“August is the slow gentle month that stretches out the longest across the span of a year. It yawns and lingers on with the light in its palms.” — Victoria Erickson
The dog days of summer are truly here, and the Hamptons are more than ready to welcome them. This weekend’s itinerary boasts plenty of awesome art to be seen and experienced, top-tier live musical performances ranging all genres, a race for a more-than-worthy cause and more than a few chances to laugh your head off. As we kiss July goodbye this weekend, let us remember to enjoy the fun fact that summer is not even half over, technically.
All the more reason to celebrate…
See the Springs Artists’ Invitational
The opening reception for the 59th annual Springs Artists’ Invitational at Ashawagh Hall (780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton) is this Friday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. Curated by longtime Springs resident Dennis Lawrence, the show features works from dozens of leading local artists and serves as a fundraiser for the Springs Improvement Society. Initially, the very first exhibit was formed by the decades-long relationship between the Society and the artists that flocked to Springs (think Lee Krasner, Jackson Pollock, James Brooks, John Little, Willem de Kooning). The exhibit will be on view through August 9. Gallery hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. Free to enter.
Laugh out loud at Sticks and Stones
Pile in for laughs at Sticks and Stones Comedy Club in Southampton (located inside the Southampton Cultural Center at 25 Pond Lane Southampton). First, on Friday, veteran comic Marla Schultz takes the stage at 8 p.m. While Schultz’s comedic chops include appearances on NBC, HBO, FOX, Sirius XM, “Comics Unleashed,” and tours with famous funnywoman Chelsea Handler, she’s also a well-known advocate for mental health and wellness, regularly speaking on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 1, the comedy club hosts Paul Ollinger, a comedian who’s performed alongside Norm Macdonald and Dave Attell. His podcast “Reasonably Happy” explores the connection between money, happiness, work and meaning…ya know… all the stuff that makes great comedy. General admission tickets for both shows are $40.25 each and are available here.
Hear chamber music in Bridgehampton
The Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival continues with performances on Thursday, July 30, playing the music of George Gershwin and Johannes Brahms on Sunday, Aug. 2, slated for a program of music from classic composer Joseph Haydn and his student, Ludwig van Beethoven. The performances are set to occur at the Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church (2429 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631-537-0863), both starting at 6 p.m. Purchase tickets online or call 631-537-6368.
Two-part exhibit comes to The Parrish
“Until the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” starts this Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Parrish Art Museum (279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-283-2118). This two-part exhibition considers both material and conceptual approaches to engaging with landscape, with a focus on formal exploration rooted in natural materials. Each exhibition will address a variety of formal, personal, and political concerns that play out across their respective spaces in Manhattan and Long Island’s East End. Works on view use substances gleaned from the earth (minerals, fiber, plant matter), made by artists like Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Dan Colen’s, Christine Howard Sandoval, Wolfgang Laib, Delcy Morelos, Meg Webster, Jonathan Sánchez Noa and many more. Co-presented by the Flag Art Foundation, the exhibition will be on view through Nov. 8.
Fight depression in Southampton
On Friday, July 31, Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) founder and chair Audrey Gruss welcomes Dr. Michael Pantalon, Ph.D., acclaimed psychologist and motivational specialist, for the HOPE Summer Seminar to speak on “How to Motivate Anyone to do Anything Fast: a scientifically-proven method to inspire healthy change in yourself and your loved ones” at the Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, 631-283-0967) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gruss and Pantalon will be in conversation on how to help others uncover their own motivation for change by developing a practical action plan. The 45-minute discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A. Tickets for the Hope Summer Seminar are $20 for SAC members, $25 for non-members, and $15 for students. On Sunday morning, the Foundation will host its 11th annual Race of Hope, a 5K run/walk which circles Agawam Park. For more race info click here.
Highlight creatives of color at The Church
The 6th annual Celebrating Creatives of Color returns to The Church (48 Madison St.) for the third year, showcasing creative artists and authors of color from Sag Harbor and beyond. Set for this Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event is an opportunity for participants to display their work and interact with art and literature enthusiasts and collectors. All artwork and books will be for sale.
Sole East x St. Lucia Live
An evening with St. Lucia — Brooklyn’s shimmery, 80s influenced, synth-driven musical project helmed by duo Jean-Philip Grobler and Patti Beranek — is at Solé East in Montauk (90 Second House Road, 631-668-2105) this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Those with dinner reservations at Seasalt (the resort’s on-premise restaurant), VIP tables and daybed seating, property passes and hotel guests are guaranteed entry. A limited number of free RSVPs will be available here. For more information on how to save your spot, click here.
WHB Arts & Crafts Show on the Great Lawn
The Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce hosts the 53rd Annual Mary O. Fritchie Juried Fine Arts and Crafts Show on the Great Lawn (corner of Potunk Lane and Main Street) in Westhampton Beach. The show will be held rain or shine on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring more than 50 artists who specialize in oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, wood and metal sculpture, jewelry, wearable art and photography, all artists are chosen through a competitive selection process and will be judged by an esteemed panel of artists.
Catch a cabaret performance at LTV
LTV Studios (75 Industrial Road, Wainscott, 631-537-2777) hosts its next session in the Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea series, with a “Swell-egant, Elegant Party” featuring cabaret and musical performances from Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, hosted and written by Laurence Maslon. Tickets are $84.62 are the show starts at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7).
See your friendly neighborhood Spider Man
Spider Man: Brand New Day opens with early screenings available at both Sag Harbor Cinema (90 Main St., 631-725-0010) and Southampton Playhouse (43 Hill St., 631-339-9069) Thursday, July 30. Joining Tom Holland as the titular superhero, who goes by Peter Parker in his more low-key daily life, are cast members Jon Bernthal, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon and Holland’s real-life wife Zendaya. Sure to be a charming, full-of-chemistry, chuckle-inducing, action-packed flick, Sag Harbor screenings start today at 3 p.m. while Southampton screenings start today at noon.
