Downtown Burlington bustled with Pride Vermont 2010 during the pride parade Saturday.  The annual parade called for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to go all out, bringing in big support from various political candidates and activism groups.  Smiles spread across the faces of spectators lining the street as marchers made a statement.  The celebration, complete with dancing, face painting, and beads, showcased Burlington’s diverse community and raised awareness.  It was “anything goes” on Church Street as people of all ages made their way down the thoroughfare with everything from rollerblades and flashy hula hoops to unicycles and stilts of jaw dropping heights.

After the parade, street performers took advantage of the freshly energized crowd.  Two young guitar players collaborated with a few members of Tap Kids to put on a real show.

Check out the photographs from the parade on our Flickr account here!

On the opening night of the 27th annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the late, great Big Joe Burrell was honored with a statue on the Church Street Marketplace. The blues and jazz icon, in his old school suit and tassel loafers, stands in bronze, blowing his saxophone outside of Halvorson’s Upstreet Café, where he and his band mates played every week.  In the late 1970’s, the soulful saxophonist was en route to the big city in New York when he stumbled upon the burgeoning music scene in the small city of Burlington, Vermont.  Big Joe brought his big city jazz and blues to the front lines of Burlington, where he touched the lives of thousands through his music.  After sharing his time and talent with the Burlington community for almost 30 years, locals embrace the Michigan native as one of their own.

“Joe arrived here as a full blown musician- all the tools, all the skills, all the
fame that makes a musician a regional hero.” –Leon Burrell (Big Joe’s
nephew)

BIG JOE’S ROOTS

Big Joe Burrell was born during the big band era on February 9, 1924 in Port Huron, Michigan.  The youngest of seven children, Joe spent his childhood listening to his mother sing and his father play the guitar, piano, and harmonica.  Joe’s choice, influenced by such musicians as Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins, was the saxophone.  When he was 10 year old, his mother borrowed money from her boss to buy him his own instrument.  His passion for music took off in the 1930’s after hearing big bands like Count Basie and Jimmie Lunceford.  Joe’s formal schooling ended after eighth grade, but his musical education continued as he picked up stage presence from the older cats and accrued an impressive vocabulary of both jazz and the blues. The result was an incomparable entertainer who delivered a fresh act every time with his world-class saxophone sound.

While working gigs at local clubs, Big Joe left Michigan when World War II called him into the service.  Seventeen-year-old Joe joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and served three years playing with the Harlem and Cadence Army Show Band throughout Italy, North Africa and the Philippines.  Big Joe pushed through a two year battle with tuberculosis, a condition that temporarily hindered his ability to play.

After recovering and returning to civilian life, Burrell moved to Toledo, Ohio, and honed his techniques to form the Red Tops Organ Trio. The band opened for legendary blues guitarist B.B. King, who loved Burrell’s big sound and immediately invited him to join his orchestra.  Burrell spent the next three years recording and touring the United States in the early 1960’s.

Big Joe’s exceptional musical talent landed him yet another big break when Count Basie heard him play and borrowed him for a gig at his night club in New York City.  Through Basie, Burrell and his band, The Burning Flames, played back-up for The Miller Sisters for several years as they toured the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Europe.

Big Joe’s next stop was Toronto, Canada, where he stayed for the next decade.  He dabbled in everything from western music to disco when he joined a group called The Hot Toddies, led by Big John Little. During the rock ‘n’ roll era, they played shows all over the eastern provinces.  Big Joe’s life on the road was rich with musical relationships, a few recordings, and significant regional success. But being on the road for nearly three decades had taken a toll on Big Joe.

BIG JOE COMES TO BURLINGTON

All it took was a few friends to bring Big Joe to Vermont, where he soon called home. Headed for New York City, Big Joe visited his friend in Montreal who led him to join up with his old friend and drummer, Charlie Duncan. Shortly thereafter, Joe made his debut in Vermont during the winter of 1976 playing with the Charlie Duncan Trio at the Roostertail, a former South Burlington night club. Serendipitously, Big Joe was put in contact with his nephew, Leon Burrell, who was teaching at the University of Vermont.  Leon went to see him perform that evening for the first time, and was floored by his showmanship and style of music.  He offered his uncle a place to stay and Big Joe moved in immediately, only intending to stay for two weeks.

“He just loved the enthusiasm the Burlington audiences had for his music. I
think that was probably the single most reason. He could be a super star
here. And people just loved him.” –Chuck Eller (played with Big Joe as his
keyboard player in the Unknown Blues Band for almost 27 years)

In 1976, Big Joe was roped in by the burgeoning music scene in Burlington when he filled in for saxophonist Larry McCrorey in the popular local band, Just Jazz.  The rest is history.  Over the next 29 years, Burrell became a fixture in the area.  Shortly after arriving in Burlington, guitarist Paul Asbell asked Burrell to sit in for a monthly blues night with his contemporary jazz band, Kilimanjaro.

