There are so many things you can do to lift your spirits out here on the East End — and this weekend, there’s plenty to make you smile, think and move ever-forward. From the fun of the annual Trunk Show supporting the UJA, to music, music, music all over the Hamptons (including a super fun open-mic featuring the future stars of the SoFo), to plays and poets that will make you ponder, to some serious talk and insight into the struggles of mental health issues, catch one of these great weekend events and keep smiling, friends.
Talk about mental health at SAC
“How to Talk to Friends and Family About Mental Health,” a conversation with acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boordman, along with other special guests, is at Southampton Arts Center tomorrow, August 4, beginning at 11 a.m.. This discussion will provide insight and guidance for how to help loved ones in need. The founder of Positive Prescription, a blog sharing practical strategies, Boordman is also the author of the book Everyday Vitality, Turning Stress into Strength. This talk is presented in part by Hope for Depression Research Foundation and costs $25 per person, $20 for members. RSVP here. On Saturday, August 5, Figures Transformed will screen at 7 p.m., showcasing the works of artist Deborah Buck, Hal Buckner and Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas. Admission is free and a wine reception will follow.
Kids can perform at a youth open mic in Hampton Bays
Tomorrow, August 4, youth in grades 5 through 12 are welcome to perform at an open mic night at Good Ground Park (9 Squiretown Road) in Hampton Bays. Hosted by the Southampton Town Youth Bureau, the open mic runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is slated to feature everything from acoustic performers, bands, spoken word artists, poets, and comedians. There’s no charge to perform. To reserve a time slot, email [email protected] or call 631-702-2425.
Hear Divahn, meet a doc filmmaker at The Church
Middle Eastern lead singer and composer Galeet Dardashti performs with all-female Mizrahi band Divahn tonight at 6:30 p.m. at The Church in Sag Harbor. This musical group is a celebration of Middle Eastern heritage blending traditional songs with modern, funky arrangements. Tickets are $30, $25 for members, $15 for students and kids. Susan Lacy will be on hand tomorrow, August 4, for “Knowledge Friday” beginning at 6 p.m.. A pioneer for PBS, Lacy also created American Masters and is one of the preeminent documentary filmmakers of the last four decades. Admission is $10. Save your spot to meet her.
Take in some tunes tonight across the South Fork
Conga Cartel performs tonight at Stephen Talkhouse tonight at 10 p.m. in Amagansett. Admission is $20. Karaoke is at Almond in Bridgehampton tonight beginning at 9:30 p.m. with DJ Carlos Lama. Frederick Raimundo performs tonight at 8 p.m. at The Green Room in the Sag Harbor Cinema. Out East plays at Southampton Publick House tonight at 10 p.m.. No cover.
Celebrate the Strings Festival at SCC
The 20th Annual Southampton Strings Festival draws to a close this weekend at the Southampton Cultural Center. Tonight, there’s a strings festival alumni concert at 7 p.m., with members performing chamber music. Tomorrow, August 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m., it’s the summer string soirée, with performances from talented students and teachers. Hors d’oeuvres and wine from Channing Daughters will be served. Donations can be made at the door.
Attend the return of “The Playwright’s Theater” at LTV
LTV Studios in Wainscott hosts the return of “The Playwright’s Theater,” a series for theater lovers and artists with a focus on the written and spoken word, where the audience can mingle with playwrights, actors and directors. Originally founded in 1992 by Springs residents Mitzi and Perry Pazer, the series has seen countless playwrights, actors and writers participate. Now in the hands of LTV executive director Michael Clark and producer Josh Gladstone, the series continues, offering creative opportunities to theater-makers. Tonight and tomorrow’s featured performance will be a staged reading of Stupid F**king Bird, a loose adaption of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull. Performances start at 8 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door.
Shop for a cause in Bridgehampton
The United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York hosts its annual Hamptons Trunk Show today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bridgehampton Historical Society Museum (2368 Montauk Hwy.). Including 50 vendors selling designer jewelry, home goods and more a percentage of the sales proceeds will benefit UJA. Tickets are $54. RSVP is required, email [email protected].
Hear some jazz, see a new exhibition at the Parrish
There’s a live outdoor performance by the Spike Wilner Trio tomorrow night at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill beginning at 6 p.m.. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for members, seniors and students, and $5 for children. “James Brooks: A Painting Is a Real Thing” starts on Sunday, August 6. Featuring over 100 key paintings, prints and works on paper spanning more than 50 years of the late abtsract expressionist’s career, the exhibition will be on view through the October 15.
