Mavis Staples headlines the concert series this summer. —Chris Strong photography
The official 2018 Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series schedule includes a WMVY 35th Anniversary Benefit Concert featuring Mavis Staples, which will headline the 3rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard Concert Series.
This summer’s series, curated by Island resident Adam Epstein and Chicago-based live event producer, Innovation Arts & Entertainment, presents an eclectic 12-show lineup, featuring comedy and a variety of musical artists that crosses all genres.
The series is headlined by a Mavis Staples concert celebrating WMVY’s 35th anniversary on Tuesday, August 18, at the Performing Arts Center. According to the press release announcing the series, shows are planned featuring alt-country favorite The Mavericks, Rhode Island alt-rockers Deer Tick, singer-songwriter Patty Griffin, critically acclaimed alt-rockers Cowboy Junkies, an evening of roots reggae from Toots and the Maytals, American folk music musician David Bromberg, the hip-hop strings of Black Violin plus the return of popular author and humorist David Sedaris, and comedienne Paula Poundstone.
Additionally, the MV Concert Series and WMVY announced the creation of a new dual membership program. For a limited time, starting this Thursday, March 22, and running until Sunday, April 1, all 2018 memberships to the MV Concert Series will be discounted 10 percent from last year’s prices, and will automatically earn a one-year membership to WMVY. In addition, during the special member drive, the MV Concert Series will donate 20 percent of all MVCS membership dues generated to WMVY.
In keeping with last season, there will be three tiers of memberships. The WMVY/MV Concert Series memberships will cost $90-900, a 10 percent discount off last year’s prices. Each dual membership includes priority access to purchasing tickets to all MV Concert Series events before the public, and exclusive discounts only available to members on the best seats in the house. Dual memberships will also include benefits usually reserved for WMVY members, including free monthly MP3 downloads, automatic entry into some MVY sweepstakes, contests, and access to WMVY members-only contests.
Mr. Epstein said more performances will likely be added later. The current dates scheduled include the following:
David Bromberg Quintet: Monday, July 9, 8 pm at the Old Whaling Church.
Capitol Steps: Monday, July 16, 8 pm at the PAC.
The Mavericks: Wednesday, July 18, 8 pm at the PAC.
Cowboy Junkies: Thursday, July 19, 8 pm at the Old Whaling Church.
Deer Tick: Wednesday, July 25, 8 pm at the Lampost.
Patty Griffin: Thursday, August 2, 8 pm at the Old Whaling Church.
David Sedaris: Wednesday, August 8, and Thursday, August 9, at the Old Whaling Church.
Toots & The Maytals: Monday, August 13, 8 pm at the PAC.
WMVY Presents Mavis Staples: Tuesday, August 14, 8 pm at the PAC.
Paula Poundstone: Sunday, August 19, 8 pm at the PAC.
Keb Mo: Monday, August 20, 8 pm at the PAC.
Black Violin: Tuesday, August 21, 8 pm at the PAC.
The on-sale date for all M.V. Concert Series events hasn’t been announced but will be available soon, according to the release. Only one membership per household is necessary, and each membership can purchase up to eight tickets per event. All the events are reserved-seating events, so members who buy their seats early have access the best seats for every show.
More information about how to become an MV Concert Series/WMVY member can be found at mvconcertseries.com/membership.
This story originally appeared on mvtimes.com.