Music & Art Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

Apollo in the Hamptons is Back!

August 25, 2025 In Fundraiser for a Cause 5 Mins Read

After a short hiatus, Apollo in the Hamptons returned this past weekend for the first time since 2019 and it wasn’t just another summer soirée. It was a celebration of culture, history, and community that reminded us all why preserving legacy matters.

For generations, there’s been a natural connection between Harlem and the Hamptons—especially through Sag Harbor’s historic Black beachfront community. This event Apollo in the Hamptons carried that thread beautifully, bringing Harlem’s heartbeat out East for one unforgettable night at EHP Resort & Marina (Si Si Restaurant) in East Hampton.

A Feast for the Senses

Gayle King, Nina Cooper, Photo credit: Danté Crichlow

From the moment cocktail hour began, the night set the tone: mini lobster rolls, crab cake sliders, Korean chicken lettuce wraps, carne asada skewers, and yakitori Japanese sweet potato. Dinner stations followed with Moroccan halibut, spicy rigatoni, lobster Cobb salad, and couscous with veggies.

But the highlight? The dessert station! Mini sweet potato pies, mini bread pudding, and mini banana pudding—all those Harlem-inspired flavors in bite-sized form—made it feel like home. It was a perfect fusion of East End elegance and Harlem soul. Honestly, it felt like the Hamptons and Harlem were in the same place.

Music That Moved the Room

Doug E. Fresh,Photo credit: Danté Crichlow

Apollo in the Hamptons performances lit up the night: Doug E. Fresh, Crystal Waters, Dres, Chubb Rock, and a high-energy DJ Cassidy set that had guests on their feet. Then came Wé Ani—an Amateur Night at the Apollo winner who went on to place Top 5 on American Idol 2023. Her voice soared through the Hamptons air. Personally, my favorite track of hers is Disgusted, though truthfully, her entire album is worth a listen.

Adding even more Harlem flavor, Café Wha? delivered a genre-spanning set that paid tribute to the Apollo’s iconic stage and the spirit of 125th Street.

Real Talk with Wé Ani 🎤

I had the chance to connect with Wé Ani after the event, and her reflections were as powerful as her performance.

Hamptons Mouthpiece: Performing at the Apollo Theater is legendary—how did that experience prepare you for your journey on American Idol?

Wé Ani “I always say this: the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life, hands down, was performing at the Apollo. Scarier even than singing for Tony Bennett at the Library of Congress in front of Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, and Josh Groban. Because at the Apollo, you know at any moment you could get booed off stage. And I thought to myself, if I can handle that—if I can survive the Apollo—I can handle anything, even Simon Cowell. That experience made me fearless.”

HM: Is there anything new on the horizon that your fans can look forward to—music, performances, or collaborations?

Wé Ani: “Absolutely. I’m in the middle of rebranding my artistry and working on a lot of new music. People can definitely expect new songs and collaborations that stretch my sound in different directions. I want to reach new audiences and step into spaces that challenge me as an artist. I’m very excited about what’s coming next.”

HM: Did you get a chance to explore Sag Harbor during Apollo in the Hamptons?

Wé Ani: “I would have loved to just stick around and see what that would have been about, because I don’t get to go to a lot of places whenever I travel. Nine times out of ten, it’s hotel to venue, then back to the hotel, back on a plane or in a car. So it really means a lot when people who are native to a place give me the full experience—because then I get to go and tell people about it, which is so important for me. I’ll definitely be back, and next time I’d love the full Sag Harbor tour.

Walter Oden, Ashley Oden, Racquel Oden, Photo credit: Danté Crichlow

A Night of Support & Star Power

The crowd reflected the Apollo’s reach and influence, with notable attendees including Michelle Ebanks (President & CEO, The Apollo), Kamilah Forbes (Executive Producer, The Apollo), Joy Profet (Chief Growth Officer, The Apollo), Star Jones, Gayle King, and actor/musician Leon.

The evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsors such as The Phillips, Gibson and Dunn/Orin Snyder, Nina & Frank Cooper/VISA, and Tameem Hourani, with additional support from Apollo’s dedicated Board of Directors. Their commitment reinforced the importance of cultural institutions like the Apollo in shaping society for the better.

