Wednesday, March 26th

Your Midweek Brief: Leslie Jones, Jazz Nights & a Lingering Chill – Burlington welcomes comedy powerhouse Leslie Jones to the Flynn, while jazz nights keep the vibe warm across town. The spring chill isn't letting go just yet—expect cool temps, icy winds, and cozy reasons to stay indoors. Here's your quick news fix.

March 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Weather & What’s to come:

Today’s weather in Burlington has been a bit of a moving target. Clouds ruled the sky for most of the day, with a few slippery rain and snow showers sneaking in from time to time. Temperatures hovered in the upper 30s and low 40s, so that air still had a hint of winter. Expect an upgrade tomorrow when the sun makes a bolder entrance, lifting highs into the upper 40s and keeping things dry at least until late Thursday night. By Friday morning, another burst of showers (possibly some snow in the higher spots) may pass through, but the bulk of the day looks drier, with temperatures still scraping the 40s. After that, it’s a mixed bag for the weekend. A messy combination of snow, sleet, or even rain could crash the party on Saturday, followed by a more determined rain on Sunday that might linger into Monday. No one ever claimed March in Vermont was straightforward, so keep those coats and umbrellas on standby.

Thursday’s sunshine arrives just in time to brighten up a busy evening around town. Why not swing by Zero Gravity Beer Hall at 5 PM for some sweet maple insights with the folks from Proctor Maple Research Center, or maybe trade a few threads at Sandbox’s Spring Clothing Swap on Pine Street at 5:30? Friday is perfect for sampling local indie sounds with St. Clementine at Light Club Lamp Shop at 7 PM, or grabbing laughs at Vermont Comedy Club with Langston Kerman. Just be sure your footwear is wet-friendly; springtime in Burlington loves to keep us guessing.

Exciting news: Congrats again to Drew on being last months winner. If you’re unfamiliar with the giveaway, here’s some info: we’re hosting a monthly $50 giveaway for one lucky subscriber each month—just for reading, staying updated, and, hopefully, referring friends! Yup, you heard that right. We’re giving back simply for your weekly attention. Let’s grow this newsletter together, so tell everyone you know! Drawing is every 20th of the month. Keep scrolling to the bottom to learn how to boost your odds with your given referral link, or just visit our landing page: Click here for full details

On March 26 in Burlington the average high is 41°F, the average low is 24°F, and the record high is 76°F. Today, the forecasted high is 44°F and the low is 30°F. This means today's temperatures are slightly above average but well below the record high.

Local News (All Links Clickable)

“I am actually a terrible cook. That’s the reason why I took foods this year.” (per WCAX)

Essex High School students are gearing up to face off at the 17th Annual Junior Iron Chef VT competition, and it seems half the fun is just rolling up their sleeves and trying out new dishes. It’s refreshing to see so many young folks diving into local food culture—although we’ll see which kitchen novices transform into top-tier taco artists come Saturday morning.

“He was a very rich, textured person. We’re just feeling at a loss.” (per Seven Days)

Chris Johnson’s untimely passing has left a big hole in Burlington’s coffee and pastry scene. Locals who adored his artisan croissants and warm sense of humor will feel that absence each morning. If you were lucky enough to snag a treat from Nomad, you know just how special his baked goods were. I can personally tell you that those chocolate croissants and Kouign-amann’s are to die for. Rest easy Chris.

“Over 40 employees held a silent protest in support of independence… in pursuing the company’s progressive social mission.” (per WCAX)

The famous ice cream maker’s staff took a stand against corporate constraints with a midday march. Whether you side with Unilever or the local brand’s push for autonomy, it’s clear that folks in Vermont take both democracy and dairy very seriously. We’ll see how this corporate swirl shakes out in the next few weeks.

“The proposed agreement will not change the suspension of the construction of UVMMC’s new surgery center… or most other cuts announced in November.” (per WCAX)

While this settlement adds some clarity to the financial puzzle, it doesn’t exactly roll back the serious cuts already on the table. Still, local officials hope these moves stabilize a hospital system that’s been strapped for funds and facing tough decisions. Fingers crossed this is a step toward healthier budgets—and healthier care—for Vermonters.

“Alamutu was one of Vermont's top facilitators in the 2024-2025 season, leading the team in assists (73).” (per MyNBC5)

The Catamounts will be shaking up their roster as another pair of athletes pursue new hardwood horizons. UVM might be losing a key distributor, but that just means younger players get a chance to step up. No doubt the benches in Patrick Gym will be buzzing with talk of next season’s potential lineup changes.

