I was in Martha’s Vineyard this weekend for the 2nd Annual MV Summer Music Festival and Conference. What a fun weekend it was!  It was my first time in “The Vineyard” so I was doing my best to soak it all in, in addition to attending the festival’s events.

Festival goers raved about the panel discussion Saturday morning. With panelists including Deb Atney (of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta fame) and other entertainment executives, the discussion centered around women’s leadership in the entertainment industry.  The panel was followed by a new artist showcase and later that afternoon, the BBQ Beach Bash, which was sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority at the famous Inkwell Beach.  Representatives from Shea Moisture were on hand to style hair while people ate, drank, danced and socialized with other guests.

Saturday evening, Amel Larrieux wooed the crowd with her melodic voice and later, Beverly Bond DJ’d the after party. The Jazz Brunch on Sunday included live music by seriously talented musicians and a performance by vocalist Suzzanne Douglas (hey Soror!).  With chicken and waffles, bacon, eggs, and fruit on the menu, the crowd loved the live show.

The highlight of the weekend for me was seeing Lauryn Hill perform for the first time at the concert on Sunday.  While she performed reggae mixes of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” & “MTV Unplugged No. 2.0” – which admittedly, I would have preferred the original versions so I could sing along – I couldn’t help but to be mesmerized by her beauty and talent. She’s such a musical force that I can only imagine what a more mature Lauryn will say on her next album.   

I can’t wait to see what the MV Soul Concepts team has in store for next year.  Word to the wise, don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservations.  The summer is the island’s busiest time of year and you don’t want to miss out!  Until next year Martha’s Vineyard…