As the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 spreads, it is forcing Vermonters to take precautions. Chief among the recommended steps for limiting exposure is avoiding large public gatherings. That means area performing arts venues, theaters, galleries and nightclubs are scaling down their offerings, postponing or canceling events, and, in many cases, closing.

Other local organizations and businesses are also shifting how they operate, often to minimize person-to-person contact.

As word of local arts-related closings, cancellations and news becomes available, we'll post updates here.

Here's the latest:

Friday, March 20 2020:

Merrill Theatres Closes Burlington-Area Movie Theaters

Merrill Theatres has closed its Burlington-area movie theaters indefinitely. These include Majestic 10 in Williston, Merrill's Roxy Cinemas in Burlington and the Palace 9 Cinemas in South Burlington. The theaters had previously planned normal schedules through the weekend, with truncated schedules next week.

No information about when the theaters might reopen has been announced.

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Wednesday, March 18, 2020:

Movie Theaters Close Across Vermont — But Not in Burlington

Hollywood has pushed its entire release schedule back as movie theaters shut their doors across the country. This week, a slew of Vermont theaters announced closures until further notice, including the massive Essex Cinemas, the Capitol Showplace and Savoy Theater in Montpelier, the Paramount Theatre in Barre, the Marquis Theater in Middlebury, the Playhouse Movie Theatre in Randolph, the Stowe Cinema 3 Plex and the Welden Theatre in St. Albans.

The Burlington-area Merrill Theatres remain open, among them the high-capacity Majestic 10 in Williston. The Majestic and Merrill's Roxy Cinemas will have regular weekend schedules, followed by truncated schedules (no early-afternoon or late-evening screenings) from Monday to Thursday next week. The Palace 9 in South Burlington will have its regular schedule through Sunday; after that, it's TBD. Up in Morrisville, the Bijou 4 will return to showing movies on Friday after a closure earlier in the week, according to its website and phone message.

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Waking Windows Postponed Until 2021

Waking Windows has been postponed a full year due to the global pandemic known as COVID-19. The indie music and arts festival was supposed to celebrate its tenth year Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, in locations throughout downtown Winooski.

“Although we are completely gutted about having to walk away from this year’s festival, we’re happy to announce that we’ve already worked with the city to secure dates for next year,” wrote the Waking Windows team in an email to subscribers Wednesday morning.

Waking Windows will return Friday, May 7, through Sunday, May 9, 2021.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020:

Hopkins Center Postpones Events Through May 31

The Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth in Hanover, N.H. announced Tuesday it is postponing or canceling all events and programming through May 31.

In an email, executive director Mary Lou Aleski wrote that while in-person events are no longer happening, the organization is exploring ways to connect fans remotely with live-stream events.

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Generator Closes Temporarily

Generator, the community maker space in Burlington's South End, will close to both the public and members until April 6, effective immediately. As of March 14, the space had been closed to the public and open to members only under limited hours, due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

In an email and message posted to the organization's blog, executive director Meg Hammond  said the organization hopes to remain connected to members through online channels and encouraged makers to continue working on projects from home.

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Monday, March 16, 2020:

Highland Center for the Arts Cancels Events Through April 15

Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro announced on Monday evening that it will cancel all programming through April 15. As of this update, the Lucinda Williams concert scheduled for April 16 has not been canceled or postponed.

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Vermont Humanities Postpones Events Through May 15

Vermont Humanities will postpone all of its public events through May 15, including its First Wednesdays lectures. In the meantime, the organization is brainstorming ways to bridge the "social distance," according to executive director Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup.

"Look for us to share talks, videos, and podcasts from our archive, as well as new content like study guides, discussion group materials, and other resources that you can use with your family, friends, and community members in virtual gathering places like Skype, Zoom, Google groups, or Facebook," Ilstrup wrote in an official announcement.

For the mentally restless, Vermont Humanities produces two podcasts: Before Your Time and the Portable Humanist, both available to stream here.

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Burlington City Arts Closes Studios and Galleries, Announces Online Learning Program

Burlington City Arts announced Monday that it will close its studio facilities and galleries until April 6 and cancel all classes, open studio hours and other programming.

