Local Events and Live Music Lineup for November 7-14

A Weekend of Live Music Lights Up the Upper Valley

From a cappella harmonies to Grammy-winning guitar riffs, the coming weekend is a vibrant showcase for the region’s rich and diverse music scene, the White River Valley Herald reported. Across Vermont and New Hampshire, a packed schedule of concerts, radio shows, and community gatherings offers something for every ear, showing a cultural pulse that beats strong in small towns and city centers alike.

This isn't just a list of events; it shows the vital role local arts organizations and community spaces play in our shared civic life. These performances are economic drivers for local businesses, social connectors for neighbors, and crucial platforms for artists, many of whom are building their careers right here at home.

A Star-Studded Lineup at the Chandler

The spotlight shines brightest on the Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph, which presents two major performances that highlight both historical depth and contemporary star power. On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, Opera Vermont continues its multi-year exploration of the works of William Grant Still, the “Dean of African American Composers.”

City of chandler center for the arts an pham

The world premiere of Costaso, an opera set in the Spanish-ruled American Southwest, marks the second installment of this ambitious cycle. The composer, who lived from 1895 to 1978, broke significant racial barriers in the classical world, and this production brings his work to modern audiences with a fresh perspective. The opera runs at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 and at 4 p.m. on Nov. 14. Tickets and more information are available at chandler-arts.org.

Just a day earlier on Saturday, Nov. 14, the stage shifts to a different kind of mastery with the Grammy-winning guitarist John Scofield. Guitarist John Scofield with ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Lebanon Opera House.

Local arts centers like the Chandler are more than venues; they are anchors for our creative economy and incubators for artistic talent. Events like these attract visitors from across the region, support local artists, and provide invaluable cultural experiences for our communities, according to a spokesperson for the Vermont Arts Council.

Radio Hour Brings Music and Stories

While the Chandler offers grand spectacles, a different kind of magic is happening at grassroots venues across the region. Royalton Community Radio, WFVRFM 96.5, is at the heart of this, hosting two distinct events that celebrate community participation.

The action begins on Saturday, Nov. 7, with the ‘Over the Moon’ Star Radio Hour. Hosted by Jim Rooney, the evening starts at 7 p.m. with a performance by the VTones a cappella group, followed by the main Radio Hour at 8 p.m., featuring music, stories, and skits. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Seven Stars Arts Center in Sharon. For those who prefer a more intimate folk setting, later that night the Underground in Randolph opens its doors at 7 p.m. for a concert featuring Fez Silk, Mark Stepakoff, Nate Mott & Eric George. The event will also celebrate the release of new EPs by Silk and is substance-free for all ages.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Royalton Community Radio continues its mission with its Second Wednesday Open Mic. Held at the Tunbridge General Store from 5 to 7 p.m., the event is open to all ages, offering a platform for emerging and established musicians to share their craft in a welcoming, community-focused environment. These events highlight a key function of community radio: fostering a direct, unmediated connection between artists and their listeners.

Unique Venues for Unique Sounds

The region’s music scene thrives on its diversity of venues, each with its own character and audience. The Tunbridge Town Hall transforms into a lively dance hall on the first Saturday of every month for the Tunbridge Shindig, a series featuring bands like DSM-5 playing blues, soul, country, and rock. The Nov. 7 shindig runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and is BYOB, with a cash cover charge. It’s a space where the line between performer and audience dissolves, encouraging participation and a sense of shared heritage.

Local live music venues preparing to get back to business

For a more contemplative experience, the Christ Episcopal Church in Montpelier will host a special recital on Friday, Nov. 13. “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” featuring soprano Mary Bonhag and organist Lynnette Combs, is a musical tribute honoring St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and celebrating the legacy of mothers everywhere. The 7 p.m. event is presented on a suggested donation basis, making classical music accessible to all.

Even the casual music lover can find a place to connect. On Monday, Nov. 9, Ripple restaurant in Randolph hosts “Burwick & Budney Mondays,” a free event from 7 to 9 p.m. that offers a free slice of pizza to restaurant workers, creating a much-needed moment of respite and community for those on the front lines of the service industry.

This weekend’s offerings are more than just entertainment. They are the sound of a community investing in itself, proving that in an age of digital streaming, the shared, live experience of music remains a powerful and essential force.