Dan's Papers - August 29, 2008

"Sex and the City" star Kim Cattrall and singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright joined hundreds of VIPs at the 15th annual Watermill Summer Gala, which benefits the Watermill Center and young emerging artists. Cattrall said, "I think coming to these kinds of events where these people are in pursuit of truth and expression is worthy, and we need that as we lead these crazy, busy lives. Whether it's a renaissance painting or an installation, I am trying to get into the artist's idea of what the world is." Wainwright posed for pictures and mingled with guests as he shared his love of art. He said, "It's just important to be creative and see what happens without the confines of society, to be free in your creation." Being "free" has served Wainwright well, as he was recently dubbed "one of the greatest vocalists of his generation," performing alongside some of the greats, like Elton John and David Byrne.

It's no surprise that art expression is so important to Wainwright, who admitted he was practically born onstage. "Both my mother and father are amazing performers and have amazing respected careers, so I grew up around the stage. It's a family business, for sure!" Even though Wainwright has been part of the music scene for decades, his sound has recently gained international recognition. He joked, "I feel very satisfied and vindicated, especially with certain record people. I think at this point people have said. it looks like he's not going away, so let's listen to him."

These days Wainwright appears to be unstoppable and on a roll with several upcoming projects. "I plan on a solo and piano voice album soon, and I'm also writing an opera, but I'm not going to perform in it. It's for opera singers!" You'll have a chance to experience Wainwright's new album at the Watermill Concert 2008 "Last Song of Summer," when he performs alongside Jessye Norman right after an opening act with Daniel Knox, this Saturday, August 30. Tickets are $125 per person, and VIP tickets are $500 dollars per person, which include a meet-and-greet after the concert with all the artists.

Actress and comedian Sarah Silverman may have her rising star firmly planted in Hollywood, but this past Saturday evening she co-hosted hundreds of Hamptonites, including rocker Jon Bon Jovi, at the first annual "Music for Mercy Corps" benefiting Darfur. Silverman, who was invited to co-host by Cary Elwes, was touched by the cause and thrilled to help. "What's going on in Darfur is devastating, and I didn't know about Mercy Corps until they asked me to do this. It's really a special organization that helps people in devastated areas. It's very grassroots." Silverman has become a household name, thanks to the success of her hit TV show, "The Sarah Silverman Program," which airs on Comedy Central, and is about to premiere another season. Said Silverman, "We have 10 more episodes that start October 16, and are just putting the final touches on them now. They are awesome, I can't wait!" So, how has super-stardom changed Silverman's life? Well, these days, the comedian joked, she can afford to be choosy when it comes to future projects. "If there is ever something that comes along that's not the 'sassy friend,' whose sole purpose is exposition of the main character, then I'm excited to do something like that." Now, Silverman says that when she isn't supporting Darfur in the Hamptons or starring on the "little screen," she likes to just live in the moment. Silverman flashed that famous smile and said, "I realize how good I have it with this show. It's everything I want. Every episode that comes out is the way I want it, and so I'm going to be happy with my life instead of always looking forward. I want to be one of those people that's like, wow this is great!"

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." Log onto for more celebrity action with Gina, on her "Main Street" series. www.GINAGLICKMAN.COM