ANAIS MITCHELL

When Dick and Kathy Nessen, and Gerry and Bobbi Loney founded Middlebury's Bridge School in 1980, they did so in order to provide an environment which would celebrate an individualized, creative, arts- and environment-focused approach to teaching and learning-one where their own children and others would flourish and grow. On Saturday evening, August 21, the school will celebrate 30 years of pedagogical success, when three of their most prominent alumnae return to perform a benefit concert at Town Hall Theater. On the bill: Anais Mitchell--nationally known and locally adored, Mitchell, is an award winning singer/songwriter best known for her keen insights and distinctive voice. Her most recent release, Hadestown, a recording of the music from her original folk opera, features the likes of Bon Iver, Greg Brown, and Ani DiFranco; Abigail Nessen Bengsen and her husband Shaun, who are rising stars in "vaudevillian indie folk," and in the NYC experimental music and theater community; and Moira Smiley, whose voice can be heard on a wide variety of media, including feature films, television (BBC, PBS), NPR, and on over 40 recordings, performs with her LA-based band VOCO. A reception with the performers will follow the concert, with refreshments provided by Lincoln Peak Winery and Two Brothers Tavern. The Bridge School's 30th Anniversary Concert and reception will be held at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury on Saturday, August 21 at 7:30 pm. Tickets, $25, can be purchased through the THT Box Office by calling 802-382-9222, online at www.townhalltheater.org, in person Monday - Saturday, noon-5:00 pm, or at the door if available.