The Real Star of the Night

While the celebrities and performances shined, the true star was The Apollo itself. The fundraiser raised critical funds for the theater’s first full-scale renovation and restoration. This isn’t just a facelift. It’s about preserving a cultural legacy that stretches from Ella Fitzgerald’s big break to James Brown’s electrifying performances to today’s rising stars.

Real Talk, Real People ✨

I wasn’t able to attend this year, but as someone who grew up in Harlem, the Apollo has always been more than a theater. It’s the soul of 125th Street—a place where culture, music, and history converge. Preserving it means ensuring the next generation can stand on that stage, feel that same electricity, and carry that legacy forward.

So yes, Apollo in the Hamptons was about great music, celebrity sightings, and a perfect summer night. But more than anything, it was about history—keeping it alive, honoring it, and making sure the story of Black excellence, creativity, and resilience is never forgotten.

To learn more or support the mission, visit apollotheater.org

In Eats

Art and Soul, a Soulful Celebration in the Hamptons

August 1, 2025 In Eats 3 Mins Read

Art & Soul: Where Culture, Flavor & Black Joy Took Center Stage in the Hamptons

Let’s keep it real — ART & SOUL: Hamptons didn’t just return this year. It showed out.

From July 18–20, the East End was alive with color, culture, and connection as this sold-out, three-day celebration spotlighted the brilliance of Black creativity. We’re talking visual art, Caribbean soul food, live music, crafted cocktails, and thought-provoking conversations — all wrapped in a weekend that radiated joy from start to finish.

And when I say this event had layers? I mean layers.

✨ Visual artists like Reynoir Lewis, Laura R. Gadson, and Suliman Onque lit up the outdoor exhibitions with bold, breathtaking work.

✨ Photographer Kurt Leggard (yep, that’s my husband!) captured the magic of the red carpet, from the glow-ups to the candid moments of joy.

✨ Music floated through the air — with flutist Dwayne Kerr (of Erykah Badu’s band), master kora player Yacouba Sissoko, SIYA African Band, and DJ Infmatick setting the tone.

And y’all already know my favorite part: Friday night’s Culinary Tasting & Film Night. The flavors were bold, the chefs brought the heat (shoutout to Chara’s Kitchen, SMAC, Infusery, and more!), and the screening of ERASED — narrated by Idris Elba — hit deep. It was powerful, moving, and necessary. The talkback, moderated by Brenda Simmons of the Southampton African American Museum, opened the floor to the kind of conversations that stick with you long after the credits roll.

Throughout the weekend, guests sipped on curated cocktails and moonshine from New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery (yes, moonshine!), and toasted with HRLM Champagne and wines from Charles Springfield’s stylings. And let’s not forget the soulful wellness sips and bites from PAIJA Tea Co., Happy Bubble Soda, The Nourish Spot, and more.

The vibes? Immaculate. The crowd? A mix of tastemakers, artists, philanthropists, and real-deal community leaders. Names like actress Novi Brown (BET’s Sistas), Peter Marino, Vanessa Gordon, Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, and yes, me (Vanessa Leggard of Hamptons MouthPiece!) came out to celebrate.

But this event wasn’t about the names. It was about the energy. The joy. The community. The real talk, real People

As festival producer Yaya Reyes put it best, “ART & SOUL is not just an event — it’s a declaration of presence, purpose, and power.”

And that’s exactly what it felt like.

From the luxe florals by April & Ashley to the curated gift bags filled with purpose-driven Black-owned brands — everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of soul.

This was a weekend that didn’t just entertain — it uplifted. It honored the past, celebrated the present, and poured into the future of Black excellence in the arts, food, and beyond.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry — Art & Soul is just getting started. Follow @ArtAndSoulHamptons to stay plugged in.

Because around here, we do more than show up.

We celebrate, we support, and we shine.

Hamptons MouthPiece; Real Talk. Real People. From NYC to the East End.

In Eats

A Soulful Celebration: Art & Soul Hamptons Returns for a Powerful Weekend of Culture, Creativity & Cuisine

June 26, 2025 In Eats 5 Mins Read

If there’s one event I mark on my calendar every summer, it’s Art & Soul: Hamptons. As someone who’s attended this incredible celebration in past years, I can tell you—it’s not just an event, it’s an experience. From the inspiring art to the mouthwatering cuisine (yes, I’m still dreaming about those crab cakes made by Chef Ronica Copes, Five Star Crab Cake—hands down the best I’ve ever tasted), Art & Soul captures the essence of what makes the Hamptons community so rich, so cultured, and so vibrant.

