Say good bye to normal. As soon as you enter through tiki torches into Fada: House of Madness you know for sure you’re not in Kansas anymore.  The annual fundraiser of the Watermill Center is a feast for the senses with performance art, music, black salt rimmed glasses of tequila cocktails and of course a cornucopia of fashion.
 

 
The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey opens July 18 and runs through July 24 at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor.
Get your tickets now.
James Lecesne brings his award winning solo stage performance to Bay Street for a tour de force where he plays all nine characters.
“Absolute Brightness” is written and performed by James Lecesne, music by Duncan Sheik, directed by Tony Speciale, and is produced by special arrangement with Darren Bagert and Daryl Roth.

Hamptons fundraisers are not only the place to see and be seen but a great testament to the generosity of the community to support local and national organizations.  Here’s a round up of HIpHamptons favorite Hamptons Benefits 2014. Even if you can’t make the date, you can find other ways to contribute or enjoy these cultural institutions.  A few wardrobe musts: wedge heels, creative attire as many of these events are themed, layers you can add or shed in case it’s warm …

What’s Your Hamptons Summer Bucket List?  Here’s some not to miss moments.

EVENTS:

Harvest East End – Saturday August 25th 6p to 9p
Here is the food version of speed dating. No need to commit because you have so many delicious options of local food and wine from top chefs and vintners. Benefitting the Group For The East End, Peconic Land Trust, and East End Hospice this epicurean festival is a true delight. Be sure to check out …

Wednesday July 4th – Montauk Grucci Fireworks on Umbrella Beach
Any town beach is good viewing.  Go early for parking and bring a picnic – this is hugely popular.  Remember your flashlight or your iPhone flashlight app.
www.montaukchamber.org

Men’s Lives at Bay Street Theatre – July 3 – 29
If there is one classic play about the Hamptons it is Men’s Lives when fishermen and not financiers ruled the Hamptons.  This is the 20 year revival from Sag Harbor’s own Joe Pintauro based on the book …

2012 HAMPTONS BENEFITS
It’s a full Hamptons Fundraiser season benefiting many worthy causes. Here are a few ways to make the most of each event:

Take time to learn about the cause and find out how you can further get involved.
Note there are often ticket discounts if you are a member of the organization.
Some events have a cocktail hour or junior ticket which is less expensive.
Buy in advance – there may be a discount and some Hamptons benefits do sell out.
I’m going to …

photo Megan Whitmarsh and My Barbarian  “Tourists From The Future” photo by Rosalie Knox
One of the Hamptons best secrets is a secluded cultural oasis where some of the most amazing emerging artists from all over the world gather to experiment and collaborate.  And guess what?  You’re invited.
The Watermill Center was founded by Robert Wilson to provide a living laboratory where artists in residence could explore new ideas in a unique environment.  Tucked away on the back roads from Southampton, the six acre …

By Heather Buchanan
Broadway arrives at East Hampton’s Guild Hall, delivering a truly must-see comedy, “Long Story Short,” a one man hilarious tour de force by Colin Quinn, directed by Jerry Seinfeld.  This “History of the World in 75 minutes” covers everything from Socrates to Snooki, writing from the Old Testament to the New York Post (which really hasn’t changed much), and a debate on the distracting powers of spit balls versus sexting.