Upcoming events.
The Butterfields
(Article from Seven Days 7/24/24 written by Chris Farnsworth)
The first minute of the Butterfields' new music video, "Alberta Bound," gives the viewer an intimate snapshot of the husband-and-wife folk duo's life at home. The sounds of distant cars and birdsong can be heard over a shot of verdant green grass, just before the camera moves inside the couple's house.
A shot lingers on a guitar case with an old, faded sticker that reads "Surinam Airways," a nod to the Butterfields' history of traveling the world, something the couple started doing even before both became pilots. We see a carved wooden figure and pottery collected while the couple lived in the Dominican Republic and Suriname.
The video then shows a VHS tape loaded into the player, displaying grainy footage of a young Marge and John Butterfield performing live, before director Cynthia Braren cleverly cuts back to the present with a gorgeously framed shot of the couple, now in their seventies, in their Williston living room. They face one another, John on acoustic guitar and singing lead vocals and Marge playing bass and harmonizing, just as they have done ever since they married almost 52 years ago and John gifted Marge a guitar as a wedding present.
Decades later, the two are continuing their musical journey as they gear up for a new phase of their career. They have fresh songs that will eventually form a debut LP; their first-ever music video debuted last week at the Williston Film Festival at the Isham Barn Theatre. And even more important to John and Marge, they have a continuing sense of adventure that started when they first met and promptly got out of Dodge.
"We always knew that we wanted to live overseas after we got married," John said. "We ended up in the Dominican Republic with not a lot other than our guitars and our records, so we just listened and played music the whole time."
"It's where I learned to play guitar!" Marge added, beaming as she recalled those early days. She would switch instruments after she saw a Hagstrom bass guitar hanging in a living room in Suriname and purchased it on the spot.
The Butterfields moved back to Vermont in 1978, settling in Brandon, which enjoyed a thriving folk and bluegrass scene in the early '80s. They immersed themselves, playing with groups such as the Old Time Fiddlers, which Marge described as "an amazing learning experience."
About a decade later, John became a pilot, followed in 1990 by Marge, who would go on to become the first female pilot to land in Budapest after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They found their twin passions of music and flying to be highly compatible, with each endeavor inspiring the other. Today the couple fly a four-seater single-engine plane and lead the Experimental Aircraft Association chapter of the Franklin County State Airport. They even joined an organization called the Flying Musicians Association, which is exactly what it sounds like.
"They host all these events around the country, like AirVenture in Wisconsin," John said. "It's great, though they don't do much up this way. But when you're a pilot, that's not such a big deal."
Throughout all their years of playing music, the Butterfields never stopped learning and trying to improve. John took lessons from area guitarist Paul Asbell, and both he and Marge signed up for vocal training with Braren, who also performs music locally as Thea Wren. They asked Braren about the possibility of making a music video for them, sending her a few different tracks they had recorded.
"They sent me 'Alberta Bound,' and knowing that they both were pilots, the whole concept for the video just came to me," Braren said of the classic Gordon Lightfoot song. "I called them up and said, 'We're flying to Alberta in your guys' plane!'"
So, together with Braren and her son Noah Ranallo, a flight instructor at Beta Technologies in South Burlington, and director of photographer Macaulay Lerman, the Butterfields took off on a gorgeous early evening from Franklin County State Airport.
"We planned out what the two planes would do ahead of time. And we had the easy part," John said. "We just had to maintain our heading while the other plane did all the flyovers and close-ups."
The resulting footage is truly lovely, as much an advertisement for Vermont's natural beauty as it is for the clear harmonies of the Butterfields. It's not all views from above either. We get shots of the duo performing from the front porch of Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero and driving country roads in a cherry-red Chevy Corvair they borrowed from a friend.
"We thought about using our Toyota Camry, but..." John said with a laugh. "Well, it just didn't quite have the same feel as the Corvair."
"Alberta Bound" is the first foray into what the band hopes will be a new wave of output. Fifty-plus years into their musical journey, the Butterfields are excited to keep pushing forward. "I think the secret to playing music for as long as we have is to be constantly evolving," Marge said. "So that's what we try to do."
Burton Stonerook
Burton Stonerook is a country singer and songwriter from Vermont. He sings and plays in the Honky Tonk band “Wild Leek River” and draws his inspiration from traditional country and western music.
Omakase Food Truck
We’re excited to welcome our friends from Omakase back to the Pub tonight where they’ll be serving up their famous Poké bowls plus much more. The bar will be OPEN as well so come out for a night of delicious food and brews!
