Festival Schedule
Mojo Birds
Hailing from Durango CO, Mojo Birds are six musicians from various parts of the world including two with Vermont roots. They are a “funky flock” offering a roots, soulful groove sound coupled with a little “Afro-Peruvian Mojo”. Dancing guaranteed.
Mojo Birds band members: Jay Harootunian (guitar, vocals, Peruvian flute), Silas Hamilton (stand-up bass, vocals fiddle), Alexi Leon (vocals/percussion), Brian Aherne (guitar/slide guitar/vocals/harmonica), Ted Moore (drums/vocals/percussion), and Alex Taub (keys/vocals/melodica).
Tom Verner
Magician Tom Verner is the Founder of Magicians Without Borders. He has toured the world entertaining children wherever a little magic and laughter is desperately needed including multiple trips recently to Ukraine. Since 2002, Magicians Without Borders has traveled to over 40 countries using magic to entertain, educate, and empower. They have entertained over one million of the most forgotten people in the world.
Ted Perry and the Big Easy with Ryan Montbleau
Ted Perry, a musician, composer and producer, will be leading an ensemble called The Big Easy Revival that focuses on New Orleans jazz and swing. Soprano saxophonist Jon McBride brings an edgy style to traditional jazz, blues, gospel with a Caribbean influence that is balanced by Ted’s warm and soulful keyboarding. Drummer Dwight Ritcher adds to the dynamic sound along with bass player JD Haenni, formerly of New Orleans. Connor Young takes on the trumpet duties. We are also excited to welcome special guest Ryan Montbleau on vocals. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Ernest James Zydeco
Ernest James bought his first accordion in the dark recesses of a greasy Texas Bar. “It’s a damn good accordion for German Polkas” the old man said handing it over.” “No polkas for me” Ernest replied. Thus began his relationship with Zydeco! While honoring the traditions and many legendary Zydeco musicians, Ernest plays with high energy and genre bending artistry. Though he often relies on a deep steady groove, Ernest’s music reaches far beyond a straight up two-step.
After years of traveling the south, west coast and plains, Ernest settled in Vermont and quickly found local veteran musicians to join him on stage. The band consists of Ernest James on accordion, Jeff Salisbury (drums), Noah Hahn (bass), Jay Ekis (guitar), and Troy Turner (rub board).
No Strings Marionettes
Puppeteers Dan Baginski and Barbara Paulson transforms our stage into an intimate theater where a seamless blend of movement, music, and masterful manipulation will captivate young and old alike. These Vermont artisans lovingly hand craft the marionettes, props, and scenery, whether for an original tale or an adaptation of a classic. Shows begin with songs and finish with demonstrations sparked by the audiences' curious questions. Once the show begins there are no strings and the adventure begins!
Addison County Live! Evan Jennison, Jim and Clara Carroll, Naunau Beloha & Friends
Together with Town Hall Theater, Festival on the Green presents an afternoon showcase of some of our very talented regional musicians. Please join us as we celebrate and listen to our musical neighbors.
1:30 pm Evan Jennison
A singer/songwriter who draws inspiration from the Green Mountains of his home state, Evan’s music walks the lines between Americana, folk, bluegrass and rock. His playing melds acoustic instruments with electric tones, weaving together reverberant harmonies and improvisation.
2:30 pm Jim and Clara Carroll
Jim and Clara Carroll are a father/daughter duo who have been singing together for forty years. They play a mix of covers and original songs with roots in folk and country music.
3:30 pm Naunau Beloha & Friends
Naunau Beloha, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter living in Middlebury, is originally from Madagascar. His music and songs draw inspiration from the realities of his homeland and beyond, blending Malagasy, reggae and West African influences into a vibrant fusion sound. Naunau will perform backed by members of Gumbo YaYa on bass, guitar and percussion.
Mélisande
Mélisande Gélinas-Fauteux brings a strong female energy to the Quebecois music scene. With roots from Boloeil, Quebec, her early works featured an “electro trad” style of traditional Quebecois music. Recently she has revisited her repertoire with the acoustic quintet that will be accompanying her in Middlebury. Hailed by critics and rewarded by numerous awards, she has presented over 400 concerts worldwide. With an infectious energy and stage presence, she makes the crowd sing and dance wherever she goes. The band features Mélisande: vocals, guimbarde, mandolin; Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand: flute, bass, vocals; Gabriel Girouard: violin, feet, vocals; Jean Desrochers: acoustic guitar, vocals; and Éric Breton: percussion.
