Higher Ground

Not just a place where you can “take a hike”

Story by Steven Cox

Over the years, it has been home to many acts that have come and gone, leaving a trail of memories that have marked this location as one of the best in the area, and quite possibly the only one in its area. When travelers coming from near or far venture to the town of Burlington and say they are going to Higher Ground, they aren’t talking about climbing any of the local peaks. Higher Ground, located in South Burlington, Vermont, is one of the most highly accredited venues in the North Country. Even though they offer much more, they are mostly known for catering to large crowds and live music.

Most people are unaware of the history of the place. One interesting fact is that during its early years back in the late 90s, Higher Ground used to belong to a different location: Winooski, Vermont. Due to financial and location conflicts, they were forced to re-locate to their current address, which is about one mile east of downtown Burlington, where they have been ever since. The grand opening of the new Higher Ground took place on December 2nd, 2004. The first performance to have the honor of selling out the venue was a renowned band named Hot Tuna (a band started in the sixties that is sort of a spin off of the band Jefferson Airplane). During its first year re-opened, they catered to thousands upon thousands of people who filled the venue's two rooms with performances ranging from live music, comedy, and dancing.

"The ballroom has the capacity to hold over 700  people!"

Nick Mavodones, the Higher Ground box office manager, says, “Some might not know, but Higher Ground is basically two venues in one; The Higher Ground Ballroom & The Higher Ground Showcase Lounge.” The ballroom is the main room, where if one went to go see a headlining performance, it would most likely take place here. “The ballroom has the capacity to hold over 700  people,” says Mavodones, “there’s no seats here, everybody is standing or dancing.” It has two bars that serve food and alcohol on pretty much every night that they are opened. Some performances that have taken place here in the past include Stephen Marley, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and Trey Anastasio.

Some shows that are occurring in this years schedule consist of Skeletons in the Closet (a DJ performance on Halloween night), the Higher Ground comedy battle featuring Lee Seelig, Umphrey’s McGee, and Dark Star Orchestra.

Former visitor to the venue at its current location, Ryan MacDonald says, “I’ve seen a few shows there in the past and its pretty sweet. The crowd is always energetic and is all there for the same reason: to listen to some good music. The only problems you might have there is if you are under twenty one they can sometimes be a little strict about letting people in if they think you’ve been drinking. Either way, I’d go back to see a good show there any day of the week. After all it’s basically the only venue in the area.”

Another individual, Chris Wellinger, who has been to the place in the past seemed to have the same mood in ideas about the location. “I’ve only seen about three shows there in the past, but every time I go the crowd is always giving off good vibes. I saw The Derek Trucks Band there last year and I can definitely put it in my top five favorite shows I’ve ever been to.”

The showcase lounge is the smaller of the two rooms that Higher Ground offers, but it can still hold up to about 300 people. It’s known to be the cheaper of the “two venues” because it usually caters to more obscure bands and other entertainment screenings. Some of these shows include the debut screening of snowboarding video “That’s it That’s all”, Perpetual Groove, The Rocky Horror Show (play), Advanced Music singer song writer finals, comedy open mic night, and Saturday night dance party.

Shows at higher ground usually run from about $12 up to about $40. Of course this depends on the show and location. The venues two rooms support performances that adhere to the full spectrum of entertainment for the public and private audiences. Even if you are of the older crowd and are trying to hold a fundraiser for the community, Higher Ground will oblige as long as proper arrangements are made in advance.

"I’ve only seen about three shows there in the past but every time I go the crowd is always giving off good vibes"

The future of Higher Ground seems to be stable. As Nick Mavodones says, “we are here for the time being and don’t plan on moving our location, or shutting down anytime soon.” With this being one of the only accredited venues in its regional area, it should be on everyone’s high hopes that the place remains open for the entertainment of the good of the public.

Have you ever seen a performance at Higher Ground?