Passim and WMVY Radio to Collaborate on Benefit Show Featuring Martin Sexton

Singer, songwriter and troubadour Martin Sexton will perform a benefit concert for two legendary music non-profits: Passim and mvyradio/88.7FM WMVY, both of which have been supportive of Sexton throughout his career. The concert , which takes place on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown will be Sexton's only appearance this summer on Martha's Vineyard. Tickets are on sale at www.TicketsMV.com

This fundraising event showcases the shared vision of the non-profits: to bring forth and support extraordinary singers and songwriters.

A non-profit organization based in Harvard Square, Passim aims to provide truly exceptional and interactive live musical experiences for both performers and audiences, to nurture artists at all stages of their career, and to build a vibrant music community.

"We're honored to have Martin perform on behalf of both Passim and WMVY," said Jim Wooster, Passim's Executive Director. "Martin is a shining part of Passim's history, one of many artists who got their start playing on our stage. We are thrilled to have played a small part in his success and we truly appreciate his willingness to participate in this event."

WMVY has a four-decade history of exposing both beloved and unknown talent to its local Cape & Islands FM broadcast audience, and to its far-reaching worldwide streaming audience. Martin Sexton has been a regular part of mvyradio since his emergence in the 1990s, and has visited the Island station many times.

"When the idea of teaming up with Passim to present a Martin Sexton show on the Vineyard emerged, we jumped right in," said WMVY's Barbara Dacey. "We are huge fans of both Martin and Passim. From the very first time we heard Martin's powerful and singular voice, we knew he was an artist that needed to be heard on our airwaves. Believing in the power of music to uplift people is what connects Martin, Passim and WMVY, making this event such a strong collaboration!"

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., and the tenth of 12 children, Sexton grew up in the '80s. Uninterested in the music of the day, he fueled his dreams with the timeless sounds of classic rock 'n' roll. Sexton migrated to Boston, where he began to build a following, singing on the streets of Harvard Square and soon becoming a regular at Club Passim. His 1992 collection of self-produced demo recordings, In the Journey, was recorded on an old 8-track in a friend's attic and Sexton managed to sell 20,000 copies out of his guitar case.

Over the course of his career, Sexton has infiltrated many musical worlds, performing at a variety of concerts, ranging from pop to jam to classic rock. He's collaborated with John Mayer and Peter Frampton, among others. He's performed at a wide range of festivals including the Newport Folk Festival, Bonnaroo and JazzFest in New Orleans, and played venues from Club Passim to Carnegie Hall.

Singer songwriter Isaac Taylor, a native of Martha's Vineyard, will open the show.

Tickets for Martin Sexton with special guest Isaac Taylor on Friday, August 4, 7:30PM at the Old Whaling Church, 89 Main Street in Edgartown, MA are on sale now. General admission tickets are $50; Premium seating with VIP reception are $100 and are available at www.ticketsmv.com.

Photo credit: Martin Sexton

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