This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

All-Ages Open Stage Puts Islanders in the Spotlight

Hear up-and-coming Island talent alongside established musicians in the comfortable, well-designed Alex's Place performance space at the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard on the first Friday of every month.

Louisa Hufstader, Neighbor

If you enjoy live entertainment, but haven't yet been to an Open Stage at Alex's Place, you owe it to yourself to stop by this Friday, Dec 6 starting at 8 p.m.

Here's what you might find:

  • Warm, fresh pizza and cookies straight from the oven;
  • A comfortable, substance-free performance space;
  • A professional staff with up-to-date sound and lighting equipment;
  • Astonishingly talented Islanders young and old.
This is no "Community Auditions." The performers may often be young and sometimes nervous, but their talents come through. And unlike some open mic nights you may have attended, participants tend to stay all evening and listen to each other instead of rudely departing after their turn in the spotlight.

Last month at the open stage, Patch enjoyed:
  • Rock played by teens and tweens who surprised us with their chops;
  • A captivating Celtic string trio led by Island musician and educator Brian Weiland on fiddle, with his son on cello and daughter on electric harp; 
  • and a showstopping performance by 15-year-old singer-songwriter Nate D'Angelo, who called up recollections of Phil Ochs and the very young Bruce Springsteen with his original folksongs.

We'll be back this Friday and hope to see you there as well. Admission is $5 to listen or perform; snacks are free. Alex's Place is located at the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard, 111R Edgartown Road.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Martha's Vineyard