Hamptons Happenings

Hamptonites Razzled and Dazzled at the 20th anniversary of Art for Life

Hamptonites Razzled and Dazzled at the 20th anniversary of Art for Life

This was the 20th anniversary of Art for Life, the theme was the “Roaring Twenties” and the guest came out in Full 20’s attire. Guests in attendance included:James Lipton, Angela Simmons, Jojo Simons, Gayle King, Jaslene Gonzalez, Bleona, DJ Kiss, LuAnn de Lesseps, Bevy Smith, Cynthia Bailey, and Kevin Liles.Merrill Lynch Racquel Oden and her husband Walter Oden, Simon de Pury, Sara Herbert-Galloway, Soledad O’Brien, Russell Simmons,Danny Simmons, Jaslene Gonzalez, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Jr., Judia Black of Enjoie and RHOA Cynthia Bailey all stopped to chat with me on why Art is so important for children and their overall success in school. When I asked Danny Simmons if he felt Rush Philanthropic was where he envisioned it being 20 years ago when he first started, his response was NO…He thought he would be little further, “I want to be National”Danny stated. I asked how many states are you currently in and he stated they are only in 2 states, New York and New Jersey and they are in the process of opening a chapter in Philadelphia. Danny stated that after opening the Philadelphia chapter he plans on expanding to Detroit and Atlanta.

I was delighted to speak to one of my new favorite singers Elle Varner, she was so warm and engaging, she stated that she was the BEST KEPT SECRET…I said she was correct.

HONOREES INCLUDED DAVE CHAPPELLE, SIMON AND MICHAELA DE PURY, AVA DUVERNAY & FEATURED ARTIST WANGECHI MUTU

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation raised more than $1.2 million at its 2015 ART FOR LIFE Benefit on July 18th at Fairview Farms in Bridgehampton, NY. The event marked the 20th Anniversary of the RUSH Foundation which works to bring arts programing to inner city youth. Dave Chappelle, Michaela and Simon de Pury, Ava DuVernay, and featured artist Wangechi Mutu were honored for their support of the arts, career achievements, and overall commitment to our communities.

The benefit was hosted by longtime Rush friend and supporter, Soledad O’Brien, and featured special performances by Bell Biv Devoe, Elle Varner and music by DJ M.O.S. The evening also included a special presentation by Ming Lee Simmons and Aoki Simmons to the recipients of the 2015 Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship, graduates of the Rush Teens program.

Artfully crafted concoctions created by Art For Life Gold Sponsor BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin in honor of the 20th Anniversary were served throughout the evening. The benefit was also supported by Silver Sponsor Merrill Lynch.

This year’s event includes a coinciding Art For Life online auction via Charitybuzz, open to the public, which includes the opportunity to take over Russell Simmons (@unclerush) and Larry Kings (@kingsthings) Twitter for the day, a meet and greet with Julianne Moore along with 2 tickets to the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, meetings with Ava DuVernay, Jay Pharoah, Al Roker, Wiz Khalifa, Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis, and many more. The auction will remain open through July 30th. To support and bid please visit charitybuzz.com/artforlife.

Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation (RPAF) is dedicated to providing inner city youth across New York City with significant exposure to the arts, as well as to supporting emerging artists with exhibition opportunities.

Rush was founded in 1995 by three brothers: Danny Simmons, visual artist and community builder; media mogul Russell Simmons; and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons of the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. Their goal was to fill the gap that the disenfranchised and people of color faced in both accessing the arts and exhibition opportunities.

Over the past 20 years with the help of a broad base of friends, collaborators and supporters, Rush has been able to develop it’s main two program areas – Rush Education art programs for our youth and Rush Arts Galleries supporting and featuring emerging artists nationwide – working together in a seamless way to open up the arts to populations facing hurdles to the joy and benefits of these experiences. Designed to inspire students, provide positive alternatives to high-risk behaviors and support increased academic performance, Rush Education programs- Rush Little Kids, Rush Kids, Rush Teens and Rush Galleries in Schools– directly serve over 3,000 students annually. In addition, each year through our Rush Arts Galleries- Rush Arts Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan and Corridor Gallery in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn- exhibit the work of over 100 emerging and community-based artists; welcomes over 10,000 gallery visitors; and provides unique opportunities for young people interested in careers in the arts.

