Whatever Lola Wants performs tonight at Guild Hall in East Hampton. (Photo courtesy of Guild Hall)

Music actually is the food of love, even if Shakespeare himself wasn’t certain.

Year-round residents here on the East End have both the pleasure and the privilege to know that, as live music is something that’s on the action docket no matter the season. However, as we move into this weekend, during the dog days of summer here in the Hamptons, live music is popping up across plenty of locales, featuring both celebrity acts as well as homegrown musicians.

The beautiful thing is you get to make whatever choice you want. Play on, South Forkers. Play on…

Sketch Safari at LongHouse

Fuel your child’s creativity in the gardens at LongHouse Reserve (133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, 631-329-3568) Thursday, July 16, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Karyn Mannix leads this artistic adventure for kids ages 6 and up, as the gardens are transformed into a studio space designed for inspiration and experimentation. Each young creative will explore the outdoors to learn essential drawing skills and techniques, shading secrets and the way to capture nature’s patterns on paper. Tickets are $65.

Pile in for “Primary” at SAC

“Primary” — the a groundbreaking 1960 cinéma vérité documentary that follows John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey during the 1960 Wisconsin presidential primary— screens at Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, 631-283-0967) starting at 6 p.m. Following the screening, filmmaker Robert Leacock, son of the film’s cinematographer Richard Leacock, will discuss the film and its lasting impact on documentary filmmaking. Tickets are $15. Click here for more info.

Sofia D’Angelo at Young Musicians Unite for Gun Sanity concert, produced by Michael Clark, 2018. (Photo credit: Ken Grille)

Meet a new wave of artists, find out what Lola wants at Guild Hall

Whatever Lola Wants, a jazz trio of teenage and 20-something East Enders performing hits from the Great American Songbook, take the stage at Guild Hall (158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806) tonight, July 16, at 5:30 p.m. Part of the cultural institution’s “Third Thursdays” series set to celebrate art, music and community, advanced reservations are available but not required. “Next/Now: A Clive Davis Institute Showcase,” set for this Saturday at 8 p.m., brings a new wave of artists form NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music to Guild Hall for a night of original performances. Hosted by Jeff Peretz, the program spotlights a generation of pushing boundaries across sound, storytelling and technology. Featuring East End-based singer-songwriter Nora Conlon, NY-based pop artist Sofia D’Angelo, singer/songwriter/producer Halima, and musical comedian Ben Lapidus, the event features everything from stripped-back songwriting to genre-defying production to globally inspired musical traditions. Tickets start at $40.

Stephen Marley takes Clubhouse

Stephen Marley, the a nine-time Grammy Award–winning recording artist, singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, performs at The Clubhouse this Friday night, along with his Subatomic Sound System. He is the second born child to legendary icon, Bob Marley. Stephen’s career includes collaborations with an array of diverse artists including Lauryn Hill, Pitbull, Nas, Shaggy, Erykah Badu and many more. Doors open at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome and tickets are available here.

Talk trees at The Church

A book talk,”Evergreen: The Trees That Shaped America,” is at The Church (48 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 631-919-5342) Friday, July 17, beginning at 6 p.m. Author Trent Preszler will be in conversation with Church co-founder April Gornik, discussing one of the most enduring and overlooked subjects within the American landscape: the evergreen. Tickets are $25. Get yours here.

Matisyahu will be at Solé East this Saturday night. (Photo credit: chloe gifkins)

Matishyahu performs in Montauk

Solé East Resort (90 Second House Road, Montauk, 631-668-2105) hosts Matisyahu for a special outdoor performance this Saturday night. Known for his blending of reggae, rock, hip-hop and soul, the acclaimed artist will be playing his hits from the past 20-plus years, with doors opening at 4 p.m. Guests who dine at Seasalt that evening are guaranteed entry to the performance. Dinner reservations are available here. VIP tables are available by calling Solé East. General admission is free with RSVP but subject to capacity.

Take in the creative cache at SCC

Adam Baranello’s “There’s Art Inside” is at the galleries of Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Lane, 631-287-4377), with an opening reception set for this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Featuring an exhibition filled with paintings, video, artist-designed clothing and music, showcasing how Baranello believes creativity is not confined to one form. Show will be on view through August.

Make it to Montauk for the annual Second House Fair

This Saturday and Sunday, it’s the annual Montauk Historical Society Second House Fair, from10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Now in its 55th year, the summer fair brings together talented artisans and makers for a vibrant showcase of fine art work, handcrafted goods, specialty foods, clothing and unique home and garden wares. Located inside the Second House Museum on 27, across the street from the Hero Beach Club Resort. 

The annual family fair is at the Children’s Museum of the East End. (Photo credit: Rossa Cole)

CMEE’s annual Family Fair

The 16th annual Family Fair at the Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton is this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. With this year’s theme as “Endless Summer,” action will include arts & crafts, water play, live entertainment, food trucks, candy and hands-on access to the onsite playground. Proceeds from this event will benefit CMEE’s food pantry, provide camp scholarships and support outreach initiatives. Goodie bags will be given to all attendees and will feature items from various sponsors. Tickets start at $125, visit cmee.org to snag yours. 

Enjoy the farmers market extras on Shelter Island

This Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in addition to the awesomely amazing local business, food and craft vendors showcased at the Havens Farmers Market at the Shelter Island History Museum, there’ll also be live music by Sweet Island Dulcimer and extra fun activities offered up by Fresh Pond and TNC Mashomack Preserve. Don’t forget to check out the museum’s new exhibits, “Unsung Heroes” and Havens House: Witness the American Revolution,” and try out the interactive 3D model of Shelter Island. SIHM is located at 16 South Ferry Road. Call 631-749-0025.

Get into your gut health

Stony Brook University‘s FoodLab (239 Montauk Highway, Southampton) workshop series continues with “From Gut Health to Stress Relief” this Sunday, July 19, starting at 2 p.m. Discover how simple, whole foods can support overall well-being in this hands-on workshop series. Through interactive demonstrations and food preparation, participants will explore the connections between nutrition, digestion, immunity, energy, blood sugar balance, and stress management. Each session focuses on practical skills, seasonal ingredients, and evidence-informed approaches to healthy living, while providing opportunities to prepare and sample nourishing foods. Whether you are looking to improve your eating habits, learn new culinary techniques, or better understand the role of food in supporting health, this series offers an engaging and delicious path to everyday wellness. $50 per person.