Higher Ground   

1 Main St.
Winooski, VT 5404
802-654-8888
www.highergroundmusic.com

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George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Leo Kottke, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Los Lobos, Junior Brown, Steve Earle, Joshua Redman, Trey Anastasio and Jorma Kaukonen (one of the founding members of Jefferson Airplane) -- though it may look like a retrospective lineup at Madison Square Garden, all of the aforementioned musicians have played this well-known Winooski club. Ever since four guys opened this 500-capacity club in April 1998, the musicians and the crowds have kept coming. The bands range from rock, jazz, blues, techno, country, hip-hop and folk. The fans follow accordingly, depending on who's playing. One night there will be nobody in the crowd under 40 years old; the next night well have a band called moe., and nobody will be here whos over 25, says Kevin Statesir, the club's general manager.The dcor is as diverse as the crowd. The caf is furnished with a large, amoeba-shaped carpet, leather couches, recessed lighting and fresh flowers. The stage is decorated with colorful abstract paintings by local artists as well as original posters and photographs of people whove played at the club.As far as food goes, dont expect a gourmet dining experience: people come here for the music. The caf menu includes hot and cold sandwiches, wraps and appetizers. The garden burgers and chicken teriyaki melts are big sellers, as are the dozen or so microbrews. -- Lauren Kafka