If you have not made it to Higher Ground yet, the June 18 Ratboys date is a decent occasion to fix that. South Burlington is a drive from most of upstate New York, but Higher Ground — 750 capacity, all-ages, one of the rooms that keeps turning up on the right touring itineraries — has a way of making you glad you went.
Doors at 7:30 PM on Thursday, June 18. Show starts at 8:00.
About Ratboys
Ratboys are a Chicago four-piece: Julia Steiner (vocals, guitar), Dave Sagan (guitar), Sean Neumann (bass), and Marcus Nuccio (drums). They sit in the indie-Americana lane — post-country and alt-folk sensibilities folded into indie rock, personal lyrics that carry more weight than you expect, and a live reputation that has been building steadily for years. Pitchfork called Steiner a vocalist with “individuality to spare” and said the band “were always sitting on a goldmine.” Post Trash described “massive hooks and sweeping cavernary melodies that will stick in your head for days.”
The When the Sun Explodes Tour supports Singin’ to an Empty Chair, out February 6, 2026 on New West Records — the band’s first album for the label. Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie produced, and he brought the sessions somewhere expansive: cello, pedal steel, Hammond B3 organ, all in service of Steiner’s lyrics about estrangement and the slow grief of a relationship that ended past the point where words helped. Americana Highways called Ratboys “one of America’s best rock bands.” In a room like Higher Ground’s Ballroom, this is the kind of set that earns that description.
The Venue
Higher Ground is at 1214 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403 — right in the heart of our North Country coverage area. Full event details at highergroundmusic.com. If you are making the trip up from farther south in the state, plan on arriving before 7:30 — doors open with enough time to settle in before the show.
Tickets
All ages. Doors 7:30 PM, show at 8:00 PM. Grab your tickets below before this one moves.