Concert at the Cliffs

By Rebekah Blu
Published: July 24, 2008

On a blazing hot day, the inaugural Aquinnah Music Festival, a benefit for the Island's community radio station WVVY 93.7 FM, took place on Saturday, "from noon to moonlight." A bit sparse at first, attendance increased as the scorching afternoon gave way to early evening. But there was no lack of enthusiasm among an appreciative crowd that had the rare opportunity to hear some truly fine music performed by local favorites such as the Black Brook Singers, Milo Silva, Kahoots, Willy Mason, Ballywho, and the Billionaires, among others.

"I had a wonderful time and am honored to be a part of it," said Woody Vanderhoop of the Black Brook Singers. "People have kind of been coming and going all day. I think there's room to grow for next year and I think it will expand as word spreads how great this year was." 

In addition to the music, Danielle Dominick of the Scottish Bakehouse provided food for the crowd. "I enjoy cooking outside in the summer with live music," she said. "I really enjoyed hanging out with my staff this way. I love this radio station and that people can go on and play whatever. There's such diversity; the DJs are real. They are people I can relate to."

Even as the crowd focused on the great music offered throughout the day, there was talk about prospects for the concert's future. "Next year we'll have more time to get more sponsorship and more people involved," said Marta Camargo, WVVY DJ and festival committee member. "Considering how little time the organization had to pull everything together, it's rather impressive what was accomplished."

And as the moon rose over Aquinnah, the concert peacefully came to a close.

To learn more about Martha's Vineyard Community Radio, visit WVVY.org or call 508-693-9379.

Rebekah Blu is a freelance writer and photographer, and owner of the Midnight Mermaid gallery in Edgartown.