Arts & Entertainment
Mary Jane Carpenter will give a free public talk on the history of Edgartown’s Carnegie Library building, at the library at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25.
Pyrotechnic Storm Hits Ocean Park
Did you know fireworks date back to seventh century China when they were used to scare away evil spirits? But that was just for the wealthy. The masses didn’t get their boom-boom on until the 14th century, thanks to the Ming dynasty’s populist embrace. Fast-forward to today and a beloved dynasty of another sort, the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, which is hosting its annual fireworks blastoff at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs.
Prominent Afghan businesswoman Hassina Sherjan, who owns the textile company Boumi and is coauthor of Toughing It Out in Afghanistan, will be among the notable women speaking at Empowering Afghan Women, a panel presentation to be held on Monday, August 23, at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Herbal Medicine
Holly Bellebuono of Vineyard Herbs returns to the Polly Hill Arboretum for her popular salve-making workshop on Tuesday, August 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. The workshop begins with a walk to identify and collect medicinal herbs and weeds on the arboretum grounds. Next, participants make their own oil infusions and beeswax-based ointments.
The night Brad Tucker approached saxophonist Brian Nelson at the Ritz Cafe in Oak Bluffs, guitar slung over his shoulder, Mr. Nelson rolled his eyes. “Oh no, not another guitar player,” he thought to himself. Mr. Tucker only had to strum a few strings and sing a few bars for Mr. Nelson to understand that he meant business.
Meet the executive producer of Precious, the Academy Award-winning film directed by Lee Daniels, on Saturday, August 21, at 10 a.m. at the Harbor View Hotel. Hosted by the Weekend Renewing America’s Promise, the event includes a preview and discussion of a new movie underway led by Lisa Cortes, executive producer of Precious, and filmmakers Lisa Collins, Mark Schwartzburt and Maxim Thorne, founder of WRAP. The topic for discussion is Can We Create Change and Social Justice through Film?
