Potluck Fundraiser Big Success

August 30, 2008.

Art and politics met and mingled this Labor Day Weekend, as an unlikely combination of island youth and town selectmen, musicians and artists, tourists and locals assembled under a tent on the lawn of the Parsonage House in West Tisbury.

The combination music concert, community potluck and art auction was designed both to raise funds for Tim Lasker’s campaign for State Representative and to showcase the rich pool of musical and artistic talent that surrounds us here on the island.

Tim talking to the gathering

Tristan Israel started off the show with a set of dark, funny and incisive songs like “Bored, Mad, Lost, Angry and Confused,” and the more overtly political “Right Wing Talk Show host.”

“I grew up with that tradition of music being an instrument (no pun intended) of change” said Israel, who is both a singer-songwriter and Tisbury Selectman, “And I still feel that it can be a very powerful and positive force.”

This theme was echoed later on in the evening when Willy Mason performed his chart-topping song “Oxygen” and dedicated his performance to Tim Lasker and his campaign for State Representative. With lines like “I know the future looks black but its here that the kids of today must carry the light,” Mason sent a clear message that the need for political involvement is immediate and pressing.

Willie Mason and Mom Jemima James

"I loved seeing the involvement of the younger voters, seeing them step up to the plate," said singer and Chilmark resident Kate Taylor, who attended the event. “I think that may have been my favorite part.”

Young volunteers staffed the bar, displayed the auction items, cleared the plates, ran the greeting table and helped Rich Osnoss man the grill. "It was a real community event and that was one thing I did expect from a group of folks who were in support of Tim Lasker," said Taylor.

Island artists Max Decker, Steve Lohman, Alan Whiting, Doug Kent, Nick Thayer and Alison Shaw all donated pieces to the auction, which was hosted by the New York comedian Reno, who donated her time before rushing off to rehearse for her solo stand-up show at the Yard.

The bidding was spurred on by an enthusiastic Jen Brown, who nearly broke the bank on a clambake for eight but walked away instead with a valuable piece of art pottery and a vintage photograph by an island artist from the 1930’s. Marie Laurson of Vineyard Haven won the clambake, while Alan and Lynn Whiting came away with an hors d’ouevres party catered by Jan Burman, and Billy Meegan and Emily won a beautiful Alan Whiting print.

As the last of the light faded from the sky and guests ate homemade cakes and rice crispy treats by candlelight, Jemima James ended the night with the lullaby, "Coastline Boy."

"I couldn't have been happier with the turn out,” said Will Lasker, who organized the event for his father’s campaign. “It was great to see how much the local community supports Tim."