The FCA Summer Music Series brings people together on the town common in beautiful Fairlee, Vermont, for family-friendly entertainment on Tuesday evenings in July and August from 6:30-8:00pm. All concerts are free of charge.
Each person who attends the concert gets a ticket for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. Those who choose to do so can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets for a chance to win cash while helping to support the series (which costs more than $10,000 annually to produce).
Concerts are presented rain or shine. You may wish to bring a folding chair or blanket to enjoy the outdoor concert in comfort. In the event of rain or other weather-related concerns, the concert will be held inside the air-conditioned Fairlee Town Hall auditorium.
The series is funded by local businesses and individuals. Technical sound support is provided by Jim Beaulieu. We hope you will join us on the town common for some great music!
The Burlington, Vermont band Marsh Lights, guided by lead singer and songwriter Colby Crehan, provides an “immersion into American roots where there is little equal to the quintet in the Northeast" (Valley Stage Productions). The group's original music, executed with phenomenal vocals and expressive musicianship, is hard to pigeon-hole but easy to embrace.
Performing together for over 15 years, and as Marsh Lights since 2023, the band has developed a special rapport and unique sound. On their new album, Cover the Water (2024), the Rutland Herald found “compelling folk and bluegrass-based material that shines on Crehan’s assured vocals and songwriting and the band’s deft and intuitive instrumental skills.”
Killer harmonies are "a Marsh Lights specialty" (Seven Days) as are fiery instrumentals and a diverse repertoire. Experience Marsh Lights' "earthy layers of depth and dynamism. Even when the band leans into more traditional terrain...there's slight deviation, like a new translation of an old book." (Seven Days).
The Wyld Nightz Band was formed over ten years ago in Brattleboro, Vermont. Founding members, Michael McKinney, guitar, trumpet and vocals, and Jeff Brewer, guitar and vocals, have worked with various members to emphasize dance music with exciting ensemble playing. Pete Nichols on drums, and Matt Martyn on bass guitar anchor the rhythm section. Keyboard duties and vocals are covered by none other than Tony Speranza of Simon's Rock. Anthony Speranza Jr. appears regularly on lead and background vocals, Alto saxophone, acoustic guitar, and penny whistle.
With over 150 years of combined performing experience, The Wyld Nightz Band has entertained at a wide variety of memorable events including weddings, parties, and the Jaffrey Fireworks performing for over 20,000 people!
The Conniption Fits is a road tested, hard working New England based band. Performing their own original takes on 80’s, 90’s and today’s music, you could call them a bonafide “Tribute to Party Rock”! The Conniption Fits have been renowned for their unique versions of popular 80's alternative songs as well as their 90's and current pop cover song selections. They seamlessly move from 80’s favs like “Come On Eileen”, “Don’t You Forget About Me”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, “Living On A Prayer” and “Don’t Stop Believing” to 90’s alternative bands like Green Day, Lit, Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie and Goo Goo Dolls. They mix in Hip Hop like, “Hot In Here”, "Hey Ya" and their take on modern hits like “Stacy’s Mom”, “Truth Hurts”, “Royals”, “Shut Up & Dance” and “Uptown Funk” round out the night. Come out and dance!
FILM SHOWING & TALK
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Fairlee Town Hall Auditorium
7:00pm
Thirty years ago (1996) a farmer from Tunbridge named Fred Tuttle was featured in the Vermont-made movie "Man With a Plan". He subsequently ran for U.S. Congress, defeating his Republican challenger despite being outspent $500,000 to $200.
Join us for a screening of the movie. Filmmaker John O'Brien will be on hand to talk about the film and answer questions.
Silent Film Series
featuring pianist Jeff Rapsis
Enjoy classic silent films on the big screen in Fairlee Town Hall auditorium. Just like the early 1900s, we'll have a piano player (experienced silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis) to provide a musical backdrop for these classic movies.
Pianist Jeff Rapsis has a website with more information about his work and schedule.
This is an experience you can't get at home via streaming, so join us in Fairlee for a fun time. Like our other FCA programs, they're free of charge (donations always welcome to help defray costs) and open to all. There may even be popcorn!
'Our Hospitality' (1923) starring Buster Keaton. Silent comic Buster Keaton's film about a backwoods feud in the 1830s pokes fun at everything from southern customs to early railroad trains. Filled with great gags and a timeless story that culminates in a dramatic river rescue in which Buster almost lost his life for real! Lauded by critics as one of Buster's best mixes of visual comedy, compelling drama, and exciting action!
