Harwood alumni to perform at Zenbarn Dec. 28 to boost HU auditorium project
December 15, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Harwood Union High School alumna Reid Parsons plays Dec. 28 at the HARP benefit at Zenbarn. Courtesy photo
Harwood alumni will present an evening of comedy and music at Zenbarn on Dec. 28 to support the Harwood Auditorium Revitalization Project.
The $1.3 million campaign is underway to make needed upgrades and renovations to Harwood Union High School’s auditorium, which was last updated in 1997.
So far, the effort has raised just over $17,000, according to Harwood music teacher Molly Desrochers. Organizers hope to divide the various project elements into several phases. The goal for phase one is to raise $500,000 by spring 2028 to cover replacing all of the theater rigging equipment and curtains, and bringing the space’s electrical system up to modern code.
The Harwood Alumni Music Night at Zenbarn aims to “bring the community together to celebrate Harwood's talented graduates and fundraise for the music department, which fed their musical passions,” Desrochers said.
The program will include an open mic session, stand-up comedy, and performances by bands composed of Harwood alumni performers. Some program highlights:
The open mic opportunity will start off the evening at 6 p.m., when anyone can hop on stage to play up to two songs; guitar, piano and mics provided.
At 7 p.m., Harwood 2011 graduate, singer-songwriter Reid Parsons, will take the stage. Raised with early folk, blues and jazz influences, her songwriting landed her the top spot at the 2017 Advance Music Singer/Songwriter competition, which resulted in her recording a five-song EP in 2018. Parsons this year released her debut album, “Back to Back.”
Stand-up Comedian and HUUSD graduate Jackson Greenleaf. Courtesy photo
Writing for Seven Days, Jordan Adams said this about Parsons’ style: “Parsons has a warm spirit. Even though her tunes touch on hardships and dark times, they impart a sense of hope that’s lately in short supply.”
Following Parsons’ set, Waterbury Center native and 2019 Harwood graduate Jackson Greenleaf will entertain the audience with some of the stand-up comedy that he’s been sharing as a regular on Burlington’s comedy scene. He’s opened shows for Rory Scovel with his observations on life that reveal the world’s many ironies.
More music will follow until 10:30 p.m., including DJ Lucky Luc spinning tunes. See more about the Zenbarn event, 6-10:30 p.m. on Dec. 28, and get tickets ($10+$1.67 fee) online here. Doors: 5:30 p.m.
Learn more about the auditorium project online at harpvt.org. Sponsorships are available at many levels, including purchasing a new auditorium seat ($500) or a wireless microphone ($1000), up to major-donor levels that include naming opportunities.
Donations are tax-deductible through the Harwood Boosters Club. Contributions can be made online or by check. For more information, contact Molly Desrochers, Vocal Music Teacher, at mdesrochers@huusd.org.