f. m. smith
@fmsmith.bsky.social
vermont writer + musician
independent living resource specialist
writing a vermont-set folk/rock musical
publishing a montpelier-based political newsletter
https://thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/
https://fernmaddiemusic.com/
independent living resource specialist
writing a vermont-set folk/rock musical
publishing a montpelier-based political newsletter
https://thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/
https://fernmaddiemusic.com/
Tonight -
This Friday! At The Underground Listening Room @theundergroundvt.bsky.social I'll be playing a Songwriter Round with Jenny Porter, Erin Cassels-Brown, Jenna Rice, and Dante Frontani. Another chance to catch me performing new material! Tickets here: sevendaystickets.ticketsauce.com/e/2025-may-s...
May 16, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Tonight -
This Friday! At The Underground Listening Room @theundergroundvt.bsky.social I'll be playing a Songwriter Round with Jenny Porter, Erin Cassels-Brown, Jenna Rice, and Dante Frontani. Another chance to catch me performing new material! Tickets here: sevendaystickets.ticketsauce.com/e/2025-may-s...
May 12, 2025 at 12:34 PM
This Friday! At The Underground Listening Room @theundergroundvt.bsky.social I'll be playing a Songwriter Round with Jenny Porter, Erin Cassels-Brown, Jenna Rice, and Dante Frontani. Another chance to catch me performing new material! Tickets here: sevendaystickets.ticketsauce.com/e/2025-may-s...
Reposted by f. m. smith
Reminder! I’m playing tonight at Radio Bean with Resonant Rogues. I can’t wait to share songs from my new project, which has been supported by the #vermontartscouncil. Hope to see you there!
#vermontmusic #burlingtonvt
#vermontmusic #burlingtonvt
Gig alert! I'll be playing my first gig in months at Radio Bean this Wednesday. Can't wait to open for Resonant Rogues and perform some new material for the first time -- I'll be sharing songs from my new narrative musical project. You can buy tickets here: www.tickettailor.com/events/radio...
May 7, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reminder! I’m playing tonight at Radio Bean with Resonant Rogues. I can’t wait to share songs from my new project, which has been supported by the #vermontartscouncil. Hope to see you there!
#vermontmusic #burlingtonvt
#vermontmusic #burlingtonvt
Reposted by f. m. smith
Arts orgs across the country are receiving letters saying that their NEA grants are cancelled
Meanwhile, the US Navy just let 2 fighter jets, worth $73 million each, fall off an aircraft carrier into the sea.
If they manage to lose another jet that will be more $ than the entire budget of the NEA
Meanwhile, the US Navy just let 2 fighter jets, worth $73 million each, fall off an aircraft carrier into the sea.
If they manage to lose another jet that will be more $ than the entire budget of the NEA
Breaking: Another F/A-18 fighter jet from the Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, per 4 people familiar w/the incident. 2 aviators ejected and were recovered by helo with minor injuries. www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/p...
Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier | CNN Politics
Another F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, four people familiar with ...
www.cnn.com
May 7, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Arts orgs across the country are receiving letters saying that their NEA grants are cancelled
Meanwhile, the US Navy just let 2 fighter jets, worth $73 million each, fall off an aircraft carrier into the sea.
If they manage to lose another jet that will be more $ than the entire budget of the NEA
Meanwhile, the US Navy just let 2 fighter jets, worth $73 million each, fall off an aircraft carrier into the sea.
If they manage to lose another jet that will be more $ than the entire budget of the NEA
Gig alert! I'll be playing my first gig in months at Radio Bean this Wednesday. Can't wait to open for Resonant Rogues and perform some new material for the first time -- I'll be sharing songs from my new narrative musical project. You can buy tickets here: www.tickettailor.com/events/radio...
May 3, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Gig alert! I'll be playing my first gig in months at Radio Bean this Wednesday. Can't wait to open for Resonant Rogues and perform some new material for the first time -- I'll be sharing songs from my new narrative musical project. You can buy tickets here: www.tickettailor.com/events/radio...
Re-posting this article because The Northern Flicker now has our very own political cartoonist! Obsessed with these original illustrations by Elder Mcketchup. Can't wait for more collaborations in the future. #vtpoli
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/a-deep-dive-...
