Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Explores the Stars, Goes to the Circus and More

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) has a busy and exciting summer, filled with a diverse offering of musical talent. This Westhampton Beach village staple has something for everyone, from families to fans of good ol’ country.

Kicking off the summer on May 23 is the “World’s Greatest Party Band,” the B-52s. This fun-loving band is known for hits such as “Love Shack,” “Roam,” “Rock Lobster” and more.

Next, soul icon Michael McDonald takes the stage on June 6, bringing his signature sultry baritone voice to the East End. This five-time Grammy Award-winning artist will perform beloved classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “What a Fool Believes” and various Motown covers. Learn about science while laughing out loud when StarTalk Live hits WHBPAC on June 12. Hosted by fan fave Bill Nye the Science Guy and comedian Eugene Mirman, this live version of the award-winning podcast StarTalk Radio explores science with humor and pop culture references, covering everything from sex to extraterrestrial life.

The David Bromberg Quintet performs on June 13. Known as the Godfather of Americana, David Bromberg and his band will perform hits like “Only Slightly Mad.” On June 18, check out Milo Greene, part of WHBPAC’s Breakout Artist Series. Made up of four indie-pop singer-songwriters, Milo Greene recently released their sophomore album, Control and have performed at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. Fans of Duncan Sheik will be “Barely Breathing” on June 19 when the Grammy-nominated and Tony-winning singer-songwriter performs. Sheik composed the score for the Broadway hit Spring Awakening, and “Barely Breathing” was on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for 55 weeks.

The Duke University a cappella group The Pitchforks sing on June 27. This acclaimed group has gone far beyond the confines of their college campus, singing the national anthem for the Chicago Bulls and opening for Ben Folds. On June 28, Hasidic Jewish folk group Pharaoh’s Daughter comes to WHBPAC, performing an eclectic blend of traditional Jewish music with Arabic rhythm and African beats.

The legendary David Crosby comes to Westhampton Beach on July 3. The iconic singer-songwriter is an inductee in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Neo-swing band The Hot Sardines spice things up July 11, bringing with them a unique sound inspired by Fats Waller and classic pop. Renowned Jamaican band The Wailers perform on July 12. Original member Aston “Family Man” Barrett leads this distinctive sounding band, with hits like “Stir It Up,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Redemption Song.” Beatles cover band The Fab Faux hit WHBPAC on July 18. This great band will perform two shows, at 7:30 and 10 p.m. On July 19, famed country singer Wynonna Judd performs with her band The Big Noise. Judd is a five-time Grammy winner, New York Times best-selling author and has been called “The Greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline” by Rolling Stone. More strong female artists hit Westhampton Beach on July 25 when the Indigo Girls light up the stage. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are known for hits such as “Closer to Fine,” “Power of Two,” “Galileo” and more.

WHBPAC and The Zoppe Italian Family Circus take over Westhampton Beach Village’s Great Lawn from July 23–July 26. This big-top event stars Nino the Clown and features acrobatic stunts, equestrian shows, canine capers and more. Other highlights throughout the summer include Marc Cohn, known for “Walking in Memphis,” on August 1; hilariously crass comedienne Kathy Griffin on August 22; R&B icon Aaron Neville on August 28; and Broadway royalty Bernadette Peters on September 5.

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is at 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. For tickets, call 631-288-1500 and visit whbpac.org.