There are myriad reasons as to why the East End is its own culturally rich microcosm. With close proximity to the city and formerly serving as a major entry point for travelers from across the pond, a consistent population of artists, chefs, musicians, history buffs and interesting folks from all walks of life has existed here for the better part of the last century. This weekend, South Forkers are gathering to celebrate the melding and blending of a slew of different cultural practices and traditions, some born on the East End, some brought from elsewhere and with plenty of historical flair thrown in.
For instance, tonight at Almond in Bridgehampton there’s a celebration of Beaujolais nouveau— that barely legal, delightfully fresh and fruity, not-too-complicated French red wine — paired with a cassoulet-themed meal crafted by a Brooklyn-born Jewish chef and with a discussion led by a Swiss-born food writer. Do we take some creative liberties here and there on the South Fork? You bet, bub!
At Southampton Arts Center on Sunday, a short documentary about Asian women recreating images seen on British postcards will be discussed by a panel featuring a Shinnecock artist and two local executive directors from an African American museum and a Latino advocacy organization, respectively. We couldn’t think of a more diverse situation, and we bet you can’t either. If you’re looking for an easy, breezy activity check out trivia night at Bird on the Roof in Montauk or go to a candle-making class in Amagansett. Train your pup to be ready for the holidays at Wainscott’s Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons or learn how to express yourself through movement in Sag Harbor.
Finally, tomorrow night at the Club House there’s a fundraiser for an East Hampton resident who was tragically hit by a car this past spring. Not only is it expected to be a really fun night, it’s a really great opportunity to shell out some much needed support to an East Ender and his family. It is, after all, the South Forker way…
Dine on cassoulet and sip Beaujolais at Almond
Stony Brook University’s FoodLab partners with Stony Brook Hospital and local foodie fave Sylvie Bigar for “An Evening of Cassoulet and Beaujolais Noveau” at Almond tonight. The Bridgehampton resto hosts Bigar, author of Cassoluet Confessions, as she discusses her healthy obsession with the classic French dish. Guests will drink Beaujolais Noveau, with discussion from Dr. Daniel Can Arsdale, while eating chef Jason Weiner’s three-course meal centered around the meaty stew. Set to feature doctors and other medical staff from Stony Brook along with professionals from the food and drink world, discussions will focus on the important connection between lifestyle, food, wine and health. Starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69 and are available here.
Learn about a railroad magnate in Montauk
Tonight at 7 p.m. it’s “The Shocking Life of Austin Corbin” at the Carl Fisher House presented by the Montauk Historical Society. The third in a series of lectures led by East Hampton town crier Hugh King, tonight’s talk is on banking and railroad entrepreneur Corbin. He was the man responsible for consolidating the rail lines on Long Island, thus changing the fate of the “Montauk line,” and the East End in general, forever. This event is free but registration is required as space is limited.
Express yourself at The Church
“Impulsive Movement” with Emily Allan and Leah Hennessey is at The Church this Saturday, November 18, in Sag Harbor. Starting at noon, this four-hour workshop will focus on participants conveying, expressing and interpreting written and spoken word through physical movement. Open to all levels of experience and ability, it’s strongly encouraged to memorize a short monologue or paragraph to workshop. Tickets are $35 and are available here.
See a short documentary at SAC
Return to Sender: Women of Color in Colonial Postcards & the Politics of Representation screens at Southampton Arts Center this Sunday, November 19, at 2 p.m.. Directed by Mara Ahmed, the short documentary explores themes of identity, autonomy, beauty standards and women in media. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Joining Ahmed, the panel is slated to feature fine art photographer and president of Ma’s House Jeremy Dennis, Organizacion Latino-Americana of Eastern Long Island executive director Minerva Perez, and founder of Southampton African American Museum Brenda Simmons. Admission is free and you can register here.
Create candles at Amagansett Library
Adults and teens age 14 and up are welcome at the Amagansett Library from 3 to 4 p.m. this Saturday, November 18, to make candles. Led by Chrissy Lehat from Curiously Creative Candles, attendees can learn about the history of candle making and create their very own candles with colorful recycled candle wax. Click here to register. Admission is free.
Gather at The Parrish after school
Kids in grades nine through 12 are welcome to the Parrish Art Museum tomorrow, November 17, for “Arts & Eats” from 3 to 5 p.m. in Water Mill. High schoolers are welcome to spend their Friday afternoon discussing and touring the current exhibition on view, “Artists Choose Parrish,” while they create and collaborate over artwork. There’ll be free pizza, so that’s a pretty sweet perk. Click here to register for this free event.
Catch some comedy at Sticks and Stones
Sherrod Small is the headlining comedian at Sticks and Stones Comedy Club tomorrow, November 17, starting at 7 p.m. in Southampton. Noted for his appearances on Comedy Central, VH1 and “Opie Radio” on Sirius XM, Small will be joined by host and Sag Harbor native Joe Winchell and a handful of other comics. Doors open at 6 p.m. and all are welcome to enjoy a pre-show drink while listening to live music from KraMan. Tickets start at $35 and are available here.
Take on trivia night at The Bird
Trivia Night is at Bird on the Roof in Montauk tonight. From 7 to 9 p.m. all are welcome to participate. There’s a $10 entry fee per person and teams consist of one to five players. A percentage of proceeds are donated to the Montauk Food Pantry. There’ll be light bites and drink specials available, and participants may win cash and gift card prizes. The Bird is located at 47 South Elmwood Ave. in Montauk.
Prep your pup for the holiday season
The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) hosts a Thanksgiving version of “Prepping Your Pup for the Holidays” tonight at 5:30 p.m.. This is the time of year homes may become busier — more people, more “stuff,” and more hustle and bustle in general. Prepare yourself and your canine companion to ensure a harmonious holiday season for all family members, especially the four-legged ones. Class will be at ARF’s Wainscott location (124 Daniels Hole Road) and the cost is $35. Register here. There’ll be another class with a similar agenda on Tuesday, December 5.
Help a local in need at Club House
Wainscott’s Club House hosts a fundraiser for East Hampton resident Jeff Yusko and his family tomorrow night from 6 to 9 p.m.. Earlier this year Yusko was struck by a car while riding his bike. Tomorrow’s fundraiser will include music by Hoo Doo Loungers and JJ Sprout and the One Night Band, along with silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, food and a cash bar. One hundred percent will be donated. Tickets are available at the door for $40 per person or $75 per couple. Click here to make a donation or call Mary at 631-903-2751 or Norma at 631-903-9244.