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/a-deep-dive-...
A Deep Dive into Vermont Housing (or Lack Thereof)
Governor Scott and special interest groups hope to facilitate housing growth through zoning reform. But can we trust the market to benefit all Vermonters?
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io
March 11, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Re-posting this article because The Northern Flicker now has our very own political cartoonist! Obsessed with these original illustrations by Elder Mcketchup. Can't wait for more collaborations in the future. #vtpoli
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/a-deep-dive-...
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/a-deep-dive-...
Reposted by f. m. smith
Good thing we're immune from this stupid trade war thanks to our brisk development of homegrown renewable en -- what's that now? Oh, our governor has blocked wind and solar development at every turn. So if Quebec follows Ontario, we're screwed.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
1.5M in 3 states could see higher electricity bills as Ontario begins surcharge Monday
Doug Ford said they were moving forward with a 25% export fee on electricity for 1.5 million homes and businesses in Minnesota, Michigan and New York.
www.usatoday.com
March 10, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Good thing we're immune from this stupid trade war thanks to our brisk development of homegrown renewable en -- what's that now? Oh, our governor has blocked wind and solar development at every turn. So if Quebec follows Ontario, we're screwed.
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
www.usatoday.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by f. m. smith
Maybe when we're considering an overhaul of the public schools, we should prioritize the public school system instead of cost-cutting, ideology, or the interests of private schools. Maybe, just maybe.
thevpo.org/2025/03/10/p...
thevpo.org/2025/03/10/p...
Public School Reform As If the Public Schools Mattered
The House Education Committee has set aside a fair bit of time this week for discussion of H.454, which sets out Gov. Phil Scott’s education reform plan in a brisk 194 pages. It is to be hope…
thevpo.org
March 10, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Maybe when we're considering an overhaul of the public schools, we should prioritize the public school system instead of cost-cutting, ideology, or the interests of private schools. Maybe, just maybe.
thevpo.org/2025/03/10/p...
thevpo.org/2025/03/10/p...
I'm currently watching the Governor's press conference, where he's rolling out his administration's housing omnibus bill. You can get caught up on my analysis of his public safety bill rollout from last week and subscribe for future updates below. #vtpoli
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/governors-sc...
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/governors-sc...
Governor Scott's Public Safety Bill Prioritizes Carceral Policies
The administration's new proposal aims to retrofit prison facilities for use in crisis care and treatment
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io
February 19, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I'm currently watching the Governor's press conference, where he's rolling out his administration's housing omnibus bill. You can get caught up on my analysis of his public safety bill rollout from last week and subscribe for future updates below. #vtpoli
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/governors-sc...
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/governors-sc...
Check out this introductory article from my new #vtpoli project! And consider subscribing for email newsletters offering analysis and opinion on what's going on in the state house.
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/vermont-poli...
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/vermont-poli...
Vermont Politics Matter More than Ever
Introducing The Northern Flicker: a Montpelier-based political newsletter for engaged Vermonters
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io
February 19, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Check out this introductory article from my new #vtpoli project! And consider subscribing for email newsletters offering analysis and opinion on what's going on in the state house.
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/vermont-poli...
thenorthernflicker.ghost.io/vermont-poli...
Reposted by f. m. smith
Trans Rights are Human Rights #vtpoli www.sevendaysvt.com/news/vermont...
Vermont School Officials Say Transgender Athletes Will Compete
An executive order from President Trump prohibits transgender girls in school sports. But in Vermont, it's illegal to deny them equal opportunities.
www.sevendaysvt.com
February 14, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Trans Rights are Human Rights #vtpoli www.sevendaysvt.com/news/vermont...
Reposted by f. m. smith
Senator @rebeccawhite.bsky.social joined me to talk about her new role as Senate Majority Whip, her takeaways from the Governor's budget address and education reform proposal, and much more! Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/4QC9...
February 4, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Senator @rebeccawhite.bsky.social joined me to talk about her new role as Senate Majority Whip, her takeaways from the Governor's budget address and education reform proposal, and much more! Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/4QC9...
