Thanks for these suggestions. I have known about the Champlain Valley Festival, which always looks great. (Especially as a place for me to hear French Canadian music, which I hardly ever get to hear live down here.) I was always under the impression it was simply too far away for a weekend trip, but I never actually checked the time factor. I think I'll get in touch with them and find this out for sure and maybe consider going.

And thanks Kat, for all the helpful links! I saved them as favorites and will consider them all. I haven't explored the areas of Massachusetts you mentioned in any detail. Definitely worth looking into! Zhenya