EAST BURKE, Vermont ??” Burke Mountain Ski Area has cranked up its apr??s-ski offerings for the 2005-2006 season??”announcing an expanded entertainment series that will keep the nightlife at the mountain rocking into April.

On January 14th, the Chrome Cowboys will take the stage at the Mid-Burke Lodge for a night of rollicking music best described as “country for hipsters.” With an old-school sound reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Neil Young, and a bit of an edge, the Chrome Cowboys are proud to say “We’re definitely the country band that appeals to rock fans.” Infusing their shows with honky-tonk, rockabilly, and blistering 70’s country-rock, the Cowboys have built a strong following around Vermont and beyond.

On February 18th, the Mid-Burke Lodge will host The Gordon Stone Band for a special President’s Day weekend engagement. Featuring one-time Phish and Strangefolk collaborator, Gordon Stone, on the banjo and pedal steel guitar, the 3-piece band is known for its laid back improvisational grooves and high energy jams mixing bluegrass and jazz??”blending in a little Latin, world beat and funk for good measure. The band’s 1998 album, “Even with the Odds,” was named Instrumental Album of the Year by Gannett News. Among the band’s fans is Phish bassist Mike Gordon, who described a Gordon Stone Band show to Good Citizen Magazine by saying “The music lifted me up and carried me away. I became so absorbed I forgot to swallow.”

In addition to the two concerts, the Sherburne Base Lodge will host Burke’s Comedy Series, bringing in a string of high-profile professional stand-ups. First up will be 25-year veteran Bill Campbell, with EJ Murphy, on January 21st. The next installment, February 11th, will be led by popular Boston comic and reality TV star, Kelly McFarland. The Comedy Series returns on March 4th with fellow Boston-based stand-ups Al Klemick and Kenny Rogerson??”who you may have caught on the Late Night with David Letterman and Conan O’Brien shows, or seen in There’s Something About Mary. The series closes on April Fools Day in the hands of Jimmy Dunn and Paul Keenan, also out of Boston and fresh off appearances on Comedy Central and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

For more information, visit www.skiburke.com. To make reservations, please call (802)626-7395.