What’s up MV: Benefit shows, deejays, and dancing

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Dreamland in Oak Bluffs is one of many Island music venues. — File photo by Susan Safford

It may surprise visitors that Martha’s Vineyard, a small Island in the North Atlantic, is a hotbed of musical culture. In fact, the music here is deep and varied. This brief, weekly update cannot describe the entire scene, but it is intended to highlight interesting and unusual acts, as well as longtime Vineyard favorites. If you think that there is an underreported aspect of the music scene, let me know, at willibe@reed.edu.

DJ Ricky Prime, aka Supa Ricky Prime, is one of the most in-demand deejays on Martha’s Vineyard. His hosting at weekly gigs brings him to bars all over the east side of the Island. His Facebook page (deejayrickyprime) links to music that draws from across the dance music spectrum, from Afrika Bambaataa and RJD2 to Stevie Wonder and funk. When Deejay Ricky Prime takes the tables there is a dance-ability guarantee. His setup is perhaps best described by this from Mr. Prime’s soundcloud, “At night [he] blasts out crazy jamz for art hungry electric disco dance party peeps. Still rockn’ and rolln’ with a pair of technic 1200’s and some space jammy synths.” Catch his act Thursday with an Olympic opening party at The Seafood Shanty in Edgartown, at Seasons in Oak Bluffs on Friday night and Monday night, and at The Dive Bar in Oak Bluffs every Wednesday of the summer with the Funky Art Blaster Show and Supa Ricky Prime Dance Party.

Friday

For Friday, it’s up to you. There’s tons of music happening. Oak Bluffs bars/music venues include Dreamland, Island Bar & Grill, The Dive Bar, Seasons, The Ritz, Hooked, and The Pit Stop (all ages, BYOB). Check their individual listings in the Calendar or just stroll down Circuit Ave satisfy your fancy.

In Edgartown, The Wharf, The Atlantic, and the Seafood Shanty (to name a few) have tunes each weekend.

This weekend, the standout attraction is the sheer volume of different acts that will play. Check the print edition Calendar pages c4 and c5 for more info.

Saturday

A notable, classic Island act is back in action. The good old days return with 2nd Power, MV’s original hip hop band. JC, Pinto, Erich & Sabrina, John Yost & Matty Ro will be at their old headquarters, The Ritz Café on Circuit Ave, Saturday at 10pm.

Sunday

The weekly Jazz Sundays continue at The Pit Stop at 7:30 pm across from Tony’s Market. For anyone who hasn’t been there yet, the Pit Stop is a one of a kind music venue on the Island. It brings top quality music to Vineyarders and visitors and solicits music every Monday for their weekly Open Mic.