Burlington Taiko
Taiko drumming is a marvel to hear, see and feel in performance. Since it’s inception in 1987, Burlington Taiko Group has been played hundreds of performances including at the 100th running of the Boston Marathon, the Joseph Campbell – Keepers of the Lore festival, the Black Ships Festival, Burlington’s First Night and many colleges and in towns throughout the country. Burlington Taiko combines movement, rhythm, voice, and the efficient and graceful movement of chi, or “energy,” from the player to the drum.
Faux Paws
The Faux Paws play a raucous blend of bluegrass, jazz, Cajun and folk music from raging fiddle tunes to saxophone solos to unrequited love songs. Their acoustic style transcends style limitations. Brothers Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand along with Chris Miller put on an performance that showcases virtuosity on the fiddle, guitar, mandolin and saxophone, tight 3-part harmonies, playful interplay and improvisation.
Damn Tall Buildings
We are delighted to have crowd favorites Damn Tall Buildings return to our stage. If you like bluegrass served with a little attitude, grit and gravy, then Damn Tall Buildings will delight your ears. A Bluegrass group at heart, they pull from a wide range of influences including swing, ragtime and jazz. This Brooklyn based Bluegrass band is known for their soulful melodies and intricate instrumentals. Max Capstran (guitar, banjo and vocals), Sasha Dubyk (upright bass and vocals) and Avery Ballotta (violin and vocals) have spent over a decade honing their craft, creating a distinctive sound that weaves heartfelt lyrics into thoughtful fiddle, guitar and bass arrangements.
Mathis Andersen & Gaëlle Hispard
Robinson Crusoe & Zoé Liberté - a musical storytelling show created by Gaëlle Hispard and Mathieu Gerhardt with Gaëlle Hispard as Zoé Liberté, Mathieu Gerhardt as Robinson Crusoe, Marc Beaudin as the narrator / the pirate.
Robinson washes up on the shore of a desert island… or so he thinks. Because Zoé is already there! Will they manage to join forces and stand up to the pirates? Presented with original songs, this lively storytelling show playfully reimagines—and twists—Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Blending humor and adventure, the show takes audiences on a vibrant journey that celebrates freedom and calls for respect for all living beings. This musical storytelling show, presented in English with a touch of French, will delight young audiences (suggested for ages 5 and up) and adults alike.
Mammals
Described as “indie-roots trailblazing high-octane Americana”, The Mammals make music for a world that has forgotten how to listen. Formed by Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar, The Mammals emerged from the fertile soil of the folk tradition. They carry forward the lineage of protest music, family harmony and grassroots resilience and weave them into something alive, awake and stunningly contemporary. The Boston Globe calls them “A party band with a conscious.” The lineup includes Ruth Ungar Merenda, Mike Merenda, Tim Morrison, Scott Melici, and Brandon Morrison.
Slap Dragon
Slap Dragon began as a half-joke: an acoustic funk band. But once Scott Mulvahill and Laura Berens started playing together, it quickly became something real. Blending acoustic groove, bluegrass instincts, R&B soul, improvisation, and sharp songwriting, the Nashville-based project thrives on chemistry, joy, and world-class musicianship. Their debut album, Mission Statement, arrives May 29, 2026 via No Coincidence Records.
Circus Minimus
Traditionally the circus has been a place of inclusion where no matter how weird or unique your talent is, there was a place for you. Circus Minimus is a place for everyone: a place where ordinary people do extraordinary things! Founder Kevin O’Keefe discovered Circus Minimus when he found an empty suitcase outside of his NYC apartment and filled it with everything he needed for his One-Man Circus in a Suitcase. The wacky characters and antics make this fast-paced show a great deal of fun for both kids and adults worldwide!
Brett Hughes and the Honky-Tonk Crowd
Veteran Vermont musician Brett Hughes hosted Honky-Tonk Tuesdays at Radio Bean for over a decade. What started off as a jam session eventually became a musical entity with a rotating cast of established local musicians. The band revisits the spirit of some of yesteryear’s best song writers and presents them to a new audience. Brett’s enthusiasm is contagious as he belts out tunes from some of country-music’s best. It should be a night of “boot-stomping fun!”
Vermont Jazz Ensemble Street Dance & Scarlett Annie
Since 1984, the Festival's capstone event has been the Street Dance, featuring big-band selections by the Vermont Jazz Ensemble. With musicians hailing from all comers of the Green Mountain State, Vermont Jazz Ensemble is a 17-member instrumental group that performs selections in the jazz and Big Band styles, and also plays a repertoire of rock, fusion, Latin, and popular styles. Its extensive library includes standards by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and others. This is a wonderful event for the whole family. The town has permitted us to shut down Main Street for you to boogie and jive on the state's most unique dance floor!
We are thrilled to announce a Special Surprise to take place during intermission: Scarlet Annie will be performing for your listening pleasure!