Local musicians honor fellow local musicians on new album ‘Burlington Does Burlington’

A new musical compilation album titled “Burlington Does Burlington” is set to be released on May 28. This album features 20 songs, with local current bands paying tribute to past local acts that have made significant contributions to the Burlington music scene. The idea for this project was conceived by Burlington-area musician Sean Hood, who wanted to create a sense of community and celebrate the rich musical history of the area.

One of the tracks on the album includes Eastern Mountain Time, a project led by Hood, covering Paper Castles’ song “Thirty Weeks.” Other notable covers on the album include Wild Leek River performing “Grace” by Lily Seabird, Cricket Blue taking on Addie Herbert’s “Dear Friend,” and Robber Robber’s rendition of “Haunted” by Rough Francis. Each cover showcases the unique talents of the current local bands while paying homage to the artists who came before them.

The album will only be available as a digital download through the music website Bandcamp until August 30. All proceeds from the album will go towards supporting The People’s Kitchen, a local nonprofit organization that provides free food to those in need. This initiative not only celebrates the vibrant music community in Burlington but also gives back to the local community through charitable contributions.

Hood explained that the inspiration behind the project was to bring together the Burlington music community in a meaningful way. He wanted to show support for a local nonprofit that he admires, and he felt that creating a compilation album was a unique way to achieve these goals without hosting a traditional concert. Hood drew inspiration from a past series at the Burlington venue ArtsRiot called “Burlington Does Burlington,” where local bands covered songs by other local artists. He wanted to recreate that sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among musicians in the community.

Despite not being familiar with all the songs chosen for the album, Hood expressed his admiration for each submission. He described the experience of listening to the covers as magical and unique, showcasing the talent and creativity of the local bands involved in the project. The album serves as a tribute to the diverse musical landscape in Burlington and highlights the collaborative spirit that defines the city’s music scene.

To celebrate the release of “Burlington Does Burlington,” there will be a listening party on May 28 at Standing Stone Wines in Winooski. The event is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for music lovers to come together and experience the local talent showcased on the album. This project not only honors the legacy of past local bands but also fosters a sense of community and support within the Burlington music scene.