The 2nd Annual Stars + Stripes Festival, benefiting the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard is happening this weekend, Saturday July 7th at Flatbread. Yes, there is still music rocking the walls of that famous building.
Last year, the event sold out and raised over $30,000 for the YMCA. This year they hope to raise that and so much more, since 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Y. Neon Gold Records has helped bring some amazing talent to this year’s event again, along with some seriously talented kids from the Island.
Ready For A Little Love? Grouplove is Coming to MV
Ok all you music lovers, on Saturday night you’ll be able to get up close and rock out to the music of Grouplove. Grouplove and its anthemic indie rock is popping up everywhere. If you’re not familiar with them, check out their song Tongue Tied on iTunes. It’s upbeat and fun.
Recently, Grouplove was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and they’re leaving the Vineyard on Sunday to head to NYC for the Today Show’s Summer Concert Series on Monday. Pretty cool – Flatbread one day, Rockefeller Center the next day.
Detroit Invasion
Singer-songwriter Alex Winston will be taking the stage too. This Detroit songstress, who is classically trained in opera, has a unique voice, and has a lot of fun with her songs. Her voice is quirky, yet kind of sexy, and she has some great songs, including Velvet Elvis and one I really liked, Everlasting Love.
Electronic Pop
South African pop sensation, St. Lucia will be bringing his electronic pop to add to the musical mix of the night. St. Lucia’s music is heavily influenced by the rhythms he grew up with in South Africa, and has toured with some big names, including Snow Patrol. St. Lucia may kill me but he reminds me of a smoother, softer Moby.
Vineyard Sea Monsters
Not like the Loch Ness monster, but rather a three piece punk band from NYC. The three guys that make up the trio Sea Monsters, are kids that have summered together on the Vineyard. Of course they jumped at the chance to perform at Stars + Stripes. They know first hand how this community offers so much for kids whether you’re here for the Summer or live here year-round, and that the YMCA is now a big part of the Vineyard community.
Local Teens Take the Stage
Since Stars + Stripes is a benefit for the YMCA, and the Y has the awesome Alexandra Gagnon Teen Center, we have to have local talent take the stage too. There are two Y performers, Katherine Reid (15-years-old) and Nate D’Angelo. Katherine is a vocalist and a pianist who will be performing an original piece for the show. Nate is a singer-songwriter guitarist who already has 75 original compositions already. He too is preparing a number for the the show.
Both Nate & Katherine, very talented local teens, will be recording their music this Summer in the Alexandra Gagnon Teen Center’s Studio 57. How cool is that? I didn’t even know there was a recording studio avaialble to Y kids! These two and countless others will have the opportunity to take their dreams further because of the Y and events like Stars + Stripes.
So, grab a group of friends and head to Flatbread this Saturday night for Stars + Stripes. See a great show and help raise money for the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard. The show starts at 9 pm. Go early and grab some delicious Flatbread pizza before the show, and get ready to dance the night away!
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