3 Photos
Steven Colucci, creator of the Westhampton Beach Project, with Luciana Paris. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH PROJECT
Alison Cook of Beatty Dance Company performing at the 2021 Westhampton Beach Project. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH PROJECT
American Ballet Theatre dancers performing at the 2021 Westhampton Beach Project. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH PROJECT
Now in its fourth edition, The Westhampton Beach Project’s annual free to the public event is a combination of contemporary dance, music and new this year, delicious eats and drinks from local Long Island restaurants. The two-day event will be hosted on the Great Lawn on Main Street in Westhampton Beach on July 29 and 30 beginning at 8 p.m.
The Westhampton Beach Project was conceptualized by artist Steven Colucci, President of the Musical Mime Theater, who has been working in the arts for over 45 years. A Westhampton resident, Colucci has made it his personal mission to expose the younger generation to some of the art forms he has spent years of his life studying.
“Knowledge of arts brings the ultimate freedom. We are pleased to share this evening of freedom,” Colucci said.
The project will kick off on July 29 with performances by The Parsons Dance Company, a contemporary American dance company internationally renowned for its energized athletic ensemble work. The Parson Dance Company, founded by David Parsons and Tony Award-winning light designers Howell Binkley in 1985, brings life-affirming performances and joy to audiences worldwide and through education and outreach programs, to sustain an appreciation for dance.
On July 30, singer-songwriter Eva Sita will open for four-time Grammy nominated and Tony Award-winning performer and vocalist Melba Moore, who will be performing songs from her hit Broadway shows and the Great American Song Book. Moore was the first female pop/R&B artist to do a nonoperatic solo concert at New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House and at the Olympia in Paris and became the first African American woman to perform the role of Fantine in “Les Misérables.”
Throughout the two days guests will be able to sample bites and wines from a number of food and wine purveyors. In support of the event, guests interested in making a charitable donation of $50 and up will receive a VIP seat on the Great Lawn, specialty appetizers and cocktails. All proceeds will go toward the Musical Mime Company Inc., the nonprofit organization dedicated to assembling artists in all areas of creativity and collecting information on corporal movement and furthermore on art in general.
Guests are welcomed to bring lawn chairs and coolers for the performances. For information on The Westhampton Beach Project, visit whbproject.com.
Staff Writer on Jul 21, 2022