This year, Art & Soul returns on July 18-19, 2025, and it promises to be bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. Hosted in partnership with the Southampton African American Museum and Southampton Arts Center , the weekend is a celebration of BIPOC artists from the Hamptons and beyond—through art, music, food, and storytelling.

🎨 The Artists: Passion. Power. Purpose.

Let’s start with the reason we gather—the art. This year’s featured artists are an incredibly talented group of creatives, each with a unique voice and story to tell:

• Reynoir Lewis brings his limitless energy to Southampton with his bold, abstract paintings and home décor pieces. Reynoir’s art is as vibrant as his personality—he draws from his Caribbean roots, DJ background, and love of storytelling to create pieces that are alive with movement and color. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the WOOD ART EXHIBITION at the Southampton Arts Center.

• Laura R. Gadson is a master of textiles. Her quilt, fiber, and mixed media work is deeply rooted in history, heritage, and heart. If you’ve ever been touched by the texture of a story told through fabric, you’re going to love meeting Laura and experiencing her work up close.

• Suliman Onque is the definition of multi-talented. From murals to comic books to wearable art, his creativity knows no limits. I love that he’s not afraid to explore every medium and tell stories that speak to identity, justice, and culture.

• Shaunt’e Lewis , who will be featured at the Southampton African American Museum, is an illustrator and fiber artist whose bold and colorful work celebrates powerful women and community resilience. Her story—from hairstylist to nationally recognized artist—is a beautiful reminder of the power of purpose and passion.

• And don’t miss the Shinnecock Artist Exhibition at Ma’s House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, featuring local Indigenous artists like Jeremy Dennis, Durrell Hunter, and Reebekah Wise. It’s an intimate experience that honors the deep cultural roots of our region.

🍽️ The Culinary Experience: Come Hungry!

Now, let me talk about the food—because y’all, the culinary team at Art & Soul knows how to throw down.

This year’s tastings will be brought to us by:

• Chef Cheryl Grigg of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering (bless her hands with her fried chicken beignets are a spiritual experience),

• and Chef Doug Gee, another culinary star who brings soulful, elevated flavor to every dish.

And for the cocktail lovers, New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery will be serving up award-winning spirits passed down through generations. They’re the first Afro-Puerto Rican-American distillery in the country, and their story is as smooth as their rum.

🎶 Music, Vibes & Magic

As always, Art & Soul delivers on vibes. You’ll be serenaded by the incredible Dwayne Kerr, flutist for Erykah Badu’s band, and transported by Yacouba Sissoko and the SIYA African Band, whose traditional kora music bridges generations of African storytelling.

And yes, the red carpet is back! My favorite photographer (and husband) Kurt Leggard will be capturing the magic, so bring your style and let your soul shine.

🖼️ Beyond the Art: Walk, Learn, and Celebrate

The weekend includes a cultural Art Walk with stops at the Southampton African American Museum, Southampton Arts Center, and Hidden Gem —a luxury home boutique founded by sisters Tanya and Temidra Willock. I love that this event also creates space to support Black-owned businesses right here in the Hamptons.

There’s also a private museum tour of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio on the Shinnecock Reservation—one of my favorite hidden treasures in Southampton. The work being done there by Indigenous artist Jeremy Dennis is powerful and deeply rooted in legacy and land.

And for the film buffs, don’t miss the screening of Erased, executive produced by Idris Elba, which highlights the forgotten contributions of soldiers of color during WWII. This is the kind of storytelling that changes minds and hearts.

💃 The Afterglow

From the Art After Dark Soirée to the Caribbean cocktail-fueled afterparty with DJ Infmatick, every moment of Art & Soul feels like a love letter to culture, creativity, and connection.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Art & Soul is one of my favorite events in the Hamptons. It’s a beautiful blend of art, soul food, music, and community. It fills me up and reminds me why I love being a part of this place. If you’re looking for a weekend that inspires, uplifts, and feeds both your soul and your appetite, don’t miss this.

🎟️ Grab your tickets. VIP Weekend Pass July 18 & 19, 2025, Art & Soul Hamptons 2025

Come hungry. Come inspired. And don’t forget to try the crab cakes—you’ll thank me later.