Art saves lives, it is that simple. Rush Philanthropic believes that if you give young people the opportunity to practice and appreciate art — whether poetry, music, dance, or the visual arts — then you will see lives transformed as young people learn to value their own unique voices and visions. It is this type of impact we aspire to see happen and that your support will make possible.

Spend a Summer day in the Hamptons on a small budget

Spend a Summer day in the Hamptons on a small budget…
Spending a day in the Hamptons, does not have to cost you a fortune as the some might like you to believe. It is actually affordable and only a 2 hour trip from NYC, New Jersey,Connecticut or Westchester, only 1 hour from Western Long Island.

I am bias towards Sag Harbor, it really is one of my favorite places in the Hamptons, but I also like shelter Island and Montauk. Each Town has its own uniqueness and you can find things to do in each town.
If you want to spend the day at the beach but you want to save from paying the cost to park, you might want to consider finding long term parking in either East Hampton or Southampton and taking the FREE RIDE to the beach.or you could rent a bike from Amagansett Beach & Bicycle located in Amagansett. They also offer kayaking tours, and bike tours, a great way to see the Hamptons.

ACCABONAC KAYAK & STAND UP PADDLEBOARD TOURS
1 1/2 hour to 2 hour guided tours on scenic Accabonac Harbor
-easy & comfortable kayaks and Paddleboards
No prior Kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboard experience necessary!
$79.00 PER PERSON
(3 person minimum)
Tours are available at 10:30 AM & 2:00 P
PLEASE CALL 631 267-6325 FOR SAME DAY BOOKINGS.

Or you could take a tour around the Hamptons on the American Beauty Sightseeing & charter Tours…the cost is
Adults: $29 and 2 for $52
Children: 5 years – 12 years: $18
Children under 5 years old FREE

Many Art Galleries have Art openings…Great way to meet people and might just be offered a free glass of champagne.

Drumming at Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack on Monday nights…FREE (be careful with parking, that is a big ticket)

Concerts in the Park in Southampton, NY: Each summer, SCC sponsors an extremely popular series of summer concerts in Agawam Park and at Coopers Beach. Most concerts are held on Wednesdays and start at 6:30 PM.
New Life Crisis July 22
Coopers Beach
Vanessa Trouble July 29
Agawam Park
Center Stage at Sunset
An Evening of Cherished
Broadway Melodies
Saturday, August 1
Agawam Park
AdLib Steel Orchestra August 5
Agawam Park
Just Sixties August 12
Coopers Beach
Nancy Atlas
Tuesday, August 18
Agawam Park
Hoodoo Loungers August 19
Agawam Park
Mambo Loco August 26
Agawam Park
Rhonda Denet September 2
Agawam Park

Many restaurants have live music and there is no cover, enjoy and relax while listening to some good music.
Harlow in Sag Harbor has Live Music Every Thursday-Sunday at the BackBar
Fresh Hamptons has live Entertainment on Monday nights….Love the food…so good

Live Jazz on Thursday nights at Bayburger in Sag Harbor
Comedy Night at Old Stove Pub in Sagaponack….. call them for dates: 631-537-3300
Come early for Dinner the Food is delicious….

Sunset Fridays & Saturdays Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Fridays & Saturdays at the Wine Stand
From 5 p.m. till sunset
Where The Wine Stand
Entry: FREE
Experience Hamptons living at its most laid-back on Friday and Saturday evenings at our beloved Montauk Highway outpost. Bring a blanket and enjoy wines by the glass and bottle, cheese and charcuterie plates for purchase, and an expansive vineyard view as the sun goes down.
Friday, July 17: Dan Bailey Tribe, Surf Rock
Saturday, July 18: Radio Europa, Latin Rhythms
Friday, July 24: Clinton Curtis, Rock
Saturday, July 25: Mamalee Rose, R&B
Friday, July 31: Greg Smith Group, Rock and Alt-Country
Saturday, August 1: Radio Europa, Latin Rhythms
Friday, August 7: Eric Stuart Band, Rock
Saturday, August 8: Eric Stuart Band, Rock
Friday, August 14: Dan Bailey Tribe, Surf Rock
Saturday, August 15: Inda Eaton, Alt-Country and Folk
Friday, August 21: Greg Smith Band, Rock and Alt-Country
Saturday, August 22: Clinton Curtis, Rock
Friday, August 28: Clinton Curtis, Rock
Saturday, August 29: Mamalee Rose, R&B

Stop back next week for more suggestions on things to do in the Hamptons that won’t cost you a fortune. Spa services, Best happy hour spots, favorite beaches, live Music, sales, things to do with kids and much more…… for more events join the HAMPTONS MOUTHPIECE EVENTS GROUP ON FACEBOOK

Coming to the Hamptons and not sure what to wear…Here is a very casual but chic outfit that can be worn for all sizes and all different ages… of course the dress might differ for each person.
A simple white dress with a light weight jean jacket, a wicker bag and metallic sneakers is a cool look to spend a casual summer afternoon in the Hamptons…and for the evening dress it up with a sexy shoe.