“While we know how vital the arts can and will be during this unprecedented disruption, we all need to participate in the state’s strategy for slowing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, which includes social distancing,” read the organization’s announcement.

BCA had previously stated on Saturday that its studios would remain open until further notice. That statement cited guidance from Governor Phil Scott, who had said at the time that schools would remain open. Scott ordered schools to close on Sunday.

Those enrolled in BCA classes will be refunded for the number of classes they will miss. Studio members will be credited for unused studio time. The BCA Center on Church Street, currently home to three exhibitions, will also close.

Canceled events include the Architecture and Design Film Series screening on March 18, the Children’s Art Exhibition on March 19, a curator talk on March 25, Family Art Saturday on March 28, and an artist performance on April 8.

The organization also announced the launch of a program called Home Studio, which will provide art activity prompts three times per week and offer virtual gallery tours. Vermonters can access Home Studio offerings on the BCA website or by joining the Facebook group.

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More Restaurants Move to Take-Out Only, Add Delivery. Plus, Updated Restaurant Closures

Restaurants throughout Vermont are doing their best to adapt to the changing reality of life during a pandemic, including increased sanitization, removing tables to increase space between patrons dining in, and offering take-out and delivery. Over the weekend and into Monday, an increasing number of restaurants and food businesses in the state have switched to a take-out only model — and delivery, in some cases — to follow recommendations for social distancing and protect their communities. In addition to places we've previously reported, the following restaurants and food and drink establishments have ceased sit-down service:

Burlington
Barrio Bakery is now to-go only, in addition to canceling its pizza nights

Taco Gordo is to-go and delivery only, but they have added burritos to the menu.

The Skinny Pancake is to-go only and working on adding delivery.

Brio Coffeeworks has temporarily suspended tasting bar and in-store retail, though customers can order online and pick up bags of coffee at the roastery;

Switchback Brewing Company is retail only.

Tomgirl Kitchen is increasing free local delivery of shelf-stable foods and juices, as well as planning to congregate orders for group deliveries to Stowe and Middlebury.

Nu Chocolat's retail store is closed, but they're still in production and are offering curbside service for phone orders.

Pingala Café is only accepting take-out and online orders.

Elsewhere
Birchgrove Baking (Montpelier) is to-go only, as are Sweet Simone's (Richmond), Sweet Alchemy Bakery and Café (Essex Junction) and Four Quarters Brewing (Winooski).

Three Penny Taproom (Montpelier) will serve food to-go, but will not serve alcohol or other drinks for waiting patrons.

The Middlebury Natural Foods Co-Op has converted its hot bar and salad bar to pre-packaged items only.

In Bristol, Bobcat Café and Brewery will shifting to take-out and delivery from its food truck — which will park out front of the restaurant — with an outside area roped off for alcohol consumption. The restaurant will offer free hot dogs and hamburgers for all kids, and will implement a "pay-it-forward" system, accepting all forms of payment — including Venmo and barter — and announcing on social media, "If you can't pay, you won't. No judgment."

The Blue Paddle Bistro is now offering free delivery Wednesday through Sunday nights in South Hero and Grand Isle, in addition to take-out with "front porch service." Co-owners Mandy Hotchkiss and Phoebe Bright told Seven Days in an email that they're attempting to put together an emergency COVID-19 NE Vermont Restauranteurs’ Summit to address concerns, fears, marketing opportunities and standard sanitizing protocols, as well as how restaurants can support each other and "collectively approach our legislature for financial assistance — both on a state and federal level."

Restaurant Closures
Vermont has not yet mandated closing or limiting the operation of restaurants and bars, though such measures are being taken around the country. Leaders in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Washington, as well as in Québec, have taken measures including limiting restaurant capacity, closing bars, breweries and wineries, and requiring restaurants to operate as take-out and delivery only.

While Burlington has not yet mandated closings, in a virtual town hall meeting on Sunday, Mayor Miro Weinberger said it's not out of the question and "people should expect that there will be further changes in the community as this week unfolds."

