One of the coolest things about the South Fork is its more than plentiful population of artists, writers and musicians. For decades upon decades now, the South Fork has been home to so many unique and diverse artisans, it’s become a defining characteristic of the area. No question, it’s definitely something worth celebrating.
Whether you’re a native East Ender or an eager visitor there’s plenty of ways to take in some fun from local artists, performers and designers this weekend. Go a concert featuring traditional Japanese instruments in Springs or hit up a vintage flea market in Montauk. Support an Amagansett-based farm at a summertime hoedown (featuring almost strictly local purveyors of course) and attend a Sag Harbor trunk show/talk featuring three female fashion designers.
And if you don’t feel like doing any of that, be sure to see our list of where to find some tasty tunes at a location near you. There’s a free concert to be heard in pretty much every Hamptons hamlet between now and Sunday, so catching some top-notch entertainment doesn’t have to be a journey and a half. That’s something worth celebrating too.
Celebrate local female designers and artists with WACH
The Women’s Art Center of the Hamptons (WACH) hosts a meet and greet with embroidery designer and textile artist Karen Nicol from 5 to 7 p.m. tomorrow, August 18, at 35 Fresh Pond Rd. in Sag Harbor. “Threads: The Exquisite Art and Craft of Karen Nicol” will see the designer sharing her story through a conversation with WACH director Wendy Van Deusen. A curated collection of Nicol’s one-of-a-kind handbags will be available for sale. On Saturday, August 19, it’s “Three Lives: Lives and Works” featuring Nicol along with fashion designer Mary Jaeger and jewelry designer Mia Hebib. Also occurring at the same location, there’ll a trunk show featuring works from all three designers from noon to 5. Van Deusen will lead a discussion with the three designers at 3 p.m.. Tickets for each event are $10 per person.
Get some narrative healing on Shelter Island
There’s an author fireside chat at the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island tonight at 5:30 p.m. featuring writer and yoga instructor Lisa Weinert. Her new book Narrative Healing is a creative recovery program exploring how to heal from trauma and how to unlock your inner voice. There’ll be selected reading from the book, followed by a Q&A and a book signing.
Come on down to Amber Waves
The 2nd annual Amber Waves Hoedown is tomorrow, August 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Amagansett. This summer fundraiser will benefit Amber Waves Farm, located at 367 Main Street, and tickets range from $150 to $300. There’ll be tons of food, beverages, music, a silent auction, and dancing… all for a good cause!
Listen to meditative Japanese music at Duck Creek
This Saturday, August 19, “Incense” by Kaoru Watanabe is at the Arts Center at Duck Creek in East Hampton, featuring Japanese instruments, specifically shinobue flutes and taiko drums. During quarantine Wantanabe created a slew of unique, meditative, and uplifting music. This free concert starts at 5 p.m. and is rain or shine. Audience members are encouraged to bring a beach chair and a picnic. Duck Creek is located at 127 Squaw Rd. in Springs.
Support local arts and crafts in Montauk
The Kambel Smith opening exhibit is this Saturday, August 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Carl Fisher House to benefit the Montauk Historical Society. All are welcome to the opening, which will feature Smith’s architectural sculpture work. Presented by the South Etna Montauk Foundation, the exhibit continues through August 27. The Carl Fisher house is located at 44 Foxboro Rd. in Montauk. On Sunday, August 20, there’s a vintage flea market at Second House Museum (12 2nd House Rd. in Montauk). Offerings include clothing, furniture and hand-crafted goods.
See a one-man show at Bay Street
Sammy and Me: A Play with Music is at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor this weekend, with a performance today at 4 p.m.. Starring Broadway performer Eric Jordan Young, the one-man play follows Young’s own obsession with prolific singer/dancer/Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr., aka Mr. Show Business. Performances at Bay Street continue every day through Sunday. Tickets start at $45. Get yours here.
Catch a slew of musical acts across the South Fork
Once again, this weekend sees plenty of free musical performances scattered throughout the South Fork. Sag Harbor’s Kidd Squid Brewing Co. hosts live music tonight and on Saturday. Rob Europe performs tonight from 7 to 9 p.m.. Saturday sees the beloved brewery host musician Jake Lear starting at 7 p.m.. Alessandro Giangolo will play tonight beginning at 8 p.m. at The Green Room inside the Sag Harbor Cinema. On the lawn at the Club House, Gene Casey and The Lonesharks perform this evening from 6 to 9 p.m.. Tomorrow, the East Hampton locale hosts the Hoo Doo Loungers beginning at 6 p.m. while Little Head Thinks plays with the same start time on Saturday. Club House closes out the weekend with a performance by Project Vibe at 6 on Sunday night. Gosman’s summer concert series continues with a performance by Bill O’Connell this Sunday at their Montauk location starting at 6 p.m.. The jazz pianist will be joined by renowned drummer Billy Hart. Tonight at 7:30, Westhampton Beach’s 34th annual gazebo concert series continues with favorites from opera and the stages of Broadway slated to be performed on the village green (at the corner of Main Street and Mill Road). Rain date is on Sunday. Crash Cantina in Hampton Bays hosts Reggae Sundays from 4 to 10 p.m. and its sister operation, Sunset Harbor in East Hampton, has live music from 6 to 9 p.m. as part of their newly launched “Sushi Sundays.”
Learn about fire safety in WHB
The Westhampton Beach Fire Department will hold an open house this Sunday, August 20, from 2 to 5 p.m.. Among the activities planned are rescue and fire safety demonstrations, equipment exhibits, and water games. Refreshments will be served (including ice cream!). This event is rain or shine, free, and open to the public.
Hear Sasha Berliner quartet play at The Parrish
San Franciscan-born vibraphonist, composer and bandleader Sasha Berliner performs at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill starting at 6 p.m. tomorrow, August 18. As a continuation of the museum’s summer jazz on the terrace series, the performance is a collaboration with Hamptons Jazz Fest. $25 for adults, $15 for members, senior and students, $5 for children. Get your tickets here.
Learn about parenting practices from two female writers
This Sunday, August 20, the Quogue Library hosts its “Authors in Conversation” summer series. Beginning at 5 p.m., New York Times opinion writer Jessica Grose discusses her new book Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood, where Grose dismantles over two centuries worth of unrealistic parenting expectations. She’ll be joined by Quogue resident and bestselling novelist Alexandra Andrews and the talk will be held under the tent at the library. $10 per person. A Q&A will follow and wine and cheese will be served. Register here or call 631-653-4224 ext. 101.