Spend the afternoon in the Hamptons by hamptonsstyle featuring round sunglasses

American Eagle Outfitters white dress / Rag bone JEAN denim jacket / Forever 21 scarve / Ultimo round sunglasses, $10 / Wicker Large Leather Trim Tote | Bags | CathKidston / CAVANNA

Hamptons Happenings: James Beard Foundation names Carla Hall from the Chew the 2015 Chefs and Champagne Honoree”

Hamptons Happenings:James Beard Foundation names Carla Hall from the Chew the 2015 Chefs and Champagne Honoree”
This summer, the James Beard Foundation (JBF) will honor celebrated TV personality, Co-Host of ABC-TV’s Popular Lifestyle Series “The Chew”, chef, and cookbook author Carla Hall at Chefs & Champagne®, the Foundation’s annual fundraiser and tasting party in the Hamptons.

The James Beard Foundation (JBF), the country’s preeminent culinary organization, announced that it will honor celebrated TV personality, chef, and cookbook author Carla Hall at its annual Hamptons fundraiser and tasting party this summer. Chefs & Champagne^® will be held at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, New York, on Saturday, July 25, 2015, featuring flowing Champagne Taittinger and culinary offerings from a select group of more than 40 fine chefs, many from JBF Award–winning restaurants.

Carla says “when I set out for culinary school after years of running a small catering business, it was with the hopes of learning everything I could about cooking and the culinary arts. In the end, I learned, as we all do, that education and discovery in the kitchen never stops,” “To be honored by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, which does so much to encourage the study of the culinary arts and the discovery of all that is magical about them is an amazing experience because it both affirms past choices and inspires future decisions.”

With this recognition, Hall joins the ranks of prestigious past Chefs & Champagne honorees including Bobby Flay, Thomas Keller, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Martha Stewart, and many more. She is a co-host of ABC’s popular lifestyle series The Chew, seated alongside restaurateurs and Iron Chef America stars Mario Batali and Michael Symon, entertaining expert Clinton Kelly and health and wellness enthusiast Daphne Oz. Hall is best known as a competitor on Bravo’s Top Chef, where she won over audiences with her fun catch phrase, “Hootie Hoo,” and her philosophy to always cook with love. Hall is the owner of Carla Hall Petite Cookies, an artisan cookie company that specializes in creating sweet and savory “petite bites of love,” and author of two cookbooks, “Carla’s Comfort Food: Favorite Dishes from Around the World” (2014) and “Cooking with Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You” (2012). Hall’s approach to cooking blends her classic French training and Southern upbringing for a twist on traditional favorites, which will be reflected on the menu of her soon-to-open fast-casual New York City restaurant, Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen.

Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation says “ever since they had the pleasure of working with Carla on their Taste America program in Philadelphia, they have been looking for another opportunity to bring her infectious love of life and creative culinary insights to an even wider audience.” “She exemplifies what is at the core of our mission: celebrating, nurturing, and honoring America’s diverse culinary heritage and future.”

Chefs & Champagneis considered the East End’s premiere culinary event. Funds raised at the event help support the James Beard Foundation’s wide variety of initiatives, including culinary student scholarships and the organization’s annual food conference on sustainability, public health, and nutrition. A silent auction consisting of fine dining experiences, wines and spirits, cookware, and culinary travel packages will also raise funds for the organization.

With a long tradition of supporting culinary education, the James Beard Foundation will also announce the recipient of the Christian Wölffer Scholarship at the event. Established in 2006, the scholarship fund supports students in their study of food and wine. As of 2014, the James Beard Foundation has awarded more than $5 million in financial aid to 1,650 recipients throughout the country.

