I was somewhat dismayed Monday evening of last week. I had just left the Radio Farm stage after singing and playing my acoustic guitar.
I was somewhat dismayed Monday evening of last week. I had just left the stage after singing and playing my acoustic guitar for a crowd of mostly up-Island community folk at Radio Farm in West Tisbury when an officer from the West Tisbury police department came by to politely say that there was a noise complaint.
Sure, I haven’t been performing for a while, but gee whiz I thought it sounded okay, maybe a bit rusty but I certainly didn’t expect a complaint.
Ben Taylor and sister Sally (James and Carly’s kids) and cousin Issac Taylor (whose family owns and operates The Outermost Inn) also played.
Ducks like music, too.
Ducks like music, too.
Ben mentioned that when he and Sally drove in Sally remarked how it felt so much like an old school Island happening. Spot on!
We were also blessed with the music from John Cruz (former lead singer of Entrain, Grammy winner and the writer of a song that is pretty much the Hawaiian national anthem, Island Style). He was accompanied by the awesome guitar of Mike Benjamin and the incredibly adept upright bass playing of Brad Tucker, the talented and humble steward of Radio Farm.
What made it akin to days past was that it felt like a family gathering and, well, actually it was. The children enjoyed playing with the ducks and George the Mastiff (named after the renowned former West Tisbury police chief, George Manter, father of select board member Skip and great uncle of Brad Tucker).
The adults sat on the lawn or wandered about giving and receiving hugs and sharing neighborly news — perhaps of births, graduations, loved ones passing.
That is what for me made it feel like the former times. Oddly, what made it feel like present times is that a ‘neighbor’ complained.
I felt disheartened because the ‘neighbor’ missed such a great opportunity to get to know some neighbors, not to mention such stellar performers, all playing for free, all sharing the love and up-Island vibe that most of the audience know by heart.
That’s what they missed, one of the many facets of the heart of the Island — true community. beautiful acoustic-based music with a somewhat strict adherence to a 10 p.m. curfew.
I don’t really understand the complaint, unless of course maybe I played so badly that I inflicted some unbearable pain and suffering. If that’s the case, I apologize.
The truly sad part is that not only did the complainants miss out on what has been slowly growing as a wonderful Monday night gathering of the clan whose welcome extends to all comers, they missed the opportunity to meet their neighbors and to make friends.
And what they did accomplish? Well, for the time being, it was to quell what has felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the last few Monday nights.
I guess there’s no going next door to borrow a cup of sugar. That’s old school.
Gazette contributor Joe Keenan lives in West Tisbury.
Comments
I never had the privilege of
Jean West TisburyI never had the privilege of hearing this music in person but did see a video which showed island natives dancing and enjoying a really wonderful island experience. It’s so sad that a new neighbor feels otherwise but how about the Ag Hall stepping up and allowing this wonderful experience to be on their property which appears to be immune to area neighbors negative comments? More parking and plenty of outdoor space? Thoughts?
Creating an illegal concert
It’s not us vs themCreating an illegal concert venue where a “suggested” donation promoted relentlessly online does not constitute an us vs. them. Perhaps Brad in all his humbleness should have gone to his neighbors BEFORE creating his commercial venue? I’m not a neighbor but am also a multi-generational islander who resents the entitlement by long time islanders as much as I resent the entitlement of newer islanders. There’s a farm shop, concert venue, yurt for short term rental and more all hidden under the guise of but I’m a good guy. Call it what it is, too much. This type of over the top taking advantage is definitely not “old school”.
Respectfully, You are
Brad Tucker West Tisbury:Respectfully, You are incorrect on every point here.
—It was never a “concert venue”. Originally it was a small group of friends that got together, played around the table, and shared food grown from the ground my family has tilled for generations. It grew in numbers, because I welcome my community to come visit my Farm, and it is such a special experience that people felt inspired to bring their friends and families. There is plenty of room for everyone, I didn’t like the idea of turning anyone away.
—I DID go to my neighbors for their blessing, but never in million years did I imagine it would bother someone almost a half a mile away. My mistake and lesson learned.
—-Yes, there is a farmstand, which is not operational, and not EVEN OPEN because I hit so many hurdles there as well. Did you know that it is the oldest farmstand on the island?
