Rock the Dock in Sag Harbor Rocked

Bay Street Theatre Rocked the Dock Saturday night, as Long Wharf was canvased in a huge white tent complete with a dance floor, colored lights and delectable dining options. I caught up with Chris Bauer, a Bay Street Board Member, avid theatre supporter, and star of True Blood and The Wire right after I arrived. A celebrity sighting so soon? This was going to be a good night.

“(Rock the Dock) is amazing,” said Bauer. “I love the theatre. It’s so essential to the area, and I want to do everything I can to keep it here.” He emphasized his commitment to the East End—his kids even went to school here for two years.

Aida Tuturro of Sopranos fame also enjoyed herself. She’s been to Sag Harbor and Bay Street before, but this was her first Rock the Dock experience.

“I’ve been here for four and a half minutes and I’m already having a good time!” she raved before we snapped a photo.

Then it was time for the cocktail hour, as guests were invited to mingle under the setting sun and peruse some of the silent auction items. (I tried and lost the bid for four VIP tickets to the Mets vs. Marlins game. But, by the time the auction closed, I was too busy dancing to care too much!) The Big Ticket items, like a set visit to the Today show and a backstage Meet and Greet with Kathie Lee and Hoda, were auctioned off live after dinner.

The food was phenomenal. Servers brought small platters of each item to the table, and everyone was welcome to sample from what was like our own personal buffet. My favorites were the scallop kebobs—grilled to perfection—and this amazing filet minion pastry. C’est Magnifique! In between courses, we were treated to the fabulous vocals of Lillias White, a Tony award winner and star of the upcoming Bay Street show Big Maybelle: Soul of the Blues.

I worked off all I ate on the dance floor later that night. And, in between musical numbers, we caught the fireworks over Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton. How magical is that?

Read more about my experience at Rock the Dock in this week’s issue of Dan’s Papers.