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
Omakase Food Truck
We’re excited to welcome our friends from Omakase back to the Pub tonight where they’ll be serving up their famous Poké bowls plus much more. The bar will be OPEN as well so come out for a night of delicious food and brews!
David Karl Roberts (DKR)
Singer/songwriter, David Karl Roberts, has crawled the highways and byways through coffeehouses, clubs and dive bars for the better part of 4 decades. A true Americana Troubadour creating a blend of whiskey soaked, folk, blues and Americana with a cocktail of soulful melodies, outlaw folk and swampy lounge blues. A Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist, weaving stories and song of life on the road, loves lost, tales of the American experience, and political unrest. A familiar face in the Northern New England music scene for several decades, DKR has been an opening act for nationally touring artists such as Dave Bromberg, Hot Tuna, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Fairport Convention, Dave Mason, Rick Danko, Trout Fishing in America, Joe Pug, Chris Pierce, Treat Her Right, Morphine and Aquarium Rescue Unit and can be found playing his songs in listening rooms and barrooms throughout New England.
Third Wheel (Jeff and Gina trio)
Jeff & Gina have been performing throughout Vermont for several years, featuring a variety of styles and instrumental diversity. Featuring vocals, guitar, viola, flute, tenor guitar, mandolin and fretless ukulele bass , Jeff & GIna offer something that will interest all lovers of music. From R&B with vocal duets to soaring instrumentals, familiar and unique jazz standards, selections from Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder. Prince, Frank Zappa , Sting and Led Zeppelin, our versatility is our strong point. Whether a private function, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, restaurant or club gig, Jeff & GIna Duo are sure to please. We are also available as a trio, with Tim O’brien on drums, a little edgier, most enjoyable addition!
Dale and Darcy Band
The Dale and Darcy Band is an Americana, Celtic, Bluegrass, Roots band. Dale is our vocalist and as a quartet, we play twin fiddles, tenor banjo, mandolin, penny whistle, guitar and bass. We started playing together fifteen years ago as a group of friends and have since developed into a cohesive and lively band that plays all over Vermont and beyond.
Omakase Food Truck
We’re excited to welcome our friends from Omakase back to the Pub tonight where they’ll be serving up their famous Poké bowls plus much more. The bar will be OPEN as well so come out for a night of delicious food and brews!
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
Thursdays with Jason
“Thursdays with Jason” happens once a month where Jason Lee invites another musician on stage for a musical conversation.
Tournesol
French and Italian songs from the 40s and 50s, jazz manouche and swing standards.
Omakase Food Truck
We’re excited to welcome our friends from Omakase back to the Pub tonight where they’ll be serving up their famous Poké bowls plus much more. The bar will be OPEN as well so come out for a night of delicious food and brews!
Luis Betancourt
Luis Betancourt is a songwriter who moved back to his native VT from Brooklyn, NY. His songs incorporate a variety of guitars (acoustic, electric, baritone, bass), electronics/programming, and vocals to create a homegrown, intimate, and sometimes experimental vibe. Elements of folk, pop, psych, & rock can be heard throughout. He has written and performed in a number of projects, both solo, and collaborative, for the past 20 years.
Luis just released a new album and will be playing many of the tunes from this latest debut.
Sarah Bell
Bluesy-folk with a focus on empowerment, truth telling, and love with abandon. Born from the depths of my own journey home to self, my songs are where my pain went to be transmuted into something new. Come to a show so we can connect. ❤️ XOXO
Doug’s Open Mic Night
Come on out to listen to local songwriters and musicians! Join in on the fun. This event will be every other Tuesday from 6-7:30PM. Sign up is in-person only from 5-530.
Omakase Food Truck
We’re excited to welcome our friends from Omakase back to the Pub tonight where they’ll be serving up their famous Poké bowls plus much more. The bar will be OPEN as well so come out for a night of delicious food and brews!
Snack Break
Essex HS grads featuring one of Two Heroes own bar staff, Abby Lee! Come out for a night of talent and fun and support these amazing young musicians!
Organized Dead
RETHINKING THE GRATEFUL DEAD AND RELATED CATALOGUE....
Think you know the Grateful Dead? Think again. Organized Dead is an instrumental brotherhood of musical explorers centered around two entities that have changed the course of American music: The Grateful Dead and the iconic Hammond B3 Organ.
Formed with a desire to put an innovative spin on the music of this legendary band, their music features the classic sound of the Hammond B3 Organ and pays homage to the San Francisco-based psychedelic pioneers, their musical roots, solo offshoots and more. They intentionally approach each performance with a fresh lens focused on improvisational explorations, taking each song to new territory in new directions that incorporate and expand on the many genres that the Dead took their music.
