Dec 12th: Masta Ace @ The Rusty Nail, Stowe VT

Vermonty Burns Productions keeps it moving even in the dead of winter: up next, they're bringing Masta Ace to Stowe, VT's finest venue, the (formerly) infamous Rusty Nail. This is a deeply stacked bill, featuring The Aztext, Lynguistic Civilians, BTV newcomers Maiden Voyage, and Crusty Cuts doing a DJ set. (You should know Crusty Cuts from the recent Ler Stevens project, Green Hour.) Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of.

August 21: DJ Abilities @ Zen Lounge

This week's Big Deal is the arrival of legendary turntablist DJ Abilities, who has brought along an impressive bill including NYC rapper Premrock and Denver, CO circus animal Jake Spike. These cats all put on entertaining, virtuoso sets. There will also be local support from DJ Kanga with Self Portrait, Lynguistic Civilians and something called "Wombaticus Rex," which is a deeply stupid name.

This is an 18+ hip hop show in downtown Burlington. That is a good thing. $5 at the door. See you at the bar.

August 21st: DJ Abilities w/ Premrock @ Zen Lounge

Vermonty Burns Productions is keeping it moving. Fresh off the success of last night's Nappy Roots show, now they're bringing the absurdly legendary DJ Abilities to Zen Lounge. He's got tour support from NYC wordsmith Premrock -- whose most recent album is outstanding -- and Denver, CO lunatic Jake Spike. This is going to be a very entertaining show, and another big win for one of the best promotion teams in the state.

We'll have more updates on this show shortly; meanwhile, you know...get psyched.

August 7th: Nappy Roots at Zen Lounge

This is going to be a hell of a show -- the local lineup is definitely some of the finest Vermont has to offer: Bless the Child, showcase winners Self Portrait, and four-time Daysie Award Winners, Lynguistic Civilians.

(Big ups to Vermonty Burns Productions and Zen Lounge for running a meritocracy ... bringing big acts through Vermont and giving them dope local support is a Very Good Thing for Vermont hip hop.)

Be there. $10 is a bargain and a half.

July 16th: Nappy Roots Pre-Show at Zen Lounge

Props to Zen Lounge and Vermonty Burns Productions for bringing Nappy Roots to Burlington -- and putting in work for the Vermont rap scene, too. What I am about to describe here is very cool, and a welcome break from the usual horseshit that promoters get up to when they bring a major act though town. On August 7th, Nappy Roots will be coming through Zen Lounge, and quite rightfully, Lynguistic Civilians and Bless the Child will be opening...but there's still room on the bill.

Rather than just selling slots and watering down the show with rich kids with no talent (aka "The Usual") Vermonty Burns Productions is holding a "Pre-Show" competition on Wednesday, July 16th. As VBP manager Scott LaValla explains, "When doors open at the club everyone will be asked who they are there to see, then during the showcase people can also vote for there favorite act which also enters them into a raffle for two tickets to the 8/7 Nappy Roots show. The artist/group in the showcase with the most combined votes gets the opening slot as well as a feature in Cider Magazine."

Better yet, the "Pre-Show" lineup is awesome. Currently on the bill: BTV's most promising new hip hop act, Self Portrait, Montpelier party rap explosion Boomslang, the hard-working freestyle phenom MC Mycelium, and Southern VT fixtures G da Louisville Slugga and Ms. Sheila White.

Good news: There are still two slots left. If you're interested, get in touch with vermontyburns@gmail.com. Like, ASAP.