Brattleboro is a creative river town in southeastern Vermont, known for its arts scene, its Art Deco theater and its independent spirit. Players will find a Monday open mic that has run for 35 years, a weekly community jazz jam at the Vermont Jazz Center, and folk and roots concerts all year. This guide covers Brattleboro's history, its music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams.
A Brief History of Brattleboro
The Connecticut River valley here was part of the Abenaki homeland. In 1724, Massachusetts built Fort Dummer nearby, the first permanent English settlement in what became Vermont. Brattleboro was chartered in 1753.
In the 1800s, Brattleboro's water cure spas drew visitors, and the Estey Organ Company grew into the world's largest maker of reed organs. Rudyard Kipling lived just outside town in the 1890s, writing The Jungle Book at his home, Naulakha.
In the 1960s and '70s, Brattleboro attracted artists and back-to-the-landers, and it remains one of Vermont's most progressive and creative towns. The Art Deco Latchis Hotel and Theatre anchors its Main Street.
The Brattleboro Music Scene
Brattleboro's music scene is rich for a town of 12,000. The Vermont Jazz Center, founded in 1974, offers concerts, classes and a weekly community jam. The Latchis Theatre, the Stone Church and Next Stage Arts in nearby Putney host touring folk, rock and roots acts, and the Brattleboro Music Center presents classical music. The famed Marlboro Music Festival is just up the road.
Brattleboro's open mic hosted by Kevin Parry has run since 1991 at a series of downtown venues, one of New England's longest-running open stages.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Brattleboro
- Latchis Theatre – A 1938 Art Deco theater for concerts and film.
- Stone Church (210 Main St.) – A converted church for touring and local bands.
- Vermont Jazz Center (72 Cotton Mill Hill) – Jazz concerts, education and a weekly jam.
- Marigold (Main St.) – Home of the long-running Monday open mic.
- Next Stage Arts (Putney) – Concerts and a periodic open stage.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Brattleboro
Brattleboro has two outstanding weekly events and more within a short drive. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
Open Mics
- Kevin Parry's Open Mic at Marigold (Main St.) – Mondays, wrapping up around 9:30 p.m. Running since 1991 at venues including the Mole's Eye Cafe and The Marina; marked 35 years in 2026.
- Open Stage at Next Stage Arts (Putney) – A periodic open stage, typically hosted by Vermont Timbre.
Jams
- Vermont Jazz Center Jam Session (72 Cotton Mill Hill, #222) – Wednesdays, 8:00–10:00 p.m. A welcoming community jam on standards and blues; Real Books in all keys available, youth especially encouraged, singers should bring charts in their key. $3+ suggested donation.
Brattleboro-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Kevin Parry's Open Mic | Marigold | All Styles |
| Wednesday | Jazz Jam (8 p.m.) | Vermont Jazz Center | Jazz |
| Periodic | Open Stage (7 p.m.) | Next Stage Arts, Putney | All Styles |
Tips for Playing Brattleboro-Area Open Mics and Jams
- Bring charts to the jazz jam. Singers especially should have their keys ready.
- Show up early Monday. The long-running open mic has loyal regulars.
- Plan for winter. Vermont snow can cancel nights.
Helpful Local Resources
- Vermont Jazz Center (vtjazz.org) – Jam details and concerts.
- BrattBeat (brattbeat.com) – Local music calendar.
- Brattleboro Reformer (reformer.com) – Arts coverage.
