Bennington Music Exchange

The Bennington Music Exchange (BMEX) is a collaborative project between VAE and Akin Studio of Hoosick Falls, NY. It is designed to put the spotlight on our talented youth through writing, recording and performance of their original works.

In the spring iof 2019, six area teens worked intensively over an eight-week period in Hoosick Falls to write and record their original music. In the summer, the culmninating work was performed by these young musicians, playing to a full house at the Owl’s Nest in the Hoosick Falls Armory basement, the same building that houses Akin Studios on the top floor. There, the young musicians debuted their original pieces as well as a few other favorites. The musicians are; Taylor Hewins, Chayla Greenslet, Justin St. Clair, Cooper Mason, Rimmlee Wood and John Cuccuini.

Following the debut concert, the local 102.7 WEQX EXQposure program  picked up the tunes of all the kids and featured them for the following three weeks every Sunday night. As the local music director at WEQX, DJ Ryan says, “It is my mission to spread the word about great local talent. These kids with the help of Matt and Sam at Akin Studios recorded some good stuff and it deserves recognition. It’s rewarding to use my position in radio to showcase the work of these young creative people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so elsewhere. Bottom line though, their songs made the cut and I would have played them regardless”. The BMEX continues onward!

Special thanks to the Opportunity Fund for Southshire Youth at the Vermont Community Foundation for making this all possible. For more information, call VAE 802-442-5549. For info on Akin Studios go to  www.akinstudios.com