MONTPELIER – The 2023 Farmers Night Concert Series presents The Enigmatic and Charismatic Alexander Twilight with historian Bill Hart and saxophonist-composer Ras Moshe Burnett on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., in the House Chamber, Vermont State House.
Middlebury historian Bill Hart and others pay tribute to Rep. Alexander Twilight of Brownington, elected in 1836 as the nation’s first legislator of African descent, and the subject of a new State House portrait by Katie Runde of Middlebury. Hart and others explore the complicated story behind this energetic and inspired educator. To complement the evening’s festivities saxophonist and composer Ras Moshe Burnett will premiere a composition titled “Alexander Twilight.”
The Farmers Night Concert Series is a longstanding State House tradition which goes back over 100 years to a time when lawmakers entertained themselves in the House Chamber mid-week while away from home. Artists from around the state, in genres ranging from classical music to bluegrass to barbershop, perform in the well of the House Chamber each Wednesday night during the legislative session—and the concerts are free and open to the public.
The entire Farmers Night Concert Series is presented by the Vermont Legislature and returns to the State House for the first time since the pandemic interrupted the performances in March of 2020. This year’s offerings include 12 weekly Wednesday performances, with the exception of a break for town meeting in early March. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Vermont State House.
For additional questions, please contact David Schutz, Vermont State Curator by email, [email protected] or phone, (802) 279-5558.
