The live music scene around the country heats up with the weather — think Coachella and summer concerts at Jones Beach. However, people vacationing or living on the South Fork need not travel far to hear live tunes (and let’s be real, Jones Beach is far, especially with summer traffic). Yet, truly, the Hamptons live music schedule in 2024 offers something for every taste — think contemporary funk at an outdoor street festival on a Friday, a theatrical performance from iconic singers on a Monday and, of course, plenty of all-genres music from local and legendary singers throughout the weekend in between. If you’re ready to get out and groove this summer, you’ll want to consider these live music performances in the Hamptons in 2024.
The Suffolk, 118 E Main St., Riverhead, 631-727-4343
Summer music series and festivals are often bring-your-own-towel, al fresco affairs. The Suffolk’s indoor 1930s art-deco digs provide a more traditional (and weather-proof) indoor alternative. Summer shows include Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney (June 14th), a millennial-forward one in Boy Band Brunch (June 23rd) and Glen Burtnick’s Summer of Love concert that’ll bring back memories of Woodstock (July 30th).
Seaside Grill, 451 E Main St., Riverhead, 631-574-8103
This bustling eatery, with waterfront vistas, is loved for its margaritas, bustling happy hours, and live music. While the summer slate isn’t out yet, live tunes are a regular affair in these parts. Live acts typically perform on weekends from 6 to 9 p.m. outside (weather permitting). When a professional musician isn’t on the schedule, you can take the stage and channel your inner Cher or Shania (or Taylor?) — Thursday nights feature karaoke (alongside trivia and a lobster bake).
Alive on 25, Downtown Riverhead
The anticipated annual street fair returns for another go-around on July 5th and Aug. 9th. (Rain dates July 19th and Aug. 23rd). Expect food from local restaurants, beers from local breweries and live music on several stages. Acts are TBD, though they’ll likely be a highlight alongside fireworks (July 5th at 9 p.m.) and a laser show (Aug. 9th at 9 p.m.). The festival gets underway at 5 p.m. on both nights.
Bistro 72, 1830 W Main St, Riverhead, 631-369-3325
As we await word on the Summer Patio Series, we can tell you that there will be plenty of live music to be heard at Bistro 72. The locavore restaurant within Hotel Indigo is home to live music throughout the week and weekend. Acts scheduled for June include the for-all-ages East End Trio (June 20th), whose sound draws on influences from the 1960s through the early aughts, and folk-rock guitar singer/songwriter David March (June 27th).
Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-9500
This theater, which seats nearly 300 audience members, is the heart of the Sag Harbor arts scene and, appropriately, set in the heart of Sag Harbor’s bustling downtown area. The schedule is a treasure trove of theater, workshops and live music. The annual gala will honor Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka and Dr. Georgette Grier-Key with TBD live performances, dinner and auction items, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with brunch and a week in St. Bart’s. Before you jet off, see Patti LuPone, who is slated to perform on July 8th, Erich Bergen of Jersey Boys’ fame on Aug. 12th and Ari Axelrod on Aug. 19th.
The Masonic Music Series, 200 Main St., Sag Harbor
To be filed under Best Kept Small Town Secrets: Head over to the Masonic Temple for a summer’s worth of memorable music. These ticketed, seated events bring together both local and faraway talent, kicking off Memorial Day Weekend on May 25 with East End rockin’ darling Nancy Atlas and on May 26 the Roses Grove Band, and then a juicy jumble of jazz in the month of July.
Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, Various Locations
Expect noteworthy performances during the annual five-week summer concert series, which begins with Schumann Journey on July 14th at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church. Tributes to other classical icons, Beethoven (July 18thand 28th), Mozart (Aug. 1) and Bach (July 25th and Aug. 9th), are also on the schedule.
Duck Creek, 127 Squaw Road, Springs, East Hampton, 631-604-8464
Drummer and producer Kassa Overall and bassist and composer Iris Ornig worked together to set this year’s schedule. It begins on June 22 with the Emmanuel Michael Group quartet. Fronted by first-generation Ugandan and Southern Sudanese Emmanuel Michael, the quartet is lauded for its heartfelt songs. Jackson Pollock & Jazz, a quintet, will perform on July 25th in an event organized with The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook.
Hamptons Jazz Festival, Various Locations
Parrish Art Museum, Southampton Arts Center, Bay Street Theater and several other venues will host performances as part of this summer-long annual festival celebrating the spirit of jazz. The Summer Camargo Quintet serves as the opening act (July 5th at Parrish Art Museum). The Harlem Gospel Choir’s Aretha Franklin tribute on Aug. 5th will surely be a soulful Monday evening.
Palm Tree Music Festival, Westhampton
Swedish House Mafia, Kygo, Sofia Tucker and special guest Purple Disco Machine are among the acts slated to take the stage at this event brimming with contemporary cool vibes. The event is slated for June 22nd. Besides live music, there will be lawn games, food and imbibers. On that note, shuttles from New York City and Montauk are available for purchase.
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach
A cultural hub, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center lineup includes live music. Pianofest will bring emerging pianists to the center on June 27th. Though most of the lineup is still TBD, Julliard faculty member Konstantin Soukhovetski will perform an original piece. Kenny G, a saxophonist loved for his smooth jazz melodies, follows on June 29th. Swifties (and family members who love them), get ready. Let’s Sing Taylor will bring you back to your Eras tour era (AKA last year) on July 13th.
The Clubhouse, 174 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton, 631-537-2695
For your one-stop shop of entertainment and eats, The Clubhouse can’t be beat, be it a night of bowling, a little family arcade competition or a mighty round of mini-golf. But their stage, too, is a great source of local entertainment, from Winston Irie to Gene Casey and the Lonesharks.
Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansett, 631-267-3117
A low-key legendary music venue — Kiefer Sutherland of 24 fame has shown his musical chops there—Stephen Talkhouse is a magnet for local legends and surprise performances from icons. Eli Young Band (June 14th) and Hello Brooklyn (July 20th) are among the familiar faces to take the stage. And, of course, Nancy Atlas is good for a few performances throughout the summer.
Navy Beach, 16 Navy Road, Montauk, 631-668-6868
This toes-in-the-sand restaurant isn’t merely a spot for seafaring-centric lunches and dinners. It’s something of an entertainment venue with a penchant for throwing dance parties and groove sessions as the sun sets. DJs have the mic on Fridays in July and August. But it’s all about live music on Saturdays. Rum Punch Mafia and emerging star Lina Maxine are among the performers slated to appear.
The Shipwreck at Salt, 63 S. Menantic Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-5535
Pull up your boat and head down the dock to Salt’s outdoor bar and music spot, the Shipwreck, where Thursday through Sunday all summer long you can depend on great live bands creating the soundtrack to summer on the Island.
Super dynamic LTV Studios is about way more than public access shows (although those are thoroughly awesome). They also provide a pile of arts programming, including dance nights and live music all year round. This summer, they’re launching a new program, Hamptons Summer Songbook and World Voices, a concert series produces by Donna Rubin and LTV creative director Josh Gladstone, featuring world renowned cabaret and Broadway voices in a Parisian-café setting, complete with a baby grand piano. Expect the sounds of Gershwin, Porter, Rogers & Hammerstein, Bernstein and so much more.
