This Week in Live Music

Friday, Sept. 28, Swale’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration at Radio Bean, 7 p.m.

Whether Swale is celebrating their front couple’s wedding anniversary or their anniversary as a band, this show is going to be nothing short of a riot. 

Affectionately known in my mind for their mash-up of “Bitches Ain’t Shit” (Dr. Dre/Ben Folds) and “War Pigs” (Black Sabbath), Swale is one of the best rock bands on the Burlington scene. Comprised of an electric guitar, drums, a keyboard and three vocalists, Swale knows how to please any crowd. 

Saturday, Sept. 29,

Mildred Moody’s Full Moon Masquerade with Funkwagon, Climbing up Walls, and the Human Canvas at Nectar’s, 9 p.m., $5 with a mask/$7 without, 21+

Mildred Moody’s Full Moon Masquerade is one of Burlington’s favorite series. 

This month will slay you, featuring the usual Human Canvas with DJ Frank Grymes, as well as special guests Funkwagon and Climbing up Walls. 

Funkwagon is a 10-piece band founded by gospel bred singer Aaron Burroughs. 

“I like to think of it as church with a smoker’s section – and a bar,” Burroughs said of the band. 

Climbing up Walls is a new addition to the Burlington music scene featuring well-known musicians Joshua Cleaver (Second Agenda), Jamie Bright (Mildred Moody, Silent Mind) and Cody Sargent (Grippo Funk Band, Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band, Cody Sargent Trio).

All in all, with a fantastic lineup and a benefit show supporting Local Motion this month, Nectar’s is the place to be on Saturday. 

Sunday, Sept. 30, 

Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray at Radio Bean, 7:30 p.m.

Based in Chicago, Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray have made a habit of stopping in Burlington, much to our town’s delight. 

Featuring an eclectic mix of instruments including – but not limited to – guitar, banjo, mandolin, percussion, glockenspiel and lap steel, this duo has a bigger sound than most listeners dare to imagine. 

Strength in voice and instrumental ability drives their songwriting excellence. 

Catch them in their first Burlington appearance following the release of their new album “We’re From Here,” released earlier this month.

Monday, Oct. 1,

Family Night Open Jam at the 1/2 Lounge, 10 p.m.

The 1/2 Lounge is one of Burlington’s quiet local hot spots that UVMers tend to discover later in college or in grad school. 

Hidden behind a pushed back doorway between Red Square and the Red Onion on Church Street, the 1/2 Lounge is one of Burlington’s most low-key bars. 

On Monday nights they’ve been hosting endlessly popular open jam sessions with some of Burlington’s best, including Scott Mangan, Alex Budney, Zack DuPont and Cody Sargent. The ½ Lounge encourages a rotating cast of musicians to take the stage. 

Folks are welcome to come and perform a short set on their own, sit in with the band, or just hang out and listen. 

Tuesday, Oct. 2,

Ben Harper at the Flynn Theater, 8 p.m.

Ben Harper is a singer/songwriter on the national scene who is best known for “Walk Away,” “Another Lonely Day” and “Diamonds on the Inside.”

A two-time Grammy recipient and Rolling Stone’s 2003 Artist of the Year, Harper is not only excellent, but accomplished.

Tickets are expensive, starting at around $40, but Harper is known for his incredible ability to capture an audience and truly entertain. Catch him in this intimate solo performance while you can.

Thursday, Oct. 4,

Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band, 11 p.m.

Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band will still rock your socks off this Thursday and every Thursday. Remember that 11 p.m. probably means closer to midnight. Start the weekend early with some dancing and good old soul.