The Chefs & Champagne main event will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm on Saturday, July 25, and is open to the public—reservations are $200 for James Beard Foundation members and $275 for non members. General admission includes all tastings, silent auction bidding opportunities and gift bag. VIP premium admission, beginning at 5:00 pm, is $375 for James Beard Foundation members and non members. VIP tables of 10 are available for $4,000. The VIP experience includes an additional exclusive reception hour with early access to all tastings, reserved table seating, advanced silent auction preview, gift bag and access to the VIP after-party. Reservations can be made by calling (212) 627-2308 or at jamesbeard.org/chefsandchampagne. To become a member of the James Beard Foundation, click here.

In addition to exclusive Champagne sponsor Champagne Taittinger, support for Chefs & Champagne 2015 will be provided by Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Celebrity Cruises^®, Fossil Farms™, Hamptons magazine, Stella Artois^® Belgian Lager, Sysco Metro NY, LLC, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, VerTerra Dinnerware, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and WVVH.*

About the James Beard Foundation (JBF)

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates, nurtures, and honors America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful, and delicious food. Today JBF continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training, and thought-leader convening. The Foundation also maintains the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs. In September of 2012, JBF launched the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Protocol and helped create the American Chef Corps as a way to champion American chefs abroad, promote American food products, and foster an interest in American culinary culture and history through international programs and initiatives. One such project is the next world’s fair, Expo Milano 2015, for which the James Beard Foundation is co-leading the effort for the State Department to design and produce the USA Pavilion, a global gathering of 147 countries addressing the challenges of how we will feed ourselves in the future. The pavilion, whose theme will be “American Food 2.0: United to Feed the Planet,” will showcase America’s contributions to global food security and gastronomy. For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org. Find insights on food at the James Beard Foundation’s blog Delights & Prejudices. Join the James Beard Foundation on Facebook. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Twitter and Instagram.

For press info: Contact: Alexandra Pearson or Diane Stefani, 212.255.8455 [email protected] /[email protected] @BeardFoundation #JBFChefsandChampagne

Collective Identity Exhibit opening on July 11th in Sag Harbor

Collective Identity Exhibit opening on July 11th in Sag Harbor @ The Eastville Community Historical Society.

Greg Therriault bought a home called the Ivy Cottage in 1978 found portraits on tintypes in a space between two floorboards. Tintypes are small iron-coated photographs exposed on a camera’s film plate. They were common during the late 1800s. Greg recently decided to donate the tintypes to the Eastville Community Historical Society in Sag Harbor. Along with the tintypes and other albums that over time had also been found in homes nearby, project photo editor and Sag Harbor native DonnaMarie Barnes along with the committee at the Eastville Historical Society decided to bring this exhibit to the community to share these amazing images.

DonnaMarie Barnes says the power of an image sheds light on valuable historic records.

The Historical Society has been able to identify one of the men and hopes to soon be able to identify the other. One man is Nathan J. Cuffee, the first Native American author to be published on Long Island.

Photographed images will be on display over the summer in an exhibition called Collective Identity: Early Portraits of Eastville.

There are no coinstidences in life and Greg was supposed to find those images… I am so happy that he chose to share them and now we all get to have a glimpse into the past through these images to be shared at the COLLECTIVE IDENTITY reception to be held July 11th – October 10th 2015
Opening Reception
July 11th 4-7 P.M.
139 Hampton Street
Sag Harbor

BAY STREET THEATER’S 24th ANNUAL SUMMER GALA

BAY STREET THEATER’S 24th ANNUAL SUMMER GALA

SATURDAY, JULY 11
The Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
Cast from THE PRINCE OF EGYPT
Honoring
The Honorable Timothy Bishop & Joe Pintauro
Celebrity Auctioneer: Richard Kind

5:30 pm VIP Cocktail Reception at the theater
6 pm Premiere Concert and Awards presentation at the theater
7:30 pm Tent opens for cocktails
8 pm Dinner, Silent & Live Auction

June 24 , 2015 (Sag Harbor, NY) – Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the full cast for the premiere concert reading of the first act of DreamWorks Theatricals new stage adaptation of The Prince of Egypt. This reading is part of Bay Street Theater’s 24th Annual Summer Gala which will take place in Sag Harbor at the Long Wharf on July 11, 2015 to benefit Bay Street’s educational and theatrical programs. The Prince of Egypt features book by Philip LaZebnik (writer of Mulan, Pocahontas) and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell); both authors will be attending the Gala. Bay Street’s Artistic Director Scott Schwartz will direct the reading, Dominic Amendum is Musical Director, and casting is by Stewart/Whitley.

