We all enjoy a celebration, and tonight’s is special. Arts and Society presents the 38th annual Bloomsday celebration of music and drama based on the text and life of James Joyce. It is tonight at the Cornell Theatre. Tickets are $20 at the door and at the Bunch of Grapes. Performers include director Phil Dietterich and singers Molly Conole, Dorian Lopes, Gretchen Regan, Craig Saunders, and Brad Austin. Gerry Yukevich will perform “Eveline” from a short story by Joyce. Pam Schnatterly returns as Molly from his novel (and film) “Ulysses.” Note that these are performances, not readings. This event is organized by John Crelan.
The free summer-solstice celebration, complete with fire ceremony, music, and poetry is tonight from 6 to 8 at Featherstone. BYO picnic.
Saturday is the annual Strawberry Festival at the West Tisbury Church, from noon to 4 pm. Enjoy strawberry treats on the front lawn, or inside if it rains. Berries to go and jam, as well as smoothies and shortcake with or without ice cream; also Father’s Day treats.
Take Dad to see the Father’s Day car show. If he has a classic car, he can enter it in the show. The classic auto event begins at 10:30 am with a power cruise through Edgartown that ends at the Harbor View Hotel, where the show and judging begins at 11 am, sponsored by Viti Auto Group. Check out the cars and take in a photo exhibit of old Vineyard automobiles courtesy of Martha’s Vineyard Museum.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has a new attraction. Do you have any idea how big a whale is? Now you can see it. Drawn in tape on the sliding doors of the shedrow, where boats are displayed, is now a full-size outline of a female sperm whale. You might wonder, why a female? Because a male would have been too large for the space. But this is to give you an idea of the size of a whale. I think it is rather neat.
The annual Veterans Barbecue for Island veterans and families is Father’s Day from 3 to 6 pm at the American Legion Post 257. RSVP today to Bill Stafursky 508-693-7900, ext. 223. This free event is for veterans and families.
Martha’s Vineyard Hospitality Homes successfully completed its first season because 180 people volunteered. The program was formed by the Island Clergy Association. Father Chip Seadale of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church acted as facilitator. St. Andrews and the Federated Church of Edgartown offered their parish halls from January 1 through March.
Each night volunteers took one of two shifts to cover the overnight shelter hours. Twenty males and three females were housed over the winter, with seven or eight regulars. Weekly shower facilities were provided by the Airport Fitness Center. Community Suppers were served by evening volunteers, and breakfast was prepared by the overnight volunteers.
Now the group is preparing for next winter with the help of a classical piano performance by Charles Whitehead at the Whaling Church at 8 pm on July 9. Doors open at 7 so you can bid on silent auction items. Advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. For advance tickets, call Carol Early at 508-693-7914, or email caroleeearly@gmail.com.
What is Jin Shin Jyutsu Physio-Philosoph? This simple acupressure works with points along energy pathways. A common effect of acupressure is deep relaxation. Valerie Polishook will talk about “Healing from Within” on Tuesday at 7 pm at the Vineyard Haven library.
As we await the arrival of the Hōkūle’a, you should see the film “Navigators: Pathfinders of the Pacific” next Thursday at 7 pm at the Vineyard Haven library. The Hōkūle’a is scheduled to arrive in Vineyard Haven June 28 and stay until July 1. Sam Low will talk about this double-hulled sailing canoe, similar to the ones used by Polynesians navigating without charts or instruments thousands of years ago as they settled the archipelago of Hawaii.
The annual Bread Sale of the Vineyard Committee on Hunger will be Saturday, June 25, in front of the Bunch of Grapes bookstore. Can you make some cookies, scones, muffins, or bread? Donations, food or cash, will be gratefully accepted after 9 am. All proceeds go to those who are hungry on the Island.
Happy 60th anniversary to Doug and Barbara Peckham today.
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society’s second summer film festival opens next Thursday with the 1925 silent film “Variete” and live music newly composed and played by students of the Berklee College of Music. The FilmMusic Festival includes the film “Janis,” the story of singer Janis Joplin. See mvfilmsociety.com for more.
Big bunches of birthday balloon wishes go to Helen Alwardt on Saturday. Wish the best to Sunna Nute on Sunday. Laura Kimball parties on Monday. Happy birthday to Ed Herczeg on Tuesday.
Heard on Main Street: Love your enemies — it will confuse them greatly.
