Going Fast: Island Time, August 12

August 12, 2021

Summer is certainly flying by! Have you done all the things you wanted to? With only a couple of weeks left in August, it’s time to start checking off the final items on your Martha’s Vineyard bucket list. Maybe that means exploring Cape Pogue Bay by kayak, taking a walk with an alpaca or — speaking of flying — enjoying a biplane ride. Perhaps you want to submit something to the Ag Fair: entry forms are due Sunday, August 15 by 5 p.m.

Below are a few other highlights you should add to your list for this weekend. And The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar has even more events and activities to plan your schedule for this upcoming week and beyond.

My, My, Mytoi

If you haven’t been to Mytoi —the Japanese-inspired garden on Chappaquiddick — this summer, be sure to head there this weekend as they have two events to enjoy among the flowers. On Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Elise LeBovit will exhibit a special photography show titled Seasons at Mytoi.

On Sunday, August 15, join Trustees staff to help them restock Mytoi’s ponds during Goldfish Day from 2 to 4 p.m. There will also be a senses scavenger hunt and a flora and fauna creation station.

All About the Bard

Enjoy William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in a “Quick & Painless & Free” version at the Tisbury Amphitheater tonight at 6 p.m. and again on Tuesday, August 17, also at 6 p.m. The outdoor performance is organized and edited by Nicole Galland and Chelsea McCarthy so that even in the condensed time frame of one hour, audiences still get to enjoy all of the goodies from the play, just in a third of the time.

Musical Tribute

For five decades, Delores Stevens, co-founder of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society, helped to direct the society’s mission to bring the gift of chamber music to the Island. In honor of her, there will be a performance titled Celebrate Music! at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown on Sunday, August 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Performers will include Melissa White, Scott Woolweaver, Stephanie Chase, Scott Kluksdahl, Noah Fields and Paul Stevens. Following the concert, there will be a reception.

Nighttime Magic

A summer tradition like no other, the annual Grand Illumination Nightwill take place on Wednesday, August 18 at the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs. Due to the pandemic, the event will be a little different this year — there will be no community sing or lighting of the first lantern, and folks will be required to wear masks while walking around. Come 8 p.m., gingerbread cottages who wish to participate will light up their lanterns.

Oh hi,

How are we this week? Prioritizing self-care, taking leisurely strolls in nature and meditating daily, I presume? Oh, whoops, that’s right: It’s August on the Vineyard and you’re barely hanging on, surviving on a diet of iced coffee, kombucha and maybe a bagel or six if you’re lucky.

I hate to add one more thing to stress-eat about, but a gentle reminder here to pull together every ounce of patience and compassion you can muster: Covid cases are spiking here in our own backyards, and a disproportionate number of cases are among young adults. Get yourself a quick shot in the arm (or two) if you haven’t already, gather outdoors and break out your masks indoors. I know you’re over it — we’re all over it — but magical thinking hasn’t worked so far and I fear that it’s not going to help us now.

Okay, now the good stuff:

Built on Stilts is back! If you’ve never peeked your head into Union Chapel during this multi-night festival of all things dance, make sure to schedule a trip to town this year. (Masks required.) There is truly something for everyone, including heaping doses of community and merriment, which I know we’re all in the market for these days. See full schedule here.

Tonight (Thursday) be sure to catch the new documentary, The One and Only Dick Gregory , playing at the PAC as part of the MV African American Film Festival. Directed by Andre Gaines and executive produced by Kevin Hart and Lena Waithe, the film shines a light on the inimitable comic/activist in a way that is long overdue.

If it’s music you’re in the mood for, save Sunday, August 15 for the MV Sound Festival, happening this year behind The Cove in VH. Food truck, beer truck, local bands, all ages. Tickets are available at The Little House Cafe, daRosa’s Printing Co., Mad Martha’s, The Ritz Cafe, Tangerine and The Cove.

Chins up, masks on,

Alex