Vermont Blues Society: Annual Meeting and Concert

The Vermont Blues Society will be conducting its annual meeting on Thursday, January 23rd at 6:00 pm at the Double E Lounge in Essex, VT. The Vermont Blues Society’s mission is to preserve the heritage of Blues music, celebrate Blues recording and performance, expand local awareness of the Blues music, enhance opportunities for Vermont-based Blues musicians, and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form is alive and well in Vermont.

Bob Stannard is recognized as one of Vermont’s premier Blues singers and harmonica players. He’s had the privilege of performing with Vermont’s best musicians as well as national artist such as the late, great BB King. He’s coming out of retirement to do this show for the Vermont Blues Society.

Special guest, Gina Coleman, is a graduate of Williams College. She began singing in 1990 on a dare by her co-workers and hasn’t turned back since. She began performing in a duet, The Siblings. Gina shortly started her own duet, Cole-Connection, which blossomed to a five-piece band that allowed her to showcase some of her original music. Gina has performed in the Williamstown Theater Festival as the lead gospel singer in “A Raisin in the Sun.” She also made several appearances at NYC’s famed Bitter End. Gina has been nominated for two Independent Blues Awards for writing songs in the Best Contemporary Bluescategory. Gina and the band have had the pleasure of recording with Neville Brothers, Eric Gales, Kat Riggins, Matt Cusson, Early Times and Joe Louis Walker. They have also opened for blues staples: Tab Benoit, John Primer, Roomful Of Blues, Albert Cummings and Michael Powers. Musical influences include Koko Taylor, Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton, Ruth Brown, Billie Holiday, Tuck & Patti, and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Special Guest, Stephen Kiernan, as a journalist and novelist, Stephen Kiernan has published nearly five million words. His newspaper work garnered dozens of awards, including the George Polk Award for medical reporting, the Scripps Howard National Journalism Award , and the Freedom of Information Award from the Joseph Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida. In addition, he’s also a killer guitarist and vocalist!!

The Double E Lounge is a 150-capacity space, adjacent to the TREX Theater. We offer free parking, onsite concessions, and a full bar.

REFUNDS

Tickets are nonrefundable unless the show is completely canceled.

CONCESSIONS

No outside beverages may be brought into the venue. For patrons over 21, our bar serves beer, wine and mixed drinks. You must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages, with a valid driver’s license, liquor ID, passport or military ID present at the time of purchase. Drinks purchased at the bar may be brought into the TREX Performance Center during Double E produced events. Movie theater concessions are generally available on event nights, until 9:00 PM.

Looking to dine before the show? The Essex Experience has many restaurants and markets offering an array of culinary options!

Black Flannel Brewery and Distillery - Burgers, small plates, and craft brews made on site.

Bramble - Farm fresh family-style dining and wood-fired pizzas

Junction - An immersive culinary experience awaits. Reservations required.

Leo and Co. - Juices, smoothies, fresh farm produce and groceries, baked goods, sandwiches, soups. Kitchen closes 3:30 PM, market closes at 6:00 PM.

Mad Taco - Fresh Mexican + margaritas

Magic Mann - Consumer cannabis for responsible enjoyment

Oriental Wok - takeout only and delicious traditional Chinese dishes

Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar & Market - Charcuterie, small plates, wine, and grab + go market supplies

Sukho Thai - dine-in and takeaway gourmet Thai

Lazy Goat Tavern - Seasonal Vermont favorites in a cozy setting, honoring Stuart and Penelope, the goats who reside at The Essex Resort and Spa

Vermont Cider Lab - Small plates and charcuterie, paired with incredible hard cider brewed onsite Some events have specialty food for purchase available.

*Check websites for operating hours. Reservations may be required.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

No outside alcoholic beverages may be brought into the venue. For patrons over 21, our bar serves beer, wine and mixed drinks. You must be 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages, with a valid driver’s license, liquor ID, passport or military ID present at the time of purchase.

SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICIES

All bags are subject to searches prior to entering the venue, no exceptions.

Our patron’s safety and security is our top priority. To protect the safety of our patrons, staff and performers you’ll be greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who will conduct a thorough but speedy check of all bags and purses. Clear plastic tote bags/small backpacks are encouraged!

Pocketbooks/purses and other bags which are not fully viewable (where they are stuffed full with items making it difficult to view everything inside the bag without emptying the bag) may be asked to be returned to the patrons vehicle at the discretion of the security personnel.

During our security screening process, all patrons will be asked to open / unfold large jackets, coats, etc.

The following items are also not allowed inside the venue under any circumstances: firearms, including those carried by off-duty law enforcement; weapons of any kind; sharp items such as knives (including pocket or “Swiss Army”-style knives), multi-tools, screwdrivers and scissors; illegal substances; laser pens; fireworks, or any item that can be deemed potentially harmful, including pepper spray and Mace.

People attempting to bring in the items listed above will be asked to return them to their vehicle which will delay their entrance inside the venue.

These policies are designed to make all of our patrons feel safer at our venues. Any questions on these policies can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

SMOKING

There is no smoking of any substance inside The T-Rex/Double E Performance Center. Smoke is restricted to designated smoking areas located outside The Green. This includes cannabis, e-cigarettes and vaping.

ACCESSIBILITY

There are accessible restrooms and parking.

Please call the box office at 802-878-4200 for accessible tickets or for more information regarding accessibility.

PARKING

The Essex Experience, where The Old Stage, The Green, and The Double E Performance Center are located offers plenty of complimentary, on-site parking adjacent to the venue.

The parking lot entrance is located at 21 Essex Way. We offer handicapped parking in designated areas.

We do not allow any tailgating or barbecuing in our lots, however concessions are available inside the venue prior to the performance through the end of intermission.

Since we are located in a mixed-use residential area, please consider our “good neighbor policy” and do not sound horns when exiting the venue.

The Essex Experience, T-Rex Productions/Double E, and EuroWest Retail Property Holdings are not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or contents.

VIDEOGRAPHY + PHOTOGRAPHY

We do not allow SLR or DSLR cameras with detachable lenses in the venue without a photo pass and prior written consent of artist management. if you wish to obtain a media/photo pass, please reach out to Brady Kimball, Community Engagement Ambassador at [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

By entering an event or program at The Essex Experience, Essex Cinema, and Double E Performance Center, you are entering an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with By entering an event or program at The Essex Experience, Essex Cinema, and Double E Performance Center, and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising.

By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media.

You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

18+ for this event.

BOX OFFICE

Ticketed events can be found on EssexExperience.com. All major credit cards are accepted for phone and online purchases. Cash payments are only accepted in person, via the Box Office, one hour before doors up through the start of the show.

All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges, unless a show is canceled. Please direct any questions to [email protected] or by calling 802-878-4200.

ATM

For your convenience, ATMs are located at the Essex Cinema at 21 Essex Way, #300, in front of the Essex Cinemas and within Hannaford's Supermarket, at 21 Essex Way, Suite A.

COMMUNITY STATEMENT

Proceeds from our venues are reinvested in the Essex community and non-profit organizations that support the arts, humanities and education in Vermont. We do not tolerate hate speech, bullying, violence, or antagonistic behavior at our venues or on our community pages. We accept and welcome feedback sent to [email protected].

Host or Publisher The Double E