Island Tradition and Tribute Meet at Pit Stop on Saturday

Todd Follansbee didn’t have a tribute in mind when he started planning this weekend’s musicale at the newly created venue. However, the passing of community and family member John Mayhew last week has made it so. Mayhew, an Island fishermen, World War II vet, high school teacher and beloved husband and father died at the age of 91 on January 10th.

Family musicales are a long time Island tradition. “The first I ever heard about a musicale was Deborah and Jack talking about sitting at the top of their stairs in their PJ’s listening to their parents singing rowdy songs and having fun. They of course both became excellent musicians,” Follansbee said.

Deborah and Jack Mayhew are on the list of musicians who will participate in this weekend’s event, along with other members of the Mayhew family who will be on Island due to John Mayhew’s passing. “All the family is coming home and are thrilled to be able to participate in this evening. They can’t think of a better way to spend an evening,” said Follansbee.

Three granddaughters Katie, Caroline and Lucy, all accomplished musicians’ will be taking part in the musicale, making the event multi-generational. “We will bring, and play, Johnny’s newly rediscovered 1929 Martin guitar and we have some recordings of a 1950’s musicale including a number of West Tisbury 'Luminaries': Athearns, Murphys, Mayhews, Huntingtons, Whitings, and Hodgsons. Children and grandchildren of all of these and other Island families are also expected to be at the Pit Stop as well.”

Some of these musicians include: Mark Mazer, Peter Huntington, Liz Bradley, Tom Hodgson, Nancy Jephcote, Brian Weiland (and family), Paul Thurlow and Tristan Israel, Michael West, Dan Waters, Willy Mason, Nina Violet and more.

The tradition of musicales is something Follansbee feels is very unique to Islanders. “I never saw my parents and their friends playing music and I never remember even hearing about it where I grew up. In fact I went to Woodstock in 1969 and the only two ‘adults’ I saw were Ravi Shankar and Max Yasgur. In most places, music divided the generations in the 60’s, but not here, and now it seems to be bringing the generations back together,” he said.

The evening, according to Follansbee, isn’t about John Mayhew directly, but more about the tradition that he was such an important part of.  “The point is not about musical excellence, it is about having fun with music. I’m sure there will be some magical moments, but if all it does is remind Islanders how much fun it can be, then we all win.”

The musicale takes place at the Pit Stop (across from ) in Oak Bluffs this Saturday, January 14^th. Doors open at 6:30 and music begins by 7:00. $5 donation suggested (kids free). Folks are encouraged to come enjoy this great alcohol-free venue. If you have questions, please contact Todd at toddfct@gmail.com