Good morning, Burlington.

Hundreds walked downtown Burlington yesterday in the 37th annual COTS Walk to raise awareness and funds for shelter and housing services; participants passed the new (56-bed) Waystation shelter and saw plans to convert the Wilson site into housing by year-end with ongoing online donations.

Circus Smirkus has paused its 2026 Big Top Tour due to financial and organizational challenges from last summer's tour in Waterbury, but it will continue summer camps and residencies this year.

The circus invites feedback (a survey open until May 5) to help plan a return in 2027.

Jason Moran, the new curator of Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, has planned a five-day celebration next month that will bring free music and dance events to local clubs, streets, and the waterfront (featuring student bands and seasoned artists).

This festival highlights Burlington’s vibrant music culture.

The Young Writers Project, Burlington's creative online community for teen writers and artists, publishes this week's entry, 'Cards and Songs,' by 15-year-old Beatrice Ziobro from Pomfret with artwork 'Board and Batten' by 15-year-old Isla Segal from Woodstock.

The project (est. 2006) offers a free online space for youth.

A portrait honoring Louvenia Dorsey Bright (Vermont’s first Black woman legislator) will be unveiled tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. at the Statehouse, with Gov. Phil Scott, her family, and artist Ayana Ross speaking and a reception to follow in the Cedar Creek Room.

Researchers at UVM have developed an artificial intelligence tool to help doctors diagnose Parkinson's disease accurately and quickly today; the tool, reported in Scientific Reports (peer-reviewed), supports real-time clinical decisions and will be expanded to study cognitive decline.

At UVM Health in Burlington, doctors have used an AI scribe since 2024 (a tool that lessens burnout by digitizing notes) to focus on patient care; a demonstration on Wednesday, April 22 showed how the system converts visit dialogue into structured reports.

Vermont women's lacrosse ended their season with a 13-11 loss in the America East championship game at Virtue Field on May 3 — their strong start and championship inexperience were noted by coach Sarah Dalton Graddock.

Carmina Burana Listening Party

7-8 p.m. — The Venetian Soda Lounge — Sliding scale pricing — Enjoy drinks and snacks while diving into the majestic world of Carmina Burana with expert commentary.

Laurie Kilmartin Live

6:30-11:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets from $110 — Enjoy a night of laughs with renowned comedian Laurie Kilmartin.

Scarlet Demore with Violet Crimes

7-10:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — Not specified — Experience the energetic fusion of punk rock and melodic hardcore from local favorites Violet Crimes.

Rachel Scanlon Live

6:30-11:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets from $103 — Rachel Scanlon is set to deliver an unforgettable comedy experience in Burlington.

Business After Hours: Grand Opening Celebration

5-7 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington — Free entry — Celebrate the grand opening with networking, tours, and delightful hospitality.

Pete Lee at Vermont Comedy Club

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets starting at $103 — Pete Lee brings his unforgettable comedy experience to Burlington.

Pete Lee Live Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets starting at $103 — Pete Lee brings an unforgettable night of laughter to Burlington's stage.

Los Sóngoros Concert with Dance Class

7:30-10:45 p.m. — SEABA Center — $15 General / $10 Students — Experience an exciting blend of Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with an optional pre-show dance class.

Otto and Astrid Live

7-10 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $96 — Experience an unforgettable evening of laughter with Otto and Astrid.