Many restaurants around the state have made the decision to close, citing public safety reasons. The following restaurants have announced temporary closures as of Monday morning — details of the closures, including dates, are available on social media:

The Daily Planet (Burlington); Stoke Ramen (Waitsfield); Kitchen Pizza and Pasta and Toast & Eggs (Waitsfield); Hinesburgh Public House (Hinesburg); SoLo Farm & Table (South Londonderry) and its sister restaurant, Honeypie (Rawsonville); The Backroom (Pittsfield); Haymaker Bun Company (Middlebury), which will offer limited items through sister restaurant the Arcadian's increased to-go and delivery service; and Localfolk Smokehouse (Waitsfield).

American Flatbread Burlington Hearth will be closed Monday to "give employees a day to rest and regroup," and warned diners that its hours of operation may change moving forward.

Honey Road will temporarily close as of Monday. The restaurant announced on social media, "We simply can not contribute to the accelerating spread of the COVID-19 virus. The safety of our staff and guests is our top priority." The restaurant is planning a take-out program, "Little Honey," coming soon.

Unrelated to the COVID-19 outbreak, Scout & Co. announced that its location at the Innovation Center on Pine Street in Burlington will be indefinitely closed due to roof damage from high winds this past Friday. The other Scout locations in Winooski and Burlington's Old North End remain open as usual.

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Burlington-Area Fitness Centers and Yoga Studios Close, Offer Online Classes

Petra Cliffs Climbing Center in Burlington will close from March 16 through the end of the month. In a statement on their website, owners Andrea and Steve Charest said they hope to reopen in early April.

REV studio in South Burlington announced on Saturday that all classes are canceled until further notice. Founder Sarah DeGray said in an email to REV members that she hopes to resume normal operations by early April; in the meantime, REV has launched a YouTube channel for at-home workouts.

On Thursday, Sangha Studio closed both its Pine Street and N. Winooski Avenue locations until further notice, according to founder and executive director Caitlin Pascucci. Instructors will live-stream one class each week on Sangha's Instagram; daily workout videos will also be uploaded to the studio's YouTube channel.

Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga on Pine Street in Burlington transitioned on Sunday to live-streamed classes, according to a post on the studio's Facebook page.

Burlington Yoga will cancel all classes for one week, beginning Monday, March 16, according to an announcement on the studio’s website.

Greater Burlington YMCA has closed, effective Monday, March 16. A message on the YMCA website stated that the facility is tentatively scheduled to open again on April 1, pending developments in the spread of COVID-19.

Laughing River Yoga in Burlington will offer online classes only, starting Monday, March 16. More information and schedule updates will be posted to their website and Facebook page.

Yoga Vermont on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace announced on its website that in-person classes are now “on hold," with virtual classes to be scheduled soon.

Several fitness, dance and movement classes at North End Studios in Burlington have been temporarily suspended. Each workshop is taught by an independent contractor, so cancellations will be announced on an individual basis on the North End Studios website and Facebook page.

All EDGE Sports & Fitness locations will be closed starting Tuesday, March 17, with a tentative reopening date of April 1, pending recommendations from the Vermont Department of Health and the CDC. An announcement to EDGE members stated that the gym is “currently working on ways to stay connected to our EDGE community virtually” through online classes.

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Burlington Choral Society's Spring Concert Canceled

The Burlington Choral Society’s spring concert on April 25 has been canceled. The group would have premiered a commissioned piece by Burlington composer Don Jamison.

The co-founder of Social Band, Jamison composes mostly for chorus but recently produced a commissioned piece for Northern Third Piano Quartet. He’s interested in the melodic modes of folk music; the BCS piece ranges from “Phrygian dark to Lydian bright,” he said, naming a couple modes. Titled “There Is a Day,” the work sets to music a selection of poems from A Timbered Choir: The Sabbath Poems 1979-1997 by Wendell Berry, the Kentucky-based agrarian poet who has written more than 50 books.

BCS was also hard at work rehearsing two Bach cantatas and Mozart’s Solemn Vespers for the concert when their rehearsals, which had suddenly become “large gatherings,” came to a halt. But it may still be possible to hear a recent Jamison commission this spring: Social Band is scheduled to perform one the same day, April 25, in a concert yet to be canceled.