“He thoroughly understood that jazz was more than technical fluency, that it
was an expression of feeling – soul, if you will. And he had it!” –Larry
McCrorey (Big Joe’s oldest friend and saxophone player in Vermont)-Seven
Days “Ode to Big Joe”

The instant rush of popularity spurred the group to switch their focus to the Unknown Blues Band featuring Big Joe Burrell with keyboardist Chuck Eller, bassist Tony Markellis, guitarist Paul Asbell, and drummer Russ Lawton.  The Unknown Blues Band became quite well known in Vermont and beyond.  They were the state’s most in-demand band for weddings, and even played at weddings for members of Phish.  They recorded a couple of albums, including Live at Hunt’s (1985) and Every Time I Hear That Mellow Saxophone (1992), before officially disbanding in 2002.

Big Joe, with his compelling jazzy notes and Chicago blues-style singing, became a staple of Burlington’s music scene and community. Big Joe and innumerable guests jammed at the Burlington Boathouse on the waterfront almost every Fourth of July while tens of thousands listened and watched the fireworks.  Big Joe was generous with his time and talent, speaking frequently at New England colleges.  He became enmeshed in the Burlington community, performing for local charities, tossing out inflated saxophones from his Mardi Gras Parade float, and passing on the jazz and blues to the next generation. He inspired countless musicians throughout his years in the growing music hub of Burlington.
“He’d invite young players, not very developed as players, and really
graciously have them come up and really make it about them and not about
him. Invariably, if the opportunity arose, he did it with such incredible grace
and generosity it was unbelievable.” –Chuck Eller

Big Joe remained active in Burlington’s music scene into his old age, playing his weekly show at Halvorson’s, frequent gigs with Jenni Johnson at the Burlington Boathouse, and the occasional fling with the Unknown Blues Band.

“He’d get up on stage and all of a sudden it was as if a miracle had happened.
Joe was 20 years younger playing music. Truly, for him, his passion for music
was a life extender.” –Chuck Eller

Near the end of Big Joe’s life, friend and keyboardist Chuck Eller organized a birthday party to celebrate his 80th birthday.  That night, then mayor Clavelle gave Big Joe “the key to the city.” A week shy of his 81st birthday, Big Joe Burrell passed away on February 2, 2005.  His immense influence on Burlington resonated. 

THE STATUE

“Joe was a very humble and modest person.  If we had told him he was getting a
statue, he would have had some comeback like, ‘You jive turkeys!  You’re crazy.’
This is something that was built solely out of the love that people felt for Joe.”
–Chuck Eller

Even with the weekly Friends of Joe tribute shows at Halvorson’s, the community recognized the need to strengthen Big Joe’s presiding spirit in Burlington.  In July 2005, Burlington City Arts issued a call to artists to produce this public art project.  Burlington High School metalworking and art teacher Chris Sharp was chosen out of sixteen artists across the nation to apply his love for jazz and his understanding of the Burlington community to create the public artwork.  Sharp, a native Burlington, Vermonter, worked collaboratively with the Public Art Review Panel, which was comprised of Big Joe’s close friends, Church Street Marketplace representatives, Burlington City Arts Public Art Committee members, and local artists to bring the vision to Church Street.

Sharp combed through memories, archives and photographs, trying to create a three-dimensional image that also captured the essence of Big Joe.  On June 4, after five years of planning and fundraising, the three-quarter-ton, 6 foot 3 bronze statue memorializing Big Joe Burrell was unveiled on Church Street Marketplace right in front of Halvorson’s Upstreet Café.   The statue, modeled from a photograph taken by Josef Cernikovsky, portrays the late Big Joe’s characteristic pose, with one hand holding his giant instrument and the other pointing toward his friends and supporters who made the statue possible after five years.  The 3000 hours Sharp spent planning and sculpting, along with the performance by the Unknown Blues Band, brought the statue of their late front man to life.

“Being there in your community in body, spirit, and openheartedness, that
makes a huge difference. People respond to that. You can make things better
if you have a positive outlook. Joe definitely had a positive outlook: ‘It doesn’t
cost anything to have a smile.’” –Chris Sharp

Over the years and across the globe, Big Joe established a lot of famous connections, but he also generously honored his local Vermont relationships. For this, his friends and supporters honor Big Joe with undying enthusiasm.  They were truly lucky to have Big Joe as a member of the Burlington community, and managed to raise upwards of $100,000 to bring their good friend, mentor, and neighbor Big Joe Burrell back to the Marketplace.