Reposted by f. m. smith
We were so heartened to not only see the passage of the Budget Adjustment Act but the clear growth in understanding of the crisis. It is powerful and amazing to see those who are standing alongside those with the least.
On to the Senate next.
#vtpoli #crisisinvt #housed802 #endhomelessness
On to the Senate next.
#vtpoli #crisisinvt #housed802 #endhomelessness
February 9, 2025 at 3:55 AM
We were so heartened to not only see the passage of the Budget Adjustment Act but the clear growth in understanding of the crisis. It is powerful and amazing to see those who are standing alongside those with the least.
On to the Senate next.
#vtpoli #crisisinvt #housed802 #endhomelessness
On to the Senate next.
#vtpoli #crisisinvt #housed802 #endhomelessness
Reposted by f. m. smith
The Senate Natural Resource Committee is weighing a bill that would create a certification program to improve salt application practices on roads, sidewalks and parking lots. #vtpoli
Lawmakers consider a salty solution to improving waterway and wildlife welfare - VTDigger
The Senate Natural Resource Committee is weighing a bill that would create a certification program to improve salt application practices on roads, sidewalks and parking lots.
vtdigger.org
February 10, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The Senate Natural Resource Committee is weighing a bill that would create a certification program to improve salt application practices on roads, sidewalks and parking lots. #vtpoli
an unmatched classic
10 years of this @nprmusic Tiny Desk Concert ! With
@BillFrisell and Shahzad Ismaily. Here I am mid-fuzzy donkey story. If you listen closely you can hear Bill Frisell giggle. Take it for a spin today 🪕
@BillFrisell and Shahzad Ismaily. Here I am mid-fuzzy donkey story. If you listen closely you can hear Bill Frisell giggle. Take it for a spin today 🪕
December 4, 2024 at 3:03 PM
an unmatched classic
Believe it or not, I actually can work like this
December 3, 2024 at 6:19 PM
Believe it or not, I actually can work like this
Reposted by f. m. smith
This. The industrialization of songwriting and recording only leads to a very beige, sad place. We may as well just let the fucking AI do it.
Just seen on Threads: "At minimum you should be dropping at least one song a month".
No. No you shouldn't. You should be releasing music when it's ready, when it's as perfect as you can make it. You are not a battery hen. Don't buy into this bullshit. Quality of your music is everything.
No. No you shouldn't. You should be releasing music when it's ready, when it's as perfect as you can make it. You are not a battery hen. Don't buy into this bullshit. Quality of your music is everything.
December 3, 2024 at 1:52 PM
This. The industrialization of songwriting and recording only leads to a very beige, sad place. We may as well just let the fucking AI do it.
Reposted by f. m. smith
david oh my god do NOT play that boring-ass chord. the lord will hate that shit. it will NOT please him. try this one instead. it's secret 😉 🤫
December 2, 2024 at 8:10 PM
david oh my god do NOT play that boring-ass chord. the lord will hate that shit. it will NOT please him. try this one instead. it's secret 😉 🤫
Reposted by f. m. smith
i need a shock collar that punishes me for trying to do more research once i’ve decided it’s time to start writing.
December 2, 2024 at 4:09 PM
i need a shock collar that punishes me for trying to do more research once i’ve decided it’s time to start writing.
Reposted by f. m. smith
What’s up new followers! I’m J and I’m developing my new graphic novel, Blue Hollow! Please look forward to this queer Appalachian ghost story rooted in romance, magic and family.
December 2, 2024 at 3:04 AM
What’s up new followers! I’m J and I’m developing my new graphic novel, Blue Hollow! Please look forward to this queer Appalachian ghost story rooted in romance, magic and family.
Reposted by f. m. smith
I’ve seen this tune in Irish trad tunebooks that are over 200 years old and you know what? It still rips
December 2, 2024 at 5:45 PM
I’ve seen this tune in Irish trad tunebooks that are over 200 years old and you know what? It still rips
Reposted by f. m. smith
Everything is Free by Gillian Welch. The vibes for today. #folk #folkmusic
December 2, 2024 at 12:26 PM
Everything is Free by Gillian Welch. The vibes for today. #folk #folkmusic