Live music can be heard all year round on the East End, but the summer schedule is jam-packed for jammin’. In the Hamptons, there’s something for every taste and the schedule this year is as eclectic as a mixed tape — think the ability to hear chamber music one day and Calvin Harris another (and oftentimes, al fresco). There are more traditional concerts and chances to sip wine and savor live music with a side of sunsets. Consider this guide the liner notes to the soundtrack of your summer.
Bay Street Theater
When: Ongoing
Where: 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor
The community staple will be a hub of various programming, music included. Music Mondays can relieve symptoms of the Sunday scaries. The six-week line-up begins on July 10 with Derrick Davis, a notable stage performer who has played the titular role in The Phantom of the Opera during the show’s 25th anniversary tour. Julie Benko, who did a turn as Fanny Brice this year in Funny Girl on Broadway, will take the stage on July 17. Learn more here.
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Summer Festival
When: Ongoing
Where: Various
Set for its 40th season, the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival is consistently a much-anticipated summer series for world-class classical music performances. The five-week festival features shows that last for 65 to 75 minutes. It includes homages to Beethoven (July 16, July 30, August 3) and Mozart (July 20). The social calendar staple annual benefit will take place at Atlantic Gold Club on July 29. Learn more here.
Duck Creek
When: Ongoing
Where: 127 Squaw Road, Springs, East Hampton
Trumpeter, composer and former Duck Creek performer Adam O’Farrill curated this summer’s line-up. Admission is free, and the shows take place outdoors (and are weather-permitting). Acts will blend cultural heritage and musical tradition with contemporary jazz. O’Farrill will take the stage on July 1 with the acclaimed quartet Stranger Days, fusing art rock and classical influences. And Grammy-nominated artist Kassa Overall will take the stage for a performance that integrates avant-garde experimentation, jazz, rap and hip-hop.
Hamptons Jazz Festival
When: Ongoing
Where: Various locations
Some festivals last a weekend. Hamptons Jazz Festival’s summer series lasts all season long. Various venues are on tap to host live music for the festival, including Southampton Art Center, Parrish Art Museum and the Bay Street Theater. Learn more here.
Music for Montauk
When: Aug. 5-11
Where: Various in Montauk
Mums the word on performers for this series. But we know musicians will take the stage at Carl Fisher House, Fort Pond House (outdoors) and the Montauk Lighthouse. The performance at the iconic lighthouse will feature Cuban music. The rest? Stay tuned. Learn more here.
Palm Tree Music Festival
When: June 24, 2 p.m.
Where: Westhampton
Not making it to Chicago for Lollapalooza? Experience a boisterous — but more intimate — vibe when the Palm Tree Music Festival hits the East End. It’s a summer kick-off of sorts, so it’s appropriate that the man behind the 2014 smash “Summer,” Calvin Harris, is one of the headliners. Kygo, who counts “Higher Love” among his hits, is also among the notable acts that’ll take the stage. Note: The festival is for 21+. Get ticketshere.
The Clubhouse
When: Ongoing
Where: 174 Daniels Hole Rd., East Hampton, NY 11937
This live music and event hub in East Hampton is a playground for adults. Find mini golf, bowling, dancing and live music. Sundown sessions each Saturday night from 5-8 p.m. bring a live DJ to the back patio bar, allowing people to sip and boogie. Live performers also take center stage throughout the summer season. Grammy-winning bassist Oteil Burbridge will be on hand with his band Oteil & Friends on July 27, and another performer with a full trophy case, Stephen Marley, rolls in on his Babylon by Bus Summer Tour on July 29. Learn more here.
Stephen Talkhouse
When: Ongoing
Where: 161 Main St., Amagansett
Things can get wild in a good way at this Amagansett club. Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Simon are among the legends who have made surprise appearances at Stephen Talkhouse. We can’t tell you if or when you’ll see a famous face on the stage, but we can tell you Billy Bob Thorton & the Boxmasters — a contemporary band clearly inspired by the ’60s — will be on stage on June 28. Bayside Tigers will take you all the way back…to the 90s…with tunes from the Backstreet Boys to the Beastie Boys on July 8. And Nancy Atlas will make a spattering number of appearances throughout the summer. Learn more here.
The Suffolk
When: Ongoing
Where: 118 E Main St., Riverhead
Up-islanders don’t have to pay their dues on Montauk Highway to take in the East End music scene this summer. Riverhead’s crown jewel, The Suffolk hosts live music all year long. Though the space leans into 1930s Art Deco design — including the unmissable marquee outside — the spot welcomes musicians that span eras and genres. Pure Prairie League will play tunes from their 50-year country rock discography on July 1, while Dionne Warwick will be in town on July 21. Learn more here.
Tuesdays at Main Beach East Hampton
When: Tuesdays from June 27-Sept. 5
Where: 101 Ocean Avenue, East Hampton
Tuesdays at Main Beach East Hampton combine two of summer’s quintessential pastimes: Live music and waterfront vistas. This year’s line-up includes reggae favorite Winston, who opens the series on June 27. Nancy Atlas takes the dock stage on August 1. Other local favorites like Hot Lava (July 25) and Hello Brooklyn (August 8) are also on tap. Learn more here.
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
When: Ongoing
Where: 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is toasting 25 years with performances from some of music’s most notable names. Wayne Newton will perform “Danke Schoen” and other greatest hits on July 8, and country star Hunter Hayes will grace the WHBPAC stage for the first time on July 15. Reggae Vibrations will take you to a laidback tropical paradise on July 16, and Wicked fans will want to clear their schedules on August 5 when Kristin Chenoweth takes the stage for one night only. Learn more here.
The Perlman Music Program
When: Ongoing
Where: 73 Shore Road, Shelter Island
Perlman’s mission is to create a nurturing musical community for young classical performers, often subjected to some pretty intense pressure and competition, guiding and encouraging them as artists. Founded by Toby Perlman for talented string and piano classical musicians and lead by her husband, renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, PMP hosts a summer music program for 12 to 18 year olds, a residency for string players over 18 and — with such a bevy of talent in their midst — hosts soul-stirring concerts all summer long at the Shelter Island campus overlooking Crescent Beach. Check their calendar for upcoming concerts where students, instructors and even Perlman himself perform.
