Vermont Historical Society has acquired Big Heavy World's Collection of Vermont music
When James Lockridge kicked off Big Heavy World in 1996, Vermont’s music scene was buzzing with raw potential. While the community was awash in creativity, energy, and talent, it lacked organization and connection. Big Heavy World stepped in with an ambitious mission: “to preserve the historical record of music originating in Vermont; to create economic opportunity for Vermont's musicians and the industries vital to them; to develop community among Vermont musicians and their patrons; and to accomplish this mission in a substance-free environment that empowers and educates youth.”
For three decades, Big Heavy World championed Vermont’s vibrant music community by preserving and promoting our musical heritage, providing opportunities for musicians and music-related businesses, and empowering artists to build community and reach new audiences. It was the catalyst that changed the music scene in Vermont and was the place musicians turned for support as an information hub, a radio station, with hands-on learning, shows, events, and encouragement. That momentum helped transform the music scene from potential to vibrant, contributing to a heyday for Vermont music from the mid-1990s into the 2020s.
Big Heavy World didn’t just support Vermont’s music, it collected it. For nearly two decades, the organization saved and preserved interviews, radio shows, recordings, performances, posters, and the moments that comprised the state’s music scene in an archive unlike any other in the state. Attempting to list a few of the recordings feels inadequate next to the enormity of the collection. Some of the recordings include performances by: Pete Sutherland, Phish, Big Joe Burrell, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Chin Ho!, Death, Anaïs Mitchell, and Gogol Bordello. In addition, there are countless bands and artists such as Seth Yacovone, Chad Hollister, and Jenn Karson, to name a few.
The collections holds treasures such as a 2008 field recording of the Hannaford Fife and Drum Corps in Hyde Park, The Vermont Symphony Orchestra at the Flynn in 1999, and music from venues around the state, including Nectar’s and Toast. There is also a small collection of items, including the ladle from Nectar’s and the door from 242 Main.
Aware of his responsibility to the trove he created and the incredible volunteers, staff, and musicians who made Big Heavy World possible, Lockridge has offered the collection to Vermont Historical Society to ensure that this remarkable collection will remain preserved for Vermonters. VHS is honored by Lockridge’s trust in our ability to preserve and ultimately share this incredible offering of Vermont’s music and is grateful for the opportunity to steward the next phase of this remarkable collection.
