Exhibits highlight the state as a cultural crossroads
Vermont Business Magazine Two artifacts representing Vermont’s performing arts will be exhibited at the Vermont State House from December 12 through January, 2023: A saxophone belonging to blues legend Big Joe Burrell, and a commemorative quilt signed by generations of UVM Lane Series artists commemorating the series’ first 50 years. Both are described in detail, below.
The exhibit is presented by Big Heavy World, Vermont’s independent, volunteer-staffed music development office and curator of The Tiny Museum of Vermont Music History, located in Burlington. Housed in a historic industrial building on the corner of Howard and Pine Streets, Big Heavy World operates the museum along with an archive of approximately 5,000 original recordings by Vermonters; a community radio station; and many ongoing and special projects that support a mission of preserving and promoting Vermont’s original music.
There is no cost to visit the Vermont State House, located at 115 State Street in Montpelier and open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:45a.m. to 4:15p.m. Accessibility information including a map to accessible parking spaces can be found at https://statehouse.vermont.gov/general-information
Image: Essex High School student Marcino Ambris views the new mobile Big Joe Burrell saxophone exhibit. Photo by Lafoi Faith Awotho/Big Heavy World. Download high resolution version at https://bigheavyworld.com/press-images.
Big Joe Burrell’s 1942 King Zephyr Alto Saxophone
In 2021 three saxophones belonging to Big Joe Burrell returned to Vermont. Through generous gifts of Todd R. Lockwood, Vermont Humanities and Burlington’s Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Office as well as the kindness of Big Joe’s nephew Dr. Leon Burrell, the instruments were purchased to become public cultural treasures. Burrell’s 1942 King Zephyr alto saxophone — with his name engraved in the instrument bell — will…