Live Music Blog

MARTHA’S VINEYARD LIVE MUSIC: SUMMER ON THE ISLAND IS ALL FUN AND GAMES

MARTHA’S VINEYARD LIVE MUSIC: SUMMER ON THE ISLAND IS ALL FUN AND GAMES

During the summer months, Martha’s Vineyard is abuzz with activity. There are plenty of music concerts; our group of musicians proudly participates in many of these events.

There are also arts, culinary, and sports activities.

Last but certainly not least, let’s not forget our beautiful beaches and quaint seaside towns that are just breathtaking.

So, whether you are looking for a quiet beach holiday or an active vacation, you will find your heart’s desire right here on the island.

These are just three examples of fun-filled summer events:

June

June 28 – 30: If you are a music AND sports aficionado, this new event will fit you to a tee (no pun intended): the 1st Annual Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Excursion & Golf Weekend. Listen to saxophonist Elan Trotman and Grammy-nominated singer Jeffrey Osborne in concert on June 28, Union Chapel, 55 Narraganset Ave. Edgartown, at 5:30 p.m.

The golf outing will take place on June 29 at 11:30 a.m at Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs.

July

July 8, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Tisbury Annual Street Fair will be in full swing in downtown Vineyard Haven, celebrating the town’s founding in 1671.

Stroll along Main Street from the Mansion House to the Green Room, enjoy the food and live music, and participate in fun activities like face painting, a dunking booth, and many others.

August

August 15 – 18: One of the most popular events and biggest gatherings on the island is the 158th Annual Agricultural Society Fair, held at 35 Panhandle Road in West Tisbury. There is something for everyone: rides, games, live music, craft demonstrations, food, shopping, art show, awards for homegrown vegetables, fruits, flowers, and homemade goodies, and the ever-popular dog show.

Hopefully, these three events will whet your appetite and pique your curiosity enough to want to be on Martha’s Vineyard this summer. There is lots more to do here, so come and join the fun!

THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SUMMER: LET MARTHA’S VINEYARD LIVE MUSIC BE YOUR GUIDE

Summer is here and that means Martha’s Vineyard is coming alive with music, arts, great food, nature, water sports, fairs, and, of course, sandy beaches and warm ocean breezes.

From Memorial Day at the end of May to Labor Day in September, the island offers so many exciting activities for its visitors and residents to enjoy. Whatever you like to do, chances are you can do them right here on the Island.

Since it is impossible to list all the activities (there are just so many!), we will focus on outdoor fairs, festivals, and nature treks that entire families can enjoy. All the other activities are listed here vineyardvisitor.com, mvol.com, and vineyardgazette.com.

So let the fun begin…

JUNE

June 1: Windemere’s Live & Silent Auction

The silent auction benefits Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Grange Hall, 1067 State Road, West Tisbury, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

June 2: Annual Cross-Island Hike

We hope your shoes were made for walking so you can celebrate National Trails Day – the first Saturday of June – by hiking the 17.2 miles from Menemsha Beach in Chilmark to the Blackwater Pond Reservation in West Tisbury. The event begins at 8:15 a.m.

Also on June 2 and each weekend throughout the summer, you can visit Edgartown Lighthouse, which underwent major renovations in 2007, including the installation of a staircase to the lantern room. A lighthouse keeper will be available to answer questions.

June 4: Farm Tours

Adults and kids alike will enjoy a walking tour of Grey Barn and Farm. It’s a really mooo-ving experience! From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 15: Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll

Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll is a fundraiser for the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. It features dozens of excellent food and drink stands, so it is certainly a fun (and not just worthy) event. Daniel Fisher House Lawn, Edgartown, 6:30 p.m.

June 17: 26th Annual Oak Bluffs Harbor Festival

A not-to-be-missed event, where local vendors, nonprofits, and artisans gather along the harbor to celebrate the arrival of summer. The kid-friendly festival offers live music, art, crafts, food, and summer-themed festivities for the whole family.

June 23: Strawberry Festival

There will be no shortage of strawberry shortcakes, ice cream, smoothies, jams, and other treats at this flavorful festival that kids, and many adults, will enjoy. Starting at noon at First Congressional Church of West Tisbury, 1051 State Rd.

JULY

July 1: 19th Annual Evening of Discovery

The Annual Evening of Discovery benefits the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Vineyard Haven, 5:30 p.m.

July 4: Independence Day celebrations

Fourth of July Parade. An annual tradition that will take place on Main Street, Edgartown, starting at 5 p.m. It will be followed at 9 p.m. by Fourth of July Fireworks over the Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse Beach.

July 8: Tisbury Annual Street Fair

Held to celebrate the town’s founding in 1671, this event is a barrel of fun for all ages: live music, food, various local vendors, face painting, rock climbing, and other activities. Main Street in Vineyard Haven.

July 10: Featherstone Center for the Arts Gala

The Arts Gala raises funds for this community center. Farm Neck Golf Club, Oak Bluffs, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

July 15 and 16: Portuguese Holy Ghost Feast and Festival

This cultural event features typical Portuguese foods and a colorful parade where participants wear Azorean costumes and play traditional music. At Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs.

July 30: Possible Dream Auction

Funds raised through this auction and raffle will benefit the Island’s community programs and services.

AUGUST

August 5 and 6: Martha’s Vineyard Author Series and Book Festival

This annual event, which celebrates the Island’s rich literary history, is a must for all book lovers. Chilmark Community Center, 520 S. Road, 7:30 p.m.

August 7: All Island Art Show

A longstanding Martha’s Vineyard tradition, the All Island Art Show brings together professional and amateur Island artists and their works. Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

August 16: Illumination Night

This special highlight of the summer season. is worth seeing! You will “oooh” and “aaah” at the beautiful cottages decorated with colorful Chinese and Japanese lanterns. A sight to behold! Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs.

August 17–August 20: Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair

This event attracts thousands of visitors each year. Family-friendly activities include rides, games, shucking contests, a skillet toss, horse pulls, woodsmen competition, and livestock shows. The fairgrounds in West Tisbury from 10 a.m.

SEPTEMBER

As summer is drawing to a close on Martha’s Vineyard, celebrate Labor Day with music.

September 1 – 3: Jazz and Blues Summer Festival

This annual event is a terrific way to wrap up an enjoyable summer season. Don’t miss it!

Before you go…

…don’t forget that music plays (no pun intended) a huge part on Martha’s Vineyard. Whatever genre it is — jazz, blues, rock, pop, classical, and anything in between — summer concerts and performances abound on the Island.

We know because Martha’s Vineyard Live Music consists of a group of musicians who perform at a variety of events here throughout the summer months. If you’d like to know what goes on where and when just contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

For now, we wish you a great and enjoyable summer on Martha’s Vineyard!

MARTHA’S VINEYARD SUMMER — ARTS, FOOD, AND ALL THAT JAZZ!

What is your ideal summer vacation? Is it quiet and laid back, or busy and active? Or perhaps it is both?

When you are vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard, you don’t have to choose — you can relax on one of our fine-sand beaches AND you can participate in all the activities our island has to offer.

We at Martha’s Vineyard Live Music are a group of musicians who perform at a variety of events on the island throughout the summer months, so we are familiar with the lay of the land, so to speak. We know what goes on where and when, and are happy to highlight some of the events for you here.

The first thing to know is that even though Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful and fun place in all seasons (just ask the 15,000 residents who live here all year round), it is most lively in the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

The official summer season kicks off on May 28 with the Annual Spring/Memorial Day Weekend Festival at the West Tisbury Grange Hall. You’ll be able to see new works that Island artists have been working on all winter, and taste great local food.

After that event, you can look forward to lots of other activities. We are focusing here on the ones the whole family can participate in:

June

06/11: 20th Annual Summer Festival is a Vineyard summer tradition where the public can meet over 70 artisans and buy their works. (If you miss this event, don’t worry. It takes place weekly until September).

West Tisbury Grange Hall, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

06/17: Annual Harbor Festival celebrates summer with live music, food, arts, and crafts.

Oak Bluffs Harbor, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

06/20: Summer Solstice Celebration. Local poets and musicians of all ages will read and perform as we usher in a new summer season.

Outdoor stage at the Featherstone, Oak Bluffs, 6 p.m.

06/29: A tour of Morning Glory Farm and its famous strawberry fields, followed by an in-the-field cooking demo and a communal, farm lunch.

Edgartown, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. July

July

07/04: Three events will commemorate our nation’s independence:

  • Children’s parade with youngsters on flag- and banner-decorated bikes and wagons.The Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs, 10 a.m.
  • The traditional July 4th parade–marching bands, floats, old-fashioned fun for the whole family.Edgartown Town Center, 5 p.m.
  • The Fourth of July BBQ. There will also be free marching band concerts in the Old Whaling Church before and after the parade And, of course, there will be fireworks galore!Dr. Daniel Fisher House, Edgartown, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

07/06: A guided Campground Walking Tour is a wonderful chance to see historic cottages renown for their unique charm. The tours take place once weekly throughout July and August, so be sure not to miss one of them.

The Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

07/06: Sail Martha’s Vineyard 26th Annual Seafood Buffet & Auction celebrates the 12th anniversary of the Vineyard Cup Regatta weekend.

Tisbury Wharf, 5:30 p.m.

07/08: Tisbury Annual Street Fair with various vendors, games, food, and fun for the whole family.

Downtown Vineyard Haven, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

07/29: Annual Vineyard Sound Concert. Local a cappella group Vineyard Sound and special guests will perform. Tickets are available online or at the door.

The Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs, 8 p.m.

August

08/16: Grand Illumination. A sing-along followed by the annual Grand Illumination when hundreds of lanterns are hung on gingerbread cottage porches. A sight to behold!

Trinity Park, Oak Bluffs, 7:30 p.m.

08/17 – 08/20: 156th Annual Agricultural Society Fair. Lots of fun with rides, games, live music, livestock, competitions, craft demonstrations, food, shopping, art show, and awards for homegrown vegetables, fruits, flowers and homemade goodies…and the ever popular dog show.

West Tisbury, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

September

Before we say goodbye for the summer, there is one more event we’d like to mention.

09/01/ – 09/03: The 22nd Annual Labor Day Weekend Festival is the largest art show on Martha’s Vineyard featuring Island artists with unique furniture, clothing, ceramics, jewelry and fine art.

Vineyard Haven, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

All of the above activities are geared to families, but there is so much more to do and see on Martha’s Vineyard. You can find all the events here, http://mvol.com/calendar/.

We’d also like to bring your attention to two very important categories: music and arts, as well as charity events. Let’s have a look:

06/08: Judy Collins will give a concert — a wonderful opportunity to see and hear this great performer live.

The Old Whaling Church, Edgartown, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

08/19: Another legendary artist, Aretha Franklin, will headline Summer Concert Series as part of her farewell tour.

The Tabernacle, Oak Bluffs

For more information on the concert series and the performers visit, http://mvconcertseries.com.

09/01 – 09/03: Jazz and Blues Summer Festival, an annual event since 2008, features live performances from world-class jazz and blues musicians.

Old Whaling Church, Edgartown

Every Wednesday throughout the summer you can head to the Featherstone and learn how to play the ukulele. It’s such fun and you don’t have to go all the way to Hawaii to master this craft!

The Featherstone Center for the Arts, Oak Bluffs, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

07/12 – 08/12: “Julius Caesar” will be performed by an all-women cast playing one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies.

Outdoors at Tisbury Amphitheater, 5 p.m.

08/08 – 08/12: African American Film Festival is now entering its 15th year of presenting emerging feature, documentary, and short films.

Performing Arts Center, Edgartown 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Benefits

During the summer season on Martha’s Vineyard, a number of benefits are held in support of worthwhile causes and organizations. Among them are:

06/15: A Taste of the Vineyard Gourmet Stroll to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust.

Dr. Daniel Fisher House Lawns, Edgartown, 6:30 p.m.

08/14: Summer Soiree gala and auction in support of the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

Farm Neck, Oak Bluffs, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

08/18: Fireworks at Ocean Park by the Sea. Come for dinner in one of the many fine restaurants in the area and after dark enjoy a fireworks display — all in support of Oak Bluffs Firemen’s Civic Association.

Ocean Park, Oak Bluffs, 8 p.m.

These are just some of the events that benefit our community’s causes. We support all of them http://www.oakbluffsfireandems.com.

We hope you’ll enjoy your summer days and nights on Martha’s Vineyard, and keep coming back year after year!

SUMMER 2016: OUT AND ABOUT ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD, WITH FUN ACTIVITIES AND LIVE MUSIC

SUMMER 2016: OUT AND ABOUT ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD, WITH FUN ACTIVITIES AND LIVE MUSIC

SUMMER 2016: OUT AND ABOUT ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD, WITH FUN ACTIVITIES AND LIVE MUSIC


If you are a newcomer to Martha’s Vineyard – welcome to these beautiful shores! You will soon discover what veteran visitors and permanent residents have always known: that this island is a great summertime destination.

Yes, it boasts pristine sandy beaches and turquoise waters, warm, sunny days and pleasantly breezy evenings. But there’s more: whether you are looking for active lifestyle, great food, music and art, or just tranquility and relaxation, Martha’s Vineyard has it all!
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MARTHA’S VINEYARD LIVE MUSIC: THE GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN ON THE ISLAND

Summer 2015 on Martha’s Vineyard: It’s a Wonderful Life!

Summer 2015 on Martha’s Vineyard: It’s a Wonderful Life!

Summer 2015 on Martha’s Vineyard: It’s a Wonderful Life!

Ahh, Martha’s Vineyard in the summer – blue ocean, warm breezes, sandy beaches, and picturesque, quaint towns, all of which remind us why we love being here. But the scenery – stunning as it is – is not the island’s only attraction.

Another appealing quality of Martha’s Vineyard is that no visitor or local, adult or child, need ever be bored. Especially during June, July, and August, the island is a beehive of activity – there is SO much to do, see, and enjoy. Whether you are “into arts and culture, outdoor and / or recreational activities, or delicious food, you will find just what you are looking for.
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TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH: MARTHA’S VINEYARD LIVE MUSIC PERFORMS AT YOUR WEDDING

Our Love Songs are the Perfect Fit with Island Weddings

Our Love Songs are the Perfect Fit with Island Weddings

Our Love Songs are the Perfect Fit with Island Weddings


There are several cherished traditions that define Martha’s Vineyard summers: great live music, wonderful food, and weddings. (There are, of course, numerous outdoor fairs and festivals as well).

Let’s focus on the weddings, which are among our all-time favorite events, because they combine everything we hold dear – live music by local bands, and, of course, LOVE!

Martha’s Vineyard weddings are made even more special by the island’s romantic surroundings: beautiful sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, quaint churches and inns, and friendly people.

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COMING TO YOU – LIVE – SOUNDS OF THE ISLAND!

Performers from Martha’s Vineyard Live Music “band” together

Performers from Martha’s Vineyard Live Music “band” together

Performers from Martha’s Vineyard Live Music “band” together


Here’s a question: if you had a choice between listening to a live music performance or a recording, which one would you choose?

It may not come as a surprise to you that at Martha’s Vineyard Live Music, we prefer – you guessed it – live music. We do realize this may sound somewhat biased and self-serving (since we are a group of musicians performing at LIVE events). However, we hasten to add that we are certainly not opposed to recordings – we are recording artists ourselves – and have been known to listen to music streamed through our laptops and iPods – and some great CDs as well. After all, good music – no matter the medium – is always a pleasure to hear.
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A FRIENDLY MESSAGE FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD LIVE MUSIC: TAKE A HIKE!

“Trail” along the island’s walking paths

“Trail” along the island’s walking paths

“Trail” along the island’s walking paths


Here’s a question: when you think of Martha’s Vineyard, what is the first picture you “see” in your mind? If your answer is “beach” and / or “ocean,” you are obviously right.

But the beautiful seashore is not our only asset – did you know that Martha’s Vineyard is also a hikers’ paradise? In fact, if you want to discover the island’s stunning nature and fascinating history, walking is the best way to do that (not to mention another significant benefit of all this footwork –an excellent workout!)

So put on your walking shoes, hat, backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, and iPod (more about it later) and start exploring all the nooks and crannies of our island!
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FROM SEA SONGS TO FOLK SONGS: MUSIC REIGNS

Martha’s vineyard live music  Local musicians  Jazz band

Martha’s vineyard live music.

Martha’s Vineyard Live Music is the Beat of the Island

Among many perks Martha’s Vineyard has to offer year after year is wonderful live music – and plenty of it. The island has a lively rock and folk music scene, with other genres well represented too.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day (and beyond), Martha’s Vineyard is alive with the sound of music (okay, so we borrowed this line from a well-known movie, but it is just as relevant to our island as it is to Alpine scenery). In fact, this may be a good place to remind everyone that quite a few renowned musicians – like Carly Simon and James Taylor – call Martha’s Vineyard “home” – at least for part of the year.

Yes, Martha’s Vineyard stunning scenery lends itself to all kinds of music, but did you know that scores (no pun intended) of local musicians and songwriters live here as well? Many were inspired to create their own special “tributes” to the island.

Let’s …lend an ear to some of these compositions.
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End of an Era: Martha’s Vineyard Live Music Weighs in on the Island’s Whaling History

End of an Era: Martha’s Vineyard Live Music Weighs in on the Island’s Whaling History

Whale songs are part of Martha’s Vineyard Live Music Playlist!

If you look out on the Edgartown harbor today, you will see sailboats and other leisure craft lolling in the blue-green water. But in centuries past, this scene was very different and likely much less picturesque: scruffy men carrying harpoons boarded the vessels that would scour the sea in search of whales.

Whaling is an important part of Martha’s Vineyard’s maritime traditions and sea-faring adventures. And even though in today’s environmentally conscious times the idea of whale hunting is unthinkable, in those long-ago days it was considered to be an economic necessity. The oil derived from these aquatic mammals was not only widely used in the manufacture of every-day products like soap, textiles, candles, and paints, but it also lubricated the machines during the Industrial Revolution.

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