Stowe Jazz Festival
Stowe Jazz Festival
engagement orients relative newcomers to the vision of the festival. It also provides education on how symbiotic relationships among some 90 local businesses benefit the whole scene. As performances are fully funded, the resultant economic boost incentivizes business partners to reciprocate— via advertising, lodging, sponsorships, and so forth.
The funding of the performances and all other SJF expenses happens on multiple levels. In addition to business sponsorships, Petit counts on anonymous angel donors that can contribute larger amounts; he just as readily depends on an ongoing GoFundMe drive, for those who contribute what they can. The result?“ Everybody is taking a little bit of ownership of what we’ re doing, and that, again, engages the community and keeps us operating.”
The Music Experience
Creating a great festival experience for all begins with how the musicians themselves are treated, so I asked George how he views their experience at his festival. Concerning those brought in from out of state:“ I would say, honestly, 100 % of them bang on my door every year to come back.” First, he attributes this in part to the fact that musicians are paid above market rate, a decision based on knowing that too often the opposite is true. As a result, there are no negotiations— just an earnest attempt to get the funding for what is asked, where possible. Second, the scenic beauty of Stowe is a big draw. That, coupled with a palpable sense of inclusiveness and positivity, are attributes that musicians find attractive.
Establishing a gold standard, with high quality musicians on the international scale, guides Petit’ s approach to contracting regional and local musicians. In his“ raise all boats” concept, he asks prospective emerging musicians to put together a set that will complement Grammy-caliber performances on the mainstage. This means avoiding pick-up gigs, or bands that don’ t actually gig as bands. In other words, there needs to be a dramatic arc to the set, and the bands need to be well rehearsed. Topflight, locally based musicians such as Ray Vega, Tom Gershwin, and Paul Asbell understand that expectation, and it has proven over time to be a successful formula to attract other quality acts.
SJF prides itself on being a festival that
A new building. A renewed commitment. A destination for art and education.
Framing the future of Vermont Art
At Southern Vermont Arts Center, a significant new chapter is unfolding. Rising just beyond historic Yester House, this new gallery building will expand SVAC’ s footprint with thoughtfully designed exhibition spaces created to honor the art of the past, with For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection— while championing the artists of today in the new Van Degna Gallery.
Stay up to date with this summer’ s educational programming and art talks!
Visit svac. org to learn more. Or scan the QR code below.
A Destination Worth the Journey
Located in the heart of Manchester, Vermont, SVAC offers:
Year-round exhibitions Outdoor sculpture installations Art classes and lectures On-site dining at curATE Café
ROCKWELL KENT Mount Equinox, Summer, oil on canvas
For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection
New building opening June 7, 2026 Be among the first to step inside!
SVAC. O R G
40 VERMONT MAGAZINE