Short Subjects

Published: May 8, 2008

Pangea Day shows the way

This Saturday, May 10, the Capawock Theater in Vineyard Haven is the site for the local celebration of Pangea Day, a four-hour live broadcast of 24 powerful film shorts, music, and celebrity speakers. Simultaneously shown in locations around the world, the short films, shown without charge, were chosen from 2,500 international entries based on their ability to inspire, transform, and show the world through another person's perspective.

Capawock doors open at 1:30 pm. The collection of short films will be shown from 2-6 pm. Free admission.

An Island-style tribute

There was an unlimited amount of goodwill and camaraderie at Outerland on Sunday night when a huge crowd gathered to honor Maynard Silva, the local bluesman who's been at the center of the local music scene for decades and who has been battling cancer over the past few years. The room was jammed and jumping, with a line stretching out the door for the majority of the evening. In between Lucky Strike, who kicked off the event, and Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, who performed as if inspired, Mr. Silva appeared on stage. Although he didn't perform, his moving remarks evoked a long ovation from the jubilant crowd. "If these doctors can straighten me out, I'm going to set a chair right here, and take on all comers," Mr. Silva remarked with a huge smile. And the crowd roared its approval.

Big screen casting call

"Mow Crew," a comedy about an Island boy leaving for the west coast, begins filming this Memorial Day, and they are still looking to fill the cast. On Tuesday, May 13, there is an open casting session at the Vineyard Playhouse from 6 to 9 pm. For more information, visit mowcrew.com or call 212-203-1261.

Pulling their strings

Elementary student string musicians from across the Island will demonstrate their talents at the Island Strings Concert on Thursday, May 8. The concert will be held from 6:30-8 pm in the Performing Arts Center at the regional high school.

In full bloom

The opening reception for the Annual Flower Art Show, Dragonfly Gallery's season opener, will take place Saturday, May 10, from 4-7 pm. Island and regional artists will gather for the opening reception. The show includes flowers in all medias - paint, photography, collage, sculpture, and mixed media. The show runs through May 18. Free admission. 508-693-8877.

Ending on a high note

The Minnesingers filled the Performing Arts Center on Saturday night and then again on Sunday afternoon for their annual Spring Concert, "Can You Dig It." The group sang, danced, and performed everything from disco to spiritual selections. Recently returned from touring in Austria where the high school group celebrated their 40th anniversary, the Minnesingers exhibited impressive dexterity and enthusiasm. This was their last concert of the year.