Mahon About Town Nantucket Blog

The A.M. Group is back with “Drop: Local Flavor from Local DJ’s”, this year spinning House music at the Muse every Saturday night from now to October, from 10 pm til closing,
with guests DJs.

DJs Tony Romojaro (Trumoc) and Tony Camilo (Tonic), bored of the options offered by the Dominican Republic’s dance scene, felt the need for something more organic and melodic. A.M. Group (Ante Meridian, the first moment after midnight) was born. Trumoc went to Barcelona, and Tonic came to to Nantucket. A.M.has grown into a team of artists stimulated by House music: DJ Devlin (Hip-Hop and Drum’n'bass DJ), Rubén García A.(graphic designer), Rob T (electro and minimal so there are no distractions), César “Bass” Romero, DJ Hyper, Buddha, Kaku, Heather McKenzie and Steven Libby.

Here’s a video compiled from last season at the Rose & Crown.

You can find more about A.M. on their MySpace site, where you can also download free an hour long set of the Summer Sessions 2007, compiled and mixed by Tonic, Billy Desmond, and DJ Devlin.

NIGHTLIFE

The Jake Vohs Quintet will play at a Jazz Dinner at Faregrounds this Saturday (23rd) from 6 to 9. Jake says he’ll stick around and the band will play dance music if people want to dance after 9. No cover. Jake Vohs on organ, Chris Montgomery on guitar, Ecliff on drums, J. Sullivan as guest guitarist, Joel Finn on bass, and Tom Stoddart on tenor sax.

Also at the Rose & Crown, it’s Poker Night on Monday’s, Trivia Quiz Night every Tuesday (at 7 pm), karaoke on Thursday (9pm), and DJ Bri Guy Friday and Saturday nights, except for this week’s special events listed above.

THEATER AND POETRY

Nantucket Theatrical Productions and the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket present “Cupid’s Nightmare”, four short plays from the Short Play Festival. February 22, 23 at 7 p.m., upstairs at the Methodist Church on Centre St. Admission is $10.

SPEAKERS
Douglas Bingham from the Coast Guard Museum in Barnstable will present a slide show on Cape Cod Lighthouses, the history and a visual tour, tales of hazards, heroics and life in the lighthouse service. Saturday the 23rd, 1 pm at the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum.

Bob Hellman will speak on the History and Development of the Whaling Harpoon. Whaling Museum, Thursday the 28th, 12 - 1 pm.

See the Arts & Social Calendar for more details on all events listed above.

For a more comprehensive listing of ALL Nantucket events, pick up the Nantucket Independent for my Community Calendar, or click here.

The Artists Association’s Artist-Patron Night is tonight, Thursday, August 23 from 6 - 8 PM.

Another special invitation to subscribers for a very special event - another House Concert, this time with critically acclaimed Josh Ritter, this Saturday (25th) from 7 to 10 p.m. You’ll never be in as intimate a setting with this artist just about to break out.

“You’re presently reading about what may be the best album of 2007,
Hands down, by the most under-accorded american musical genius…”

Amazon.com Editorial Review. The newest CD from Josh Ritter, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, has just been released.

Light appetizers, beer and wine provided. Space is very limited, and the first people who call will get the seats. RSVP to ykwon@ascap.com, 212-621-6264. The $25 ticket price will go to the artist.

Josh will also be at this next event:

The Atlantic, a magazine celebrating its 150th anniversary, and PlumTV have formed a multiplatform partnership that celebrates books, ideas, and the spirit of community. The first installment is called Bookmark 2007, which on Sunday presents the “Bookmark on the Beach” Festival, featuring a “civilized debate” on God between Christopher Hitchens, author of “God is Not Great”, and Atlantic Associate Editor and conservative blogger Ross Douthat, moderated by Paul Holdengraber. Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter will also perform. A cocktail reception with authors follows. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Nantucket Bookworks, 25 Broad Street, (50 228-4000. Bookmarks takes place on Sunday, August 26, starting at 5:00 p.m. at Jetties Beach.

An interesting dining event coming up next week, Tuesday, August 28, an “Outstanding in the Field” Dinner. Chef Seth Raynor of The Pearl partners with Outstanding in the Field to present a meal served at a linen-draped table set between the soil and the sky in the fields of Bartlett’s Farm. Outstanding in the Field (OitF) was founded in Santa Cruz, California, by chef/artist Jim Denevan. The goal: To bring diners literally to the source of the food on their plates. Since its first farm dinner in 1999, Outstanding in the Field has presented nearly 70 dinners in farmlands across North America. This is the first such dinner on Nantucket.