'The Cat and the Canary' (1927) directed by Paul Leni. Can a group of distant relatives survive the night in a haunted house to learn the secret of a madman's will? Find out in the original Gothic thriller from silent film director Paul Leni. Just in time for Halloween, a movie filled with deep shadows, dark secrets, and a surprisingly timeless mix of humor and horror that will keep you guessing. Remember: in silent film, no one can hear you scream!
'Girl Shy' (1924) starring Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Ralston. Join us for the original rom-com, a Harold Lloyd gem starring one of the masters of silent comedy and featuring an unforgettable race-to-the-church finish. See Harold's best work as he intended it: on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience.
Join us for a full day of community fun. It's an annual event involving not only FCA but other community organizations, including the recreation council, library, historical society, fire department, and others. There will be games, face painting, refreshments, and more, with events starting mid-day. This year, we're going to expand on the annual gathering, with a chili cookoff in the afternoon and a special concert in the evening.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 6:30pm
Fairlee Town Hall Auditorium
Indie/Soul singer Myra Flynn calls herself a ‘songwriter on purpose and a singer by accident.’ With a history as both a long-form podcaster for NPR and a 20-year touring musician, she believes songs are stories and stories are songs, delivering a powerful set of honest vocals and lyrics that doesn’t let one get too comfortable.
Limited seating! Reserve your (free) tickets by October 2nd using the button below...
In May of 2020, in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic, a group of Fairlee residents met "virtually" with Vermont musician Jon Gailmor and together created a song about the town of Fairlee, Vermont. The result, titled "Join Us In Fairlee", invites people to come together and enjoy the community. Listen to the song (MP3 format)
In March of 2021, Fairlee Community Arts applied for an Animating Infrastructures Grant through the Vermont Arts Council to support public art in the I-91 underpass at Exit 15.
Animating Infrastructure grants support community projects that integrate art with infrastructure. Through this program, the Council strives to demonstrate the positive impact of art in helping communities meet goals of livability, walkability, safety, economic vitality, and community vibrancy, and to support the creation of unique infrastructure projects where function and art are one and the same.
Fairlee’s proposal was one of five projects awarded grant funding. The Vermont Arts Council gave FCA $15,000 to support the design and installation of public art that will transform an interstate underpass into a welcoming setting that connects commerce and outdoor recreation assets.
FCA solicited contributions and received proposals from thirteen artists. From these thirteen the proposal from artist Matt Heywood (titled "The Green Man and the Snow Sister") was selected.
We negotiated with the Vermont Agency of Transportation over the next year or so. Installation was complicated by the ongoing work on the I-91 bridge decking.
FCA held several events designed to bring the community into the process.
Finally, in September 2024 we installed the first mural, The Snow Sister.
The main portion of the second mural (The Green Man) was installed in the autumn of 2025 after VTrans finished bridge repair on the southbound side of the Interstate. The remaining two walls are scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026.
Many thanks to the Fairlee Fire Department, Samuel Morey and Westshire students, Rivendell students, Aloha campers, Cami Buster, Elizabeth Wilson, Kristen Post, Chris Clemson, Vicki Kirchner, Peter Lange, Aletta Traendly, Palma Jorgensen, Calista Diane, Jack (who happened to be staying at Lake Morey Resort and came over to help), former town administrator Tad Nunez who saw us through every step of the of the permitting process and everyone in the town offices. Thanks also to the Vermont Council for the Arts and all the donors, including Fogg’s Hardware (Bethel Mills) for the donations of materials and the individuals who donated through our crowd funding program. And finally we have to thank VTrans, because though as an agency they can be frustrating at times we know everyone there ultimately has public safety at heart.
A selection of events previously presented by Fairlee Community Arts appears below.
Adventure Kids Choir
Mardi Gras party
Puppet-Making Workshop with Sara Peattie
Painting instruction with Arthur Zorn
Live-streamed concerts during Covid-19 pandemic
Concerts: Heliand Consort, Counterpoint, Windborne, Keene State College Concert Choir, Dan Weiser & Classicopia
Silent film series
Lecture series
Vermont Humanities speaker programs
Fall festival
Summer concerts
Meet the filmmaker series