Hamptons 2014 Fall Preview: Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center

Since its 1997 conversion from a movie theater to a center for the arts, the nonprofit Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has hosted world-class performers, a year-round arts education program, and a long-running film series.

The Performing Arts Center’s current Finest in World Cinema series will continue through October 5. Films scheduled include The Trip to Italy and The Zero Theorem. Movies are shown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Westhampton Beach sizzles with live music all fall. First to take the stage is Roberta Flack, who will be “killing them softly” with her Grammy Award–winning songs and more on October 12, backed up by her fantastic band.

John Sebastian and David Grisman will bring their signature brand of acoustic folk-rock to the center on Saturday, October 18, at 8 p.m. The collaboration between these two legends is called Satisfied, which is billed as “stunning collection of acoustic duets featuring traditional folk tunes, blues, classic instrumentals and originals.”

F. David Mogull Productions presents the inaugural Hamptons Music Festival (HMF), Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 24–26. The three-day festival will include MainStage performances by Duncan Sheik, Natalie Merchant and Jeff LeBlanc, culminating in the Festival Finale—East Meets West featuring local musicians from Montauk to Patchogue. Visit hamptonsmucifestival.com for more information.

Friday, October 24, at 8 p.m., it’s Duncan Sheik with special guest Jeff LeBlanc. A Grammy- and Tony-winning singer/songwriter, Duncan Sheik is probably best known for his 1996 hit, “Barely Breathing,” which remained on the charts for 55 weeks. His rich, catchy melodies blend with full orchestral strings to create a lush, ethereal quality matching Sheik’s own vocal style. Expect to hear memorable hits along with newer compositions such “Lay Down Your Weapons,” as well as songs from Shiek’s Tony-winning rock musical, Spring Awakening. Opening for Sheik is the East End of Long Island’s own singer/songwriter Jeff LeBlanc.

On Saturday, October 25, at 8 p.m., it’s alt-pop powerhouse Natalie Merchant. As the lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs and a prolific singer/songwriter, Merchant delivers literate, socially conscious songs solidified her position as a frontrunner among women in pop music in the early ’90s, and she has enjoyed even greater success since embarking on her solo career. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to hear this multi-platinum selling American singer in an intimate setting, as she returns with her first collection of entirely original songs in 13 years.

Then on Sunday, October 26, HMF presents East Meets West—The Best Music from Montauk to Patchogue. From 12:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., talented singer/songwriters from across the East End will showcase their original music from both the indoor electric and outdoor acoustic stages. Barbeque favorites from the grill will be smoking, while the specialty drinks flow from both the indoor and outdoor bars. Acts include Dan Baily, Hopefully Forgiven, Matty O’Brien Group, Julia Haltigan, Jack Licitra, Alfredo & Lilly Anne Merat and others.

At 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, poetic singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, famous for her hits “Luka” and “Tom’s Diner,” will perform contemporary folk music from her latest release, Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles, along with songs from her library of hits.

On the weekend of December 13–14, the Performing Arts Center will host the timeless holiday tale The Nutcracker, performed by WHBPAC’s Dancecore Ballet Program.

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. 631-288-1500, whbpac.org.