—-My tent is not a “short term rental”, I do not collect a dime, I keep it for people who volunteer to help on the farm, and I sleep down there myself occasionally.
—-There is no guise, I AM a good guy, and I encourage you to come visit and see for yourself.
—-Promoted relentlessly? I have never, not once, advertised this on any platform whatsoever. If friends put it up as a Facebook post, that is out of my control.
If you were to ask those close to me, I’m sure they would gladly tell you that I asked them to NOT promote it, as I said before it was originally a group of friends sharing a harvest.
—-Radio Farm is a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization that I have spent my life savings and blood sweat and tears on, bringing to fruition. Yes, I collect suggested donations, as that is how a nonprofit operates. Do you think I’ve actually made any money on this thing? I would happily show you my deep and daunting debt I have incurred to feed and enhance my community.
Your assumptions frankly hurt my feelings, but that is ok. I encourage you to come pay a visit any time you’d like. I am extremely busy in my woodshop creating comissions that have been keeping this thing afloat, So if you would like to come by and pay a visit, give me about an hours notice and I will meet you there.
Call me at (615) 999-3141
I don’t know who you are, as you have not posted your name, But something tells me you might live nearby.
Take care.
I think this is way off base.
JI think this is way off base. How do you know he didn’t go around to neighbors before? And it’s hardly a commercial venue. He isn’t charging 15 dollars for a drink. The suggested donation truly is suggested there’s no one at the entrance making you feel pressure to give. And regardless, even if you did spend the 20 dollar suggested donation it would be a whole lot cheaper and much better time than you could get at most other island businesses. Also since when did it become disingenuous and taking advantage to have a couple different hustles. Many on the island need to do the same to stay afloat. Seems like you might have some personal issues with Brad but to direct it towards the event feels misguided.
From another life-long,
Prudy Burt West TisburyFrom another life-long, multigenerational islander/West Tisbury resident, thank you very much for providing this important context and additional background. George Manter was never afraid to enforce our local bylaws and maintain the peace and quiet of our town.
Spot on commentary! People
Jill Lane Oak BluffsSpot on commentary! People like Brad Tucker are working so hard to encourage live music here, it's frustrating to see that being squashed.
Reminds me of when
Jim Chetz Keey The BerkshiresReminds me of when Stockbridge, Ma police officer “Obie” (of Alice’s Restaurant fame) stopped a concert at the legendary Music Inn because of neighbor complaints
(I think the neighbor was actually Tanglewood).
It’s so very sad that the
Barbara EdgartownIt’s so very sad that the neighbors can’t be ok with, and enjoy this, for 4 hours a week. It’s disappointing.
I dropped my millions and I
CJ KatamaI dropped my millions and I want to now dictate the terms. No music, none of that pickleball popping, and keep your leaf blowers away from me. I bought peace and quiet and the rest of you need to do as I say!
I have attended two Monday
Gogo ferguson ChilmarkI have attended two Monday night gatherings, what struck me is the gathering of a long time community , families young and old, sharing food and conversation and the love of all the valued musicians who inhabit MVY and are always filling us with the shared love of music. This makes me very sad to have this very respectful gathering of our community. There was no impact, couldn’t even hear music as we drove out. There must be a way this can work and I encourage any imput to how Radio Farm can continue
Brad's Monday night musical
Sam Low Oak BluffsBrad's Monday night musical gatherings are as old style Martha's vineyard as I can remember, much like what it used to be in the '60s and '70s when we would all gather to listen to other Islanders share their music... That sharing created a sense of community that has been missing for a long time... That sharing must and I hope will continue... This story is not over.
Well said!
johanna hWell said!
Why are the organisers of
James Kozak Vineyard HavenWhy are the organisers of this event not applying for a preliminary injunction to restore the status quo?
Heart breaking
Amy O’Brien KatamaHeart breaking
It’s unfortunate our new
Robert T. Rudolph South KatamaIt’s unfortunate our new neighbors only care about themselves and themselves only.!
Music makes the world go
Chris Huff West TisburyMusic makes the world go round. Don't worry about them, no one can stop it. I wish I was there. What a LINEUP!
I also stopped in that
Paul Adler WTI also stopped in that evening. Absolutely this was a true Island event. Only way to overturn a building department cease and desist order is visit the Board of Appeals and remind the Town of their Stillpoint decision and the fact there may be a Farm sponsorship exemption. You surely have the support.