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Inclusive Arts Vermont Cancels Inaugural Celebration

Inclusive Arts Vermont’s inaugural community celebration and auction, scheduled for May 23, has been postponed. The nonprofit, which works with the arts to engage children and adults with disabilities, had planned to present the first Judith Chalmer Award for Arts Access Advocacy in honor of its previous executive director. According to an email, the event will likely be rescheduled for September. Address questions or concerns to [email protected] or 871-5002.

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Sunday, March 15, 2020:

Smugglers' Notch Distillery Shifts Focus to Production of Hand Sanitizer

Smugglers' Notch Distillery in Jeffersonville announced on Sunday that it will shift its focus to the production of hand sanitizer — a product in short supply and high demand during the coronavirus outbreak.

In a company press release, owners Ron and Jeremy Elliott said the priorities at the distillery “flipped overnight from crafting spirits to producing hand sanitizer.”

Jeremy Elliott is quoted in the release: “The SND team is a group of proud Vermonters, eager to be given an opportunity to help in our small way. This is an unsettling moment in our history and we are pivoting together quickly for community good.”

The hand sanitizer is expected to be available by Wednesday or Thursday at Smugglers' Notch Distillery tasting rooms in Jeffersonville and Waterbury, according to Jeremy Elliot. The company will donate a portion of the proceeds of the sales to the state’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, according to the release.

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Radio Bean, ¡Duino! (Duende) and Light Club Lamp Shop to Close
Radio Bean, ¡Duino! (Duende) and the Light Club Lamp Shop will temporarily close due to COVID-19 concerns. In a statement Sunday on Facebook, owner Lee Anderson wrote, “I have made the incredibly difficult decision to close all three businesses to the public effective at 7:00 tonight, Sunday, March 15, until further notice. It is the only moral, ethical and safe decision I feel is possible.”

Despite the closure, global street food restaurant ¡Duino! (Duende) will continue to make food, and plans to offer curbside pickup.

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Vermont Dance Alliance Cancels March Event, Postpones April Gala

The Vermont Dance Alliance, a nonprofit that serves dancers and choreographers throughout the state, has canceled its Gala Works in Progress Showing, scheduled for March 22, and postponed its 2020 Gala, scheduled for April 24 and 25.

The annual March showing, which takes place in a different part of the state each year, was to be held at Middlebury College, which closed its campus last week. At the event, artists perform a juried selection of works and receive feedback from their peers and audience members, in preparation for the gala.

In lieu of performing and talking in person in March, choreographers and dancers will participate in a Zoom meeting on Sunday, March 22, according to alliance director Hanna Satterlee.

The 2020 Gala was to be held at Middlebury Town Hall Theater. It will be rescheduled once the threat of COVID-19 has subsided. The gala presents works by Vermont choreographers working in diverse movement forms. The 2020 Gala will include works by Nicole Dagesse, Laurel Jenkins, Elizabeth Kurylo, Julie Peoples-Clark and Bridget Struthers.

Learn more at vermontdancealliance.org.

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Film Screenings Around Vermont Canceled, Postponed

Live shows aren’t the only events being affected by COVID-19. The 23rd annual Green Mountain Film Festival, scheduled for March 20 to 23 in Montpelier, was canceled on March 12. “[W]e are so sorry and we are miserably disappointed,” the board of Focus on Film, which puts on the fest, wrote in a statement.

The statement notes that James O’Hanlon, who hosts many of the festival's screenings at his Savoy Theater, is working on refunding tickets to patrons. Focus on Film, meanwhile, has already paid for the films, posters and print programs — “the timing is terrible for us,” as the statement puts it. The GMFF welcomes community donations on its website.

In Burlington, the Vermont International Film Foundation’s Global Roots Film Festival “The Reporter” — which feature movies with a journalism theme — has been postponed till the fall, “when it will be recreated as a high-profile showcase” within VTIFF’s usual October festival.

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival has postponed the last three screenings in its MNFF Selects series,  originally scheduled for March, April and early May. The plan — which is subject to change, the fest notes — is to show all three biographical films as a mini-fest on Saturday, May 23.

Finally, White River Indie Films, scheduled for May 6 to 10 in White River Junction, has been postponed, with a new date to be determined. WRIF continues to accept entries in its Freedom & Unity Young Filmmaker Contest, open to Vermont and New Hampshire residents ages 10 to 30. The final submission deadline is May 15. So if your tweens or teens need something to do …

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Burlington Restaurant Changes and Closures

Old North End neighborhood spot Butch + Babes has moved to a delivery and pick-up only model until further notice. Announcing the change on social media, the restaurant stated, "These are measures we must take in the interest of the health and safety of our community."

The restaurant started offering free delivery in Burlington and Winooski over the weekend. A simplified menu and delivery details are available on its website.

According to a sign on its door, Hong's Dumplings is closed until further notice "due to Corona thing."

(Missing either of those restaurants during self-isolation? Catch them on recent episodes of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" on the Food Network. Burlington-area restaurants Pingala Café & Eatery, Citizen Cider, Bluebird Barbecue, El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina and Taco Gordo were also featured this season.)

Barrio Bakery has stopped hosting its pizza nights "for a few weeks as we all get through this tricky time," the restaurant announced on Friday. The café is still open during daytime hours for coffee and pastries.

Feeling shy about stopping into your favorite local eateries? Shy Guy Gelato on St. Paul Street is now operating out of a walk-up to-go window. While it might seem a little cold for gelato, the business has sold out the past two days. So get there early, and give the window a knock for service.

As a reminder, purchasing gift cards or picking up food to-go from your favorite local restaurants is a great way to support them if you're practicing social distancing.

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Breweries and Cideries Limit On-Site Consumption

Hill Farmstead Brewery has temporarily ceased offering samples, pours and bottles of beer for on-site consumption. It has also canceled all food service. The brewery's taproom and retail shop in Greensboro remain open for normal retail hours with growlers, cans and bottles for sale to take home. All transactions are now cashless.

The Alchemist has also temporarily stopped pouring beer samples to "minimize human contact," an announcement from the brewery said. The brewery is encouraging customers to pay with credit or debit cards.

Stowe Cider has moved on-site consumption to its patio, citing the "evolving situation with COVID-19." Cans are available at a to-go window. The cidery has also temporarily postponed all events.

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Stone's Throw Pizza to Offer Take-Out Service Exclusively

Stone’s Throw Pizza in Fairfax and Richmond will offer take-out service only starting Tuesday, March 17, co-owner Tyler Stratton said. The full menu, including salads and desserts, will be available. The goal is to limit guests’ exposure to each other, he said.

Stratton was studying for a master's degree in public health at the University of New England when he left that field to open a slice shop in Portland, Maine.

“One big thing that you learn through public health is [about] people’s behavior and how it affects risk and health outcome,” Stratton told Seven Days. “Our decision is to be very safe and risk-averse.”

As businesses owners, he and his partners “control spaces where people congregate,” Stratton said. Stone’s Throw has a “social responsibility” to limit people’s exposure to one another, he said.

“We get hundreds of people through our doors,” Stratton said. “While they’re not congregated 100 at a time, it creates a greater risk than what we’re willing to expose other people in the community and our employees to.”

Stone’s Throw is open everyday but Monday. Customers are welcome to have a drink while they’re waiting for their pick-up orders, Stratton said.

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Brandon Music Cancels Shows Through March

Brandon Music in Brandon has canceled its programming through March. In a letter to patrons, co-founders Edna and Steven Sutton and executive director Vicky Regia Kopp explained that they will attempt to reschedule performances by the Cerutti-Reid Duo, Snake Mountain Bluegrass and Phil Henry and Jimmy Kalb.

The concert venue hopes to resume normal operations in April.

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Saturday, March 14, 2020:

Paramount Theatre Closes for Five Weeks

The Paramount Theatre in Rutland announced Friday that it is canceling its programming for the next five weeks. Organizers hope to reopen by April 20, when "One Night of Queen" performed by Gary Mullen & the Works is scheduled.

