MVTimes Online - The Martha's Vineyard Times: Island News Now

Harris Newman. Photo by Josh Newman

Todd Martin. Photo courtesy of ToddMartinmusic.com

The stars line up on March 31 to bring a pool of innovative musical artists to Martha's Vineyard in the midst of the off-season lull. Those who take note of music industry buzz will perk up their ears up at this pair of shows.

Aboveground Records hosts Harris Newman and Glenn Jones, with singer/songwriter Noah Maxner opening the show. Montreal's Harris Newman has released the critically acclaimed albums “Non Sequiter” and “Accidents With Nature And Each Other”(Strange Attractors Records), each showcasing his unique guitar skills. On “Accidents With Nature And Each Other,” Mr. Newman performs several fleet-fingered acoustic compositions with dizzying skill. On “It's a Trap, Part One” he uses shimmering electric effects to create a haunting, spacious effect. On the record Mr. Newman is joined by drummer/percussionist Bruce Cawdron from the indie rock outfit God You Black Emperor. Mr. Newman is an active member in the burgeoning Montreal rock scene, hailed by The New York Times and Spin Magazine as the next emerging hot zone for independent rock after the success of local bands The Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, The Dears, The Stars, and The Unicorns. Mr. Newman is accompanied in live performance by guitarist Glenn Jones from the band Cul De Sac. In addition to being a solo and band artist, Mr. Jones was a friend, collaborator, and producer for guitar legend John Fahey. Mr. Jones recently returned from a worldwide tour with Jack Rose, considered to be the heir apparent to Mr. Fahey's guitar throne.

If you've tuned into MTV's “Road Rules” and “The Real World,” you may recognize the voice of Boston-based singer/songwriter Todd Martin. Mr. Martin stops by Offshore Ale as part of a tour that includes the Tribeca Rock Club in New York City and the Paradise Lounge in Boston in support of his recent album “How It Is That I'm Alone.” Mr. Martin's single “She Knows” recently hit Number One on the Alternative Addiction Unsigned Band charts, and the tracks from his previous three albums have won accolades from fans in the Northeast for their blend of lyricism, melody, and groove.

Concert at Aboveground Music, Edgartown, Thursday, March 31 at 7 pm, free admission. Call 508-627-4678.

Julian Wise is a frequent contributor to The Times, specializing in music, film, and the performing arts.