Big Heavy's Newest Board Member: Linda Bassick!

Linda Bassick is a Burlington-based musician and early educator. Originally from the Boston area in Massachusetts, Bassick has been playing music since she was eight years old and singing since she was born. She plays guitar, as well as trombone, flute, and piano.

While the music scene is large in Boston, Bassick feels that nothing compares to the support of Burlington’s community. It’s welcoming and collaborative, giving unique opportunities to people looking to expand their talents and get involved. “Everyone plays with everybody else,” said Bassick. “It's a community. It's great, it's not a competition.”

One of Bassick’s strongest values is creating a more welcoming music industry for women. #BookMoreWomen shows the line-up of festivals and points out how many are femme-identifying, encouraging venues and events to create line-ups with more female performers. This hashtag has been significant in building a more inclusive scene, inspiring Bassick’s work.

Bassick served as the director of Girls Rock Camp Alliance from 2013-2021, a program that empowers young girls and inspires feminist values in the context of music. The organization began in 2011, and was influenced by the Seattle riot girl movement of the 90s, spreading second wave feminism. The camp happens all over the world, including Vermont. Female identifying kids are placed in bands, attending the camp for a week where they work with bands to prepare for a final show at Higher Ground. “They went from zero to hero in five days,” said Bassick. “It heavily taught feminism and pointed out the patriarchy and just tried to empower people.” Bassick was asked to perform and have a conversation with the campers when it began, and instantly wanted to become more involved by serving as the director.

Bassick’s first gig was through Big Heavy World in the 90s at Mr. Mike's Pizza, and from there she continued songwriting and performed with various groups. She released her first album in 2011, Tickle Belly, and performs with Mellow Yellow, a Vermont-based 60s tribute band.

Bassick’s current projects are focused on making children’s music. Last year, she put out an album with local musicians Greg Rothwell and Eli Goldman, called Maple’s Busy Morning. The album, aimed at young children, tells the story of a child's morning and is currently in the process of animation. Each song will have an individual video, and the whole thing will run as a TV show.

Bassick also hosts singalongs at Vermont libraries for children. The idea was inspired by her performances at nursing homes, where she frequently found older people singing along to 60s tunes. She released a live album in 2015 showcasing some of these moments, called Friday Morning Singalong.

Bassick works with Inclusive Arts Vermont on a literacy-based program, going to childcare centers and reading books aloud then conducting open ended art activities, including music, dance, crafts, and painting.

Bassick plays a crucial role serving on the board of directors for Big Heavy World. She loves the direction that the organization is headed in and strives to support its values. The youth cultural space that Big Heavy World is trying to implement in Burlington is extremely important to her, as well as the museum of local music artifacts and the Vermont licensing platform. Bassick wants to create a space for youth to explore Burlington’s music scene, and wants to build an inclusive and equally accessible community. “[I care about] continuing to create a safe, welcoming open space for youth to make music, whatever that might be,” said Bassick. “Being supportive, and finding space to create.”

Photo of Linda Bassick by Luke Awtry Photography.