The Skinny 02.03.10 through 02.09.10
Howdy folks,
once again, the astute observer might point out that there was no edition of “The Skinny” last week. My humble apologies, the rug got out from under us. But fear not…
First, a word about our “Haitian Crepe” series: 
Two weeks ago in The Skinny, we explained that “in the spirit of ‘Eating locally, thinking globally’ and ‘Consumer Power’, the Skinny Pancake has a plan to raise funds for Haiti by developing a series of ‘Haitian Crepes’ based on traditional Haitian recipes, using local Vermont ingredients wherever possible. 10% of proceeds from this series all month at both locations will be donated to Partners In Health (standwithhaiti.org/haiti).
And yet despite this tantalizing first announcement, you–our loyal readers–were dished up a week of radio silence from this publication…and during that time, a Haitian Crepe has come and gone.Thank goodness, we have the next installment in our “Haitian Crepe” series starting TODAY:
Griots and Pikliz: Citrus marinated Winding Brook Farm Pork and Rice in a Savory Crepe Served with Pickled Local root Veggies from Pete’s Greens. $10.00
Come check it out any day this week and help us raise some money in the process. As mentioned, we will donate 10% of the sale of each of these crepes to Partners In Health.
Montpelier Green Drinks:
Well, I’ve now realized that between Burlington & Montpelier we will be writing about Green Drinks every other week. To make matters a bit more confusing…last month’s sponsor for Burlington Green Drinks–the Vermont Natural Resources Council–was so thrilled, they’ve signed up to sponsor Green Drinks in Montpelier this month!!!
Ok…before get too turned around, here are the basics on dates, times & “the deal”: come to Montpelier Green Drinks at the “mini-Skinny” at 89 Main St this Tuesday, February 9th from 6 pm to 8 pm and enjoy one of 50 drinks generously purchased by the sponsors at no cost to you!!!
Can’t make Green Drinks? Bummer! If you visit on any of the following three Tuesdays between 6-8 pm, we’ll donate 5% of proceeds from that time period to VNRC!
About the VNRC: For over forty years, VNRC has been Vermont’s leader in protecting and restoring our natural resources. By building coalitions, working together, and offering common sense solutions, VNRChas set the standard
for an approach to environmental protection that endures.  VNRC is the Vermont affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.
From the State House to your Town Hall, VNRC keeps Vermonters informed on the environmental issues that you and your family care most about. We keep a constant presence in the Vermont State House to promote a vision of a Vermont that is healthy and sustainable. We empower our members to take action when the voice of concerned citizens is needed to make a difference. Some of the important issuesVNRC focuses on include: clean water, healthy forests, clean air, sustainable communities & energy.
VNRC is part of the Vermont Environmental Collaborative (VEC). Have you heard of VEC? It consists of 14 statewide environmental and conservation organizations. These groups come together to determine which environmental and conservation issues are the most critical to address in the upcoming legislative session. Every month in 2010, Montpelier Green Drinks will feature a different member-group of VEC. Last month, the Vermont League of Conservation Voters was the sponsor. This month, VNRC…
Music this week at the SP:
Thursday, 02.04.10
Jamie Kent (jazz/pop/rock)
Seth Gallant (folk/indi/minimalist)
***$5 suggested donation
www.jamiekent.com
www.myspace.com/sethgallant
Jamie Kent www.jamiekent.com kicks off his Vermont tour at the ‘Cake. This promising new talent hails from Massachusetts. Based on a listen, I’dventure a strong guess this singer songwriter grew up amidst the sounds of Jack Johnson–breezy pop songs grounded by sleepy, mellow vocals. Jamie puts his talent for singing into a catchy blend of roots music.
From the artist, “I have been writing music for about six years, and studying voice for about the same. I’ve proudly played in a Mariachi band, performed in an a capella group, and crooned for a sixteen piece big band. I’m pretty sure that I am a better singer than guitarist.”
Opening this night is local tunesmith Seth Gallantwww.myspace.com/sethgallant, who recently joined Maryse Smith for a night at the Cake in January. This Indie-folk musician has garnered praise as a 2009 musical highlight by Seven Days Music Editor Dan Bolles. Seth released a solo EP Songs for a Snowstorm in 2009 to much local acclaim. As lead for the Burlington rock band, In Memory of Pluto, Seth proves his musical stylings are not easily pigeonholed.
Friday, 02.05.10
Jeremy Harple (Rebel Folk)
Kelly Ravin (American/Folk)
www.myspace.com/kellyravin
www.jeremyharple.com
Jermey Harple www.jeremyharple.com can craft an original song as well as put unique spin on covers. 
Jeremy writes his own music, which he later referred to as ‘Rebel Folk’:
“‘Rebel Folk’ is a name I came up with after being asked time and time again what kind of music I played. My musical styles range from bluegrass, to rock, reggae…to folk, and everything in between. ‘Rebel Folk’ seemed a fitting description. Generally my music includes social commentary, songs about love, the journey through life, and rebelling against what you believe is wrong in the world.”
Friday night come listen to Jeremy in a rare Burlington performance.www.jeremyharple.com
Kelly Ravin www.myspace.com/kellyravin kicks off the night. Smart lyrics, rootsey. Known in the New England music scene as a consummate Americana acoustic music performer, Kelly’s music spans the range of acoustic music, from straight-ahead bluegrass to rock influenced new acoustic music, to songwriter-oriented folk. He is an innovative guitar picker which he backs with solid vocals.
Saturday, 02.06.10
The Michele Fay Band (bluegrass)
***$5 suggested donation
www.michelefayband.com
Sweet Saturday night of bluegrass with theMichele Fay Band www.michelefayband.com. The Michele Fay Band is a mix of traditional, swing and bluegrass influenced music with rich female harmonies. Many of the songs are Michele’s originals, inspired by life in Vermont – past and present.
From their website, “Together, the four members put forth captivating sounds from upbeat fiddle tunes to thought provoking ballads. Michele sings with acoustic guitar and banjo, her husband Tim Price embellishes on mandolin, acoustic guitar and electric guitar, Lausanne Allen adds fiddle, whistle, and vocal harmonies, and Mike Santosusso drives the beat on upright bass.”
Seven Days Magazine says of Michele’s 2007 cd release: “… a solid debut from a talented writer with highly capable musical gifts.”
According to Benjy, “Last time the Michele Fay band played, I had people coming up to me for two weeks telling me about the show. We booked ‘em again, but like most hot acts, they don’t overplay. So we’ve had to wait many months. Catch ‘em this time ’round at the ‘Cake or risk waiting many more months…”
In the pipeline…
Thursday, 02.11.10
Antara (folk/rock/indi songstress)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/antaralittleweirdgirl
www.littleweirdgirl.com
Friday, 02.12.10
Zach duPont (singer/songwriter)
***$5 suggested donation
http://www.myspace.com/zackdupont
Saturday, 02.13.10
Grass Gypsys (Americana/Roots/World)
***$5 suggested donation
www.myspace.com/thegrassgypsys