Walking through the doors of Nectar’s on a Thursday night leads you into a world that you might not expect. As people shuffle out from the weekly pub trivia, a new crowd settles into the confines of the landmark establishment. The anticipation builds among the patrons, to see what is in store for them, for what they are about to hear. And when it comes time for the band to take the stage, a sound unfamiliar to the college town scene washes over the crowd: the sound of bluegrass.
Thursday nights at 9:30 the stage belongs to residential bluegrass outfit Goldtown as well as other bluegrass, funk, folk and country musicians to share their craft. Two bands each week will welcome you into their world, and share the stories that stuck with them. Even though the recurring show is still in its infancy, it has commanded a good following thus far. And with solid acts by the weekly guests and Goldtown, it is no surprise.
What this night brought out was more than just a different sound to the streets of Burlington, it brought out an eclectic mix of characters. From the college crowd to some people in their sixties, to entire families, they all came to hear some bluegrass. “You just don’t hear this stuff anymore, not in places like this,” remarked an older gentleman from South Burlington, “you have to search for it.”
Scanning the upcoming events for most venues, there is a noticeable lack of country flavored music. Folk acts make appearances here and there, but in the city of Burlington, certain sounds take the forefront. With indie rock bands headlining most nights at Higher Ground and dance mixes filling the clubs and bars, there aren’t many popular venues left for a different style, one that doesn’t necessarily pop into younger generations minds when deciding to go see a show. Nectar’s is helping to change that by providing a venue for these overlooked styles, a way to reach out to long time listeners and newcomers alike.
The January 21st edition of Bluegrass Thursdays featured the opening act Kyle The Rider, a country duo hailing all the way from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories province of Canada. Even though it supposedly took them sixty-four hours to get to Burlington, they still put on a great show. From playing original compositions, to some hilarious banter between the two of them, to plugging their mailing list (an actual mailing list due to “not having the email yet,” as stated by Rider), it was a perfect way to kick off the night. Also, the heart touching rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ really brought the crowd together, especially the man who it was dedicated to.
The easygoing style of Kyle The Rider certainly won over some who weren’t sure what to expect. “We’re gonna start coming every week,” said a group of UVM students, “they were awesome.” The good natured, just-have-fun sensibility of bluegrass music itself definitely resonated with the crowd. And that was only the beginning, while Kyle The Rider brought a country sound, Goldtown was ready with straight-up, 100%, pure bluegrass.
As soon as the notes began pouring forth from the banjo, guitars, and bass, the whole place was moving. A song later some hoe down dancing erupted up front and what started as an experiment with country fried music, turned into a full on love affair. And that hoe down wouldn’t stop until the last chord was strummed on that guitar, and the last syllable was uttered from the front man’s throat. Most striking about Goldtown was their talent and dedication to a style. For a group consisting of younger men, they played like they were twenty year veterans.
The blend of all things acoustic with the sweet whine and moan style vocals could make you forget the fact that this was still Burlington, Vermont. The atmosphere was so intoxicating that even the most skeptical patron that night couldn’t help but be brought into the festivities. There was just as much dancing, drinking, and fun being had at Nectar’s on Thursday as there was in any dance club, music hall, or sports bar in town.
Looking around the room, seeing so many glasses and bottles raised, and hearing so many cheers, makes you wonder, where is all the bluegrass? As the older man from before passed by, with a big smile on his face and beer in hand he said, “This is what you come for, it’s all about having fun.”
After both sets had finished, it was all about a good time. The bands did not play song after song, and rush their set list, they took their time to enjoy the show. They took their time to tell the stories behind the songs, and speak to the fans who had come out to see them. If people from all different backgrounds, of all different ages can all share a love for this kind of music, then it has to be a good thing.
So the next time you’re looking for something to do on a Thursday night, why not change it up a bit. Forget disco bowling, dance clubs, the movies or staying in, check in on something new. Head on down to Nectar’s and get a dose of Americana, or Canadana in some cases, and get a glimpse at some of the best bluegrass Vermont has to offer.
More Info: