I recall as a kid in the 1960s, leafing through The New York Times Sunday Magazine and studying a photo spread of modernistic homes on Bluff Road in Amagansett. I recognized these same homes when we drove through Amagansett on the way out to Montauk. How thrilling it was to see the famous homes, so strangely different from the “pitched roof on top of a box” houses in which I lived.On Saturday night, at the Montauk Library, I attended a screening of Jake Gorst’s 2012 documentary, “Modern Tide: Midcentury Architecture on Long Island.” Mr. Gorst is the grandson of architect Andrew Geller. Geller is best known for designing free-spirited vacation housing throughout the Northeast. His midcentury designs were influential and helped shape the modern aesthetic. The works of Mr. Geller, who died in 2011, were featured in the film, as well as the history of several other Long Island modernist architects and designers. The documentary has a strong theme about the loss of many important midcentury structures. Some were lost in storms, but most were demolished because of callous societal attitudes that allowed this to happen.
Mr. Jake Gorst, and his wife, Tracey, were present at the screening. Afterward, they invited questions from the audience. Most fascinating, a dignified older woman in the front row stood up and asked Mr. Gorst if he recognized her, as she had known his grandparents and visited several of the Geller houses as a guest, and had even met Mr. Gorst, many years back. I’m guessing from his amusement, this was when Mr. Gorst was a child. The documentary has interior scenes of these modern structures dating to the 1950s and ’60s, showing people living in and enjoying these quirky homes. Also present at the screening were several current owners of Montauk Leisurama homes. Mr. Gorst’s grandfather played a part in the design and marketing of Montauk’s well-known Leisuramas.
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Like the heat, competitively speaking? Enter 27east’s Beefed-Up Backyard Barbecue Contest and win one of three gift certificates. 27east is looking for the best and boldest backyard barbecues in the Hamptons, including Montauk.
Upload photos of yourself and your setup and tell why it makes you the king (or queen) of the grill. First prize is a gift certificate of $175; second-place is a $125 gift certificate and third-place wins a $75 gift certificate from Catena’s Meat Market in Southampton. Judging is August 26, just in time for Labor Day entertaining. The competition is sponsored by Catena’s Meat Market of Southampton. Visit The Press News Group website at www.27east.com, then go to the upper righthand side of the homepage and click to enter.
This evening, Wednesday, July 31, is “Montauk Open Mic,” a talent showcase at the gazebo on the green. Hosted by Ray Red and the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, one- two- and three-person acts will be featured. Open Mic is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. To apply for a spot in the lineup, email Ray Red at rayred77@yahoo.com with “Montauk Open Mic” in the subject line. A professional sound system, two microphones and one “house guitar” will be available.
The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project will hold a beach cleanup and celebration in Montauk on Saturday, August 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at Edison Beach. Participants should meet at the intersection of South Edison Street and South Emerson Avenue. Look for the Surfrider tent. The project, now in its seventh year, helps keep beaches, rivers and lakes across America “barefoot friendly.” In 2013, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation, along with community volunteers, included Montauk on a tour of 15 cleanups nationwide.
After the cleanup, from noon to 2 p.m., volunteers are invited to attend a Surfrider-hosted celebration (you must be at least 21 to attend) featuring Barefoot Wine and Bubbly and surf-inspired fare at Sloppy Tuna, 148 South Emerson Avenue. Find more info and make reservations at RSVP at BeachRescue2013.com. Surfrider Eastern Long Island Chapter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches. This event is free and open to the public.
“Montauk’s Party of the Year” is this Saturday, August 3, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Montauk Playhouse Community Center. The annual Diamond in the Rough benefit gala for the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation takes place under a grand tent on the playhouse grounds. There’s a cocktail hour, live music, silent and live auctions, and dinner and dancing. This year’s honorees are Drew Doscher, Andy Harris and Sally Richardson, and Dennis and Rosanna Sisco.
Participate in this special evening by purchasing tickets starting at the Bronze level, $250 per person; or tables starting at the Sapphire level, $5,000. Please contact the playhouse at 668-1124 for information on other levels of participation and to purchase tickets. Proceeds of the event go toward funding the proposed Aquatics Center.
Looking forward, on Monday, August 5, the concert on the green will feature the rockabilly sounds of Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks. Please bring your own blanket or seating. Visit the Montauk Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for weather-related updates. Please note, there will be earlier 6 p.m. starts in August due to gradually earlier sunsets.
At the Library
Tonight, Wednesday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m. the Montauk Library presents the “Queen of Cool,” jazz pianist and vocalist Janice Friedman, who will play favorites from the American songbook, a handful of Brazilian tunes, pop songs from the ’60s and ’70s and originals by Ms. Friedman. Surprising, energetic and dynamic, according to New York Times jazz critic John Wilson, “her explosive ... piano playing carries the aura and variety of a big band.”
On Sunday, August 4, at 3:30 p.m., Rose Marie Dunphy will read from her novel, “Orange Peels and Cobblestones,” and discuss what compelled her to write this tale of abandonment, adoption, adaptation and forgiveness. Born in Italy and raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Dunphy lives on Long Island. After earning a master’s degree from Stony Brook University, she taught science for 10 years. She co-authored, “That First Bite, Chance or Choice,” a book about nutrition and eating disorders. She’s written numerous essays and short stories for The New York Times, Newsday and other publications. “Orange Peels and Cobblestones,” is her first novel and is available in most Long Island bookstores, including the Montauk Bookshop.
Also at the library, on Wednesday, August 7, at 7:30 p.m., will be a concert, “Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout,” with Nina Et Cetera. The sound of this Long Island band ranges from an acoustic whisper to an electric roar. From Elvis to Leadbelly, Hank Williams to Patsy Cline, Nina’s voice has been described as “...echoing through the ages, hovering between a purr and a growl.”
The Aviva Players’ eighth annual concert at the library is Sunday, August 11, at 3:30 p.m. The group will perform a concert of songs from Broadway, Off-Broadway and opera. The Aviva Players offer a wide range of musical styles from Donizetti to Cole Porter as well as performing contemporary works, such as two seven-minute operas.
These programs at the Montauk Library are free and open to the public. Confirm events at the library by calling (631) 668 3377 on the day. Visit www.montauklibrary.org for more information.
Staff Writer on Jul 29, 2013