Orton, Vega, Havens Among Others at Talkhouse

By Tiffany Razzano

The Stephen Talkhouse, a small, intimate venue in Amagansett, is any audiophile's dream. While the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center brings in the big names, the Talkhouse not only books local artists, but diverse, well-known musicians who veer a bit more towards the fringe and might not otherwise have a place to perform on the East End.

And this summer's eclectic schedule should be no disappointment for music fans. Singer-songwriter Dar Williams brings her intelligent lyrics and folk-pop sensibility to Amagansett on June 28. British chanteuse Beth Orton will perform July 3, followed by the fiery country/folk-rock act Shelby Lynne on July 4. The legendary Dave Mason, who founded the English group Traffic and has performed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, comes to the venue on July 5.

Then, quirky English alternative rocker Robyn Hitchcock comes to the area on July 11. The next night Rhett Miller, lead singer of alt-country favorites the Old 97s, will come to the area in support of his latest solo album.

Classic performers Marshall Crenshaw (July 18) and famous folksinger Richie Havens (July 20) come the next weekend, followed by quirky singer-songwriter/sometimes actor Loudon Wainwright III on July 26, and hip-hop artist Slick Rick on July 27.

Jesse Harris, who has performed and written songs with Norah Jones (he's even in her part-time group, The Little Willies), will perform August 11. Grammy-award winning country-western swing band Asleep at the Wheel is scheduled for August 20, while Brooklyn singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur will play the next night.

Songwriter Suzanne Vega, best known for the song "Tom's Diner," will be in town August 24. Martin Sexton closes out the month on August 31.

And of course, in between there are tons of great local and lesser known acts to check out. So go to www.stephentalkhouse.com for more information.

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