SHaving Vermont artists perform on New Year’s Eve has been a Burlington tradition for nearly four decades. It started with First Night Burlington and continues with Highlight, a festival organized by Burlington City Arts, with the help of Signal Kitchen.
Yes, Highlight is happening this year, but in 2021 it’s all about staying there.
The Highlight House party starts at 1pm on December 31st and ends at 1am on January 1st, 2021. The lineup includes performances such as Myra Flynn and Swale, along with storyteller Ferene Paris Meyer family performers Circus Smirkus and Mister Chris & Friends, and troubadour Charlie Schramm, 12, who recently appeared on WCAX-TV as part of Kids VT’s Spectacular Show. The serendipity of what is available is part of the charm.
To join in the fun, purchase a $ 10 ticket at highlightbtv.org and tune in on December 31st. Organizers say that through the Run the World viewing platform, you will be able to choose from a group of “virtual stages” such as changing channels on your TV.
Here are seven reasons to buy a ticket for this unique virtual bash.
- It’s safe. The pandemic is still raging. If there was ever a year to stay home on New Year’s Eve, this is it.
- Raise a glass in the privacy of your own home. Have some champagne. Pour yourself a sparkling cider flute. Make a soothing pot of chamomile tea. Soak whatever you want! No one will judge you, no one will kill you, and you don’t need a designated driver.
- The highlight is better than the one broadcast on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. You’ve seen most of them anyway, haven’t you?
- Fireworks! This year there will be a show at 8pm on the Burlington Boardwalk, sponsored by the Pomerleau Family Foundation, and via Highlight you can watch it live from home. Highlight will play the fireworks show at midnight.
- You can probably afford it. Tickets cost $ 10 per person, cheaper than a craft cocktail at almost any bar in town.
- You will support local artists. All acts are paid for. You can even leave donations for them through the streaming platform, like practically passing the hat on.
- You can celebrate it with other people, even if it’s just on the screen. The number of attendees and usernames will be visible, and you can join the online chat if you wish. At least it should feel like a crowd. Hopefully next year it will be safe to be part of it again.