“Go, sit upon the lofty hill, and turn your eyes around, where waving woods and waters wild do hymn an autumn sound.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning. November is in full swing on Martha’s Vineyard. Savor the fall foliage, cool beach strolls and spectacular sunsets. The island hosts a plenitude of live music, art exhibits & gift shows this month. Here are a few of our favorite highlights on the island this month.
- Barn Raisers Ball - Saturday, November 6 at 7:30pm to 10:00pm - The Barn Raisers Ball is the annual celebration of the community effort to create our Agricultural Hall from a salvaged antique barn from New Hampshire. It is said that on the third day of building 27 years ago, when the walls and roof were up, there was a party like no other on the still dirt floor of the new hall rockin the night away. This year we will again dance on a dirt floor to the tunes of Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish as we celebrate together in the open air of our backyard under the stars. Though it is outside, space will be limited. Tickets will be sold and considered donations to the Society.
- Music Street Concert: We Can Celebrate! - Sunday, November 7 at 3:00pm to 4:00pm - This concert will feature pianist Diane Katzenberg Braun, cellist Alan Toda-Ambaras and violinist Li-Mei Liang. “A thing of beauty is a joy forever” is the sentiment echoed as Music Street presents its fall concert with the music of Felix Mendelssohn, the Parisian Boulanger sisters, Nadia Boulanger’s teacher Gabriel Fauré and one of her first American students, Aaron Copland. Also included is a new found piano trio by Brazilian Oscar Lorenzo Fernandez to bring an added air of celebration to their program of duos and trios for violin, piano and cello. Masks required. Seating is limited, contact wt_mail@clamsnet.org in advance to reserve your seat.
- Art Show: Julia Russell - Mondays in November at the MV Film Center - After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English and then from Boston University with an MA in Creative Writing, Julia has been teaching English in Boston area independent schools and colleges for over 30 years, finding a long-standing position at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, MA where she has been for the past 20 years. She began painting twelve years ago, taking classes at the Fine Arts Center in Provincetown and at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In addition to Vineyard shows, she has also shown and sold her work at the Zullo Gallery in Medfield, MA and at the Motherbrook Arts and Community Center Open Studios in Dedham, MA.
- Veterans Day Sunset Lighthouse Tour - Thursday, November 11 at 4:00pm to 5:30pm - Kick-start the holiday weekend with a sunset prowl and climb up the storied Cape Pogue Light. We’ll explore the refuge and take in it’s ever changing canvas of color and wildlife. This over-sand, open-air experience is recommended for all ages. Layer up, bring a mask, and sit back as you explore our dynamic shores and special beacon on the sea. Tours start from Mytoi Garden parking lot (approximately 2.8 miles drive/walk/bike from Chappy Point). Parking and bike racks are free at Mytoi Garden. We are not offering pick ups from the Chappy Ferry. Be prepared to leave yourself enough time to drive over on the Chappy Ferry. A Chappy Ferry cam is available on their website. Advance, pre-registration is strongly recommended as capacity is limited.
- Holiday Gift Show - Beginning Friday, November 12th from 12-4 - Celebrate the holiday season while supporting Island artists and Featherstone. The perfect holiday shopping destination with gifts for everyone (and yourself) - handmade creations including paintings, photography, pottery, crafts, jewelry, knitwear, clothing, purses, accessories, soaps, dog goods, ornaments, cards, calendars and stocking stuffers. Buy local and support local artists all while supporting Featherstone as well.
- Seasonal Suppers - Friday, November 12 at 5:30pm to 7:30pm - Join us for this farm to table cooking experience with chef Jenny Devivo. These classes will focus on the bounty of the season and the unique flavors of Martha’s Vineyard. We will coordinate with the growing seasons of our farm to highlight seasonal, sustainable and healthy food practices. Participants will learn new and exciting ways to source and prepare food and all classes end with a shared meal. Menus TBA. Pre-registration is required. Contact Lindsay with any allergy or food restriction questions at lbrown@thetrustees.org or if you’d like to join as a member and receive discounted programming.
- Wicked Good Musical Revue - Friday & Saturday, November 12 & 13 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 14th at 2:00 pm. The cabaret performers return with a new program of showtunes and standards. Proof of vaccination and masks will be required.
- Trucki' MV - Saturday, November 20 at 10:30am to 1:00pm - Touch your favorite big trucks and unique vehicles from the Island community, and enjoy live childre's music, face painting, raffles, food and refreshments. Rain or shine.
- Weekend Wanderer Mushroom Walk - Sunday, November 21 at 11:00am to 1:00pm - Join Wesley Price, founder of the Cape Cod Mycological Society, on an educational walk of Menemsha Hills. Forage for and learn about the mushrooms found on MV’s North Shore. Tour begins at Menemsha Hills parking lot. Capacity is limited; advance registration is required. Comfortable walking shoes, water and your curiosity encouraged.
- Thanksgiving Dinner at the Harborview Hotel - Thursday, November 25 at 11:00am to 7:00pm - Festive, five course dinner and savor the taste of home while taking in the breathtaking view of Edgartown Harbor and Lighthouse. Pre-order take out will also be available. Begin with our chef’s selection of assorted canapés, followed by butternut soup and endive salad. Then, enjoy our savory, roasted Heritage turkey, served with all the traditional fixings: creamy mashed potatoes, orange and tarragon glazed carrots, fennel sausage and rosemary focaccia stuffing, balsamic maple brussel sprouts and sautéed green beans. Finish with homemade apple or pumpkin pie topped with vanilla bean ice cream. The bar also will be open, serving fall inspired drinks and a light bar menu.
- Horse Drawn Carriage Rides - Friday & Saturday, November 26 & 27 from 11-5 - Explore historic Edgartown by horse and buggy this holiday season. Whether you are looking for a romantic excursion or a little family fun, the magnificent Percheron draft horses and beautiful carriage will offer an unforgettable experience and a perfect photo opportunity for your holiday greeting card. The 30-minute tour will take you by beautiful homes, picturesque meadows overlooking the ocean, Eel Pond, historic Edgartown village and Edgartown Harbor. Enjoy hot cider while cozying up with a throw on cooler days.
- Vineyard Artisans Thanksgiving Weekend Festival - Friday & Saturday, November 26 & 27 from 10:00 to 4:00 pm - This largest holiday art show by Islanders, features many holiday gifts such as one of a kind winter hand-made sweaters, hand-made soaps, Island lavender, and fine crafts including leather and vintage material bags, wood butcher block cutting boards, and so much more. The best part of coming to the Vineyard Artisan Festivals is meeting the artists and listening to how they love their art and enjoy making these beautiful gifts. Great food and live music. A parking fee is for the Vineyard Artisans Scholarship Fund, which awards several scholarships to graduating MV high school students for studies in the Arts each year.