Celebrate Fourth of July Weekend at WHBPAC

Summer is heating up at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, and the upcoming holiday weekend is no exception. From book events to music to comedy, the WHBPAC is knocking it out of the park, ensuring Fourth of July weekend is full of fireworks.

Reading enthusiasts, astrology aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike will be in good company on Wednesday, July 3, at 7 p.m. when author Carinn Jade unveils her debut novel, “The Astrology House,” in an event moderated by “Pop Fiction Women” podcast host Kate Schumacher.

As described by Simon & Schuster, “The Astrology House” centers around a group of wealthy Manhattanites escape to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death in this fresh, twisty, and suspenseful debut in the vein of Liane Moriarty and Katy Hays. Attendees will receive an advance copy of the novel two weeks before it is available in stores. The evening will also feature Diane Ferraro of Tarot Tauk, who will discuss the use of astrology and tarot in everyday life.

“Like the guests at ‘The Astrology House,’ this event is for the curious, the skeptics, and the die-hard believers alike,” said Jade, who is originally from the North Fork and is a lawyer, writer, and podcast host.

Then on Friday, July 5, at 8 p.m., party like it’s 1999 when The Purple Xperience brings its dazzling musical tribute to the legendary Prince to the WHBPAC. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Marshall Charloff, this marks the return of The Purple Xperience to the East End, having first performed at the WHBPAC’s acclaimed Drive-In Concerts on the Great Lawn in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Grab your raspberry beret because this is the ultimate dance party tribute to Prince’s music,” said WHBPAC marketing director Heather Draskin.

On Saturday, July 6, at 8 p.m, rising comedic star Jared Freid brings his affable brand of comedy to the stage. As the host of the “J Train” podcast and from his work with “Betches,” Freid brings a relatable point of view on many current topics, including millennial dating, social media influencers and adulting.

Rounding out the weekend, no one is having more of an in-demand moment than TV, film, and stage star Alan Cumming (“The Traitors,” “Cabaret, “The Good Wife”) who has joined forces with radio and TV host Ari Shapiro (NPR’s “All Things Considered,” “The Mole”) to bring “Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret” to the WHBPAC mainstage on Sunday, July 7 at 8 p.m.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome these two venerable performers to our theater. We know that cabaret enthusiasts are going to be blown away by their antics,” said Julienne Penza-Boone, WHBPAC’s executive director.

“A Considered Cabaret” has seen sold-out performances in cities like New York, Pittsburgh and Provincetown, and promises to be a “bawdy romp of a cabaret.” Working without a formal script, Cumming and Shapiro riff off their undeniable chemistry and charm, delighting audiences with their tall tales, standout tunes, and witty repartee. Using their unique backgrounds, these two seemingly distinct personalities prove they aren’t so different after all.

Tickets for all performances can be purchased at whbpac.org, by calling 631-288-1500, or at the WHBPAC box office located at 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach during business hours.