Sometimes during the summer it’s easy to forget why the Hamptons are so special.
You’d think it wouldn’t happen, as it’s the season we all seem to wait for all year long, but if you grew up here or have lived here for a long time, you probably know what we’re talking about. In a lot of ways, summer in the Hamptons is amateur hour — a time when it feels like our precious home is overrun with too many people, and specifically, too many people that don’t seem to get it.
For this weekend, however, those thoughts are put to rest, as all the action-packed fun seems to truly be a celebration of why we’re all here in the first place. Perhaps the best example of this is artist Ben Fenske, who will be at the Grenning Gallery later today for the opening of his 19th annual solo show with the Sag Harbor locale. Ben was born in the United States and now lives in Italy with his partner, fellow artist Amy Florence, but he comes here every year to spend time to get inspiration to paint. The man lives in Italy, yet he paints East End landscapes like it’s going out of style.
Another example is Neo-Political Cowgirls founder Kate Mueth bringing her “Macbeth: The Witch Hunt” to LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton for a special, weekend-long performance. If you think that old Shakespearean chestnut has been beaten to death, think again as Mueth brings an modernly edgy, refreshed take to the legendary play. It’s always quite interesting what one can find when we dig a bit deeper than the surface of things, no?
Here’s a smattering of what we’re getting into this weekend. Enjoy, Southforkers!
Gear up for the weekend with Guild Hall
Guild Hall in East Hampton (158 Main St., 631-324-0806) hosts oodles of events this weekend definitely worth your consideration. Firstly, on Thursday, Aug. 20 don’t miss music from Wood Dogg, featuring a signature take on classic rock, country, pop and everything in between from Woody Boley and a stellar lineup of supporting musicians, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Minikes garden. Concessions include wine, beer, cocktails and light refreshments available for purchase. Following, it’s “In Conversation: Ross Bleckner & David Salle” at 7:30 p.m. The pair of artists, in conversation with moderator and Guild Hall’s museum director and curator of visual arts, will focus on Bleckner’s summer exhibition “Never the Less.” Tickets are $35 per person. Foodie Florence Fabricant hosts her “Stirring the Pot” series with special guests Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper, fourth generation owners of Russ & Daughters. Join in this Sunday, Aug. 23, as they share stories from their family’s legendary Lower East Side appetizing shop, beloved for its smoked fish, bagels and black and white cookies. Starts at 11 a.m. and tickets are $54 per person.
Kate Mueth’s “Macbeth: The Witch Hunt” will be performed at LongHouse all weekend long while the work of late modern artist Andrew Geller is discussed on Sunday. (Photos courtesy of LongHouse Reserve)
Macbeth and modern art at LongHouse
The Neo-Political Cowgirls return to LongHouse Reserve (133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, 631-329-3568) with “Macbeth: The Witch Hunt,” another immersive, uniquely vibrant theatrical performance presented under the moon and stars, starting Thursday and continuing through Sunday, from 7 to 10 p.m. each day. Directed by Kate Mueth, general admission tickets are $40. For more ticket info click here. On Sunday, join Alastair Gordon for a talk on modernist artist Andrew Geller, beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35, $25 for members. Get more info here.
File in for Fenske
Sag Harbor’s Grenning Gallery (26 Main St., 631-725-8469) hosts the 19th annual Ben Fenske Solo Exhibition, with an opening reception set for Thursday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. According to a press release from the gallery, “these paintings trace a season, unlike any other of Fenske’s career” as familiar East End landscapes are created at his Italian home from his memory, filtered through his new perspective as a first-time father. He’ll be on hand at the opening. Drinks will be served.
Head to the HooDoo Loungers concert at Whalers’ Church
Enjoy musical fun, food and dancing from with the HooDoo Loungers, one of the Hamptons’ favorite party bands beloved for bringing a high-energy blend of soul, rock, and bayou funk. The concert will be on the front lawn of the Old Whalers’ Church (44 Union St., Sag Harbor, 631-725-0894) this Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. $20 entry donation, kids’ admission is free.
“Paperworks” at WACH
“Paperworks” is the latest exhibition opening this Friday at the Women’s Art Center of the Hamptons (2418 Main St., Bridgehampton, 631-899-4253). Showcasing works from five artists — Diane Love, Linda Miller, Regina Sender Levin, Janice Stanton and Ellen Wiener — the show turns our attention to one of the most familiar materials in our lives: cutting, layering, folding, painting and transforming. Opening reception is from at 5 to 7 p.m.
(Clockwise from Top Left) Wood Dogg performs at Guild Hall on Thursday; Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper of Russ & Daughters talk with Florence Fabricant on Sunday; artist Ben Fenske’s depiction of Cooks Lane. (Photos courtesy of Guild Hall, Gentl and Hyers, Grenning Gallery)
Catch some cabaret at LTV
LTV Studio‘s “Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea” series, now in its third season, continues with one of its most ambitious evenings as the Mabel Mercer Foundation presents “Hey, Old Friend! A Cabaret Jubilee” starring KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi and Stephanie Pope at the Wainscott locale (75 Industrial Road) this Saturday starting at 7:30pm. Bringing together four acclaimed performers whose careers span Broadway, cabaret, concert halls and recording studios, the evening celebrates the music, humor and timeless appeal of the Great American Songbook.
Take a peek at Tate Revival
Join in for an afternoon of shopping, music and styling inspiration with Emma Brinbaum’s first-ever Hamptons Tate Revival popup, a curated collection of secondhand and vintage clothing. Set for this Saturday in Water Mill, a portion of the sales from the curated afternoon of style and purpose will be donated to Mount Sinai Kid Zone. Runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and exact address will be given after RSVPing here. Free to attend.
