Music : A howling success
When you blend the Island's animal lovers with its music lovers, you are likely to create a memorable event, and Vineyarders who attended the Monday night fundraiser for the MSPCA at Balance Restaurant in Oak Bluffs were treated to a very special evening.
After being served dinner, the crowd settled in for an evening of music.
Singer/songwriters Ben Taylor and David Saw took the stage, and in no time, with their lighthearted jokes and banter between songs, had established an easy rapport with the audience.
Photos by Rebekah Blu
In addition to the considerable talents of Mr. Taylor and Mr. Saw, people were treated to the sensual sounds of Ms. Carrie Tree, a British musician Mr. Taylor discovered while touring England several years ago. Ms. Tree's poetic lyrics served as a perfect blend to the up-beat sounds of Mr. Taylor and Mr. Saw.
Every song was received with enthusiasm, but a highlight that brought the house down was the moment when Mr. Taylor called his famous mother, Carly Simon, to the stage. They delighted the crowd with each selection. Ms. Simon seemed to be enjoying herself, adding her humorous remarks to the mix.
The evening's finale occurred when Ben deForest (chef and co-owner of Balance) surprised everyone by joining the band on stage. The spirit of fun was contagious and loudly expressed.
Ben Taylor quieted down the crowd to introduce Jen Morgan, shelter project coordinator of the Martha's Vineyard MSPCA, who reminded everyone present of the evening's mission. Along with learning about the many ways the MSPCA helps animals, the audience was reminded that they were helping to raise money for the second oldest animal protection organization in the country. Founded in 1868, the MSPCA has seven animal shelters throughout Massachusetts in addition to two hospitals.
In a conversation following the event, shelter manager Ron Whitney described it as, "a total success. It was completely sold out. Having someone like Ben Taylor and Carly Simon recognize animal welfare on the Island is extraordinary for both us and the animals."
Ben Taylor summed up the evening by saying that the only possible improvement on an otherwise perfect evening would have been the presence of everyone's dogs and cats.
To find out more information regarding these events & volunteer opportunities, contact the Edgartown MSPCA, 508-627-8662
Rebekah Blu is the owner of Midnight Mermaid gallery in Edgartown.
