Next Up: ‘City Hall’ at Friday Night Flicks
Behind the scenes of the 1996 film “City Hall” — starring Al Pacino, John Cusack, Bridget Fonda and Danny Aiello — was producer Ken Lipper.
Except he was much more than that.
“Ken Lipper triumphed in the publishing world with the success of his novel ‘Wall Street,’ adapted from Oliver Stone's award-winning film of the same name, in which Lipper himself served as technical advisor and had a brief cameo,” according to a press release. “His experience in government was the inspiration for ‘City Hall,’ for which he served as producer and wrote the screenplay and novel.”
On Friday night, Lipper will present a screening of “City Hall” at 8 p.m. at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, followed by a talkback. The film is rated R, and tickets are $12. For more information, call (631) 725-9500 or visit baystreet.org.
Hamptons Juried Art Show Celebrates 10 Years with ‘Believe’
Ten years ago, Richard Demato took a hard look at the East End around him. Then, he reached out to artists around the world, and he called The Retreat.
In 2009, RJD Gallery hosted its first benefit show for the safe haven, which has provided domestic violence and sexual assault services and education to families, friends and neighbors since 1987 — and the show itself is a way for artists to “empower and support children and women, to achieve a better life and world to live in,” the gallery owner said.
“There is a better life for those that become aware, and elect or grasp, that they deserve and can have a better life,” Demato explained in a press release. “That’s why this year’s curated collection, a show benefitting The Retreat, is titled ‘Believe.’”
Chosen for their technical quality and strength of composition, the 23 pieces on view from April 13 to 26 at the Bridgehampton gallery— including painting and sculpture to photography and ink drawings — support The Retreat’s mission of ending the cycle of violence and the empowerment of survivors.
All entry fee proceeds and 50 percent of show sales will benefit The Retreat. For more information, call (631) 329-4398 or visit allagainstabuse.org.
‘Female Persuasion’ Leads the Way
The East End’s own Meg Wolitzer and her newest novel, “The Female Persuasion,” will headline this year’s “Long Island Reads” discussion on Friday, April 12 — but not only for the Bridgehampton Community Center conversation.
It is the selection for all participating locations Long Island wide.
Named a New York TimesNotable Book of 2018, “The Female Persuasion” explores the dynamics of power, ambition, friendship and mentorship, and romantic ideals kept alive well into adulthood.
While supplies last, free copies of the book will be available at the community center and the Hampton Library in Bridgehampton, which will also host a Library Lovers’ Reception at 12 p.m., following the 11 a.m. “Long Island Reads” discussion.
For more information, call (631) 537-0015 or visit hamptonlibrary.com.
Montauk Observatory Sharpens Focus on Moon
The moon is the closest world to Earth and, yet, it is the most distant place humans have set foot — its beauty and mystery inspiring and capturing cultures for millennia.
And astronauts are still asking questions.
During the illustrated lecture “The Lure of the Moon and the Legacy of Apollo,” NASA Solar System Ambassador William Francis Taylor will revisit the first mission to the moon and discuss what science has gleaned since then, and the mysteries that lie ahead for the next generation of explorers.
Perhaps one of them will be in attendance during the free lecture on Friday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at the South Fork Natural History Museum, located at 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton, followed by stargazing led by the Montauk Observatory, weather permitting.
Admission is free. For more information, call (631) 537-9735 or visit montaukobservatory.com.
Dante Mazzetti to Play Charity Concert in Secretive Temple
Known for his finger-picking guitar and gritty vocals, Dante Mazzetti is quickly becoming one of the East End’s must-see performers — and on Saturday, April 13, he will perform in a must-see location, too.
Starting at 8 p.m., a benefit concert will open the doors to the inner sanctum of Sag Harbor’s Masonic Temple, a place typically closed to the general public. But with beneficiaries such as Mason’s Pierson High School Scholarship Fund and the local food pantry, that is good reason to open its doors, according to a press release.
“In an area that sees its share of luxury and opulent living, it is easy to forget that many seasonal workers go hungry in the winter months when job opportunities are scarce for them,” the release said.
Rooted in tradition yet fearlessly creative, Dante is a modern take on a one-man band, simultaneously playing a number of instruments. “Switching between guitar and mandolin, he accompanies himself by playing bass, harmonica and percussion all at once,” the release said.
Upcoming performances in the Masonic Winter Music Series include Rose’s Grove Band on May 4, Rafaela Gurtler on May 25, and Sarah Conway on June 8.
Tickets are $20 at the door, and include wine and refreshments. All proceeds will benefit Mason’s Pierson High School Scholarship Fund and the Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry. For more information, visit dantemazzetti.com.
Blue Skies Cocktails Kiss Winter Doldrums Goodbye
On Saturday, April 13, the Eastville Community Historical Society will host a cocktail and raffle party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Heritage House, located at 139 Hampton Street in Sag Harbor — and Blue Skies Cocktails will be flowing.
Sip on the specialty drink, nosh on small bites and keep your fingers crossed during the event raffle, featuring donated gifts from merchants in Sag Harbor and beyond, including wine, boat and historical tours, gift certificates, restaurant dinners — including Sen and Page at 63 Main — theater tickets, beauty pampering, gift baskets and more.
Raffle tickets are $5 each, five for $20 and 30 for $100, and party tickets are $20. For more information, visit eastvillehistorical.org.
Neo-Political Cowgirls Tune Into ‘Dude’s Eye View’
Kate Mueth and the Neo-Political Cowgirls have created a seat at the table for men — more specifically, high school boys.
In partnership with the Hamptons International Film Festival, the organization will present a free screening of short films created by participants in their workshop, “Dude’s Eye View” — comprised entirely of male students — on Monday, April 15, at 6 p.m. at Guild Hall in East Hampton.
Sponsored by The Derek Institute, the six-week workshop at the East Hampton High School created a space for friendship, idea sharing, communication support and a creative net for young men to express their views, feelings and concerns through the outlet of filmmaking. Led by teaching artists Charlie Westfal and Trevor Vaughn, New York-based actors and NPC Project Hero Teaching Artists, the students participated in warm ups, theater games, conversation, and image and film critiquing to guide them to their final product.
“Process-focused, DEV engages the boys to courageously put to image what they most care to share with the world,” according to a press release. “In these days of struggle for women and the #MeToo movement, NPC is passionate about bringing young men to the table of conversation to be heard, process their views, and strengthen their listening and sharing communication skills.”
For more information, email npcowgirls@gmail.com.