Monday June 7

After being teased by the traveling acoustic guitar chords and faint solos of Hey Mama as I finished up my cheese steak on the patio of Sweetwaters, I was pulled to the magnet that was the City Hall Stage.  The four-piece washboard rock and roll band commanded the attention of the entire block, showcased in a warm orange glow under the tented stage.  A clap-clap stomp vibrated through the standing audience.  Two thirds through the show, the $15 Hey Mama CD became the urge, desirable enough to leave those in-demand front row seats empty.

After the show, a ring of spectators beckoned my attention.  Taking advantage of the fresh twilight on Church Street Marketplace, a young street entertainer skillfully tossed torches from his teetering perch of stacked skateboards and cups.

I slinked into the shadows of the crowd as he scanned the line of wide-eyed onlookers for a few daring volunteers to pass a bowling ball into his clutch of lit torches and a small sword, which he proceeded to juggle.  Such a feat spread the famous, “he knows what he’s doing, right?” look across the faces of the marketplace audience.

After balancing a 50-lb chest on his chin, he weaved precariously around three volunteers on his unicycle, earning a chuckle from his satisfied spectators.  Yes, the crowd confirmed.  He knows what he’s doing.

The resonating drums of the Big Joe Burrell Day jazz performances spilled onto Church Street Marketplace and pulled passersby into the metropolis of live music, the farmers’ market, and the Burlington City Art’s artist market nestled in City Hall Park.

“Oh my gosh, there are just so many people!” a woman exclaimed as she passed through the Burlington City Arts alley into City Hall Park.  This was not a crowd like at the beach, though.  This was a pulsing community, all gathered here to enjoy the weather, food, and music during the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival.  Predictions of rain fizzled in the 80 degree Fahrenheit afternoon, and this became a watering hole for the city of Burlington.  It was a dog’s day in the park as the breeds escorted their owners to the fountain.  But what better place than there to take a seat, have a snack, and let the kids get their feet wet?

On the far side of the park, the Farmers’ Market bustled with free wine tastings, greens for sale, and organic everything.  It takes something so simple to bring together a community like Burlington: a zesty combination of good food and great music.  And once they’re there, they drop their bikes and helmets unlocked on the trustworthy grass of City Hall Park and head for the action.  Hundreds of people gathered for the Big Joe Burrell Day celebration, with performances by Movement of the People: The Fela Kuti Project, Barika, and Gordon Stone Band.

The crowd gyrated, edging closer to the stage with one foot tapping and both knees bouncing.   A diverse crowd of all ages set up blankets and let their kids scramble in front of the stage.  It was a toddler moshpit, which by the end of the third band became a full-blown City Hall Park dance party.

It happens often. Just when I feel Vermont is beginning to freeze over and all of local mankind has gone into permanent hibernation, Vermont shakes its crazy liberal tail and surprises the hell out of me.

Take, for instance, this tidbit of irony. Only recently has gay marriage been inducted into our long list of much needed legalities, but Vermont’s annual Winter is a Drag Ball is celebrating its 15TH YEAR of men and women swapping genders and dresses for an evening of gay ‘ol fun. To add to the oxymoron, this is one of the BIGGEST EVENTS OF THE YEAR! Who would have thunk that when us rough and tough Vermonters remove our rugged snow-wear, we trade it in for silk chiffon gowns and a heaping of fake mustaches?

The event is this Saturday, and it’s always at Higher Ground (filling both large rooms to the brim) and hosted by The House of Lemay, a local drag trio who throw this shindig in order to benefit the Vermont People With Aids Coalition. All profits will go towards the organization.

On top of fabulous costumes, there is fabulous music (including yours truly) throughout the evening. The schedule goes as such: Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8. The Showcase Lounge features the House of Lemay Cabaret with the Decoys and special guest–me.

9:30, The Diva Lounge with Superior Sounds, Midnight-Llu’s Lounge.

In the Main Ballroom dance to the sweet DJ Sounds of Alan Perry and Rob Douglas. 8p.m.-Moustache Ride

8:30-Heloise and the Savoir Faire, 9:30-the Decoys, 10:00-Live performances, Midnight-Costume parade!!

Speaking of costumes, you will want to hit up Old Gold on Main Street for all things fierce. So, get your drag, and get over there.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO OF THE LADIES OF LEMAY IN ACTION!

It’s true, there are black people in Vermont. For a while there, we were the whitest state in the union until we were recently beat out by Wyoming and Maine (take that!!)

But lately it’s safe to say that I have been seeing more brown faces strolling Church Street next to mine. I must admit it’s nice. Not that it was ever not-nice on Church Street, but makes us feel a tad culturally left-out sometimes in the larger scheme of things.

But white-state no more! In fact we are so afro-centric that we even have our own African Dance company named Jeh Kulu, and they are not letting us forget that the month of February not only represents the worst possible weather Vermont has to offer, it  is also black history month.

