Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region.

Vermont's Disputatious Statesman Matthew Lyon Will Be Focus Of New Musical

A February 1798 political cartoon portraying Matthew Lyon (holding tongs) attacking Connecticut Congressman Roger Griswold. After Griswold called Lyon a scoundrel, Lyon spat on Griswold's face and their brawl ensued.
Library of Congress American Cartoon Prints Collection
/
Wikimedia Commons
A February 1798 political cartoon portraying Matthew Lyon (holding tongs) attacking Connecticut Congressman Roger Griswold. After Griswold called Lyon a scoundrel, Lyon spat on Griswold's face and their brawl ensued.

Vermont history buffs may know the name Matthew Lyon, but a Burlington singer-songwriter hopes to make the rowdy Vermont statesman more of a household name by making him the focus of a full-length musical.

The Irish-born printer, farmer and American politician fought in the Revolutionary War with the Green Mountain Boys. He was among the early founders of Fair Haven and was elected to serve in the Vermont Statehouse and later the U.S. Congress. Legend has it that Lyon sold one of his printing presses to the founders of the Rutland Herald.

In 1798 Lyon was found guilty of violating the Alien and Sedition Acts and did time in prison. He went on to have the dubious distinction of being the only member of Congress re-elected from his jail cell.

This last kernel of history stuck out to Burlington singer and songwriter, John Daly - who after doing research on Lyon, felt compelled to write not only a song about him, but a full-length musical. John Daly spoke with VPR's Nina Keck about the historical figure that so captivated him and the new musical he’s writing that pays tribute to "The Spitting Lyon."

Broadcast Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Mary Williams Engisch is a local host on All Things Considered.
One in five Vermonters is considered elderly. But what does being elderly even mean — and what do Vermonters need to know as they age? I’m looking into how aging in Vermont impacts living essentials such as jobs, health care and housing. And also how aging impacts the stuff of life: marriage, loss, dating and sex.
Latest Stories