Paramount staff is working to reschedule all canceled shows and will offer refunds for shows that can't be rescheduled as well as to ticket holders who can't attend makeup dates.

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Chandler Center Cancels Programming Through April

The Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph announced today it has canceled all programs through the end of April, effective immediately.

"We believe in the power of art to heal our communities and to empower our lives," wrote executive director Karen Dillon in a message to patrons. "We look forward to resuming our important role in bringing our community together once the viral risk to those most vulnerable has subsided."

Ticket holders for events in March and April will be given a credit good for a future event. Those who prefer a refund can request one by contacting the Chandler via email or phone, as administrative offices will be closed for public walk-up visits during the cancellation period.

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Burlington City Arts Studios and Galleries to Stay Open

Burlington City Arts announced the cancellation of several events in the coming weeks, but said its studios and galleries will remain open.

“As of now, and following guidance from Governor Scott’s announcement that Vermont schools remain open and gatherings of fewer than 250 people continue, we are keeping the education programming and studio hours at BCA Studios running,” read an email from the arts organization.

Studio staff will be cleaning more frequently, large groups will be limited and gloves are available for studio users. In the clay studio, leftover clay will no longer be recycled.

The BCA Center galleries on Church Street will also remain open with normal hours.

Three upcoming events are canceled: the Architecture + Design Film Series on March 18, the Children’s Art Exhibition on March 19 and the curator talk on March 25.

The email also noted that “anyone registered for a class who does not feel well or does not feel comfortable participating at this time will receive a full refund.”

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Local Bookstores Offer Free Shipping, Local Delivery and Curbside Pickup

What's one of the best ways to pass the time when you're staying close to home? Read. That's what some local independent booksellers are finding ways to remind their customers.

On the website for Phoenix Books Burlington, a banner now suggests, "Staying Home? Stock Up on Books!" The store is offering free shipping (via media mail) on online and phone orders through April 30.

Bear Pond Books in Montpelier is offering free media mail shipping, too, plus "local delivery options on orders over $50 or back door pickup to customers in need."

And the Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury has "curbside pickup": Give the store a ring, and "we can complete your transaction over the phone and then meet you on Main Street with your books and sundries!" the website promises. Plus, according to the store's Instagram, folks within the 05753 area code (and "surrounding towns whenever possible") can get complimentary delivery for purchases of $25 or more.

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Rising Up: August First Donates Bread to the Elderly

August First bakery in Burlington announced on social media that it will "bake, donate and help deliver" loaves of bread to elderly people who are homebound. The cafe said that it's working with local nonprofits, including HANDS, to make this initiative happen.

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ECHO Closes Until Mid-April

The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is closing from Saturday, March 14, through April 15. While the museum will be closed to the public, its staff will continue to care for animals and exhibits, and will continue planning programming for when it is reopened. In a message to patrons, executive director Phelan Fretz explained that ECHO management will re-evaluate and update the situation frequently.

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Friday, March 13, 2020:

Magic Hat Cancels Annual Mardi Gras Celebration

Magic Hat has canceled its annual Mardi Gras celebration due to concerns about COVID-19. The beer company’s annual fête was supposed to take place on Saturday, March 28, on the Church Street Marketplace with a number of live music acts and other forms of street entertainment.

In a press release, the company stated, “We live and brew by the motto ‘the show must go on’ — unless it is a matter of protecting the health and safety of our employees and community.”

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The Flynn Cancels Remainder of Season, Will Evaluate Jazz Fest Plan in April

The Flynn has canceled all remaining programming for its current season, which was scheduled to run through May 31. The cancellations include all events and educational programs at the Burlington performing arts center.

In an email to patrons, artistic director Steve MacQueen added that the Flynn will re-evaluate the status of this year's Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the organization's summer camp programs on April 13.

Ticket holders can inquire about refunds by contacting the Flynn box office.

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Vermont Comedy Club Closes

The Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington has announced that it is closing, effective immediately. The closure will run at least through the end of March, if not longer.

