The MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference is a weekend-long event featuring concerts, parties, artist showcases and networking opportunities for people in the entertainment industry.  Only in its sophomore year, the festival is August 8-10, 2014 in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard.

This year’s theme, “Ladies First,” commemorates the 40th anniversary of Hip-Hop and the 25th anniversary of Queen Latifah’s 1989 hit, “Ladies First.”  The theme celebrates women of color in entertainment that are making a difference both in front of and behind the scenes, as well as through their philanthropic efforts.

Mr. Janon Costley, Managing Member of MV Soul Concepts, LLC, the group that founded the festival in 2013, says many wander why MV Soul Concepts chose Martha’s Vineyard as the location of the festival.  The event was initially intended to cater to vacationers on Martha’s Vineyard who visit every summer.  MV Soul Concepts wanted to explore the history of Black Americans on the island and how its impacted the culture there and the families who’ve vacationed there for years, even before it became a popular tourist destination.  “We wanted to explore what Martha’s Vineyard means to people of color,” says Costley.  However, the MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference has become so popular that organizers have already brainstormed expanding into a bigger venue after only 2 short years.  MV Soul Concepts is also considering adding food, wine and other elements that will make the festival bigger and better next year.

This year’s performers include Lauryn Hill, Melanie Fiona, MC Lyte, and Amel Larrieux.  Other events throughout the weekend include a panel discussion featuring women in the entertainment industry, beach bash sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority and jazz brunch featuring vocalist (and soror!) Suzzanne Douglas.

For more information about the MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference, click here.  This will be my first time in Martha’s Vineyard, so I look forward to not only attending the festival, but exploring the island and sharing my adventures with you. Stay tuned!

Photo Credit: mvsummermadness.com