Big Heavy World to Host All-Ages Concert Series

Press release by Big Heavy World.

Burlington lost a historic all-ages music venue when 242 Main was closed in December, 2016. It was located inside Memorial Auditorium, which was shut down pending long term structural repairs. Big Heavy World — the independent Vermont music office staffed by volunteers — is making an effort to fill that gap in local culture until 242 Main is reinstated. The nonprofit organization is hosting a substance-free, all ages concert series at their headquarters inside the SEABA Center, beginning January 12. Big Heavy World is a vocal advocate for reigniting 242 Main as Memorial Auditorium is redeveloped; a petition supporting this cause at save242main.com has gathered 1,700 signatures and a documentary film is in production.

The first show of the series is being presented with co-hosts Jim’s Basement on January 12 with artists Elephant Jake, Sleepy Freak, and two TBA local acts. The third show of the series is presented with co-hosts Friends+Family on January 22, featuring NNA Tapes recording artist Wren Kitz, Ouzkxqlzn, and Wry One.

Doors open at 6:30, with music from 7pm until 10pm. The venue is substance-free and wheelchair accessible. Big Heavy World is located at the SEABA Center, 404 Pine Street, in the heart of Burlington’s South End Arts District. A $5 donation is suggested to continue efforts to host DIY events and foster our local artists and musicians. The concert series is made possible in part with generous support from AARP. Big Heavy World maintains an environment of safety, dignity and mutual respect for people of any ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or ability.

The concert series provides an opportunity for teens to participate in event production and promotion as volunteers, to learn skills and support the local music community. Big Heavy World also hosts a weekly drop-in program, ‘Band House,’ that makes a full backline available to teen musicians to practice on, jam, or explore different instruments. Mentorship with a digital recording studio will begin soon. For more info about teen programs at Big Heavy World, contact Caleb Humphrey, outreach@bigheavyworld.com

January 12 - Elephant Jake, Sleepy Freak and two local acts (co-hosted with Jim’s Basement) January 20 - Daisybones, Oldsoul and two local acts (co-hosted with Jim’s Basement) January 22 - Wren Kitz, Ouzkxqlzn, and Wry One (co-hosted with Friends+Family) January 26 - Gestalt, Bonzo and Sleeping In (co-hosted with Jim’s Basement) February 8 - The Dead Shakers, The Mountain Carol, and Echoer (co-hosted with Friends+Family)

About the January 12 artists:

Elephant Jake is an indie-punk band from Orange County New York, https://elephantjake.bandcamp.com/

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=2830370602 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=0f91ff tracklist=false artwork=small]

Sleepy Freak, from Philadelphia, is Kate Lord and Greg Mendez. “Guided by acoustic strums, Mendez's tranquil, melodic narratives blanket one in steady, harmonic reassurance.” — The Deli, https://sleepyfreak.bandcamp.com/

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=970936966 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=0f91ff tracklist=false artwork=small]

About the January 22 artists:

Wren Kitz: Burlington’s own eccentric performer. Half soulful songwriter, half mad scientist. His subtle melodies and ethereal guitar provides a fitting soundtrack for the chilly winter months. https://wrenkitz.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCrrjoNOA4c

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=742116954 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=0f91ff tracklist=false artwork=small]

Ouzkxqlzn: Introspective and experimental, Ouzkxqlzn creates beautiful soundscapes through the use of cello, guitar, voice and electronic loops. https://ouzkxqlzn.bandcamp.com/

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1303757223 size=large bgcol=333333 linkcol=0f91ff tracklist=false artwork=small]

Wry One: Burlington’s Dark Ambient Lord, an otherworldly being who crafts music from foreign dimensions. Come and listen as we journey with him through the astral plane. https://soundcloud.com/wryone

Big Heavy World is an independent, volunteer-run music office that promotes and archives the music of Vermont, building community among musicians and reflecting Vermont’s diverse musical talent to the world. For more info, visit bigheavyworld.com

Friends+Family is a local booking collective that aspires to create connections through music, DIY events and the promotion of new and emerging artists. facebook.com/friendsandfamilyvt/

Jim’s Basement is an inclusive underground performance cooperative based in Burlington. Contact Brian LaClair, brianlaclair@gmail.com

For more information, contact Caleb Humphrey at Big Heavy World, outreach@bigheavyworld.com, (802) 865-1140.