A Concert for Syria and Turkey

On Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m. Bay Street Theater will hold “A Concert for Syria and Turkey,” a humanitarian relief concert in support of the victims of the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake. The concert includes performances by Gene Casey, The Hoodoo Loungers, and other special guests, and is presented in collaboration between Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman and Bay Street Theater. All proceeds benefit Oxfam International, which is on the ground in both countries working to provide immediate relief for millions displaced by the earthquake.

Benefits by Bay Street is a program begun years ago that has raised thousands of dollars for victims of disasters in Haiti, Japan, Ukraine, and elsewhere.

“It’s always so hard to see such a magnitude of suffering, where one feels so very helpless,” says Bay Street Theater Executive Director, Tracy Mitchell. “But it’s also so heartwarming when artists volunteer to come together to raise some real money to help support people in dire need. And every time something like this happens, Jay Schneiderman too is always onboard immediately to assist. We’ve worked together for so long that any time a world disaster happens, I immediately text Jay, along with the East End musicians, and everyone simply jumps in to help. It should also be noted that everyone involved always generously donates their time and efforts to put these evenings together.”

In addition to live performances by several favorite East End musicians, the evening includes a round of raffle prizes. Anyone wishing to donate items or gift certificates can drop them off at Bay Street during box office hours, or contact Eric Jacobson at ejacobson@baystreet.org or at 631-725-0818.

“The February 6th earthquake wreaked havoc on Turkey and Syria,” says Schneiderman. “The human death toll has been enormous. We, here in the Hamptons, like other communities around the world, must come together at this time of great need to support the Turkish and Syrian people. Although they may live in distant lands, we, as fellow human beings, have a moral responsibility to help ease their suffering.”

Admission to the concert is a suggested donation of $20 and up, and donations can be made through the box office by calling 631-725-9500 or at baystreet.org. Bay Street Theater is on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor.