Blues/Country/Folk/Rockabilly Music and lots of laughs are featured this week at The Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series
By Diane Alter
An eclectic mix of accomplished musicians will be featured during the week of July 16, along with some satirical fun, as the 2018 Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series’ second week gets underway.
Kicking off the week at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 16 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs are The Capitol Steps.
Launched in 1981, the Capitol Steps are a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. Born when a cluster of staffers for Senator Charles Percy (R-IL) was planning entertainment for an annual Christmas party, with the initial idea was to stage a nativity play, but in all of Congress they couldn’t find three wise men or a virgin. So they perused the day’s headlines and created parodies and skits from current events.
Since then, The Capital Step has recorded over 30 albums. The latest, Make America Grin Again, is making history.
“The Capitol Steps are really excited to come to Martha’s Vineyard,” Elaine Newport told This Week on MV. “In a time when politics is so divisive, and everyone is fighting over the dinner table with their relatives, we’re happy to spoof both sides. Making people laugh may be trickier than ever, but it’s also more important. One of the best comments we get after the show is from people who say they weren’t sure they could laugh at politics these days, but they did, and they feel better. That’s our goal.”
The group will perform about 30 songs and skits during the 90-minute show. If you’ve ever wanted to see U.S. President Donald Trump sing a rock song, liberal Bernie Sanders sing a show tune, and Russia’s Vladimir Putting dance shirtless, this is a must-see show.
“Coming to Martha’s Vineyard gives us a chance to break out our Elizabeth Warren bit,” Newport added. “Our cast loves the chance to come to such a beautiful place, and the audience is among our favorite.”
On Tuesday, July 16, The Robert Cray Band takes the stage at 8 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
Robert Cray is a highly accomplished and celebrated blues, soul, and R&B singer/guitarist with five Grammy wins and over 20 albums. A Blues Hall of Famer, Cray is credited with bringing blues back to the music charts with songs and themes that defined the blues, but with his own modern and personal touches. Cray has shared the stage with greats like Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
On Wednesday, July 18, The Mavericks will perform at 8 .m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
An alternative American band that combines Tex-Mex and neotraditional country music with Latin and rockabilly undertones, The Mavericks have been wowing crowds for more than 25 years. With Cuban grooves and country blues, this multidimensional band has snagged a number of CMA and ACM Awards, as well as a Grammy in 1995.
“It seems to me that the Mavericks and Martha’s Vineyard have at least a few things in common,” Paul Deaken, Maverick’s drummer, and founding member told This Week on MV. “One, there is a debate as to how to categorize the music of our band and the origin of Martha’s Vineyard‘s name. Two, we’re not really a country band anymore and Martha’s Vineyard is not a vineyard. Most importantly, however, is that when people come to Martha’s Vineyard or a Mavericks show they have a fabulous time. Putting those two together should be pretty special. Bring your dancing shoes!”
Rounding out the week, The Cowboy Junkies will be featured at 8 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church in downtown Edgartown.
A hybrid hip/indie Canadian band that boasts a rich portfolio of originals, as well as creative classic and classy cover, The Cowboy Junkies has a cult-like following.
Comprised of three siblings — drummer Peter Timmins, vocalist Margo Timmins, songwriter/guitarist Michael Timmins — and bassist Alan Anton, Margo’s compelling and distinctive voice is what initially ropes you in. Yet it is the band’s collective sounds and mystery that keep audiences engaged.
Michael Timmins told This Week on MV that a most recent description of the band’s sound, which he really likes, is “slow-core blues.” Other adjectives are ethereal, rootsy, Americana, psychedelic, country, folk-rock, melancholy, atmospheric, soporific, and unique.”
The group is excited to come to Vineyard and eat lobster and definitely breath in a lot a sea air. “We spent some six summers in MV as a family when we were growing up,” Timmins added. “The island holds a lot of great memories for us.”
Additional information about all of the events and ticket pricing and purchasing are available and www.mvconcertseries.com
