The Board of the Barre Historical Society has determined that we are closing the Hall for our own events and for rentals until the end of the first week in May because of the risks posed by the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 pm
The Old Labor Hall is hosting a special film event celebrating the life and music of Chilean musician and political activist Victor Jara.
This feature-length film documents the extraordinary life and legacy of iconic Chilean singer-songwriter, Victor Jara, executed in 1973 following a right-wing military coup.
Followed by a Q&A with writer and producer John Summa.
Saturday, November 23 at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm)
WORST. SONG. EVER. returns to the Old Labor Hall. This annual live music event celebrates decades & decades of really bad pop music for the benefit of the Old Labor Hall.
The winners (the worst) are based solely on audience voting, the victor is the act that gets the most $$$$. The WORST. TROPHIES. EVER. are awarded to the winners as decided by YOU. The event itself is FREE, but if you don't bring your money, you will miss half the fun, and the Hall won't benefit, so bring your $1s, $5s, $10s, and maybe even a $20 to vote with!
Calling all "musicians"! The fun can't happen without you.
The competition is open to performers of all styles, levels, and abilities: from musicians, to hobbyists, to hacks! If you can carry a tune, strum a few chords, or better, (or worse)…then this event’s for you. Advanced sign up is required if you want to perform.
UPDATE: The Bakery Window has extended its hours it is now open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:30 to 6:00 pm
How can bread be both fresh and historic? If you buy it directly from the "Rise Up Bakery" window at the historic Union Cooperative Store bakery building—now restored as a modern wood fired bakery.
You can now purchase bread right from the wood fired oven.
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Mother Jones In Heaven the musical will receive this Vermont premier as part of a nationwide tour. The story of Mother Jones forcefully reminds us how powerful one person can be in service to the betterment of others. The topic is as timely today as it was when Mother Jones was organizing the working class at the turn of the last century.
The production stars Vivian Nesbit in a rousing one woman performance as the infamous labor organizer who led the charge for better working conditions and fair pay for miners, mill workers and child laborers.
Sunday, September 8 at 7:00 pm
How well do you know the state of Vermont?
For 65 years the 251 Club has challenged "the native born and those born elsewhere but with Vermont in them" to visit every town in the state—all 251 towns. After all those decades, the monumental endeavor has been memorialized in a film by director Mike Leonard, who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk—twice!
Saturday, August 31 at 7:00 pm
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a concert by Magpie, a duo featuring Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner, who sing songs of the working class, justice, and the environment, combined with songs of romance and relationships.
Legendary bakers, Jules and Helen Rabin will be treating friends of the Bakery to the story of their nearly 50 year love affair with wood-fired bread baking.
Jules will give the history and Helen will demonstrate how its done. Smell the bread baking and eat it when its done.
Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please do not come unless you have a confirmed registration. The event is currently booked up. If you would like to be put on a waiting list, please email bakery@oldlaborhall.org.
Admission is by donation for the benefit of the Bakery (suggested donation of $15-$20, low income or student $10).
Thursday, July 25, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
This year again, as part of the Barre Heritage Festival, the Old Labor Hall is celebrating Barre's French Canadian heritage with Soirée Sucrée 2019 in honor of the Barre Historical Society's late president Chet Briggs.
This year in addition to the dessert contest, we have added a savory, the famous French Canadian tourtière. Time to test your culinary skills.
The evening, the perfect combination of sweet eats and sweet sounds, is divided into three exciting components—all for one low price.
►French Tourtière and Dessert Competition
►French Dessert Tasting
►French-Canadian music by Michèle Choinière
Adults - $15 at the door, $12 in advance. Children under 12 - $6 (Attendance limited to 100.)
Monday, July 15 at 7:00 pm
Inner Fire District was founded in Burlington, Vermont in 2006. The band performs a genre-defying music combining Yiddish and Balkan folk, intricate original compositions, old revolutionary songs, and whatever else tickles their fancy.
Since the band members are currently scattered around Vermont, Louisiana, New York, and Pennsylvania, we are honored that they have chosen the Hall for one of their occasional reunion appearances.
