Wintering, Island-Style
February 1, 2023
If you were frustrated by making summer ferry reservations this week, remember you can always come visit the Vineyard now — if you’re not already here. Not only are there spots on the ferry, but the Island is yours to explore at your own pace. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has new exhibits, art galleries are open and a variety of classes are posted on The Complete Martha’s Vineyard Calendar. Why not take a jewelry-making class at Featherstone? Or learn sign language? This is the winter to try something new and different.
And heck, where else could you visit (on this side of the Atlantic) that devotesan entire month to learning more about sheep? Check out the Sheep-Shearing Shindig and a few other suggested events below. And we’ll be back in your inbox with Island Time in two weeks; our biweekly winter schedule runs through March.
After this weekend, The Ritz Cafe will be taking a winter nap and giving the staff a well-deserved break. Live music can be heard Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Johnny Showtime will host Trivia Night at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
The bar’s hibernation begins Feb. 1. It will re-open on March 14.
The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society kicks off its Feb-EWE-ary celebration of sheep a little early. The Sheep-Shearing Shindig will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. Pet the sheep from Slough Farm before and after they receive their winter haircuts.
A new exhibit called Woven opens this weekend at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. It’s a fascinating look at the textiles and materials – from beautiful basketry to expertly crafted eel pots – that historically contributed to the Island economy. The exhibit – January 28 through May 14 – will also be accompanied by a variety of programming; look for events labeled Martha’s Vineyard’s Wooly History.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 4 as the date for the Martha’s Vineyard Annual Collaborative Black History Event. This year’s virtual event will feature a historical perspective panel discussion on Black Resistance. Organizations partnering for discussions include the NAACP of Martha’s Vineyard, League of Women Voters, Martha’s Vineyard Museum and the Oak Bluffs Public Library. This event will take place online from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Membership Down, the Island’s only variety game show, returns on Tuesday, Feb. 7 for an evening of fun, and creators Abby Bender and Molly Coogan have three players and a slate of judges ready to raise money for their favorite Island nonprofits. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Portuguese-American Club in Oak Bluffs. Grab dinner at Mo’s Lunch and settle in with a drink at the P.A. Club.
The PathwaysArts Music Series celebrates the Island’s jazz musicians on Friday, Feb. 3 with an Island All Stars concert. Among those slated to play are Jeremy Berlin, Eric Johnson, Taurus Biskis, Darby Patterson, Delanie Pickering and Lucas Ostinato. Doors open at 6:30 and the music begins at 7 p.m.