The people at Long Island based media management company uniphi good subscribe to a unified philosophy that all good is good. Combining their social awareness with the arts, back in 2014, they put together the first ever East End Music & Arts Festival, held on the South Fork the weekend of September 19th and 20th. With a goal to raise funds for local food pantries, 2014 was a major success, and as a result, 2015 saw a magnificent return of the festival the weekend of September 18th through 20th. With art exhibits featuring hand-signed pieces by Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr on display, attendees also had a chance to meet Frank Culbertson, an eighteen-year career NASA Astronaut. On top of the diverse and busy events, the icing on the cake came the evening of Saturday the 19th where music brought everyone together at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett. A concert like no other, this year’s lineup saw the return of Brie Capone, Toby Lightman, and Tonic, with two newcomers to the fold with Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run–D.M.C. With excitement all around, fans gathered earlier for their chance to converse with the artists in a personal setting as they awaited the performances to begin.
First to the intimately set stage was the talented female vocalist known as Brie Capone. Capone normally fronts the New York City based band The Humble Grapes, but made the trip out to Amagansett solo for this special event. Walking onto the stage with just herself and an acoustic guitar, Capone displayed an impassioned approach to her music with soulful singing. Bringing each note to life with vivid feeling, Capone’s brief set was engaging, with everyone applauding for more. In 2015, Capone and songwriting partner David Kaufman of The Humble Grapes have released a series of singles and continue to play shows around NYC, so be sure to check them out.
Next to the stage was another talented singer-songwriter by the name of Toby Lightman. Originally from the Southern New Jersey area, Lightman spent years in New York City and developed a sea of inspiration which can be heard in her personal songs. Releasing her debut record Little Things in 2004, Lightman made the Billboard 200 and was well on her way to major success. Achieving a couple of Top 40 singles, Lightman’s music has also been featured in films and television over the course of four more studio albums. Her most recent record from 2014, Every Kind of People, saw Lightman tap into her rhythmic and honest music through twelve engaging tracks. Relaxed and smiling constantly, Lightman came to the platform and sang such songs as single “Every Kind of People” and “Brand Spankin’ New” to grab hold of the audience. With warm, soulful vocal affections, Lightman showed the room the tremendous talent she is. Matching her talents, Lightman’s inviting personality shined through as she constantly joked in between songs and had everyone cheering for more. Those still unfamiliar with Lightman, she will be at Joe’s Pub in New York City on November 6th before a few more shows around the USA through December.
Moving the evening right along, following a brief introduction, the time came for Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips. Co-founding Toad the Wet Sprocket at the young age of sixteen, Phillips and the band went on to big things with a series of hit singles, two platinum selling records in 1991’s Fear and 1994’s Dulcinea, as well as establishing a name in Alternative Rock everyone adored. Taking a break from Toad the Wet Sprocket in the late ’90s, Phillips tapped into a few other projects including Mutual Admiration Society, Works Progress Administration, and of course his solo material. Having released an impressive catalog of music through the years, Phillips looks to return with a brand new album in 2016, writing and recording in between his busy touring schedule. No stranger to Long Island, Phillips performed at Boulton Center in Bay Shore back in May solo, and hit The Paramount in Huntington with Toad the Wet Sprocket in July.
A colorful character, Phillips came out with a bag of songs that included Toad the Wet Sprocket favorites including “Walk on the Ocean,” “Whatever I Fear,” and newbie “Finally Fading.” Personal and touching lyrically, the songs had everyone singing along and even saw one attendee handle all the backing harmonies for “Something’s Always Wrong,” bringing a huge smile to Phillips face. Keeping the mood light and fun, he also played solo tracks like “Solar Flare,” in honor of the Astronaut in attendance, and “Drive By,” a story about a friend’s father who tried too shoot a dog, do not worry the dog lives. Wrapping up his delightful set with a rendition of “All I Want,” a big surprise came when he broke out a cover of Stevie Wonder’s 1977 hit “Sir Duke,” which had everyone singing along. Phillips will continue to light up audiences with his solo show from now through October 24th when he plays at Storyville Coffee out in Seattle, Washington.
