David Duarte and I had a great time at the Ritz Monday night and, no we didn't dream it, the Tuba Skinny rag band was as good as we remembered their being at the Dreamland Ballroom Saturday night. The Ritz was packed with 20 and 30-somethings, a great looking crowd who were thoroughly enjoying the tunes played by the funky New Orleans jazz group. Every time a tune ended, there was clapping and whistling and a roar of approval emanating from the audience. Tuba Skinny left the Island today heading for Providence where they have a gig Tuesday night. If I owned a club, you can be sure I'd be booking them up for next summer. They spread happy around like a flower girl tosses rose petals down the aisle.
Tuba Skinny was the opening band that night at the Ritz for the well-known and phenom local Dukes County Love Affair rock/rap/blues/folk band. We met DCLA vocalist Mike Parker who told us he is responsible for bringing the TubSkin to the Vineyard. An aquaintance told Mike, "I heard this band playing on the street in New Orleans and they're just fabulous," so Mike got in touch and Heather Gude agreed to put them up at her farm in Chilmark and the rest is history. Thank you thank you to Heather Gude!
We didn't get to stay and listen to DCLA; David doesn't take to being packed in like a sardine; the Ritz was that crowded. However, we did buy their CD which I've really enjoyed listening to today. The level of musical ability and talent of these musicians is really exceptional, and I look forward to listening to DCLA live sometime soon.
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Also, Mike asked that I mention the 3rd Annual Payback Fun Raiser for Hospice of Martha's Vineyard and Angel Flight NE. The Jonathan Edwards Trio will be appearing live at the Tabernacle on Thursday, September 6th. Doors open at 6 pm. Premier Searing $30; General Seating $20. Tickets available Aboveground Records and at the Cottage Museum in the Campgrounds, Alley's and Conroy's in OB - also at the door. Mike told us that his father had passed on a couple years ago and he is ever so grateful to Hospice for the amazing and thoughtful care and guidance provided for his dad and family during that difficult time.