In a message posted on the club's website and social media, co-owners Natalie Miller and Nathan Hartswick noted the impact such a closure can have on a small business and that they are unsure "what will happen next." They added that they "will be in contact" with those who have tickets to upcoming shows or are enrolled in classes.

The message on the VCC website also included links for patrons to help out financially, including options to donate to the club, purchase a gift card or tip the staff.

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Shelburne Museum to Close Temporarily

Shelburne Museum will close its exhibition buildings, grounds and store to the public beginning Saturday, March 14, according to an email from museum director Thomas Denenberg.

All exhibitions, events and activities, educational programming, and rental events will be canceled or postponed. Administrative offices will continue to be open regular business hours and museum staff will continue to care for the collection, grounds and gardens.

No date to reopen has been scheduled.

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Nectar's and Club Metronome Announce Programming Changes for This Weekend

Burlington nightclubs Nectar's and Club Metronome have announced several postponements and cancellations to programming this weekend. They are as follows:

The Medallions' show tonight (Friday, March 13) in Club Metronome has been postponed until Friday, April 3.

Percy Hill's performance, also tonight, has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 9. Weird Phishes will perform instead, starting at 9 pm.

The Grippo Funk Band's show on Saturday, March 14, has been postponed until April 11. A Dead Set pop-up show featuring Zach Nugent will take its place. No Scrubs: 90s Night is still on at Club Metronome for Saturday.

Any tickets for the above postponed shows will be refunded automatically. Tickets purchased at Nectar's can be refunded at the club during normal business hours.

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Quick-Hit Cancellations Around Vermont

Numerous venues and groups announced cancellations Friday afternoon. Here's a quick roundup:

Bleu Northeast Seafood in Burlington has suspended live music for the foreseeable future.

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra has canceled all of its March programming. Ticket holders will be contacted about potential rescheduled dates.

The Bubs' album release show on Saturday, March 14, at Old Spokes Home in Burlington, has been canceled. The local band said via Facebook it will reschedule the event for sometime this summer.

Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe has canceled all programming until March 31.

The Skinny Pancake in Burlington has canceled several upcoming events: Hayley Jane on Friday, March 13; Yanks in the Attic on Saturday, March 14; and its weekly Ukulele Kids' session with Joe Beaird has been suspended until further notice.

The Flynn has canceled the March 15 performance by Québec cirque troupe Flip Fabrique. Refunds are available by contacting the Flynn box office.

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Higher Ground Cancels Shows for 30 Days

Higher Ground announced on Friday that it will suspend all of its upcoming concerts for 30 days. The South Burlington nightclub announced the temporary measure via email to its subscribers and in a message on social media. Whether or not shows will be rescheduled is unknown at this time.

“In light of the growing concerns around COVID-19, we feel it is in everyone’s best interest to postpone all shows for 30 days. We are taking guidance from local, state and federal health authorities on when we will be able to resume all events,” the message reads.

Ticketholders for shows in the 30-day window will be notified about rescheduled dates. Those who are not able to attend any new dates will be offered a refund or the option to choose another show to attend.

Higher Ground’s 22nd anniversary falls on April 15. The club notes that “it is our sincerest hope to be back in action by then.”

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Whammy Bar in Calais Closes Over COVID-19 Concerns

Calais' Whammy Bar is temporarily closed.

The nightclub, which is housed in the Maple Corner Community Store, announced the provisional closure on Thursday via Facebook. All currently scheduled performances have been canceled. However, the store itself will remain open.

The closure message reads, "While there are only two presumptive cases of COVID-19 thus far in Vermont, we feel this is a prudent decision to help keep our community safe."

In an email to Seven Days, board member Jamie Moorby wrote, "Aside from believing it was the right decision for the health of our community, part of our decision rested on the fact that we are a store as well as a bar. While we love the bar, the store has the potential to be a critical resource to the community in a time of uncertainty."

In late December, former owners Artie and Nancy Toulis sold Maple Corner Community Store and Whammy Bar to a group of shareholders who now collectively own the shop. Moorby, Anne Marie Shea and Caity Kaye serve as its board of directors.