ecology in the Vermont hollow where she lives, showing how human, animal and plant life is changing as the weather becomes warmer and less predictable. At Christmas, people are canoeing rather than skating and outbreaks of tent caterpillars, historically limited by winter deep freezes, stress the sugar bush. Seidl's tender descriptions of her young daughters' encounters with the natural world add personal poignancy to a subject. Walking in the woods with her husband and children on a Sunday morning, Seidl muses on the scale of life itself, and how to avoid mass extinction, we evolve a new set of values. Seidl’s chronicle demonstrates her deep concern. This promises to be a thought provoking and entertaining night.
Saturday, July 25. 2009
Brandon's very own "casserole rock" band, serving a tasty combination of rock, blues, ska, reggae, and several cruciferous vegetables, adding both flavor and nutrition while rendering gravy totally unnecessary. Featuring Rob Zollman on drums, percussion, and vocals; Russell Collins on bass; Denise Keating on keyboards, harp, and vocals; and Jim Keating on guitars and vocals. This is a rare public appearance, so be sure to get here early and not miss a single note!
Thursday, July 23. 2009
The National Guardsman, the citizen soldier called upon to fight for his or her nation in a time of war, is one of the least understood figures of the Iraq War. Saber’s Edge is the story of a middle-aged Vermont firefighter called upon to be a soldier in one of the worst places on earth, Ramadi, Iraq. Thomas A. Middleton goes from suburban dad to combat medic engaging in some of the fiercest fighting in the war. Based on the author’s first-hand experience and interviews with other soldiers, this is a riveting account of life with the Green Mountain Boys of Task Force Saber. Middleton, from Essex, VT, is an officer with the Burlington Fire Department. Coarsened by combat, he receives solace and insight from his life-long faith and comes out as a man who better understands his role in the world. Join us for a presentation and reading that will stay with you days to come. Leave with a signed copy of this wonderful new book.
Thursday, July 16. 2009
Waterbury – The other love of my life is a new book by Kevin Eurich. In it he begins with, “Gram Jewett’s macabre stories, particularly the plight of her cousin who had been placed in a coffin and buried alive, had ramped up David’s and my fear factor to a record level. As fate would have it, we had to sleep in the part of the house with no electricity. In our darkened sleeping quarters, I asked David if he had ever seen any ghosts or other demented creatures in the house. He never got a chance to answer. Instead, the silence in our room was interrupted by loud footsteps and screeching.” Join us in welcoming the Waterbury story teller and his new book.
Saturday, July 11. 2009
Teresa Storch is an engaging singer-songwriter who has toured the country sharing her music with fans in taverns, coffeehouses, and theaters - makes the trek up from Boston to Vermont and the Ball & Chain quite regularly. We welcome her back to hear her songs and stories (which she will happily share with the audience). Visit her website for information about her & her musical journey: www.teresastorch.com.
Friday, July 10. 2009
Scott - aka "Hoodagi" - is a song and dance man who makes his home in Rochester, Vermont. He
specializes in "heavy mental" music and love songs. His mix of eclectic music and fearless improvisation is something NOT to miss!
Thursday, July 9. 2009
We welcome Vermont author, Jim Merkel and his book, Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth, who will present his ideas about how we can all live a more satisfying and fulfilling life. In the face of looming ecological disaster, many people feel the need to change their own lifestyles as a tangible way of transforming our unsustainable culture. Radical Simplicity is the first book that guides the reader to a personal sustainability goal, and then offers a process to monitor progress to a lifestyle that is equitable amongst all people, species, and generations. It employs three tools to help readers begin their route to simplicity: it builds on steps from Your Money or Your Life, It uses refined tools from Our Ecological Footprint, and it combines advocacy, and science. Jim Merkel quit his job as a military engineer following the Exxon Valdez disaster and has since worked to develop tools for personal and societal sustainability. He founded the Global Living Project to further this work and conducts workshops around North America on this topic. This will be a fascinating evening looking at what we can do to adapt. Leave with a signed copy of Jim’s book.
Thursday, July 2. 2009
How Old Glory has been used throughout American history by the Right, the Left, and everyone in between unfolds in a fascinating series in Teachout’s new book, Capture the Flag. The Harvard-trained author traces a complete history of the American flag and its uses and appropriations by groups as varied as radical Revolutionary War sailors and Guilded Age businessmen, including stories of traumas it has suffered over the years as it has been burned, shot, spattered with tobacco juice, and stomped by muddy boats in protest at various times. Just in time for the Fourth of July, join us for a book that will create reflection on what the flag means. Woden Teachout has taught at Harvard and Middlebury and is currently Professor of Graduate Studies at Union Institute and University. Join us for this holiday event and book signing!
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