A Summer Full of Music on the East End

We can all feel the warmth of summertime creeping in, all of us just waiting for the sun to finally spread its rays out to their fullest extent and mark the beginning of another beautiful Long Island summer. For most people, spending a hot summer day outside by the pool or at the beach would not be complete without some tunes in the background to liven up the party (or slow it down if relaxation is on the schedule). Luckily for us out on the East End, the next few months will see no end to live music performances of all types.

Great musical things are happening at “The End” all summer. Check out the schedule of musical performances at Gurney’s Inn. Saturday nights at Gurney’s mean live concerts—past acts have included the Lone Sharks, Nancy Atlas, Almost Famous, and more. How could you go wrong? The summer definitely seems to be the right time to head out to Gurney’s! When the weather gets warm, Gurney’s hosts a Tuesday night beach concert series. Not only music, they also have volleyball, great drinks, a bonfire and more. If you’re looking to slow things down even more, stop by the Inn on Sundays for their Lazy Sundays on the Beach, when they’ll have chill music and drink specials.

The Jam Sessions at Bay Burger in Sag Harbor on Thursday nights quickly became the stuff of legend when they started up just a few short years ago. Who would’ve thought that a simple burger joint with a killer musical vibe would be such a success in the fabulous Hamptons? It seems like it was just what the East End needed. If you haven’t been yet, you should really head down between 7 and 9 p.m. this Thursday. And hey, why not dust off that old instrument and bring her along, too?

The vineyards that dot the two Forks are often the best places to go for great atmosphere and great music. On Sundays you can head up to Osprey’s Dominion Vineyard for live music between 1 and 5 p.m. One well-kept secret is the chill atmosphere at the Wolffer Wine Stand in Sagaponack every Friday evening from 5 p.m. until sunset. Live music, wines by the glass, and bottles for purchase always make this a beautiful evening under the sky.

One of the top spots throughout the year to hear great music in the Hamptons is the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, and their summer season looks just about ready to sizzle. Dianne Reeves takes the stage on June 8, starting the season off right with her jazz performance. Her smooth tones have won her multiple Grammy Awards. If you instead want a true island feel, try Ziggy Marley’s reggae performance on June 16. And who could turn down the opportunity to hear the sounds of the Beatles when the Fab Faux comes to Westhampton Beach for two performances on July 21? The group is sure to get your feet tapping to your favorites from the ’60s.

For the classically inclined out there, you might be more interested in attending one of the many performances that make up the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival this summer. The Wm. Brian Little Concert—The American Experience, happening on August 10, just might be worth putting into your calendar this early. In addition to patriotic American music, there will also be a winetasting and appetizers at the event, which is taking place in the Channing Daughters’ Sculpture Garden.

Every performance over the next few months looks like the perfect way to end a long day on the beach! Make sure to head out and enjoy the world-class performances hitting the Hamptons this summer.