Songwriters Share, the Concert Series that gives back, is back for a sensational sixth season in 2020. Launching on Friday, January 3 with Points East, who will be taking the stage in support of Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach, concert-goers will be treated to an amazing evening music, as well as insight behind the song’s story, and a complimentary reception following each show.
“We are so excited to be announcing our 6th year for the Songwriters Share Concert Series,” Nancy Remkus, Songwriters Share Founder, relayed. “We are hoping that this year even more people will come out to support our local musicians as well as our local charities.”
Performances will take place monthly through June at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse of the South Fork in Bridgehampton. “People love this venue – the acoustics and the feeling of community each night of the series,” Remkus noted. “This is an opportunity to sit and listen to every word the musicians are singing and every note they are playing. There is something magical about that – and I must say that many of the musicians say that this is their favorite venue – a place to be heard.”
The first headliner, Points East, is a family band from the North Fork of Long Island. They showcase original tunes, as well as unique arrangements of covers that boast an acoustic alternative folk newgrass country flair. The band features Brian Cummings (Lead vocals, Guitar), Keith Cummings (Vocals, Guitar, Banjo), Heather Sterling (Vocals, Hand Percussion), Steve Shaughnessy (Upright Bass), and Taylor Cummings (Percussion).
Brian and Heather grew up accompanying their father Keith on the stage, along with friends and families at various gatherings and events, growing their fan base across the East End at every outing. The band has performed at several local venues and festivals, such as East Hampton’s Guild Hall, the Sag Harbor American Music Festival, the Greenport Maritime Festival, the Montauk Music Festival, SouthamptonFest, and the Mattituck Strawberry Festival.
Points East recorded their debut album, A Love You Can’t Deny, in 2016 with Cynthia Daniels at Monk Music Studios in East Hampton. Their songs “reflect deep personal experience, the emotions of which are communicated through warm, satisfying harmonies and clean, unadorned arrangements.”
For their Songwriters Share set, Points East has selected Maureen’s Haven to share the concert proceeds with.
“We are truly honored to be selected by Points East for the 2020 Songwriters Share Concerts Series,” Daniel O’Shea, MS, Maureen’s Haven Executive Director, relayed. “It’s such a wonderful evening and we are grateful to part of this fantastic event.”
Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach provides support services, emergency shelter and compassionate care to the homeless on the East End of Long Island. Throughout the past decade, Maureen’s Haven has provided shelter and services to over 3,500 clients. The non-profit operates a Day Center, located in Riverhead, that is open year-round. It serves as a place where the homeless can seek out when they need a break from the weather, or when in need of basic needs, food, and clothing. During the colder months, the non-profit also operates an Emergency Winter Shelter Program in partnership with houses of worship on both the North and South Forks. Additionally, Maureen’s Haven provides access to medical care, support services, case management, and housing assistance.
General Admission to Songwriters Share is $20 and $15 for seniors and students. A complimentary wine and cheese reception follows each concert. “Points East is a great band and we hope everyone comes out to show their support for both Maureen’s Haven and local musicians,” O’Shea added.
“This year we are adding some new groups to our roster – and we are very excited,” Remkus explained. The 2020 iteration will highlight Inda Eaton playing for Project Most on Friday, February 7, Hopefully Forgiven playing for Soldier Ride on Friday, April 3, Caroline Doctorow and Gene Casey playing for Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons on Friday, May 1 and Fred Raimando playing for The Retreat on Friday, June 5.
Concerts commence at 7:30 p.m.
“This is a beautiful night of music which is topped off by a complimentary wine and cheese reception and lots of fun conversation,” Remkus concluded.
Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse of the South Fork is located at 977 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.