The Westhampton Beach Project hosted its 5th annual free-to-the-public two-day event on the Great Lawn on Main Street in Westhampton Beach, NY on July 28th and 29th. The evenings featured incredible performances by the renowned Parsons Dance Company and celebrated singer Chris Ruggiero with delicious bites and drinks from beloved local Long Island restaurants. Although the event was free, guests had the opportunity to make a charitable donation and receive a VIP lawn seat among other perks with all proceeds benefiting The Musical Mime Company, INC, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assembling artists in all areas of creativity and collecting information on corporal movement and furthermore on art in general.
The project was conceptualized by local Westhampton resident, artist, and President of the Musical Mime Theater, Steven Colucci. Colucci, who has been working in the arts for over 45 years, decided to make the Westhampton Beach Project his personal mission to expose the younger generation to some of the art forms he has spent so many years of his life dedicated to studying. During the two-night event, guests were also able to get a first-hand look at many of Colucci’s paintings, which were available for purchase with all proceeds going back to the Westhampton Beach Project.
The event kicked off on July 28th with a performance by Chris Ruggiero, who gained national attention when he performed on one of PBS-TV’s broadcast specials. Since then, he has been traveling around the country delivering his distinctive brand of vintage rock and roll and sharing his passion for the classics. He has shared the stage with Darlene Love, Gloria Gaynor, Tony Orlando and Bobby Rydell. That night, Ruggiero took the audience on a musical journey through the golden age of rock and rock, into the music of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
On the following evening, The Parsons Dance Company took the stage, who are internationally renowned for their spirited and energetic ensemble work. Founded by David Parsons and Tony Award-winning light designers Howell Binkley in 1985, the company has made its mission to sustain an appreciation of dance through education and outreach programs as well as their inspiring performances.
Throughout the two days, a mini food festival experience was provided for guests to enjoy samplings from over 25 restaurants and bars. Restaurant sponsors included: Justin Chop Shop, Insatiable Eats, Rogue Kitchens, The Wine Room at The Cottage, Sobol, Centro, Mill Road Seafood, Buoy One, Fruit King, Salt and Loft, Fish Tails, Mv Marina, Lamar Todd Hospitality, Da’ville Catering, Honest Plate Chef Nicolas. Spirit sponsors included Votto Vines Importing, Hamptons Wine Shoppe, William Grant and Sons, 1875 Spirit, Handlebar, British Ginger, Kedem Winery, Monkey In Paradise, Elbuho Mezcal, Blue Nectar, Penelope Bourbon, and Westhampton Beach Brewing.
The Westhampton Beach Project is funded by Steven Colucci and Colucci Musical Mime Theater and the Lanza Family Foundation.