Melissa Chilinski
Melissa Chilinski is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and vocalist whose music carries the spirit of the land and the stories of the people who live close to it. Rooted in traditional folk and old-time sounds, Melissa blends clawhammer banjo, guitar, and heartfelt vocals into a style that feels both timeless and uniquely her own.
Originally from the Boston area and now calling Salt Lake City home, Melissa’s background in soil science and her years working in agriculture and conservation deeply inform her songwriting. Her music reflects a life spent close to the earth, with themes of resilience, journey, and belonging woven into every melody.
Melissa is an active figure in the Utah acoustic music community, performing both as a solo artist and with groups like Pompe n Honey, Josie O and the Big Six, and the Elderblossoms. She’s also a frequent collaborator with acts such as Pixie and the Partygrass Boys and Hot House West Swing Orchestra, and she leads the Trash Moon Collective, a project dedicated to nurturing local folk musicians through jams and workshops.
In 2024, Melissa released her self-titled album, Melissa Chilinski, a collection of original songs that blend old-time, folk, indie, and jazz influences; in 2026, she released Banjo Cake, a self-recorded album layering banjos and vocals into a unique landscape of sound.
She will be joined by multi-instrumentalist Brielle Petrie for her East Coast tour Summer 2026.
Website: melissachilinski.com
Instagram: @melissachilinski
Facebook: Melissa Chilinski
Natalie Padilla and Yann Falquet offer an intimate mix of traditional and contemporary folk music. Natalie, a gifted fiddler, singer, and songwriter, blends bluegrass, old-time, and Irish influences, while Yann, a dynamic Québécois guitarist and co-founder of French Canadian group Genticorum, brings his mastery of traditional music and innovative sound to the duo. Together, they weave intricate melodies and harmonies, both on songs and instrumental numbers creating a performance that celebrates the rich, diverse world of folk music.
Website: https://www.nataliepadillamusic.com/
🎟️ $25 Value Seating | $30 Premiere Seating
BENNINGTON THEATER is an accessible facility.
Please call with specific accommodations and needs at 802-500-5500.
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Bennington Theater
Located in the heart of downtown Bennington, Vermont, Bennington Theater is your home for live entertainment. From professional plays and musicals to stand-up comedy, live music, and special events, the theater offers something for everyone in an intimate, welcoming space. With a 136-seat auditorium, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a focus on community engagement, Bennington Theater brings top touring acts and local talent together for unforgettable performances.
Bennington Theater is an accessible facility, committed to providing a comfortable and inclusive experience for all patrons. Please contact the theater directly for any specific accommodations or accessibility needs.
Whether you're a lifelong theatergoer or a first-time visitor, Bennington Theater invites you to experience the best of Vermont’s live arts scene—all just steps from Main Street.