I am getting really excited for next Friday's 2nd Annual Vermont String Summit, which will take place Friday, January 3rd as part of the Live & Up! series at Chandler. Last Year's String Summit was something that happened at the very last minute when banjoist Ben Krakauer reached out to a friend of mine looking for a venue for a house concert. She forwarded his query to me, Chandler got on board, and suddenly in the blurry busyness of late December a few of us were spreading the word about a very exciting show. It was a blast and a huge success last year, and it's happening again!

What is it? Well, on the face of things, it's an awesome concert featuring world class acoustic musicians on (at least) fiddle, cello, mandolin, guitar, bass, octave mandolin, and voice, The musicians in question for this year's show are Ben Krakauer, Lily Henley, Duncan Wickel, Joe K. Walsh, Grant Gordy, Tristan Clarridge, Tashina Clarridge, and Dan Klingsberg.

It's really more than a concert, though. The musicians will be on a musical retreat together leading up to the Chandler performance, and they will be playing the music that comes out of that retreat. That means new material, new arrangements, new life, and a musical celebration of friendship, creativity, and community. What a way to begin a new year!

Plus, when the main show winds down at 9:30, there will be about an hour for an open jam session. All are welcome to bring an instrument and participate, or simply stick around and enjoy every last drop of joy and good music.

Admission to this event is by donation (suggested $10-$20), and first come first served. Doors will open at 7:00.