In celebration of Black History Month, Vermont’s premier African dance company, Jeh Kulu, is hosting “Fight for Your Rights… To Party”, a night recognizing the contributions of Africa and African peoples to our nation. Join Jeh Kulu at Parima Restaurant on Pearl Street in Burlington on Friday February 5th for a night of entertainment by the areas top Reggae and Dance Hall DJs and Jeh Kulu’s live African drumming. Cash prizes will be awarded in a late night contest and Jeh Kulu dancers will perform. The party starts at 9pm. An eight dollar donation will be requested at the door. Proceeds from this event support the annual Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Festival and Jeh Kulu’s educational and cultural outreach activities throughout Vermont.
In light of current events, a portion of the nights proceeds will go to disaster relief in HAITI. So really, do you have a reason not to come?

Friday, February 5, 2010 at 9:00 pm

Well, don’t literally HONK. Instead, just try to show up!

I will admit that those of us in the downtown Burlington community do sometimes venture out of downtown and hang out in the south side. South Burlington that is. This is where our most prestigious music venue Higher Ground is located, and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to throwing a big bash for a worthy cause.

In recognition of the horrific tragedies taking place in Haiti, the Showcase Lounge of Higher Ground and local band the Dirtminers will host an evening of fantastic music to raise funds for victims from 8p.m.-1 a.m. this Saturday January 3o. Proceeds from the show will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for their medical work in Haiti. The good folks at Higher Ground are hosting the event at no cost  and a number of other sponsors  are helping out to cover advertising and other expenses, so your ticket money will go directly to the relief effort.

And honestly, you don’t want to miss this show. When will you get a chance to see these local acts all in the same room again? :

The Honky Tonk Tuesday Band
Patrick Fitzsimmons and friends
Swale
Dirtminers
Waylon Speed
Lowell Thompson
Marie Claire
Blowtorch
and special surprise guests!

And these sponsors?

Higher Ground
Big Heavy World
The Radiator
Common Ground Youth Center
All in all, even if you are simply driving through Burlington on this date, you should stop in to gain a true feeling for what Burlington has to offer. Yes yes, the scenery is what we are known for, but events like this showcase the beauty of our community.

Higher Ground is located at 1214 Williston Rd. in South Burlington

You wouldn’t know it from my previous blogs, but NO, all downtown Burlington fun does not have to include a bar.

Take for instance our friendly neighborhood—er—space? Designhaus.

That’s right, it’s a space, for whatever use you could possibly imagine. I have seen music, artwork, sculptures and massive amounts of fun take place in this “space”. Comfortably it seats about 40 people in the whole joint, making it a tiny space, but in my opinion, just large enough to keep the real art-observers in and the riff raff out. (Riff raff…hmmm…does Church Street even have riff raff?)

Dare I say that I have had one slight frustration with downtown Burlington in the past; although our plethora of colleges (five majors in this small area) keep our economy afloat, sometimes it can leave those of us inbetweeners (say…23+) feeling a little big for our britches. Or…a little old for our town. But when Designhaus settled on upper Church, all was changed. Finally, we have a creative space where all of us sorta-grownups can hang. Did I mention it’s BYOB?

Which brings me to my announcement about the next cool thing DH is up to this Friday from 5 p.m.-11 p.m.: The Open Fashion Shoot. Come experience the working photo studio! DH technicians will be on-hand giving demonstrations, answering questions, and facilitating fun. They need models, photographers and enthusiasts to get involved. Bring your friend, your kid, your dog… anyone can drop in to strike a pose or pop a flash. Image copies will be available after the shoot. Discounted studio memberships will be offered during the event!

One of the toughest things about being a diehard fan of Burlington musicians is that sometimes they do the unthinkable—they leave. Such is the story with Avi and Celia. They carved a serious niche in the Burlington Music scene when coming out as a rockabilly/soul/blues duet nearly six years ago. The first time I saw them, I was in love. Avi sings with a low simple voice (think Johnny Cash) while Celia wail’s like she’s embodying a 60’s blues mama (think Janis Joplin). They literally freak out on stage and know how to get the whole crowd jumping. The duo soon flew the coop and moved to Boston in pursuit of a bigger playing pool. It’s tough when that happens, but I understand it (as a musician myself). Sometimes you have to feel validated, and going to a strange place with complete strangers enjoying your music really does the trick. And sometimes, it can feel pretty lonely. So, when that happens, you pick up your gear and come back home, where Burlington awaits you with open arms. This must be one of those times! The two are coming back to Burlington this weekend for a CD release party for their new band: Hey Mama. This is not a show to miss. Hey Mama features Avi & Celia with Jared Seabrook and Ben Kogan on drums and bass. The rock & roll vibe of the band explores the groups deep influence in blues and roots-country music. The album was recorded with Grammy nominated producer Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Recording. Check them out. Nectars, this Saturday, 10 p.m.