The Vermont Symphony Orchestra's annual "Symphony Sampler" fundraiser takes place on Friday, September 7, from 6:00-8:30 pm at the Eastside Restaurant in Newport. The Dancing Sail will provide a gourmet buffet (cash bar).

All proceeds support the VSO's statewide educational and artistic inititiatives. Last season SymphonyKids programs reached over 3000 school children in Orleans and Caledonia counties, with 30 presentations for 26 schools in 24 different communities, including Jay-Westfield, Troy, Lowell, Newport Center, and Newport City.

The evening includes a raffle to win a hotel overnight in Burlington plus tickets for a VSO Masterworks concert. There will also be a silent auction with many exciting items, and a live auction featuring a gift basket and dinner for two from the Derby Line Village Inn, a Florida getaway, and a house concert. Musical entertainment will be provided by the VSO's "Raising Cane" Woodwind Trio, which over the years has performed dozens of concerts in North Country schools.

The cost for the event is $35 for adults; $25 for ages 13-17; $20 for under age 13.

Good music, good company, good food, and a good cause! You can make a reservation online at vso.org or by calling (800) VSO-9293 ext. 10.