Sad. But why can't you play
Thomas EdgartownSad. But why can't you play right up until 10pm.
Seems there should be some compromise. Don't give up!
My grandfather used to sing a
L Marie West TisburyMy grandfather used to sing a song,” every party’s got a pooper…” Looks like he was right. Too bad there has to be that one who just can’t play well with others.
What a sad commentary on
Nancy Rose Steinbock EdgartownWhat a sad commentary on summer life in some sectors of the island now! Indeed, a missed opportunity "to meet their neighbors and to make friends!" Music from heart garners a complaint, threatening the existence of an enriching aspect of Radio Farm. But, I can only imagine that the noise of multiple gas-powered tools pollutes the air with noise and emissions from this very same person(s) to maintain their island property!I am truly sorry we have sunk to new lows in diminishing community spirit.
James Taylor and Carly Simon
Jenn EDGJames Taylor and Carly Simon’s kids being the target of a noise complaints on Martha’s Vineyard … I can’t process that. What is going on with this world?
Why do we let the one ruin it
Tim Dobel VHWhy do we let the one ruin it for the many? This is becoming the no fun island. It's sad.
I'm not an Islander, but I've
India ConnecticutI'm not an Islander, but I've been visiting since the late '60s and have friends in Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury and Edgartown. I've been delighted to hear about the Monday concerts at Radio Farm - it does indeed seem reminiscent of the '60s and '70s - and looked forward to enjoying one at some point.
This wrinkle is a shame, but could I gently suggest - if it hasn't already been done - that the owners of Radio Farm ask to meet with the complainant? Does the neighbor understand that it's just one night a week and not year-round? 10:00pm doesn't seem too late for live music - perhaps an agreement that the curfew is strictly observed? Maybe just friendly conversation, instead of an adversarial stance, could solve the problem?
I hope so. I wish I were the neighbor. I fondly remember a time in Connecticut when I rented a house for the summer - not knowing it was next door to a Little League field. There were many, many nights when all I could hear was the crack of a bat and wild cheering ... and it always brought a smile to my face and an occasional glisten to my eyes. Having the summer night air filled with music every Monday night would bring the same reaction. Maybe it can for Radio Farm's neighbor, too, after a little conversation over a cup of coffee? I fervently hope so.
“Let there be songs to fill
Johanna H Katama“Let there be songs to fill the air”
As grateful part-time
Landis Vineyard HavenAs grateful part-time Vineyard residents, we were thrilled when this music gathering started up. I felt completely welcomed by all the long-time year-round residents and musicians when I attended, along with new visitors to the island. It is a privilege to be a part of a soulful gathering like this and I’m so sad that it’s been shut down. Hoping that there’s a way to bring this back as it is a true, authentic Vineyard experience that builds community and cohesiveness.
Correction for public
From Manters West TisburyCorrection for public knowledge since it’s constantly stated incorrectly probably to throw Manter name around. George Manter was actually brads great uncle. The two barely had interaction. Brads grandfather was Alan Keniston whom married Elizabeth (Betty) Manter, sister to George. Brad should be just as proud but probably un aware of his grandfathers accomplishments on the island, as well as Alan being a POW for several months during world war 2. Further more we’re not 12 generations of farmers. We are stewards of the land and have always used to best of our ability but every Manter has always had a profession. Manters also typically follow town by laws.
Well penned Joe Keenan!
Mike Benjamin EdgartownWell penned Joe Keenan!
All I can say is, I hope they can figure out a way to keep Radio Farm Monday night going.
Wow- what a shame to hear
Nicholas Grassi EdgartownWow- what a shame to hear about the complaint. I’ve heard good things about these Monday night sessions, but after reading this article it sounds like a fairytale. I’m positive after reading all of the comments above there is plenty of support on the island for radio farm to continue. If the issue is one neighbor maybe moving to Ag Hall (as Jean said above) is a good solution? Sending this around to as many people as I know.
I would make more than a
Sara Vineyard Ave. Oak BluffsI would make more than a "suggestion donation" to hear this music in Oak Bluffs instead of leaf blowers, and loud lawnmowers.
Let's hear from the complainant.
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