10.12.24

Fire on the

Mountain

Vermont Food & Music Festival

The Event

By weaving together elements of landscape, cuisine, and music—this event not only provides a rich, multifaceted experience but also reinforces the importance of cultural and environmental stewardship. It’s a celebration of what makes Vermont unique and a demonstration of how community-supported endeavors can thrive by staying true to their roots while embracing innovative practices.

The Food!

Gather to enjoy the flavors of Vermont. Locally sourced ingredients prepared by Butcher & Pantry and The Spicy Spoke reflect and emphasize the connection between food, environment, and community.

The Music

The musical aspect of the event brings together regional and nationally recognized artists to create an authentic and engaging experience. With genres like folk, bluegrass, and rock, the lineup promises a diverse and resonant soundtrack that reflects the spirit of the community. Music acts as a universal language, enhancing the connection between guests and the local cultural landscape.

  • “It’s a bit of a paradox.  I still feel like an up-and-coming singer-songwriter, with my most exciting days just in front of me.  It's funny because I have been writing songs and singing for my supper for almost 25 years...crazy how time flies when you are having fun.  Still, I am as excited as ever for the next song, the next record, and the next gig.” - JN

    Over the span of his self-described, ‘under the radar' career, Jay Nash's rough-hewn voice, poignant melodies, and unique yet subtly virtuosic approach to the guitar have taken him across the United States and Europe more times than he can count.  He has released seven full-length solo albums, and four solo EPs along with another ten albums with his collaborative efforts with TFDI, The Contenders, Garrison Starr, and Caitlin Crosby..racking up 10s of millions of streams and selling over 70,000 records.  In his time off the road, where he’s racked up thousands of live performances, Nash has created the original motion picture score for three feature films, a Dutch television series, and dozens of nationally run commercial spots.

    Variety is indeed the spice of life. Still, everything comes back to the man and his guitar.

    “Writing and singing songs is my connection to the rest of the world.  When I am inside a song, everything makes sense, and loneliness do not exist.  The great joy of my life has been witnessing people make my music a part of their lives and seeing it help them make sense of this world.  I can honestly say that nearly every opportunity that I have ever had and nearly every positive and beautiful memory of my life somehow stemmed from me standing on a stage with my guitar and singing for folks”, says Nash.

    “When I was a kid, music pulled me out of my first adolescent existential crisis.  For me, it was Jerry Garcia’s guitar, Bob Dylan’s words, and Cat Steven's voice that made me feel suddenly connected to everything that has ever been and everything that ever will be.”

    “My aim now is to do the same.  I still believe that we can make this world a better place with one story and one song at a time.”

  • Brooks Hubbard is a national touring independent artist from the mountains of rural New England. Since the age of three, his connection with music has led him on a path of continuous growth, both as an artist and human being from writing songs about the Iraq war at age fifteen recording with members of Jackson Browne & James Taylors’ bands, countless house shows and concert venues, to opening for artists like KT Tunstall, Robert Cray, Reckless Kelly, Matt Mays, and Stephen Kellogg. Brooks has put in his 10,000 hours and then some to become a powerful singer, songwriter, and entertainer.

  • Whether or not you’ve heard of Val McCallum, you’ve undoubtedly heard his work. Val is a supremely talented guitarist, singer, songwriter, and studio musician who got his start recording for the legendary songwriter Harry Nilsson at age 18. After 30 years of working with such artists as Jackson Browne, Lucinda Williams, The Wallflowers, Shelby Lynne, Gregg Allman, and countless others, Val started releasing his own solo records. 

    At the End of the Day in 2012, Chateauguay in 2019, and Beau Bow de Lunein in 2021, which he co-wrote with songwriter  Bow Thayer.

    Val is also known as guitarist Beaushit and is part of the terrific LA band Jackshit. 

  • Timbermash is a new, bluegrass-inspired band from the Upper Valley of Vermont.  Composed of Justin Park, Mark Burds, Jen Friese, and Ben Kogan, Timbermash brings an eclectic sound full of sweet harmonies, driving bass lines, heartfelt solos, and an overall sound that will get you moving! 

    Timbermash is an evolution of the duo, Mountain Dog (Justin and Mark), as they were craving a more full band sound.  Fiddler Jen Friese was an obvious addition, as her flexibility as a musician is a perfect complement to their diverse styles.  Ben Kogan (bass), was the last important piece of the puzzle.  Trained as a jazz bassist, Ben's virtuosic abilities give Timbermash its steady backbone and creative flare. 

    Whether you are a fan of bluegrass, Americana, or of some good old-fashioned string music that rocks, be sure to come and check out Timbermash!"

  • Red River North's sound draws on the distinctive "red dirt country" style native to the "Texahoma" region, where much of the music they play and their lead singer originate. They bring southern vocals, acoustic instrumentation, and storytelling songs that capture the essence of small-town life and rugged Americana.

  • Jason Cann is a versatile musician known for his engaging performances and eclectic musical style. He blends elements of rock, folk, and blues, creating a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience. Jason's music often features soulful vocals, skilled guitar work, and thoughtful lyrics that explore themes of life, love, and personal experiences. He is also recognized for his dynamic live performances, where he connects with audiences through both original songs and covers of well-known tracks. Jason Cann's music is characterized by its emotional depth and authenticity, making him a notable presence in the music scene.

The Moment

Vermont stands out as a beacon of agricultural and cultural resilience. Historically rooted in an idea of agricultural abundance, Vermont's landscape and community ethos reflect a deep connection to the land and a commitment to self-sufficiency. Over the past 25 years, Vermonters have worked diligently to evolve this legacy, embracing themes of sustainability and the arts. This transition represents a conscious effort to enhance self-awareness, promote environmental stewardship, and celebrate the rich cultural fabric of the region. Vermont’s journey is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives that honor both past traditions and future aspirations.

The space

Nestled at the base of Ascutney Mountain in West Windsor, this venue is more than just a location—it’s a symbol of resilience and community engagement. Ascutney Mountain has long been a focal point for local efforts to balance preservation with public use. Despite facing challenges and shifts in business models over the years, the mountain and its surrounding area have been revitalized through a commitment to sustainability and recreational enjoyment. Ascutney Outdoors stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to fostering a space where nature and human activity harmoniously coexist.

Schedule

Check-in starts at 11 am - Gates open at Noon

12:15 - 1:30

Jason Cann & Warehouse (Acoustic Rock)

2:15 - 3:30

Justin Park & Timbermash (Bluegrass Folk)

4:15 - 5:45

Red River North

6:30 - 8:00

Jay Nash, Brooks Hubbard, Val MacClum