About

✦

About ✦

Who we are

The Nantucket Music Foundation was built around a simple idea: bring the island together through live music.

Music has always been part of Nantucket’s cultural fabric—from intimate local performances to unforgettable summer nights. Our goal is to build on that legacy by creating shared experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community.

At the center of this work is The Muse, a 375-capacity historic venue with a storied past—having hosted artists like Dave Matthews, John Mayer, and Hootie & the Blowfish. Revived in 2025, The Muse now serves as the Foundation’s home base, while additional programming and events take place across the island.

Today, we are bringing top-performing artists from the largest stages in America—Red Rocks, TD Garden, and major amphitheaters—30 miles out to sea to Nantucket, where they perform in one of the most intimate rooms they’ve played in years. It’s a rare opportunity—for both artists and audiences.

What makes it truly special isn’t just the scale of the talent, but the experience itself. Locals, families, workers, and visitors come together shoulder-to-shoulder—no barriers, just music. At the same time, we’re proud to introduce these artists to Nantucket itself, with the hope that they connect with the island and return for years to come.

More than anything, this is about bringing people together—creating shared moments & building something that can last for generations.

Summer Series

In our first official season, the Foundation is producing a full summer series of performances alongside free community programming and growing year-round initiatives designed to keep Nantucket connected through music.

View this summer's line up

Our Model

Our model is intentionally different. By combining philanthropic support, brand partnerships, and ticketing, we are able to:

  • Keep ticket prices accessible for the island community

  • Provide tickets to local families and essential workers

  • Produce free and community-driven programming

  • Support local nonprofit partners, including Fairwinds

We currently operate under a fiscal sponsorship with Fairwinds on Nantucket, a registered 501(c)(3), allowing donations to be tax-deductible while we pursue independent nonprofit status.

Strengthening Nantucket’s cultural landscape through music

The Nantucket Music Foundation is led by a dedicated group of professionals committed to supporting artists and the Nantucket community. Our team brings together experience across production, audio, partnerships, and artist relations to create thoughtful, high-quality programming on the island.

Leadership

Hayden Arnot

President

Founder of the Nantucket Music Foundation, Hayden leads the organization’s vision and strategic direction, focused on building a sustainable and artist-first music ecosystem on Nantucket.

Photo coming soon!

Jennifer Mendelson

Treasurer

Jennifer oversees the Foundation’s financial operations and long-term sustainability.

Photo coming soon!

DR. BOB Arnot

Secretary

Dr. Arnot provides governance oversight and supports the Foundation’s mission through his experience in leadership and public engagement.

Meet the Team

  • Hayden Arnot, Founder & Executive Director

    Hayden manages day-to-day operations, programming, and partnerships, working to bring high-quality live music experiences and meaningful artist opportunities to Nantucket.

  • Beau Kuther, Head of Production

    Beau leads all production efforts, ensuring seamless execution of events and a high standard of live performance on the island.

  • JT O’Neal, Head of Audio

    JT oversees sound and technical audio production, delivering exceptional listening experiences for both artists and audiences.

  • Jackie Golding, Director of Artist Relations

    Jackie works closely with artists to coordinate bookings and ensure a welcoming, professional experience from arrival through performance.

  • Noe Boggan, Director of Underwriter Relations

    Noe leads relationships with supporters and underwriters, helping secure the partnerships that make our programming possible.

  • Meredith Franco, Director of Partnerships & Relations

    Meredith develops and manages strategic partnerships, strengthening the Foundation’s connection to the Nantucket community and beyond.