The night will begin with a leisurely tour of the farm, followed by a five-course al fresco dinner served family style, accompanied by wines paired with each course. Guests will be joined at the table by John Bartlett, whose family has farmed this land since the early 1800s, and other local food producers who have contributed ingredients for the feast.

Host Farmer: John Bartlett
Guest Chef: Seth Raynor -The Pearl
Guest Fisherman: Skip Bennett -Island Creek Oyster Farm
Guest Brewer: Randy Hudson of Cisco Brewers

All-inclusive per-person price of $200 per guest includes five courses paired with wine, and all taxes and gratuities.

For information and reservations, go to www.outstandinginthefield.com/events.html, or call 831.247.1041.

10% of proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Nantucket: www.sustainablenantucket.org

The jazz starts at Cinco, 5 Amelia Drive, Thursdays at about 7:30 out on the patio, and reservations are necessary. It’s the Richard Sylvester Trio or quartet or quintet, depending on who drops in. The music plus spillover into the bar and lounge have made Cinco a hot spot for Thursday nights.

And more Presidential candidates are coming.

Barack and Rudy has been here already. Hillary Clinton will be here for a Town Hall Conversation and reception on Friday, August 24, sponsored by Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley and Smith Bagley. Reception only is $1000, conversation and reception is $2300. Call Ambassador Bagley at 508-228-4279, or kgasperine@hillaryclinton.com.

Ann Romney, wife of Mitt, to the home of Marilyn Whitney, sponsored by Marilyn Whitney and Melanie and Bob Sabelhouse. Thursday, August 28. Reception with photo op, $500, 6 p.m.; Reception only, $250, at 6:30 p.m. Info at 857-288-6663, or JKilcoyne@MittRomney.com.

Details for all events are on the Arts and Social Calendar.

Wachovia fireworks are tonight. The latest forecast calls for haze and a humidity of 91% - so a bit iffy.

The Main Street Independence Day festivities get going on the 4th from 10 to 2, with the fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Weather is always a factor for the fireworks - the fog inevitable drops or lifts ten minutes before showtime. The first determination is made around 6 p.m., and if cancelled, it will be posted on cable channel 17 and 22. I’ll send you an email with the status of the fireworks about 6 p.m., and follow up emails of any change of status after that.

BENEFITS
Blooming Bids for Kids is a fundraiser for the Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nantucket. Thursday night at Cisco Brewery.

NIGHTLIFE
Spookie Daly Pride finishes up a three night run at the Box tonight. The Sam Kinninger Band plays Thursday through Saturday. The Sex Toy Party comes in for Monday through Wednesday.

At the Rose & Crown this week, it’s Earth Got the Blues Wednesday from 6 to 9. Then at 9, DJ Bri Guy’s 80’s Party takes over the house. Thursday night is Karaoke night, and Friday brings DJ Tonic and special guests Miss Fair Child, and band with local roots getting some good buzz. Then DJ Bri Guy’s Video Dance Party on Saturday.

Thursday night is jazz night on the patio at Cinco - this week the Richard Sylvester Jazz Trio from 7:30 - 10:30.

The Bob Lehman Trio is back at the Brant Point Grill Sunday through Tuesdays nights (a new schedule). Jess Campbell (8 pm) and Jeff Ross (9:30 pm) share the bill at the Starlight on Friday and Saturday night. Jamie Howarth is at the Summer House Thursday through Saturday night.

The Cobbletones put on a crowd-gathering show in front of Zero Main (thank Paul and Noel for graciously allowing the show) every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 and 9:15 pm.

Fat Cat plays every Friday night at the Muse from 6 to 9. After 9 on Friday and Saturday is the cover band Hypercane.

P. J. Moody plays every week at the Brant Point Grill for Sunday Brunch from 11:30 to 2:30 .

CONCERTS
Amy England’s CD Release Concert and Party come into the Unitarian Church on Saturday night beginning at 8 p.m.

The St. Paul’s Hand Bell Choir performs selections from Vivaldi’s Gloria Saturday at 6 pm.

The Crowden School Orchestra plays Bach and Beethoven Thursday at 6:30 at the Methodist Church.

The Shifty Sailors 17 man chorus plays the Methodist Church on Sunday and Monday from 6:30 to 7:30.

MOVIES AT THE STARLIGHT
Oceans 13 on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Surf’s Up and Knocked Up Friday through Sunday. Then Pirates of th Caribbean from Monday ’til Thursday.
See the calendar for times.

