The traditional Vineyard fireworks started early this year, in two unlikely places. The first ignited when entertainment maven Steve Anglin lit a short, powerful fuse by booking both Elan Trotman and the very popular Jeffrey Osborne on the same playbill for a Union Chapel performance this past Saturday night. The sold-out-concert audience swayed and shouted as Trotman played jazz notes on saxophone. His Dear Marvin tunes, an homage to the late great Marvin Gaye, were especially appreciated in concert.

Osborne, the Providence-born rhythm and blues singer who formerly fronted LTD, is also a song writer. He is best known for his songs Don’t You Get So Mad, Stay with Me Tonight, and, of course, his famous On the Wings of Love.

Those in the audience, including those peeping in the chapel windows or standing deep in the doorway, were treated to an amazing musical treat. Before the night was over all were singing “Woo, Woo, Woo!”

The second explosion, both literal and figurative, occured on the same night, at the opening gala for the new Martha’s Vineyard Museum location overlooking the lagoon. Island resident Michelle Norris, the former host of National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, commanded the position of master of ceremonies, weaving personal vignettes in with her introductions.

Iconic writer and historian, David McCullough, spoke about his new book, The Pioneers, and shared stories of people from the Vineyard who left the Island to help establish a brave new world west of the Mississippi. He was especially effusive about the Cutler family, Vineyarders who went to Marietta, Ohio to fight against slavery and promote freedom for all. His major point was that the new museum reflects more than just our Island history, but also represents the major roles our Island-born residents have played in the history of our nation.

Poet laureate Steve Ewing, museum executive director Phil Wallis and board chairman Steve Aubrey rounded out the evening’s program.

As the event transitioned from daylight through dusk to darkness, the real fireworks appeared overhead.

This new institution is connecting all stakeholders on the Island like no place else, past or present.

Before or after your cookouts and family gatherings this weekend, stop by and support two wonderful new galleries in the Oak Bluffs Arts District: Knowhere Art Gallery and The Crossroads Gallery. Knowhere, owned by Valerie Francis and her husband, Ralph Groce 3rd, displays inspired art that they hope will help others find themselves. Michael Blanchard’s breathtaking photography still fills his Crossroads Gallery in its new location. These newcomers to the neighborhood will join Alison Shaw Gallery, Periwinkle Studio and Lucinda Sheldon Enamels for the 2019 Artist Stroll on July 6 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Last Monday over 100 folks came out to the Oyster Bar 02557 to hear about the mission and message of the newly formed Circuit Foundation. Hosted and supported by Ben Deforest, along with board members Erik Albert, Barbara Edelin, Skip Finley, Laura Quiros and Stephanie Taveres-Rance, the group is dedicated to supporting Island events and programs that emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion. Wishing them the very best in 2019 and beyond.

With the Union Chapel roof back on — after being proverbially blown off with that concert — Bob Pozen, the businessman, professor and public policy advisor to governors and presidents, will be the lay speaker at their service this Sunday at 10 a.m.

As we celebrate with parades and yet another array of fireworks, cookouts, barbecues and family gatherings, please do not forget those who did not return from war or global conflict. Those who, with their sacrifice, made our lives safe for democracy. Give thanks for the Gold Star families, the Wounded Warriors and those suffering from post traumatic stress. Freedom is not free!

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Send Oak Bluffs news to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.