The only full band to perform that evening, Tonic came next and were ready to put on a show no one would forget. Formed over two decades ago, Tonic has gone on to tremendous things, beginning with their platinum-selling debut record in 1996, Lemon Parade. Following with the impressive sophomore effort Sugar in 1999, Tonic proved they had what it takes to make it in the turbulent music industry after garnishing two Grammy nominations for music related to 2002’s Head on Straight. While it has been five years since Tonic’s last studio record, the band has not been absent from the public eye with continuous touring including original members Emerson Hart (vocalist/guitarist), Jeff Russo (guitarist/backing vocalist), and Dan Lavery (bassist/backing vocalist). Not only were they on hand for the second straight year at East End Music & Art Festival, they also did a brief acoustic set up the block at Innersleeve Records earlier in the night. With the twentieth anniversary of Lemon Parade looming around the corner, fans hope for perhaps some new material, a special tour, and more. In the meantime, this fortunate Long Island crowd was content with the acoustic set ready to begin.
Immediately drawing a reaction, Tonic had everyone on their feet as they greeted the crowd with pleasant hellos and offered up some of their most recognized songs such as “Open Up Your Eyes,” “Sugar,” and “Mountain.” A band which translates well electric or acoustically, Tonic took the delicate textures of each song to new heights as Hart sang each word with precision as Russo along with Lavery provided full instrumentation. Conversating with the room in between songs, Hart and the band shared some laughs themselves, appearing to enjoying themselves thoroughly as they played other great songs as “You Wanted More” and “Lemon Parade.” Making sure not to leave out perhaps their most celebrated hit, “If You Could Only See,” the band left with one last surprise, rocking out on a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” Acoustic or not, the performance was powerful and entertaining to watch. Tonic only has a couple of dates lined up for the remainder of 2015, but hopes are high for a full-blown anniversary tour come 2016.
Following a set change and a chance to get some refreshments, the main attraction of the evening came with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. Known as one part of the three masterminds of Hip Hop legends Run–D.M.C., DMC has been extremely active through the years in a multitude of creative outlets. Spending a majority of the ’80s rigorously touring with Run-D.M.C., the group set the standard for Hip Hop excellence with top-selling records such as 1985’s King of Rock, 1986’s Raising Hell, and 1988’s Tougher Than Leather. Stepping away from the hectic nature of it all for a few years, DMC returned stronger than ever, and in 2006, released a solo album entitled Checks Thugs and Rock n Roll. Still performing with Run-D.M.C. for select shows in recent years, DMC also has put out a new Comic series that is highly recommended for fans to check out. Always conscious of societal issues, DMC jumped at the chance to be a part of East End Music & Art Festival and, along with DJ Charlie Chase, they were ready to light up the stage.
With immense amounts of energy, DMC bolted out, demanding everyone get off their seat and come to the front of the stage. The crowd quickly filled the floor, and DMC ignited the party to new heights. Jamming out unforgettable RUN-D.M.C. classics such as “King of Rock,” DMC’s flow was unstoppable as he moved and grooved about to DJ Charlie Chase’s beats. Talking to the audience as if everyone was an extended member of his own family, DMC told stories of the past and in an inspiring fashion. Asking for a moment of silence for the late, great Jam Master Jay amidst the set, the feelings of loss were heartfelt by the MC as he rocked on with other tracks like “It’s Tricky.” Taking everyone back to 1988’s DMC told the story of a stalking fan that inspired “Mary, Mary ” prior to busting out the tune.
While entertaining the room and having everyone’s hands in the air, DMC spoke how proud he was to be part of the charitable evening and applauding the organizers, as well as the other participants. In fact, he invited previous performers to the stage once more with Brie Capone, Toby Lightman, Dan Lavery, and Glen Phillips joining up for a unified chorus. Explaining the story of his period of enlightenment and finding out he was in fact adopted, DMC went into his song “Just Like Me,” inspired by the Harry Chapin song “Cats In The Cradle.” Originally featuring Sarah McLachlan, Lightman filled in nicely as the song resonated in the hearts and souls of all in attendance. With cheers raining down, DMC, with the company of the other musicians, blasted out “Walk This Way” for an epic finale.
Uniphi good is building a family-like atmosphere with East End Music & Arts Festival, giving much needed culture to the East End, and above all, helping the community. Those who came out to The Stephen Talkhouse would all agree it was a night filled with fun, music, and memories they will soon not forget.
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