Community Concerts @ First
The Community Concerts at First music series celebrates amazing artists from Vermont and New England and brings our community together. Community Concerts at First is an opportunity to hear great music and raise funds for FCCEJ and our community partners.
A portion of the 2026 CC@F concert proceeds will support AgeWell. Their mission is to empower and support individuals as they age by providing community connection and access to services.
April 26th: Ray Vega Afro Caribbean Jazz Ensemble
Community Concerts @ First presents the Ray Vega Afro Caribbean Jazz Ensemble on April 26 at 3pm at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction. Saxophonist Brian McCarthy will lead the ensemble.
- Brian McCarthy-saxophone
- Michael Hartigan-piano
- Giovanni Rovetto-bass
- Caleb Bronz-drums
- Scott Dean-congas
Saxophonist, composer, and arranger Brian McCarthy draws inspiration from the history of jazz while maintaining a modern awareness. His latest nonet album AFTER|LIFE, was awarded 4 stars by The Times (London) critic, Chris Pearson. Pearson says, “Imagine John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme driven by science rather than spirituality…While Coltrane praised God, McCarthy muses musically on death and rebirth in a cyclical cosmos and how we are all linked, down to a molecular level.” His debut nonet project, The Better Angels of Our Nature, earned 4 ½ stars from Downbeat Magazine. Brian Zimmerman called the work “a jazz album that makes a cavernous impression for its arresting beauty and conceptual brilliance.” McCarthy is endorsed by Selmer-Paris saxophones and D’Addario Woodwinds. He has released two albums featuring his small group and has recently introduced The Brian McCarthy Jazz Orchestra, which showcases new arrangements for guest artists. McCarthy is a two-time grant awardee from The Vermont Community Foundation (2016 & 2018) and The Vermont Arts Council (2015 & 2020).
Offstage, Brian has laid down roots in presenting and education as Affiliate Artist of Saxophone at the University of Vermont and adjunct Director of Bands at Saint Michael’s College. In addition to his college involvement, Brian is active with students at the middle and high school level as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor with the Nassau County All County Festival, Green Mountain District Music Festival, Pennsylvania All-State Music Festival, and Vermont All-State Music Festival. In 2011, Brian also established Jazz at St. Michael’s College, a concert and educational series featuring artists such as Mulgrew Miller, Joe Locke, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band, and The Dave Liebman Big Band.
September 27th: Hair Peace
On Sunday September 27 at 3pm, Community Concerts @ First presents a rollicking concert by Hair Peace. A guitar and vocal duo, they perform acoustic music from the 60’s through today. Their harmonies and musicality will have you tapping your toe in no time. Join us for an afternoon of great music to support AgeWell.
November 1st: Skylark
Skylark is an eclectic contemporary string ensemble based in northern Vermont. With decades of experience in the professional music community, Skylark’s sound and repertoire challenge the boundaries between the classical and folk traditions, creating innovative and original works for all audiences. Influenced by the Nordic, Celtic and American regions, Skylark’s music is melody-driven with unique energy, irresistible flair and undeniable beauty.
Known for their vibrant quartet concerts, Skylark is also an avid collaborator. Recent concert projects have included performances with Guster, Henry Jamison, the Solaris vocal ensemble, Mary Bonhag and an album recording with Jazz trumpeter Connor Young.
Violinist, teacher and curator Jane Kittredge can be seen and heard performing with numerous ensembles across the northeast. A graduate of the Mannes College of Music (BM, MM), she is the Violin Professor at the UVM School of the Arts.
Violist Ana Ruesink is an active freelance musician and performs with orchestras and chamber groups throughout the region. With degrees from Swarthmore College and UVM, she teaches viola from her home and at the UVM School of the Arts.
Ben Lively is a versatile violinist and multi-instrumentalist with a wide-ranging musical background including classical, jazz, bluegrass, and tango music. He holds degrees from Middlebury College and Parisian jazz conservatory Centre des Musiques Didier Lockwood.
John Dunlop has been playing music for audiences in the northeast for over thirty years as principal cello with Vermont Symphony as well as many other regional ensembles. He teaches the next generation of cellists at his private studio in Richmond VT.