And just like that we are at the end of the 2025-2026 season! Zoom-zoom!
We had such a blast at our first two shows, Gina Coleman & the Misty Blues Band and LC Jazz, with the elevator in place, and both shows were positively packed with enthusiasm and people. Fantastic!
The last show of our 2025-2026 season is the return of the Kruger Brothers on Friday, May 1. The first and last time they performed here was in May 2024 and to say they are excited to return would be an understatement. They totally sold out the VOH in 2024 and it looks like this will happen again so get your tickets now: Kruger Brothers Return. This'll be a nice way to end what turned out to be a very eventful season at the little city's historic theater.
Just because the season is over, doesn't meant the VOH will be quiet. There is a lot going on both inside and outside with a civic's bee, children's day camps, several private events, and the continued work on the courtyard. More on that below.
Soon we will announce our 2026-2027 season which is pretty much sewn up, save for a few details.Stay tuned!
See you in the VOH!
Gerianne Smart, President
Friends of the Vergennes Opera House
info@VergennesOperaHouse.org
802.877.6737
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The Kruger Brothers Return
Friday, May 1, 7:30pm
The Kruger Brothers are full of anticipation for this return visit to the little city of Vergennes and the VOH stage, on Friday, May 1, 7:30pm. This show will officially close out the 2025-2026 season at the Vergennes Opera House.
There is perhaps no better band than the The Kruger Brothers to truly make the most of and show off the acoustic richness of the historic opera house. They are a fixture within the world of acoustic music with their unique ability to infuse classical music into folk music. They are known for their remarkable discipline, creativity, and honesty of their writing, which has since become a hallmark of their work.
The Kruger Brothers have received honors and awards over the years not only in the US, but internationally as well. Another milestone was met for the group on August 6, 2024 when the Kruger Brothers “stepped into the Circle” for their official debut performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage and in March of 2025 the Kruger Brothers were inducted into the Blue Ridge Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Europe, brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger started singing and playing instruments at a very young age. The two brothers were performing regularly by 1973; their full professional career began in 1979. CBS Records contracted with the brothers when Jens was just seventeen years old. In 1989 the brothers teamed up with bass player Joel Landsberg, a native of New York City; together, they established the incomparable sound that the Kruger Brothers are known for today. The trio moved to the United States in 2003 and has since been based in Wilkesboro, NC. Joining their ranks full-time in 2025, mandolinist extraordinaire and Wilkesboro native, Jonah Horton, adds an exciting musical dynamic to the group’s unparalleled sound.
If you haven't purchased your ticket yet, don't wait and don't miss this amazing night of music as we celebrate the close of the 2025-2026 season!
Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online here: Kruger Brothers 2026. Doors and cash bar open at 6:30pm. General seating.
This concert is made possible by two generous anonymous donors with additional support from our Season Sponsors.
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THANK YOU SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 539
Grateful for volunteers!
We had a special treat on Saturday morning when members of the Scouting America Troop 539 showed up at the Vergennes Opera House to help set up chairs for the Kruger Brothers' concert this coming Friday.
They made quick work of the 250 chairs and did it all without complaint or concern. What a great group! Thank you to VOH Board Member Chance Koenig for helping to round up the help and to Atticus, Brody, Drew, Mary, Ozzy, and Tess for lending your muscle.
Volunteers make it work!
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Intermission Riff by the LC Jazz Band on the VOH stage, Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Video by Ellie Clevenstine
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LC Jazz FREE Community Concert a Great Success!
Thank you to everyone who showed up with bells and dancing shoes on for the April 18 LC Jazz Free Community Concert and fundraiser. By all accounts it was the most successful ever with over $3,000 raised through donations at the door. Incredible.
 The place was packed with both music and dance enthusiasts who jumped, jumbled, and jivved to the exceptional music of this 18-piece band.
A special treat was the performances by local VUHS students as well as student musicians who are members of the LC Jazz Band. An incredible night for everyone.
Thanks to the entire LC Jazz band for bringing their very best and leaving all on the stage for everyone in attendance. Vocalists Liz Cleveland and Tony Panella, the orchestra - saxophonists Jeff Rusik, Larry Maier, Micah Clevenstine, Steve Sawyer,
and Jennifer Murdock; trumpeters Jim Lanpher, Barry McDonald, Tony Panella, Sue O'Daniel, and Dennis Bruso; trombonists Jeff Johnson, Steve Rooney, Dave Tatlock, and Bill Bowers; pianist Owen Clevenstine, guitarist Michael Corn, upright bassist Steve Peery, and drummer Parker Mann.
Thanks also to Dave Clevenstine for the sound and to Steve Sawyer, music director and world-class emcee.
Special thanks also to VUHS student vocalists Phoebe Raphael, Gina LeBeau, Bryan Norton and Jeremiah Peryea. What a special treat!
We are already anticipating next season's show! |
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The National Civic Bee, Saturday, May 9, 10:30am-12noon
 The Friends of the Vergennes Opera House are thrilled to be the host site for the National Civics Bee competition for our region. The Addison County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host this nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.
The event takes place on May 9, from 10:30am-12noon and is open to the public. Folks are asked to register to attend here: National Civics Bee
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Bricks are back for sale!
 We recently received an update on the timeline for the completion of the courtyard portion of the All Access Project, which is now sometime late summer. This change means that we can keep the Brick Store open for several more weeks.
This is great news for those of you who thought you were missing out on securing your named brick to be a permanent part of the new courtyard.
So this is your chance for your family brick, anniversary brick, Mother's Day gift brick, Graduation Day brick, or for any other clever reason! You can even place a nifty phrase or quote to inspire or humor the reader.
The online form is easy to navigate and complete here: https://vergennesoperahouse.org/buy-a-brick
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CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
To view updates to our events, please visit our events page: VOH Events
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THANK YOU to our 2025-2026 SEASON SPONSORS!
Patricia Butler, Vergennes Grand Senior Living, Mark & Julie Basol, Realtor® Sue Walsh at Berkshire Hathaway Vermont Realty Group, Vergennes Partnership, Geoff & Susan Nelson, Ed & Beverly Biello, Amanda Bodell & Jeffry Glassberg, Jackman Fuels, H.J. LeBoeuf & Sons Contractors & Builders, Mike & Maggie Catillaz, Ned & Lauren Pike, Philip & Roberta Puschel, Peter & Liz Markowski, Bob & Deb Hartenstein, The Schaefer Family, Connie & Bill Houston, Lizbeth & Timothy Ryan, Casella Waste Management, Otter Creek Awnings, and in Memory of Garry Simpson.
Media Sponsor: WMUD 101.5 and WCLX 107.3
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