Every 30 days or so, author and poet Hannah Rosenberg writes a little blurb on her social media about what each specific month of the year would be like if they were your friend. This year, for June, Rosenberg writes, “If the month of June was your friend, she’d be like a breath of fresh air. You’d call her when you were about to lose your mind.”
June is a month that saves sanity for several reasons. It’s a time of both hopeful endings and exciting, new beginnings. It marks fresh starts and savors the things in life that really last. Here on the East End, in our Hamptons corner of the world, June is all of these things. As we approach the official start of the summer season in a few short weeks, June is a steady reminder to stay in the present moment and continue to breathe.
Here are some highlights on how to do this first weekend of June right. Stay safe, stay sane and make us proud, South Forkers.
Meet Mr. Halston at Bay Street
“Mister Halston” made its premiere this week, kicking off the 35th theatrical season for Bay Street Theater (1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-9500). Weekend showtimes are at 7 p.m. today, tomorrow and Sunday nights. and runs through Sunday, June 21. Set in the chic and shabby dichotomy of 1970s and ‘80s New York City, the play follows the life, times and ultimate fall of iconic American fashion designer Halston. For tickets, click here or call the box office at 631-725-9500.
Last chance to see “39 Steps” at HTC
The final five performances of “39 Steps” are at Hampton Theatre Company (125 Jessup Ave., Quogue, 631-653-8955) starting Thursday, June 4, and continuing through Sunday, June 7. This breakneck-paced tour-de-farce mixes the thrills of an iconic Hitchcock murder mystery with the spills of an irreverent Monty Python spoof, the play is adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan. Performance times are tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7 p.m., with two matinees starting at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $25 and are available here.
See a new exhibition at Madoo
Friday, June 5, sees the Madoo Conservancy (618 Sagg Main St., Sagaponack, 631-537-8200) host its first contemporary art exhibition of the summer: “Ross Watts: 4321.” The exhibition showcases the artist’s sculptures and paintings in the Summer Studio, open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. “4321” takes its title from a novel by Paul Auster which explores the notion of biography through four parallel, alternate realities of the life of the single individual. In the case of Watts the images were born during the pandemic and explore the need for connection through social media.
Do the silent disco, take in some theater at Guild Hall
Guild Hall in East Hampton (158 Main St., 631-324-0806) hosts a Silent Disco Dance Party on Friday night from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Furman Garden. Featuring music from DJ Mister Lama spinning iconic disco and funk tunes; DJ Schvitz-a-Lot blasting danceable hits from the 80s to today; and DJ Divinia brings an all-Latin music station, the hits will keep on comin,’ plus, the Knicks v. Spurs game will be on, so don’t worry if you don’t feel like dancing! Wine, beer, cocktails, and snacks will be available for purchase from Louise & Howie’s Coffee Cart. Tickets are $25 and are available here. “Playboy of the Western World” is the latest installment of National Theatre Live at Guild Hall this Saturday, June 6, beginning at 7 p.m. Streamed from the National Theatre in London, written by John Millington Synge, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, and starring Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Éanna Hardwicke (“The Sixth Commandment”) and Siobhán McSweeney (“Derry Girls”) the play is riveting account of youth and self-discovery. Tickets are $25.
Attend a bayside Battle of the Bands
The 23rd annual Battle of the Bands is at Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays this Friday night from 7 to 10 p.m., presented by the Southampton Town Youth Bureau. Featuring five local high school bands rocking out and competing for great prizes, courtesy of Dream Recording Studios, LTV, Hampton Coffee Company, Hampton theatre Company, Bay Street, Edgewater Restaurant, Guild Hall, the night opens with special guest performances, while the competing bands take the stage promptly at 8 p.m. Audience members will have the change to win prizes by answering music trivia questions. Admission is $10, cash only. Concessions will be available on site. Rain date is Friday, June 12. Battle takes place on the Ponquogue Beach Pavilion, located at 276 Dune Road in Hampton Bays. For more info call 631-702-2425 or visit southamptownny.gov/youthbureau.
Show your (Hamptons) PRIDE
The fifth annual Hamptons PRIDE Parade is at noon on Saturday, June 6, in East Hampton, kicking off by the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street, turns left on Newtown Lane, to Railroad Avenue, to Lumber Lane, ultimately ending at Herrick Park. Sure to be an afternoon of celebration and family fun, music and dancing grooves will be provided by DJ Watts, with live musical performances by Bridgehampton Marimba Band, along with legendary East End singer-songwriter Inda Eaton, featuring Jeff Marshall and Mila Tina. For more info email [email protected]
Tee off for fun at Southampton Playhouse
“Tee Time” is at the Southampton Playhouse (43 Hill St., 631-339-9069) this Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m., sure to be a day of family golf fun. There’ll be golf-themed activities, for all ages, a putting green, a mobile simulator and oodles of vendors to experience. Free to enter.
Wine and dine, Long Island-style, at CPI
Blanc & Franc Brunch with Long Island Wine Country is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday at Canoe Place Inn (239 East Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, 631-763-6300) A celebration of exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc wines from across the East End, with select wines offered up from Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Paumanok Vineyards and Ev & Em Vineyards, the event launches the resto’s Sunday brunch program and will include a wide assortment of snacks, apps, entrees and desserts. To book your reservation and to take a peek at a menu, click here.
