The Martha’s Vineyard Medicine Show is a multi-genre project, composed of Vineyard based singer songwriters and musicians working collaboratively to create new music to be showcased on tour in venues off island. The ensemble’s first homecoming performance, is at PathwaysARTS on April 22nd, 2022 and features Workman Song (Sean McMahon) on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; Siren Mayhew on vocals; Wolftrap: (Miguel Samuel and Bailey Mae Gardner) both on bass and vocals; and Ted MacInnes on percussion. Miguel Samuel is also presenting solo work.
Miguel Samuel and Sean McMahon conceived of the idea for a Martha’s Vineyard (traveling) medicine show one night over a coffee after a gig in 2021. Appreciating how concentrated the pool of talented musicians are on the island and how effortless it is to experience great quality music across MV, the challenge they left with was how to enhance island musicians’ scope beyond our shores.
The extra steps to consider for local musicians and artists to broaden their audiences on the mainland can be prohibitive, yet they already have their first engagement billed for THE BURREN in Somerville, MA on April 9th, with their sights on a regional tour moving forward.
The intention for the touring group is to bring together musicians who contribute to and cover each other’s songs, creatively cross pollinate and inspire new work, akin to the spirit of The Last Waltz. They expect more musicians will join the caravan as it develops. This evening’s performance is part acoustic; part rock ‘n roll, with an extended rock anthem; it includes experimental Latin rhythms, with a variety of influences each performer brings to the stage.
WORKMAN SONG is Massachusetts singer-songwriter Seán McMahon. An itinerant preacher who cut his musical teeth busking in subway tunnels and working the Brooklyn music scene, McMahon is known for his “gritty, freewheeling folk that whittles and leans its way into your heart by way of earnest, amber-toned songs exploring the edges of faith” (The Wild Honey Pie) and a live experience that is “…equal parts Rodriguez (Searching For Sugarman), Bruce, and the Dead…what Dylan would have sounded like on about six tabs of acid” (Baeblemusic).
WORKMAN SONG is Massachusetts singer-songwriter Seán McMahon. An itinerant preacher who cut his musical teeth busking in subway tunnels and working the Brooklyn music scene, McMahon is known for his “gritty, freewheeling folk that whittles and leans its way into your heart by way of earnest, amber-toned songs exploring the edges of faith” (The Wild Honey Pie) and a live experience that is “…equal parts Rodriguez (Searching For Sugarman), Bruce, and the Dead…what Dylan would have sounded like on about six tabs of acid” (Baeblemusic).
MIGUEL SAMUEL – From Boston, to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and New York City, singer-songwriter Miguel Samuel grew up steeped in music, old and new. Inspired by melancholy songsmiths such as Townes Van Zandt and Elliot Smith, his music is story-driven and frequently supported by finger-style guitar. After a European tour was cut short due to the pandemic, he began experimenting with electronic instruments while quarantined in France. Upon returning home he began a collaboration with producer Anthony Saffery (Cornershop, Portugal the Man), fusing his songwriting with electronic production. His debut EP “Killers in Dior” is expected April 2022. Drifting and Nostalgic: “Forevermore” c-heads Magazine. You can listen to Miguel’s new tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Youtube
Wolftrap is an indie rock band formed by singer-songwriters Miguel Samuel and Bailey Mae Gardener. Hailing from the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard, Wolftrap was created after Miguel and Bailey began co-writing songs during a summer 2021 music residency at a local dive bar (The Ritz Cafe). Influenced by the songwriting of The Beatles and Elliot Smith, and the arrangements of Sylvan Esso, Bon Iver, and Radiohead, they describe their harmony-driven music as a ”tug of war between the light and darkness of life and love.”
