Social & Cultural Hamptons
The South Fork real estate market is doing well, so top-draw summer entertainment flourishes. East Hampton's John Drew Theater (Guild Hall) began with Colin Quinn's outrageously observant stand-up comedy show Long Story Short, and diversifies with Florence Fabricant chatting up culinary stars Eric Ripert (July 24) and Bobby Flay (July 31). Alec Baldwin introduces new Hamptons International Film Festival documentaries (July 22, August 19, Sept. 1), and Midsummer Night Music classical performances are July 17 (Eroica Trio), July 24, and 31. The legendary cabaret artist Barbara Cook comes in August 6, followed by Dick Cavett (Aug. 7), Liz Callaway (Aug. 13), Christine Andreas (Aug. 20), Mario Cantone ("Celebrity Autobiography") , Matthew Broderick, Joy Behar (Aug. 26), "Night of Stars" celebration (Aug. 27), Roseanne Cash (Sept. 2), Martha Graham Dance Company (Sept. 3), and Cheyenne Jackson (Sept. 4). The popular Clothesline Art Sale is August 6, the Summer Gala dinner dance honoring artist Richard Prince is August 12, and the wonderful Garden as Art weekend is August 26 and 27. There is also children's theater, art shows, art classes, and the Red Carpet Film Series. Information is online at guildhall.org or (631) 324-0806.
Bay Street Theatre, Sag Harbor, opened with Darrell Hammond's touching portrayal of Tru(man Capote) and now has Christopher Durang's black comedy Betty's Summer Vacation (through July 31). Then the Joe Stein/Stan Daniels musical comedy based on Carl Reiner's autobiographical Enter Laughing is onstage August 9 to Sept. 4. Bay Street's Comedy Club headliners on Monday nights are Louie Anderson (July 18), Patrice O'Neal (July 25), Fred Armisen (Sat., Aug. 6), Elayne Boosler (Aug. 15), Tom Papa (Aug. 27), and Andrea Martin (Aug. 29). Bay Street also has children's shows and acting classes. Check the schedule at Baystreet.org or call (631) 725-9500.
The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center books major artists including Elvis Costello (July 24), Zoppe Italian Family Circus (July 29-31), New York City Opera (Aug. 6), Wynona (Aug. 13), Kelli O'Hara (Aug. 20), Chris Botti (Aug. 21), Pilobolus (Aug. 27), Jane Krakowski (Sept. 3), and Richard Thompson (Sept. 4). The latest world cinema features screen Tuesday through Thursday evenings at PAC, which also hosts children's theater camps. The major fund-raisers are the House & Garden Tour on July 22 and the Be Our Guest gala benefit Aug.19. For a full schedule, tickets, and information, visit WHBPAC.org or call (631) 288-1500 after noon.
Southampton's Parrish Art Museum has two big exhibits: Dorothea Rockburne (through Aug. 14) and Artists Choose Artists (Aug. 21 through Oct. 9). The world cinema series is every Monday at 5:30 p.m., and this summer's Bay Street Theatre's program features the writings, shows, and films of Spalding Gray (July 22, 23, 29, 30). Information is online at ParrishArt.org, or call (631) 283-2118.
It is so sad to lose Eleanor Leonard and Music Festival of the Hamptons, but professional classical music thrives here. Pianofest's weekly Monday 4:30 p.m. concerts at Stony Brook Southampton - Avram Theater run through August 8, with added programs in East Hampton (July 27) and the benefit We Love a Piano at the Southampton Historical Museum on July 23 (Pianofest.com, 631-329-9115). Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival opens its 28th season July 28 with 11 programs through Aug. 21. Artistic director Marya Martin attracts world-class musicians (there's an elegant benefit dinner concert at the Atlantic Golf Club on July 30); for a schedule and tickets, go to BCMF.org or call (631) 537-6368. Yitzak & Toby Perlman's Perlman Music Program on Shelter Island presents free works-in-progress concerts Friday and Saturday evenings, plus an East Hampton benefit concert July 23. Check the website PerlmanMusicProgram.org or call (212) 877-5045.
Traffic Alert: There are two indie/alternative rock concert weekends. The Escape to New York Festival is August 5-7, with headliner Patti Smith, at the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. The MTK (Music to Know) weekend is Aug.13-14 at East Hampton Airport, led by Vampire Weekend and Bright Eyes.
The restaurant and club scene is very active. In Southampton, the super-posh "scene and be seen" Nello Summertimes features an elegant interior plus outdoor seating for dinner and late-night disco. Zach Erdem's 75 Main seen lunching, -Veep Joe Biden, Paris Hilton, Alec Baldwin, and Kim Kardashian-bottle service after 11 p.m. Lunch and Dinner served daily. The new Social Club, next to Savannah's, is a big hit for dinner and dancing. Nobu at capri is new and happening. In East Hampton, it's Georgica, SL East, and the new Beachhouse (try the tuna tartare, large wedge salad, grilled baby octopus, lobster-glazed scallops, grilled jumbo shrimp with cheesy grits. Desserts are killers, especially the four ice-cream sliders). In Montauk the action is at Sole East and Surf Lodge. Amagansett's funky Stephen Talkhouse books some great performers, including Judy Collins (Aug. 20), and Ronnie Spector (Aug. 27).
Many prominent writers live in the Hamptons, and often speak at area libraries and bookstores. BookHampton stores (Southampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor) will present well-known authors including Star Jones (July 23), Susan Isaacs (Aug. 15), and Rufus Wainwright (Aug. 18). Visit BookHampton.com for locations and times. Canio's Books, Sag Harbor, presents poets, novelists, and nonfiction authors such as Carl Safina (July 23).
There's a laundry list of benefits, but here are some favorites: Artists Alliance of East Hampton's studio tour (July 23-24), James Beard Foundation (July 23), Children's Museum of the East End (July 23), Southampton Hospital (Showhouse preview July 23, gala dinner dance Aug. 6), Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's Super Saturday (July 30), Ellen Hermanson Breast Center (July 30), Watermill Center (July 30), Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund (July 31), Peconic Land Trust (Aug. 7), Hoops4Hope (Aug. 7), ARF (Animal Rescue Fund, Aug. 13), Peconic Baykeeper (Aug. 19). Each of these nonprofits sells tickets on their websites. Don't forget the Hampton Classic Horse Show, August 28 through September 4, and the Shinnecock Powwow on Labor Day Weekend [HS]
