Dan's Papers - June 6, 2008 - Whispers by Gina Glickman

The drive on Route 27 heading east, past East Hampton, past Amagansett, and into Montauk, certainly feels long, but the extra distance instantly pays off as you realize the air seems easier to breathe. The pace is noticeably slower, calmer, and provides the perfect backdrop for the new hotel and restaurant on Fort Pond, The Surf Lodge, owned by Jamie Mulholland, designed by Rob McKinley and managed by Summer Strauch, from MCM Hospitality, the group behind such hotspots as CAIN and GoldBar in NYC and the Bahamas. Opening weekend festivities at the Surf Lodge proved that the Lodge is more than a hotel, and will serve as a unique and desirable evening destination all summer long.

A slew of famous locals who are sure to be regulars turned out Memorial Day weekend, including supermodel Karolina Kurkova, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, Sean Macpherson, Aida Turturro, Dylan Lauren and fashion designer Rogan Gregory. Guests enjoy exclusive movie screenings, five-star grub at the restaurant with "Top Chef"'s Sam Talbot, shopping at Tracy Feith boutique and The Snow Queen Concert Series, which kicked off with a waterside, live performance by Julian Marley.

Post performance, I caught up with Julian "JuJu", a British reggae musician and one of Bob Marley's sons, right outside his hotel room. When I asked Julian how many children Bob has, he laughed and said, "Now, after all these years, we got children; right now I have 13 nieces and nephews. It goes on and on." Yes, there are many Marleys, but not all of them met their father, the legend, Bob. "We knew him as our father. When he passed I was five. When you are so young you don't have that many memories. I do remember a concert at Crystal Palace in London. That was 1980. All I can remember is the stage and a lake in front of the stage. All of the people were jumping into the lake. It was an experience for me. Those moments are what bring you to the moments today." The soft-spoken, poetic musician revealed how all music is an inspiration for him, "Sometimes we listen to music and we don't even know who it is. Out of reggae music we listen to a little of everyone. It's what's happening today. All of these elements and inspirations come into our music. We write about what we see in the daily life. That kind of music and atmosphere is just natural." These days the reggae artist who has created two past albums, Lion in the Morning and A Time and Place, is busy back in the studio creating an upcoming album. "We are in the studios in Miami working on some tracks. I don't know the titles yet but we have about 13 tracks. Patching them up and making them ready." It is clear Julian's father has left a huge impact on his music and, more importantly, his way of life. "We can't think without Bob Marley. Our father took it to that level of no limit. He opened the doors for all. Without Bob Marley we don't think. We give thanks to Bob Marley."

Speaking of hotspots all summer long, this past Saturday evening, Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Terrell Owens and his "huge" entourage, which consisted of two security guards, received the VIP treatment and then some. The Cowboy jetted into town on a V1 Jets Plane from New York City. Then a fleet of black Escalades whisked him directly to Lily Pond nightclub in East Hampton. Upon arrival, Terrell received a Cristal toast and took center stage as he partied the night away until 4 a.m.

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

Entertainment & Feature Correspondent, Director, Writer and Executive Producer, Gina Glickman can be seen on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends starring on News 12 Long Island's "What's Hot in the Hamptons." For more celebrity action, log onto hamptons.com and check out Gina's "Main Street" series.