As it does every year, 4th of July weekend promises to be one of the busiest and also simultaneously, one of the most exciting weekends on the Vineyard. While this promises minor annoyances such as tourists crowding Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, there’s also bound to be some great nightlife events that are worth checking out.
One of the concerts that really caught my eye is the third annual Stars + Stripes Festival. Held at the Flatbread Company on Airport Road, this concert features four highly talented bands: Walk The Moon, St. Lucia, Haerts and Dukes County Love Affair (DCLA).
The headlining act is indie pop band Walk The Moon. With a name derived from a famous Police song, Walk The Moon has enjoyed a lot of success from the release of their self-titled debut last year. However a lot of their success has been inspired by a breakout single back in 2011.
This single entitled “Anna Sun” broke out after getting some exposure from the likes of American Eagle Outfitters and Vampire Diaries. “Anna Sun” is a most appropriate song for the summer season as it focuses on the joys of youth and the fun of college. It also has a hilarious music video, that is notable for all it’s neon colors.
Don’t think that this band is coasting on past success though. Walk The Moon has spawned a successful follow-up single in “Tightrope” and also with “Quesadilla,” a tune that has gotten exposure after appearing on the official FIFA 13 soundtrack.
For those who aren’t as big a fans of indie music, St. Lucia provides sunny and friendly tropical punk songs. St. Lucia is the project of Jean-Philip Grobler, who is responsible for all the band’s writing, singing and producing. The release of a self-titled EP last year has helped to increase St. Lucia’s viability and give the one-man band a great start.
Brooklyn-based duo Haerts is also enjoying some success thanks to a catchy summertime anthem. In their case, their new song “All The Days” has gotten Elle’s vote as song of the summer. Haerts also crafts a relatively unique sound that will remind listeners of singers like Stevie Nicks and Bonnie Tyler.
The opening act for Stars & Stripes is the Vineyard’s own Duke’s County Love Affair. DCLA plays “gypsy rock hop,” a combination of blues, gypsy soul, hip hop and rock. This three-piece band frequents island bars and is scheduled to play in Oak Bluffs on at least three more occasions this summer.
This 21+ show is scheduled for a 7:30 start on Saturday, July 6th. Interested concert-goers can save $5 and only pay $30 by purchasing tickets in advance.
It’s also worth noting that this is a concert with a cause. All sponsorship monies are going to go the Stars + Stripes Strong Families Fund, which provides financial assistance to deserving families for Y membership and programs.
So come out to support a good cause and enjoy one of the Vineyard’s premier concert events this summer!
-James Reagan
