The music scene in Vermont is a lot of things. They say it’s eclectic. They say it’s fun. They say it’s unique. But what about the people actually involved in Vermont’s music industry? The musicians themselves. What do they have to say? For them, the music scene in the Green Mountain State is so much more. It’s full of real people playing real music .
 

Taylor Coppenrath, from West Barnet, Vermont grew up in true small town Vermont style. Attending St. Johnsbury Academy and being held to junior varsity until his junior year in high school, he went on to be recruited by the University of Vermont and was red shirted his freshmen year, after which he went on to be named player of the year for three consecutive years for leading UVM to three straight America East Conference titles. Reggie Lewis is the only other player in America East history to gain player of the year honors three years in a row.

Sometimes you just gotta get away.
A long year of school and homework, parents nagging, job responsibilities –– it can be a lot, sometimes too much, and definitely calls for some well-deserved time off.
Shopping, yeah, that’s something to do, but it’s not always the most wallet-friendly activity. In the winter you could ski, snowboard or sled. In the summer you can hang by the pool. But sometimes, sometimes you just gotta get out –– not just out, but gone, out there, into nature.

Dwight & Nicole
Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson are an American roots act based out of Boston/ NYC and currently living in Burlington, Vt.
NextUp: How did Dwight and Nicole come to be? Where did it all start?

Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band
Kat Wright is the lead singer for her big, bluesy, soul band Kat Wright & the Indomitable Soul Band. With a lineup of great New England musicians her music features bass, drums, percussion, guitar, organ, trumpet, trombone and alto sax.
NextUp: Where did it all start?

Twiddle
Twiddle is comprised of lead singer and guitar player Mihali Savoulidis, keys and organ player Ryan Dempsey, percussionist Brook Jordan and bassist Zdenek Gubb. Currently on tour, this Vermont quartet plays multi-genre music mixing jazz, classical, bluegrass and a blend of reggae and funk.
NextUp: How did Twiddle come to be? Where did it all start?

by Becky Hayes
Ski resorts may not have started out as an ideal place for a summer vacation, but Vermont’s favorite mountains are working hard to change their image as a one-season destination.
“There’s no such thing as an off season anymore,” said JJ Toland, Jay Peak’s communications director.
Now Jay Peak, like many other resorts in the state, is operating year round and offering more than a few summer attractions.

Organized sports don’t end with high school graduation; there are many opportunities at Vermont colleges and in local communities to satisfy your drive to compete
Even if you’re not planning to play varsity sports in college, high school graduation does not have to be the end of your playing career. Whether you want to keep up the same sport or take a new one to a new level, Vermont has opportunities for you.

Mount Mansfield: Sunset Ridge Trail
Location: About 17 miles east of Burlington and 22 miles NW of Montpelier
Also listed as 69th best hike in the U.S. in the trails.com 2005 ranking

Camel’s Hump: Forestry, Dean and Long Trails Loop
Location: Between Burlington and Montpelier, south of I-89

Mount Ascutney: Weathersfield Trail
Location: About 20 miles south of White River Junction, just west of the Connecticut River

How did you get into snowboarding? When did you think you might get to the level you're at now?