Shucking and Jiving in Chilmark

He is a lead singer. He is an oysterman. He can also build or fix your chimney. His name is Johnny Hoy.

And although the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group benefit on Saturday night, April 28, at the Chilmark Community Center is not about Johnny, but rather the delectable bivalves we have all come to cherish, he does play a large part. He and his band the Bluefish will be rocking. Odds are he also helped harvest the oysters and clams. Might be too warm to light a fire, though, but if a frost comes he will be in the house.

The night also features a silent auction, drinks, and snacks; all the fixings, really, for a great party as the off-season gets set to shuck its own shell in time for the summer rush. This could be the last chance to party exclusively with your year-round neighbors.

The cost is $20 to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group Inc., a non-profit organization comprised of the shellfish departments of the six Island towns. The Shellfish Group has been around for over thirty years, dedicated to preserving and expanding the Island’s traditional shellfisheries. Steeped in innovative aquaculture technology and technical know-how, including a solar-assisted shellfish hatchery, they are the keepers of our waterways. To help out all we have to do is enjoy the frutti di mare of their labors.

The party rolls from 7 to 10 p.m. For more details, visit mvshellfishgroup.org.