Good afternoon - 

Today is the big eclipse! I'm sitting in a coffee shop in my wonderful Queen Village neighborhood getting some work done, and I planning to go for a walk this afternoon with my sun-safe cereal box projector. I had considered driving down to TN or SC to be in the 'path of totality,' but it seems the inertia of finally being home after a summer away has taken over.

In any case, the past two weeks after the festival have allowed for some time for reflection, and I thought I'd share a few thoughts. 

First, I have to say a huge thank you to all of you. This season was without exaggeration the most successful we've had, by far. This is because of your participation, support, and attendance... not to mention your patience with allowing for a margin of error on my part.

For next year, I'd love to have better attendance at the kids art and music collaboration. Some years, we've had a huge turnout, and I know there are many variables involved, but this year just didn't quite have the number of young people needed to make the event successful. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm happy to hear them. 

However, the portion of the festival that I was most nervous about - the guest artist concerts - worked really well! We'll definitely keep those going next year. Big thanks to the NakedEye Ensemble and Trio Amphion for making the trip to Jamaica.

The Jamaica State Park concerts are fun, and we're always happy to play our first concert of each week in the park. Stay tuned for an awesome addition to these concerts for next year (hint... BBQ and an awesome Jamaica family...). 

Thanks also to both Valley Cares Assisted Living and the Latchis Theater for hosting us again this year. We enjoyed our road trips down Rt 30, and hope to continue the partnerships.

I made a big decision this summer. I'm happy to announce Kaitlyn Dougher as our new Managing Director. Kaitlyn will be taking over the day to day runnings of the festival, and will be helping out throughout the year as well... and, she'll have her very own intern! I'm so excited to share more of the internal workings of the festival with Kaitlyn; I know she'll do a wonderful job. (And don't worry... you'll still hear from me.)

Most importantly, everyone loved once again making music in Southern Vermont. Thank you for allowing us to share it with you. (The final concert is still available on Facebook Live, in case you missed it or want to hear it again.) Once I have the mastered recordings from this year, I'll be sure to send out links to those too. Oh, and the visual art program is getting an overhaul for next year, so expect some updates about that.

This is not an email meant to appeal for funding, but if you intended to support the festival this year and didn't yet get around to it, here's the link to donate safely online. As always, donations are tax deductible. Or, if you prefer, the snail mail address is on the Donate to PFCM page. 

Once again, thank you. And of course, best wishes to you all as we move from summer's end to the pleasant premonitions of fall.

-Susanna Loewy

Good morning, Pikes Falls supporter.

Thank you so very much for making our 6th season a success. Without your contribution, the fundraiser held the risk of being in the red, and I can't thank you enough for all of your generosity.

The Town Hall concerts were well attended, and the entire season had a feeling of growth and promise. THANK YOU.

I'm currently updating the contact list for PFCM. If you don't currently get my emails, and you'd like very sporadic emails (about 5 times during the year, and then daily during the festival), I'd love to be able to add you to the list. Just send me a message, and I'll add you. Of course I'll always share the updates on FB and on the Pikes Falls blog, but email is still the most reliable way to get the information.

Regardless, thank you so much for your help; I'm already thinking about ways to make next year even better.

All best,
Susanna

Good morning... Season 6 is winding to a close.

Can't be in Jamaica tonight, but still want to see the concert? Head to our Facebook page and watch the concert live! In addition to experiencing the concert, you'll be among the first to hear exciting announcements regarding the festival's future.



​Yesterday's concerts in Brattleboro both went really well. The town was buzzing from First Friday, and we were glad to be a part. The Latchis was the perfect location to showcase the collaborative work by Joseph Hallman, Sydnea Lea, and James Kochalka; the huge movie screen enveloping the performers brought the images to life alongside the music and recited poetry. 

Tonight is our closing concert! Come to the Jamaica Town Hall at 7PM (6:30 for a pre-concert talk with Cartoonist Laureate James Kochalka). The concert has music by Schubert, Francaix, and Hallman (with poetry by VT Poet Laureate Sydney Lea and images by Cartoonist Laureate James Kochalka). Stay after for a reception at North Country General. 

The Town Hall is sure to be packed, so make sure you get your seat! Seats are reservable until 4PM today. (And don't forget, if you can't be there, you can still watch virtually!)

​Thank you. The ending can at times feel bittersweet, but Season 6 has been the best summer yet.

Trio Amphion performed to a full-house in the Town Hall last night! It was incredible to hear such amazing Baroque musicians. Huge thank you to Jesse Lepkoff, Alice Robbins, and Frances Fitch.

Overall, having the guest artists (both NakedEye and Trio Amphion) at the festival this year has been a perfect and natural way for the festival to grow. Thank you to the musicians, but also a huge thank you to everyone who attends and supports the concerts. 

Today, the festival heads down the road to Brattleboro. At 5PM, PFCM musicians perform Schubert, Francaix, and Hallman at the Latchis theater. Then, at 7PM Trio Amphion will play a second performance of last night's concert at the Brooks House.

Check out all of the festival events! Saturday evening is our final concert of the season, with music by Schubert, Francaix, and Hallman (with contribution from VT Poet Laureate Sydney Lea and Cartoonist Laureate James Kochalka).Come at 6:30PM for a pre-concert talk with James Kochalka, and stay after for a reception at North Country General. It's sure to be a packed house, so make sure you get your seat!