Grace Palmer
Grace Palmer is a folk singer/songwriter from Burlington, VT. She was raised in Ellington, CT, where her love of music was fostered through performing in her family Christian rock band. She spent a year in Nashville working as an independent acoustic artist until the onset of the pandemic, where she moved to Burlington, VT, to attend St. Michael’s College, where she is currently a senior.
Grace’s music has strong influences of Jim Croce, Miley Cyrus, and Fleetwood Mac, leading to a unique folk-pop-rock sound. Her released music, an album called “i’ll be somebody”, can be described as lively, heartfelt, and introspective. In addition to solo acoustic shows, she can be found performing along the east coast in the jazz-funk fusion band Lazy Bird, and the pop-disco cover band Small Talk.
Instagram: @grace.palmer.music
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iZHMAHVCygmxIijaP8nDW?si=HTxct0WORt68qXUWXS9rxA
The Spring Chickens
The Spring Chickens are a volcanic old time stringband duo based in Vermont. They play hard-driving traditional Appalachian tunes and songs that’ll make you want to hop up and dance!
Jenny Monfore’s go-get-em fiddling and banjo style come from years of rambling around the US playing at regional gatherings and jamming with local musicians. Chris Hollis’ rhythm guitar lays down a solid foundation for the Chickens’ dynamic groove.
Bushey/Bedell Trio
With over 30 years of performing together in multiple genres Eric Bushey and Justin Bedell have what you could certainly call a "connection." This duo knows no boundaries genre-wise. A fiddle tune is just as likely to be followed by Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" as it is by a Jimi Hendrix tune played on Bushey's replica 1853 fretless banjo. Justin and Eric are always trying to distill music to its essence and present that clarity with whatever instrument they happen to be playing in that moment.
Bob Dylan Tribute
Come out to enjoy the music of Bob Dylan with Dave, Dave and Jom of CombusOmatics.
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
Doug’s Open Mic Night
Join us for the very first Doug’s Open Mic Night at Two Heroes Brewery on Tuesday, July 15 at 6pm! Grammy-nominated, Billboard and international award-winning artists Andre Maquera and Randy Smith of 8084 will take the stage alongside local favorite Jesse Agan. Local musicians are also invited to sign up and share their talent—come be part of the fun! Seating is first come, first served. Musicians interested in playing must sign up between 5:00-5:30 pm. Two Heroes - Brewery https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16UEspo9ZU/
JJ Booth
The musical duo act of Jim Hamel and Jason Lee (members of the band, Some Hollow).
Tom Bisson
Tom Bisson's rich baritone voice and unique strumming technique lets him artfully deliver songs of wit and whimsy. You can sit back and let his singing and playing serve as pleasant background music or let your ears lean into the song and enjoy the clever lyrics or poignant message. He plays original compositions and his own versions of songs by John Prine, Tom Waits, Paul Simon, Jim Croce and even Hank Williams Sr. among others.
Omakase Food Truck
We’re excited to welcome our friends from Omakase to the Pub tonight where they’ll be serving up their famous Poké bowls plus much more. The bar will be OPEN as well so come out for a night of delicious food and brews!
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
David Karl Roberts (DKR)
Singer/songwriter, David Karl Roberts, has crawled the highways and byways through coffeehouses, clubs and dive bars for the better part of 4 decades. A true Americana Troubadour creating a blend of whiskey soaked, folk, blues and Americana with a cocktail of soulful melodies, outlaw folk and swampy lounge blues. A Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist, weaving stories and song of life on the road, loves lost, tales of the American experience, and political unrest. A familiar face in the Northern New England music scene for several decades, DKR has been an opening act for nationally touring artists such as Dave Bromberg, Hot Tuna, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Fairport Convention, Dave Mason, Rick Danko, Trout Fishing in America, Joe Pug, Chris Pierce, Treat Her Right, Morphine and Aquarium Rescue Unit and can be found playing his songs in listening rooms and barrooms throughout New England.
Waves of Adrenaline
Cresting the contemporary folk scene in Burlington VT, this fun-loving band combines acoustic instruments, amazing collaborative songwriting, and an electric energy that IS the Waves of Adrenaline. Their music combines the harmonic interweavings of the Indigo Girls, the passion of Brandi Carlile, the energy of a crackling fire, and ...the fashion sense of Ellen DeGeneres. (??) Come on and listen in!
