Pathways Arts is kicking off another season of winter cheer with a slate of events, from Poetry & Prose Tuesdays to dance parties and musical performances, all taking place at the Chilmark Tavern.
Founded by Marianne Goldberg in 2009, the organization was created to give the up-Island community reasons to gather throughout the winter months.
“Marianne’s saying was ‘Keeping a light on in Chilmark,’” said current Pathways director Keren Tonneson.
Programming starts this week and runs through April. On Friday, Nov. 13, attendees can learn a flash mob routine, followed by DJ DC Rose, who will spin R&B, disco and funk.
One week later, guests can return for soulful country music and dancing from local band Blue Yonder on Nov. 20.
“There’s always new people coming through. We see a lot of the same people on Tuesdays and we have a lot of regulars, [but] different music brings in different people,” Ms. Tonneson said.
Ms. Tonneson highlighted Jeremy Berlin as one of the organization’s most popular performers. Pathways will host Mr. Berlin’s group in both January and February.
“One of our most heavily attended events is when Jeremy Berlin’s trio comes in and he brings in singers,” she said. “It’s so well attended that we do it twice.”
Ms. Tonneson emphasized that the Pathways’ listening-room atmosphere is one of the qualities that distinguishes the venue from other Island gathering places.
“We don’t let people talk while musicians are playing, and that’s been something that scared them in the beginning because they’re not used to having people focus on them like that,” she said. “But they get used to it after a couple tries. That’s something that really sets us apart.”