Live Culture

Ramble On: Rick & the Ramblers Nominated for a Major Award

by Dan Bolles Posted on February 6, 2014 at 2:19PM

2012 File Photo: Rick Norcross by Matthew ThorsenBurlington Western swing songwriter Rick Norcross is capping 50 years in the music biz in style. Yesterday, he announced that his band, Rick & the All Star Ramblers, have been named as finalists for the "Best Western Swing Duo or Group" award by the Academy of Western Artists, an organization based in — get this — Gene Autry, Okla.The AWA's stated mission is to "recognize and honor outstanding individuals who, through their accomplishments, preserve and perpetuate the traditions, values and heritage of the American cowboy."

Interview: Shannon McNally Doesn't Suck, and Other Assorted Thoughts About Muppets, Music and the Genius of Bobby Charles

by Dan Bolles Posted on February 5, 2014 at 3:45PM

Shannon McNallyOn her latest record, Small Town Talk, songwriter Shannon McNally pays tribute to her friend and overlooked American songwriter, Bobby Charles. Charles, who passed away in 2010, was dubbed the "King of Swamp Pop" for penning seminal early rock-and-roll cuts such as "See You Later, Alligator" and "Walking to New Orleans," among many, many others.To make that record, McNally enlisted the help of some heavy-hitting talent, including Dr. John, Derek Trucks, Luther Dickinson, Vince Gill and Will Sexton.

They All Fall Down: Domino Extravaganza in Brattleboro

by Ethan de Seife Posted on February 4, 2014 at 1:16PM

Photo via Wikimedia Commons.There is something terrifically satisfying about watching a careful array of dominoes collapse. Maybe it's the pleasing clickety-click, or the careful design, or (my candidate) the ephemerality of the whole thing.

Edward Koren Chosen as Next Vermont Cartoonist Laureate

by Pamela Polston Posted on February 3, 2014 at 6:20PM

When he learned he's to be the next cartoonist laureate of Vermont, Brookfield resident and longtime New Yorker cartoonist Ed Koren said, he was "touched and bemused by it all." It's a typically low-key, self-deprecating response from the guy who has drawn more than a thousand wryly witty cartoons.

What I'm Watching: 'Heathers'

by Ethan de Seife Posted on February 3, 2014 at 11:34AM

One career ago, I was a professor of film studies. I gave that up to move to Vermont and write for Seven Days, but movies will always been my first love.

Dispatch 020314 From 'Overheard on Church Street'

Posted on February 3, 2014 at 8:00AM

Yo, I just got told by some 15-year-old that she’ll cut me if I touch her boyfriend again.— Two young men It’s a great day to commit adultery.— Two menOne intrepid Burlington resident has been compiling random heard-on-the-street comments in a tumblr blog aptly called Overheard on Church Street since 2010. Every Monday, the blogger shares a couple of snippets with Live Culture.

Movies You Missed & More: Cutie and the Boxer

by Margot Harrison Posted on January 31, 2014 at 2:17PM

This week in movies you missed: We continue with the current Oscar nominees for Best Documentary. When I'm done viewing them, I'll predict the winner.But I can already award the Most Memorable Title award to Cutie and the Boxer, Zachary Heinzerling's study of the 40-year marriage of two artists.

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