Events

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025

General Events

Performances

Live Music / DJ

  • 7:00 PM: Michael Nau, Sheepskin (indie) at Light Club Lamp Shop (SOLD OUT)

  • 8:30 PM: Clairo Songs for Palestinian Relief at Radio Bean ($5–$25)

  • 8:30 PM: Jazz Night with Ray Vega at Hotel Vermont (Free)

  • 9:00 PM: Jazz Sessions at The 126 (Free)

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:00 PM: Hard Truths at 60 Lake St, Suite 1C, Burlington

  • 7:00 PM: Langston Kerman at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)

  • 9:00 PM: Pet Store: A Live Sitcom at Vermont Comedy Club ($5/$10)

Live Music / DJ

  • 5:00 PM: TOWER OF POWER at Hotel Champlain (Hilton Burlington)

  • 5:30 PM: Twain, Esther Rose (folk) at Light Club Lamp Shop

  • 6:00 PM: Cider Sessions with Josh Panda at Citizen Cider

  • 6:45 PM: Kizomba & Semba at South End Studio

  • 8:00 PM: Zach Nugent Dead Set (Grateful Dead tribute) at ArtsRiot ($12)

  • 8:30 PM: Jazz with Alex Stewart & Friends at The 126 (Free)

  • 8:30 PM: Sam Greenfield, Muscle Tough (funk/jazz) at Nectar’s ($15)

  • 10:00 PM: The Wormdogs (bluegrass) at Radio Bean ($10)

  • 8:00 PM: DJ JP Black at Red Square (Free)

  • 10:00 PM: DJ Chaston at Red Square Blue Room (Free)

  • 11:00 PM: DJ Two Sev at Red Square (Free)

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025

General Events

Performances

  • 7:30 PM: THE ADDAMS FAMILY at The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts

  • 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM: Langston Kerman (comedy show) at Vermont Comedy Club ($25)

Live Music / DJ

Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)

Will continue updating this, but please double check deals are still valid - if not, let me know.

Wednesday

Food:
• Pizzeria Verità – BOGO Margherita pizzas
• Friendly Toast – Kids eat free
• IHOP – Kids eat free (3–9 PM)
• City Market – $5.99 sushi rolls
• Gold Restaurant – 50% off small plates (<5:30 PM, >8:30 PM)
• Daily Planet – $5 off burgers & sandwiches
• Shelburne Tap House – BOGO ½ off salads
• Three Needs – $1 pizza slices (Duff Hour)
• Mule Bar – $2 corn dogs, $4 hot dogs

Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 beers (Duff Hour)
• Mule Bar – $5 whiskey pours

Thursday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – $0.75 jumbo wings
• Gold Restaurant – 50% off small plates (<5:30 PM, >8:30 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 pizza slices (Duff Hour)
• Switchback Brewing – 25% off apps (Mug Club Night)

Drink:
• Daily Planet – $5 Zero Gravity pints (5–10 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 beers (Duff Hour)
• Switchback Brewing – $5 Mansfield IPA

Friday

Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – $10 fish & chips
• Three Needs – $1 pizza slices (Duff Hour)

Drink:
• Daily Planet – $5 Fiddlehead IPA (all day)
• Three Needs – $1 beers (Duff Hour)

Btown Eats (Meal Kit & Grocery Service)

Food tastes better when you’re not the only one trying it—that's the inspiration behind Btown Eats, Burlington’s new local meal kit service. For just $11 a week, I'll be your personal grocer and online kitchen companion, helping you enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without the hassle of having to find new recipes and go shopping yourself. Stay in the loop and see what the community is cooking! Note: meals are not pre-cooked.

Each week, you’ll:

  • Browse five carefully selected meals you’re interested in cooking

  • Choose your favorites and serving sizes

  • Add extra groceries for the week (default store-brand Hannaford unless requested otherwise)

  • Submit your order with your contact details

I'll confirm via text, invoice through PayPal or Venmo, and have everything ready for pickup (or delivered for a $10 fee). Groceries are at cost, with just the flat $11 weekly service fee.

Let's celebrate good food together! Snap a photo of your finished meals and email it to [email protected]—your creations might be featured in the newsletter.

Here's this week’s menu: I’ve picked 4 dinners + 1 dessert to kick things off:

  • Pan-Seared Chicken with Pesto Pasta: Tender chicken, vibrant pesto, cherry tomatoes, and farfalle pasta. ($4/serving, ~900 cal, ~70g protein)

  • Indian Butter Chicken: Rich, tomato-cream sauce with broiled chicken thighs, basmati rice, and naan. ($4/serving, ~450 cal, ~34g protein)

  • Simple Fried Rice: Quick, tasty jasmine rice mixed with eggs, ham, and veggies. ($2/serving, ~460 cal, ~20g protein)

  • Salmon with Old Bay Butter & Confetti Grits: Seared salmon topped with Old Bay lemon butter, served over creamy corn and bell pepper grits. ($7/serving, ~900 cal, ~50g protein)

  • Blueberry Biscuits: Tender biscuits with real blueberries and honey butter. ($6 total, ~400 cal each)

    (2 serving minimum per meal). Click the link to start making your selections, or to learn more:

    https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/p/btown-eats-monday-march-23rd

    Or click THIS if above link isn’t working

    Photos of your options:

That’s All, Burlington!

Thanks for tuning in to the mid-week edition of the Btown Brief. As always, your friendly neighbors appreciate your participation in our bustling city scene—whether it’s to cheer on a local chef, catch a comedy show, or support your favorite coffee spot. If you have any hot tips, local scoops, or want to say hello, just hit reply. We’ll see you out there!

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