In Hamptons Happenings

NILE RODGERS TWO-DAY ALL-STAR FOLD FESTIVAL

July 23, 2015 In Hamptons Happenings 2 Mins Read

Riverhead: NILE RODGERS TWO-DAY ALL-STAR FOLD FESTIVAL AT MARTHA CLARA VINEYARDS

GRAMMY WINNING MUSIC INDUSTRY ICON NILE RODGERS TO PRODUCE TWO-DAY ALL-STAR “FOLD FESTIVAL”® AT MARTHA CLARA VINEYARDS, RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK

Grammy-winning composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist Nile Rodgers will produce, perform, and host the FreakOut! Festival®, an all-star concert to be presented at Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, Long Island on August 4 and August 5, 2015. Co-produced by music industry veteran Michael Ostin and Peter Herman of Nile Rodgers Productions, the FreakOut! Festival® is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime event that will feature Rodgers and his multi-platinum band CHIC sharing the stage with music legends and contemporary trailblazers like Beck, Duran Duran, Paloma Faith, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Chaka Khan, Janelle Monàe, Q-Tip, Keith Urban, and Pharrell Williams, among other artists. In both scope and size, it’s the first music festival of its kind on Long Island. It will be the ONLY time you will see the two most recent Grammy® “Album Of The Year” winners (Nile Rodgers/Pharrell, 2014 and Beck, 2015) perform together on the same stage and for some artists, the first time you will be able to see them perform live in 2015.
This might just be the premier music event of summer 2015, the FreakOut! Festival® will bring the live music experience to a whole new level of spontaneity and excitement.
An Event for all ages…CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION
FOLD Festival – 2 Day Pass 1 day pass $137…..2 day pass $242

Riverhead is known for its commitment to cultural events, as well as being
a warm, friendly, and welcoming township distinguished by its vineyards, good wine, good food, and
good people with an appreciation for the arts. The Suffolk Theater in downtown Riverhead will also be hosting The Official FreakOut! Festival® After Party from 11pm to 4am. Hotels and the Riverhead business community as well as The East End Arts are involved in the festivities. There is easy downtown access for ticket holders to Martha Clara Vineyard via Festival Bus Shuttles — Shuttles will pickup and return to the Riverhead Train Station and The Suffolk Theater hourly from 3pm to 12 am. (Free Parking can be found downtown and at the Train Station.)

In Art Gallery News

Hamptons Art – Trinity – Christopher Engel Opening July 25th

July 22, 2015 In Art Gallery News 2 Mins Read

Sag Harbor- Hamptons Art – Trinity – Christopher Engel Opening July 25th

“Trinity” – Recent Work Christopher Engel
Reception: Saturday, July 25, 5-6:30 PM
TRINITY runs from July 23 to August 13,2015

Christopher Engel’s newest work is inspired by a personal connection to the teachings and writings of CG Jung. At the age of fifteen, an apartment fire took away most of Engel’s possessions, forcing him to live in his parents New York City theater where he discovered the book “Man and His Symbols” by Jung. This experience set him on his path as an artist and as an art therapist.

Jung’s philosophy of the collective unconscious resonates throughout Engel’s work – a connection to the archetypal symbols of humanity, from our ancestors to our predecessors.

The title of his newest show at Romany Kramoris Gallery, comes from his painting “Trinity.” A memory of being in Washington Square Park as a child, observing three whimsical figures who seemed to have transcended time and were reminiscent of Medieval entertainers – jesters, magicians, musicians – is depicted in the foreground. The symbolism of the “trinity” has strong mystical and spiritual connotations in cultures throughout history and the world, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christian theology. These figures as well as those depicting other trios in Engel’s newest series – three kings, carnival performers, musicians – call to mind these cultural and spiritual icons.

Also included in this show is “City Shaman,” which calls to mind the Assyrian wall reliefs. We see the depiction of one figure embodying three beings, once again emphasizing the significance of the “trinity.”

Engel states, “My work attempts to capture images of the archetypal origins of myth and to draw the viewer into a connection and communication with ancient spirits, the metaphysical, the sacred, the holy, and the transcendent. These images portray the archetypal heroes and heroines that exist in the past, present and future all at the same moment. These images have appeared throughout history – in the first marks of our ancestors, on cave walls, on trees, in the sand – messages that though we are only passing through this life momentarily, we each are a part of something that never ends. I venture to record these images as a map for exploration – to show patterns, to chart the sub-conscious, to leave a record of this journey.”