What’s up mv: Stars arrive for Stars and Stripes Festival

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King Cake and the Baby. — File photo by Dan Waters

Friday

Katama, a group that is comprised of members of the Sultans of Swing, will play Friday, June 6 at The Wharf on Main Street in Edgartown. Group members Jerry Bennett (drums), Justin Krakowsky (vocals), Justin Piper (guitar), Hugh Burrows (Bass) and Kristin Santangelo (vocals) play contemporary rock and roll. The Sultans of Swing are a premier event band with a large roster of artists. Katama was put together to play local bar gigs (exclusively at The Wharf this summer) to a younger crowd. Think Sultans level talent but with more party rock and less Motown.

King Cake and the Baby bring their funky sound to Chilmark this Friday when they play at The Yard on Middle Road near Beetlebung Corner. Usually a dance venue, The Yard’s first music event of the season lets the audience be the dancers. The theater will become a dance floor and the air will be full of rootsy funk and classic grooves.

The Racky Thomas Band is a Blues group that will play Friday and Saturday at the Ritz, on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs. Championed by sunglass- wearing bluesman Racky Thomas, the band has been playing around the Boston area for 17 years and has won Boston’s Battle of the Bands competition.

Saturday

Saturday night The Stars and Stripes Festival brings rising stars to the Flatbread Company at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport off Edgartown- West Tisbury Road. Music festivals are rare occurrences on Martha’ Vineyard, and this one features talent that’s not to be missed: Grouplove, Alex Winston, St. Lucia and Seamonsters will play, along with two local high school students, Kathryn Reid and Nate D’Angelo. All proceeds from the concert benefit the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information contact The YMCA at 508-696-7171.

Sunday

The second weekly Jazz Night will be over at The Pit Stop in The Oak Bluffs Arts District on Dukes County Ave this Sunday. Not reported last week is that entrance for students is $9. Entrance is $9 for Pit Stop members and $18 for adults. Bring your own beverages.