Higher Ground celebrates 20th anniversary in April

Article Contributed by Higher Ground | Published on Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Since opening doors April 15, 1998, Higher Ground has served the Vermont and Northern New England community with 7,500+ shows featuring every genre under the sun. Continuing that tradition, Higher Ground is celebrating its 20th anniversary throughout the month of April with an incredible lineup of favorites, underplays, surprises, and reunions. A full list follows.

While it’s impossible to list all of the amazing talent that Higher Ground has presented, here are a few: Neil Young, Herbie Hancock, Dr. John, Bob Dylan, Gregg Allman, Phish, Wilco, Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio, Bon Iver, The Shins, Modest Mouse, My Morning Jacket, Bob Weir, Sleater-Kinney, Wu Tang Clan, The 1975 Norah Jones, Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, The Black Crowes, Macklemore, Jason Mraz, 21 Pilots, John Mulaney, Hannibal Burress, Craig Ferguson, Morrissey, Michael Franti, Ray LaMontagne, The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, Ween, & Rob Zombie.

On Sunday, April 15, 2018, the actual anniversary, Higher Ground will host a special triple header. Jazz-funk group viperHouse will reunite for one special show, joined by local favorites Steady Betty, an all-female rocksteady group, and Madaila, the psych-pop juggernaunt. Food trucks, limited edition giveaways, and an Airstream where patrons can share Higher Ground stories will be on hand for this special evening.

“Honestly, it feels like yesterday that we opened the doors in Winooski. There have been dizzying highs and terrifying lows, but we’re thrilled to have played a small part in the vibrant music scene here in Vermont. We’ve made a bunch of good friends, and collected a whole bunch of stories, but, in the end, our aim has always been the same: to always be improving,” said Alex Crothers, co-founder of Higher Ground.

In addition to great music, Higher Ground will offer other commemorative items including 20th anniversary merch items, a limited edition beer, a new sound system, special gifts, Tickets for Teachers and more!

Higher Ground is teaming up with Zero Gravity Craft Brewery on "Two-Oh" - a colorful 16oz can of sessionable ale, dry hopped with Citra and Mosaic hops - it's hoppy, yet smooth, and mild enough to enjoy from the first chord of the opener through the final note of the encore. Zero Gravity's first ever 16oz offering, Two-Oh will be available only at Higher Ground and at Zero Gravity's Pine Street headquarters

Higher Ground is installing a powerful new Adamson FOH sound system in the Ballroom late March. The system will feature (6) IS10 line array loudspeakers and (3) E218 subwoofers per side. The system is powered by Lab Gruppen amps and controlled with the latest Lake software. Fans, artist and engineers are about to experience why the best ears in the business prefer the Adamson name.

Full list of shows below:

April 1 - Squirrel Nut Zippers
April 2 - Yo La Tengo
April 3 - Anderson East
April 3 – The Weather Station
April 4 – Mike Gordon with special guests
April 5 – Mike Gordon - SOLD OUT
April 5 – Jared & The Mill
April 6 – Brent Cobb & Them
April 6 – Start Making Sense: A Talking Heads Tribute
April 7 – Caroline Rose
April 7 – Buckethead
April 10 – SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque
April 10 – Mirah
April 11 – Steve Earle
April 11 – David Lindley
April 13 – Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
April 13 – Through the Roots
April 14 – Colter Wall - SOLD OUT
April 14 – The Mallet Brothers feat. Jon Fishman
April 15 – JD McPherson
April 15 – 20th anniversary celebration with viperHouse, Madaila, & Steady Betty
April 16 – Jon Popper (of Blues Traveler)
April 17 – Jeff Tweedy - SOLD OUT
April 17 – Baths
April 18 – The Mountain Goats
April 18 – Frendship
April 19 – TBA
April 20 – They Might Be Giants - SOLD OUT
April 20 – Cut Chemist
April 21 – Purple: A Tribute to Prince feat Craig Mitchell & His 7 pc band
April 22 – Margo Price
April 23 – Matt and Kim
April 24 – The Cactus Blossoms
April 25 – Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime
April 26 – moe. - SOLD OUT
April 27 – moe. - SOLD OUT
April 27 – The Suffers
April 28 – Drew Holcomb & Josh Garrels
April 28 – Lady Moon & The Eclipse
April 29 - Gramatik