The Martha's Vineyard Times

Musically Martha's Vineyard: funk, hip hop, rock kick off summer

By Ben Williams
May 24, 2012

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Music-Scene

There's plenty of entertainment on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs this weekend. [More Photos]

Thursday, May 24

The Island weekend starts on Thursday night for a large number of younger event goers. The Lampost in Oak Bluffs has established its reputation for the go-to club experience on the Island. It's where the (21+) kids go in search of upbeat, faster-paced release through drinks and dancing.

The Lampost headlines Thursday evening with their Summer Kickoff Dance Party presented by the Vineyard Music-Scene that features a lineup of Island-raised musicians that promise to pull a strong local turnout including DCLA, Complex Humans, DJ Euphony and Jae Kalah. The dance party starts at 9:30 pm.

DCLA's core – Mike Parker, John Stanwood and Jaime Green – have become Island staples with their distinctive brand of Gypsy Rock-Hop that has led to successful tours and popular CD's. They share the stage with a host of performers mostly made up of '07 and '08 graduates from the local high school. Complex Humans has emcees Andrew Larsen, Matt Lucier and Tyler Hathaway with guest DJ Mingo Slice. Performing electronic dance music on the tables is DJ Euphony (Vaughn Russillo). Jae Kalah (Jaron Chaplin) has a solo emcee set, and local party disc jockey DJ AP rounds out the list of performers.

Just down the street and down some stairs The Dive Bar has DJ D-Dub for its Thursday opening night. The Dive Bar generally has a more subdued atmosphere than its upstairs neighbor, yet on any given night the musical guest can bring the place to life. The open performance space can transform into a happening dance floor, and The Dive's downstairs digs are filled to the brim with character. It's a great place to gather with friends for some drinks below the upstairs exuberance.

Friday, May 25

Friday night at 8:30 pm the good times roll into Hooked, the new fish house opening where Lola's used to be, on Beach Road in Oak Bluffs. King Cake and the Baby perform at 10 pm, playing New Orleans music with splashes of roots funk. The band is composed of singer Shelagh Hackett; Eric Johnson and Boaz Kirschenbaum sing and strum strings; Kahootser Rob Myers plays percussion; and maestro journeyman Adam Lipsky is on keys.

Saturday, May 26

If you miss the Friday show or just haven't sated your thirst for New Orleans tunes, follow Adam Lipsky over to The Dive Bar Saturday night, where new group Biggie Shorty promises to make the dance floor rock with no-cover charge New Orleans blues and funk. Joining Lipsky are Niko Ewing (of The Loops fame), Tim Moliterno, Greg Besun, and Brian Nelson.