The Westhampton Beach Project, an annual event combining live music, fine art and dance, will be held Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, beginning at 8:30 p.m. each night on the Great Lawn. The free performances are sponsored by Colucci’s Musical Mime Theatre, founded by artist and classically trained dancer Steven Colucci.
Colucci promised Friday’s program would be “mind-blowing,” featuring a debut performance by The Colucci Orchestra. Keyboardist and musical director Frank Pisani will play bass lines on keyboard, backed by five musicians performing without rehearsal. The repertoire will include selections from the Great American Songbook alongside soulful jazz, funky disco and groovy tunes. They’ll be joined by jazz and soul singer Rhonda Denet and harmonica player Bobby Ericson.
Performances will alternate between music and dance, with segments by Gallim Dance Company, Alvin Ailey Dance and New York-based Valetango. Valetango’s founder, Valeria Solomonoff, said the company’s modern tango emphasizes improvisation and “co-creation” between dancers.
Saturday’s show will feature Parsons Dance performing contemporary works outdoors. A highlight is “Whirl Away,” inspired by New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint, and a solo by Zoey Anderson set to Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Another visually striking solo, “Caught,” is set to a King Crimson composition; its design places strobe lights on dancers at the peak of their leap.
While admission is free, attendees may make donations for VIP seating. A $25 donation secures seating close to the stage, while a $60 donation grants VIP seating along with all-you-can-eat appetizers and cocktails courtesy of 18 local spirit sponsors and 17 restaurant sponsors.
The Westhampton Beach Project takes place on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach. For more information or to donate, visit whbprojectbycolucci.com.
Staff Writer on Jul 21, 2025