Burlington Songwriter Sessions/BHW All Ages Concert Series: Mike Abler; Tyler Smith; Karen Knaebel 5/4/18

Burlington songwriters sessions presents Mike Abler, Tyler Smith, and Karen Knaebel performing at Big Heavy World, a substance free venue, on May 4th. 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. 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 more than 1,700 signatures and a documentary film is in production. Big Heavy World is substance-free and wheelchair accessible, located at the SEABA Center, 404 Pine Street, in the heart of Burlington’s South End Arts District. A $5 donation is suggested to support the artists. 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.

Mike Abler

Mike Abler started playing guitar in the mid sixties and picked up banjo years later before he left Virginia for Vermont in 2008. Mike has become a writer of soft ballads and romantic love songs. His style reflects his long interest in folk and country music.

Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith writes songs full of poignancy, hope, and the shared human experience.

Karen Knaebel/Messenger

Messenger’s original country / pop music style speaks of God’s healing transformation of the human experience through faith and trust.