PERFORMANCE

Maggie Conroy reprises her one woman show, Ghosts of the Great Hall: An Evening with Maria Mitchell, about the life and times of Maria Mitchell on Wednesday night at 8.

THEATER
It’s the last week to see Lone Star Grace at the Theatre Workshop. Wednesday through Saturday night at 8:30.

GALLERY OPENINGS
Round the Horn on Thursday from 5 to 8, with Garth Grimmer’s Faces and Places of India. Friday night openings at the Artists Association, Old Spouter, Pierce Galleries. Saturday is the Artisans Collective Craft Show from 10 to 4 at the Clay Art Studio.

BOOKS
Jan Goldstein comes to town this weekend with his newest book, “The Prince of Nantucket.” Jan will be at Bookworks signing his book on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. Then on Sunday, Jan will be signing at Mitchell’s from 11 to 1. On Monday at 8 p.m., the Atheneum hosts Jan talking about ‘The Prince of Nantucket’. Here’s some background on Jan and the book from a previous newsletter article.

Another reminder that two of our own need your help.

The John Billings benefit goes on tonight (Wednesday) at the Jetties, rain or shine, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Great food and a cash bar, a live auction with auctioneer Billy Santos, and music by Sheppard’s Pie. Tickets will be $25 at the door. If you can’t make it, please make a donation by calling Jenny Garneau at 508-325-0048. DETAILS.

For Rachel Parrotto Budzynski, there are two seperate benefits planned. First, The Psychic Show with Paul Carpenter, a metaphysical journey through the surreal world of psychokineses and ESP, where you will have to decide what is real and what is not - a combination of mentalism and hypnosis. Sunday shows at 3:00 pm and 5 p.m. at Bennett Hall.

Then from 6 to 10, the Rose & Crown sponsors a benefit for Rachel, “Raise It Up For Rachel!” Tickets are $25 - $50: silent and live auction, as well as raffle(s) and mystery prizes in balloons for purchase at $20, $50 and $100. Debba at the R&C will be the auctioneer. DJ music, cash bar, and food. For tickets, information, and donations, send an email to raiseitupforrachel@hotmail.com. Volunteers will be checking in to answer any questions. Or call Mindy Levin at 325-4777, Laura Wasserman at 325-0562, or Virna Gonzalez at 917-494-0187.

Cinco (5 Amelia Drive) launches a summer jazz series tomorrow (Thursday) night on the patio with the Richard Sylvester Trio, 7:30 to 10:30. Reservations available for dinner, or stop by for a drink.

Violinist Marc Thayer, will be joined by local musicians Robert Behrman, piano and harpsichord, Mollie Glazer, cello, and Greta Feeney, soprano. The program will include music by Telemann, Handel, Haydn, and Beethoven. First Congregationalist Church, 62 Centre Street, Sunday at 4:00 pm

Shakespeare in the Garden, a benefit for the Shakespeare By the Seas Festival presented by the Nantucket Arts Council, still has tickets left. It’s Friday night from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the home of Beverly Hall, 44 Tennessee Avenue. Dress as your favorite Shakespeare character, or Come As You Like It. Tickets at Bookworks, The Brigham Galleries, The Nobby Shop. $150 per couple, $85 per person.

Saturday is Airport Day. Get all the details here.

FILM
If you didn’t have a chance to see one of the best films of this year’s Festival, the Starlight has held it over for a few days. Waitress will be playing at 5 and 7:30 pm today (Wednesday) and Thursday.

THEATER

Lone Star Grace continues its run at the Methodist Church, curtain at 8:30 pm. June 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 Wed - Sat, Sun 24th 3:00 pm matinee. Purchase tickets online at www.theatreworkshop.com, or 228-4305.

NIGHTLIFE
At the Box, it’s Joshua Tree tonight (Wednesday), Pressure Cooker Thursday through Saturday night.

The Bob Lehman Trio is back at the Brant Point Grill on Saturday and Sunday night. Jess Campbell (8 pm) and Jeff Ross (9:30 pm) share the bill at the Starlight on Friday and Saturday night. Jamie Howarth is at the Summer House Thursday through Saturday night.

The Cobbletones put on a crowd-gathering show in front of Zero Main (thank Paul and Noel for graciously allowing the show) every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 and 9:15 pm.

It’s DJ Bri-Guys Dance Party at the Rose & Crown tonight, Karaoke on Thursday, AM and Heineken Lite on Friday night, and DJ Bri Guy’s All Request Dance Party on Saturday night.

GALLERY OPENINGS
South Wharf Gallery (3 India Street) features the work Christine Sanford and Maryann Gelula - opening reception on Friday, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm