Never a Boring Monday on Martha’s Vineyard – Musical Mondays at Featherstone

Not one for the lazy days of Summer, I like to pack in as much as I can during the season.  We all know that there are lots of things to do on the weekend, but let’s talk about something to do on Mondays, that can really up the ante of a week night — Musical Mondays at Featherstone Center for the Arts in Oak Bluffs.

In July and August, the Featherstone grounds, behind the main building, become an outdoor concert venue on Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.  There’s a stage set up under the trees, and there’s lots of space to set up a picnic blanket or a couple of beach chairs, and enjoy live music.

Let me set the scene for you:  It’s Summer.  I’ve got pizza and drinks, the kids and a gal pal, and a couple of chairs. We walk up the hill, pick a perfect spot, and sit back and listen to Island favs like Joanne Cassidy sing up-close and personal.  Yes, the Joanne Cassidy from The Sultans of Swing.

She’s even more amazing in this intimate setting, talking to the crowd, sharing personal stories, and making us laugh as well as dazzling us where her singing.  To make it even more fun, Mike Benjamin, from the Mike Benjamin Band joined her on stage.  The crowd is filled with familiar faces and people I don’t recognize.  A mix of locals and visitors, here for the music, the venue, and a memorable evening.

This type of concert takes me back to my youth, growing up in Albany, NY where they would have a similar thing in Washington Park.  I loved being with friends, outside, enjoying live music, and the same is true today, but I’m on Martha’s Vineyard now.  An added bonus of Musical Mondays is that it is for the whole family, whether you’re one or a hundred and one – you’ll have fun.

It was great watching all the kids run around together, while the adults relaxed with one eye on the concert and one eye on the kids, and it was equally as nice watching couples holding hands and enjoying the night together.

If you’ve missed a couple of Musical Mondays which have included Joanne Cassidy & Friends, Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish and others, don’t worry there’s still plenty of great acts in the line-up.

In August, they’ve got An Evening of Jazz featuring Stan Strickland, in conjunction with the Martha’s Vineyard Jazz Festival, Mike Benjamin Band, and more.  Just check out Featherstone’s website for more details.

I should mention that there is a cost to get in – it’s $7 for adults ($5 with Our Island Club card) and children under 14 are free.  It has to be one of the best deals on the Island!  Fingers crossed for no rain on Monday nights for the rest of the Summer!

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~Guinevere