Expanded SeptemberFest Lineup Celebrates Southampton
After two years of growing success, Southampton SeptemberFest has expanded to three days. This year the festival will run throughout the weekend, from Friday, September 27 through Sunday September 29. During the festival, Southampton Village will offer a wide range of exciting events that embrace art, music, food, history and fun.
Past years’ events brought thousands of people to village streets with the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, the “Best of Hamptons” Chowder Contest, music and activities for families, all of which are scheduled to return.
“We brought some old favorites back and added some new events with our expanded festival,” says James Egan, creative director of SeptemberFest. “The streets will be filled end-to-end with activities to really take advantage of the things we have here in the village. We added a new exhibit of antique tractors and farm engines. … Events like this really tap into the roots of why we are doing this festival, what the beginnings of this beautiful area are really about. Things have changed so much, but the farms and bounty of the Hamptons remain.”
The weekend includes a Friday evening “Kick-Off Party” with music by the popular Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks at Agawam Park, followed by a crowd-pleasing line-up of music scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Then, on Sunday, an Art Show in the Park will showcase East End talent.
Headlining Saturday’s “Concert In The Park” is the Hamptons’ mightiest mash-up band, New Life Crisis, known for their crafty mix of popular rock hits and original singles. Their unique “no set list” policy—with lead singer Paul Mahos directing the band like a club DJ—feels out the audience and tailors an experience exclusively to the vibe of the event.
Opening Saturday’s concert is reggae band Project Vibe. Throughout Southampton Village visitors will discover more live entertainment by jazz ensembles, vocalists and other acts. Families will be entertained by Grammy-nominated performer Brandy Rymer with The Little Band That Could.
“There’s all kinds of music for everyone to enjoy,” adds Egan. “There will be street musicians, too. The Southampton Historical Museum will be open, and there are lots of kids activities, like Jester Jim, who will be on hand to amaze with his unique brand of magic.”
A “Taste Of Southampton” expo will offer visitors a chance to sample food, wine and craft beer. Or they can join in the judging during the “Best Of The Hamptons” Chowder Contest, which will have about 15 restaurants competing.
Live carving demonstrations will be provided by the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, whose dramatic talent has been featured on the Food Network’s Halloween Wars. Forget Jack O’Lanterns or cat faces, the carvers can make any face, scene or logo using special tools.
Keeping with the spirit of the season, a new show at the newly opened Southampton Center, in the former Parrish Museum location at 25 Jobs Lane, is sure to be fun and spooky. “Chas Addams: Family and Friends” is an exhibit of the cartoons and illustrations of the beloved artist best known for the creation of The Addams Family and for his satirical commentary on New York City. In 1993, at just 21 years of age, The New Yorker first published his work. Addams went on to become one of that magazine’s marquee contributors, until his death in 1988. The show opens September 28 with a cocktail party.
“It truly takes a Village to make an event this comprehensive happen,” Egan says.
A portion of the proceeds raised from the event will support the new Southampton Center. Additional info at southamptonseptemberfest.com or facebook.com/southamptonseptemberfest.