The Pit Stop Gets the Green Light

The Pit Stop music venue in Oak Bluffs will officially open its doors to the public this weekend after the Oak Bluffs selectman’s approval of their business and entertainment license on Tuesday night.

The Pit Stop Workshop Co. concept is designed to support the advancement of local artists by showcasing their original works in a centrally located, comfortable and family friendly environment. The Pit Stop Workshop will go forward as a member supported community recreation room consisting of a performance space for music, poetry, plays, puppet shows and independent films. It will also serve as a gallery for visual arts.

The Pit Stop ultimately plans to purchase the property so that this year-round venue can become a permanent asset to the Vineyard community. As a gesture of goodwill and support for the success, the building owner, Donald Muckerheide, has agreed to remove the property from the real estate market for one year to allow the club time to establish enough income via membership, ticket sales and fund-raising to show the banks they are credible for a loan.

The Pit Stop will not sell alcohol and so it is dependent on the community for support. Annual membership costs $100, and monthly memberships will be available for $15. Membership benefits include a 50% discount on admission, discounts on workshop fees, e-mail notification and priority access to Pit Stop events.  

This weekend will mark the beginning of the Pit Stop’s membership drive. There will be free live music on Friday featuring Willy Mason, Nina Violet, Marciana Jones and Adam Lipsky. On Saturday there will be a CD release party for Master Exploder. Doors will open at 7 pm music starts at 8 pm.