Dan's Papers - May 22, 2009

Whether you sold off part of your watch collection on eBay to pay for a summer share in the Hamptons, skipped dining out this winter to pay for your child's summer camp, or chose to forgo your daily Grande Caramel Soy Macchiato and brew up your own morning coffee, it's clear the slow economy has forced everyone to cutback in some capacity.

Yet, cutting back doesn't have to mean cutting out all the fun. Now, more than ever, the over worked and underappreciated need to escape the daily routine and take the time to celebrate life. So, as we officially kick off the 2009 Summer Season, I have devised a "Memorial Day Mental Stimulus Plan" that offers you a variety of upcoming events this holiday weekend. Each event has the potential to stimulate the economy, the soul and complement several different sized bank accounts ranging in prices from $1K to absolutely free!

Toss aside your apron and escape to OSO Restaurant in the Southampton Inn for a unique dining experience at only $25 per person! Arrive at 7 p.m. and enjoy hors d' oeuvres and an elegant three course meal prepared by Oso's executive chef, Bryan Naylor. If that isn't enough, dine to the sounds of musical duo, Andrea Axelrod and Alan Siegal, who will perform "Songs for the New Depression." In East Hampton, The Guild Hall will officially unveil its extensive renovation and celebrate with a Grand Re-opening and several events all weekend long. Friday evening, Alec Baldwin hosts The Hamptons International Film Festival's special screening of The Cove, an "Eco-thriller" that is "a cross between Flipper and The Bourne Identity." Tickets are $20.

Several venues will explode back onto the late night scene this holiday weekend. East Hampton hotspot, Lily Pond is set to kick off another successful season and will open its doors Friday night, thanks to owner and operator, nightlife whiz, Michael Satsky. Last summer, Lily Pond became a second home for young Hollywood. Celebrity regulars included Lauren Conrad, Lindsay Lohan and Whitney Port. This year, Lily Pond has expanded its outdoor space by adding temperature and sound controlled VIP cabanas. Plus, the swanky club is connected to the legendary restaurant Philippe Chow whose newest location replaces the Kobe Club. Philippe East Hampton offers off-site catering to any private home or boat location in the Hamptons. Satsky promises, "Lily Pond will once again offer the best in Hamptons nightlife" Cover charge, $20

In Southampton at 9 p.m., Pacha New York will travel to the Hamptons to present French Superstar, DJ David Guetta at Tavern Hamptons. Guetta's name is synonymous with world reknowned house and dance music. He has been France's No. 1 club DJ for a decade, and was named the world's No. 1 House DJ in 2008. Guetta teamed up with Grammy winner and Bravo's Reality TV Host of "The Fashion Show," Kelly Rowland, for Guetta's new single, "When Love Takes Over," released digitally as a single track on April 28, 2009. Advance tickets, $30.

A living legend hits East Hampton! The one and only Liza Minnelli will headline Guild Hall's official Grand Re-Opening Gala, "An Intimate Evening with Liza featuring Billy Stritch." Minnelli, who always puts on an unforgettable performance, will officially open the newly renovated John Drew Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets are limited and prices range from $145 to $1K, which includes a post show dinner at the Gardiner property on James Lane.

In West Hampton, actor, TV host and comedian D.L. Hughley will take center stage and perform live at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Hughley takes the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $60 - $100.

Attention Led Zep fans! This Saturday evening at 8 p.m., Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett will headline with an all-female, Led Zeppelin cover band who call themselves, LEZ Zeppelin. Their mantra is, "All Girls. All Zeppelin." Now, before you scoff at their name, which could imply a gimmicky approach to the Zeppelin legacy, don't be fooled. This NYC based all-girl quartet joined forces in 2004 and just recently finished up an eight week international tour which created a worldwide frenzy with fans and some serious industry buzz from NYC to Japan. Tickets are $60.

In Southampton, model, DJ and rock star spawn Alexandra Richards, the daughter of Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards, is hosting the Saturday late night festivities at Dune nightclub alongside guest DJ Cassidy. Last year the venue boasted a celeb guest list with names including, Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Connolly, Kid Rock and Diddy. This season, promises to be even more celeb-centric thanks to Matt Shendell, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, who have teamed up with Mike Heller and the people at AXE to create the Hamptons' first ever branded nightclub experience officially entitled, AXE Lounge at Dune. Parking, $20.

Late night Sunday in Southampton, the group LMFAO with the hit singles, "I'm in Miami Trick" and "La La La" is rumored to be performing live at Dune's Axe Lounge at 11 p.m.

So, there you have it. No excuses! Pick at least one event this weekend and do your part in the Mental Stimulus Plan.

Until next week - Life is short, you only live once, so party on!

TV Host, Entertainment & Feature Correspondent, Director, Writer and Executive Producer, Gina Glickman can be seen Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends hosting News 12 Long Island's "What's Hot in the Hamptons." Log onto Hamptons.com for more celebrity action with Gina, on "Main Street" series.