The special concert reading will feature Broadway and film stars, as well as local talent, including Matthew James Thomas (Pippin, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark) as Moses, Aaron Lazar (The Wolf of Wall Street, This Is Where I Leave You, J. Edgar) as Ramses, Tony Award winner Patina Miller (Pippin, Sister Act, Madam Secretary) as Tzipporah, Norm Lewis (Scandal, Porgy and Bess, Phantom of the Opera) as Jethro, Stephen Bogardus (West Side Story, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha) as Seti, Julia Murney (Wicked, 30 Rock, The Wild Party) as Queen Tuya, Kyle Barisich (Phantom of the Opera, The Following) as Aaron, John Treacy Egan (Jekyll & Hyde, The Producers, Nice Work If You Can Get It) as Hoy, Ryan Knowles (We Will Rock You!, NEWSical: the Musical, Radio City Christmas Spectacular) as Hotep, Joanna Howard (Peter and The Starcatcher, National tour of Les Miserables) as Nefertari, Julia Motyka (Travesties, Richard III) as Miriam, and Anna Schiavoni as Young Miriam.

Along with the thrilling principal cast there will be a large chorus of local performers led by Choir Master Greg Wilson. The chorus includes: Gary Ducoihy, Marquez Catherine Stewart, Nataliz Fulqieri, Vivian Grizzle-Jaber, Pattiz Hulmes, Courtney Kossick, Matt Luca, Austin Myers, Elizabeth Oldak, Ariana Pazz, Katzlyn Piotrowicz, Zack Reily, Sarah Soltysik, Marquez Catherine Stewart, Matt Tursi, Amanda Tuscorella, Carlton Welsh, Christian Wern, Michelle Wern, and Greg Wilson.

Honorees
The gala will honor The Honorable Timothy Bishop and Joe Pintauro.

The Honorable Timothy Bishop As a representative for New York’s 1st congressional district, Bishop served most of central and eastern Suffolk County and secured more than $150 million for projects within his district. He was widely viewed as one of the Congress’ strongest advocates for access and affordability for students pursuing Higher Education. Prior to serving in the United States Congress from 2003-2015, Bishop was an administrator at Southampton College of LIU for 29 years, the last 16 of which he spent as Provost. Recently named distinguished professor of Civic Engagement and Public Service at St. Joseph’s College, he resides in Southampton with his wife Kathy. The couple has two daughters, Molly and Meghan, and a grandson, Nathan.

Joe Pintauro is a noted playwright, poet, and novelist. His play Men’s Lives was the inaugural production of Bay Street Theater. His novels are Cold Hands and State of Grace. Joe is a recipient of the John Steinbeck Writers Award and the Guild Hall Lifetime Achievement Award for the Literary Arts. He is currently working on a third novel and just completed a new play.

The evening begins with the premiere concert reading of the first act of The Prince of Egypt, and then continues in the tent on the Long Wharf with dinner prepared by Sterling Affair, and party with live and silent auctions, with celebrity auctioneer Richard Kind. VIP tables begin at $10,000, with VIP tickets at $1,200. A limited number of general admission tickets are available for $600; $425 for Young Professionals 40 and under.

Items in this year’s live and silent auctions will be managed by 501 Auctions which includes mobile bidding. Items include: a week at the beach on St. Bart’s at a luxury WIMCO villa with unparalleled concierge service and complimentary provisioning; play 18 holes of golf for two with Richard Kind at The Bridge; a cocktail party at your home catered by Sterling Affair; dinner and two tickets to the hottest new musical on Broadway, Hamilton and so much more!

This year’s sponsors (list in progress) include: The Bridge Golf Course, Bridgehampton Florist, Channing Daughters Winery, David Scott Interiors, East End Limousine, The Golden Pear, Grand Hyatt Resort, David Lawenda/Facebook, Hamptons H2O Water, Merrill DataSite, Peconic Landing, Pierre’s Restaurant, Searles Graphics, Southampton Publick House, Suffolk County National Bank, Sterling Affair, Wimco Villas, Worth. Media Sponsors are Dan’s Papers and Hamptons Magazine.

VIP Tables and tickets are available by calling Kim Fink at 631-725-0818, [email protected]. General admissions tickets are available 631-725-0818, at www.baystreet.org.

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is a year-round, not-for-profit professional theater and community cultural center which endeavors to innovate, educate, and entertain a diverse community through the practice of the performing arts. We serve as a social and cultural gathering place, an educational resource, and a home for a community of artists.

tent photo credit: Lenny Stucker/www.lennystucker.com