Short Subjects
Nancy takes a bow
Award-winning fiddler Nancy Jephcote performs with Paul Thurlow and Brian Weiland this Friday night at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven. Ms. Jephcote, singer and songwriter, will soon release a solo album, "Garland of Rain." The concert begins at 8 pm, and is sponsored by the Martha's Vineyard Country Music Society. Admission is $10.
Can you dig it?
At the Aquinnah Cultural Center on Friday, August 15, interns of Harvard University in Cambridge will be holding a discussion concerning Native American history. During "In Search of the Indian College," the students will share their progress and artifacts on their recent archeological dig in Harvard Yard. Hear about their findings from 11 am to 1 pm at the center located at the Vanderhoop Homestead at the Gay Head Cliffs. For more information, call 508-645-7900.
Around the arboretum
This coming week at Polly Hill Arboretum (PHA), find two events: a salve-making workshop and a birding discussion. On Tuesday, August 19, Holly Bellebuono of Vineyard Herbs will take you on a walk to identify and collect medicinal herbs to use to make your own oil infusions and beeswax-based ointments. The workshop from 1-3 pm, is $40; $35 for PHA members. Pre-register by calling 508-693-9426.
On Wednesday at 7:30 pm, Dr. Richard Primack discusses backyard birding and global warming, using historical records, avid birdwatchers' journals, and other fieldwork and research. Admission is $8; $5 for PHA members.
Writer's home added to Heritage Trail
The African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard, in collaboration with the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University, invites the community to join in on a celebration of the life of Dorothy West, and of the African American culture of the Highlands area of Oak Bluffs. On Saturday, August 16, at 2 pm, the former home of the Harlem Renaissance writer on Myrtle Avenue will be dedicated as a site on the Heritage Trail. At 5 pm there will be a tour of the other Oak Bluffs sites on the Trail.
Photo by Lynn Christoffers
Aquinnah Cultural Center serves up a feast
Last Saturday, August 9, the Aquinnah Cultural Center held their annual Traditional Wampanoag Feast at the center. Food was prepared in a manner using modern and traditional techniques and served in a setting that many regard as spiritual. The meal was prepared by tribal members, while guests toured the old homestead. On display were various exhibits with artifacts from the tribe.
Women with a cause
Last Saturday, in the middle of a four-day series of events, the Divas Uncorked Grand Tasting event at Outerland. From 12 noon to 5 pm, visitors tasted wines from regions all over the world, snacked, and learned cooking tips from chef demonstrations, while supporting Island Grown Initiative. The local food organization received a portion of the event's proceeds. The event was followed by an after party at Outerland, and a Sunday brunch at Lola's in Oak Bluffs. For more information on the group, visit divasuncorked.com.