Thursdays with Jason featuring Aaron Flinn
“Thursdays with Jason” happens once a month where Jason Lee invites another musician on stage for a musical conversation. This Thursday featuring Aaron Flinn.
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
And that’s not all! We’re also having our weekly special - a delicious burger and a cold beer for just $16. It’s a great deal that won’t break the bank. So, come on over, grab your friends and family, and let’s make some unforgettable memories at Trivia Night!
CombustOmatics
CombustOmatics is fire. Four very good friends have come together to catalyze a very high energy and exciting musical experience. Playing originals and select combustible covers, CombustOmatics is a perfect combination of strong rhythms, excellent musicianship and tight harmony singing. Combustomatics features (in alphabetical order) Dave Ball on electric guitar, harmonica and vocals, Jom Hammack on electric mandolin and vocals, Dave Simpson on bass and vocals, and Tom Teare laying down grooves and solos on drums that are fundamental to the CombustOmatics soul. The members of CombustOmatics combine years of experience playing in other local bands with longstanding friendships, spontaneity, and keen ears for listening to each other to produce a unique and energetic sound that combines improvisation within well-rehearsed arrangements. Come check out a CombustOmatics show!
Jeff and Gina
Jeff & Gina have been performing throughout Vermont for several years, featuring a variety of styles and instrumental diversity. Featuring vocals, guitar, viola, flute, tenor guitar, mandolin and fretless ukulele bass , Jeff & GIna offer something that will interest all lovers of music. From R&B with vocal duets to soaring instrumentals, familiar and unique jazz standards, selections from Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder. Prince, Frank Zappa , Sting and Led Zeppelin, our versatility is our strong point. Whether a private function, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, restaurant or club gig, Jeff & GIna Duo are sure to please. We are also available as a trio, with Tim O’brien on drums, a little edgier, most enjoyable addition!
Ali T
Alison Turner, better known as Ali T, is an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Vermont. Influenced by pop/rock anthems of the early 2000s, the songstress performs original favorites and puts her own spin on popular tunes. Having started writing songs at the age of seven, and picking up the guitar when she was 11, Ali has developed into an introspective songwriter and versatile performer. Vermont’s Seven Days named Ali T “Best Pop Artist” in 2023, having been a nominee since 2018. She has also been a finalist for Best Vocalist (2018-2025) and was a nominee in the New England Music Awards for “Rising Star - Vermont” (2022) and “Pop Act of the Year” (2023, 2024).
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
And that’s not all! We’re also having our weekly special - a delicious burger and a cold beer for just $16. It’s a great deal that won’t break the bank. So, come on over, grab your friends and family, and let’s make some unforgettable memories at Trivia Night!
Matt Hagen
Matt Hagen plays acoustic guitar and sings original songs written and rooted in traditional country music that are themed around playful tales of revenge, perspective and some good ol’ advice. Matt Hagen’s catalog also includes songs written by Marty Robbins, Hank Williams, Shel Silverstein, Merle Haggard, Lee Hazlewood and other poetic legends.
She Was Right
She Was Right is a four member band that consists of Colchester residents Jim Neary (percussion, vocals) Stewart Foster (guitar, vocals), CHS grad Cait Hoffmann (vocals) and from Monkton, Otto Funke (bass, vocals).
Trivia Night
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of trivia at Trivia Night at TH! We’ve got FIVE exciting games during the 90 min trivia session, and guess what? There will be prizes! So, come on down and let’s test your knowledge together.
And that’s not all! We’re also having our weekly special - a delicious burger and a cold beer for just $16. It’s a great deal that won’t break the bank. So, come on over, grab your friends and family, and let’s make some unforgettable memories at Trivia Night!
Owl Stars
The Owl Stars - Andrew & Elizabeth are a duo from Northern Vermont that have been playing music collectively and together for over 20 years. Andrew James (acoustic guitar/vocals), Elizabeth Patterson (keys/vocals) are often joined by folks like John Gratton, Dan Gregiore, Jesse Cowan and Ryan Ochs that hail from bands such as Citizen Bare, WD-40’s and King Me. They continue to write and develop new music that highlights their individual vocals and soulful harmonies. Andrew James is a folk singer-songwriter that poetically blends together themes such as love, family and relationships, as well as social justice, current events and the complexity of the human experience.
Hard Scrabble
Hard Scrabble is a Vermont based, acoustic band, formed in Jan of 2009. It's music is a blend of bluegrass, blues, and acoustic covers. The band is comprised of 5 members focusing on multiple instrument solos and tight vocal harmonies.