INTERVIEW: WHBPAC Board Chairman And Square Feeet Keyboardist James Kuhn On Beachstock Drive-In Concert

On Saturday, August 22, on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) is presenting Beachstock: Square Feeet plays the Best of the Beatles, 1963-1973.

James Kuhn, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Board Chairman, is the keyboardist of Square Feeet, the band that will be headlining WHBPAC’s next Drive-In Concert Benefit. “Jimmy,” as he likes to be called, is an icon of the commercial real estate scene in New York City and the surrounding areas. His openness and sense of humor led to a very candid and fun interview for Hamptons.com about the upcoming benefit concert.

He said, “Our first Drive-In Concert [Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes] was a success. The first show was sold out and the second one was well attended. This time we are having one two hour show with no intermission, starting at 7:00 p.m.”

The event is to be held on the Great Lawn and the music will come into each car live, as it will be broadcasting directly from a sound board. You will be able to sit in your car, tune into a specific FM station and you will be able to hear the show in your car. There will not be loud speaker sound throughout the lawn.

He explained, “I became the Chairman of the Board of the WHBPAC about a year and a half ago. I have been in Quogue since 1983, and in the Hamptons since 1977. So, I have been out here a long time. The Theater [in Westhampton Beach] has been a really important component for Westhampton/Quogue and Hampton Bays – there really wasn’t anything here before. It was a really important part of the Village of Westhampton, so I felt it was important on the whole re-doing of the Village of Westhampton, with the streets, and the cul-de-sacs. I thought I could do something to bring it [WHBPAC] to another level – both in fundraising and the quality of entertainment. And, of course, to continue to help the Arts Academy.”

There is another side to Jimmy. It is Jimmy, the musician. He loves to play in bands that play classic rock music. He modestly said, “In our band, with me on the keyboards, I may be the weakest player – only because everyone else is that good.” For the performance at the Drive-In-Fundraiser, Jimmy’s band, Square Feeet, will consist of Jimmy Kuhn on keyboards, Dorsey Parker on drums, P.M. Steebler on vocals, David Katzman on guitar and vocals, Apoena Frota on guitar and vocals, Andre Vasconcelos on guitar and vocals and Vinny Silva on guitar and vocals. He shared, “The first half of the show will be a song from every Beatles album, the second half will be great covers of great rock songs. We have an amazing song list of cover songs and will surprise you with our range.” He added, “The musicianship is outstanding.”

Beachstock: Square Feeet plays The Best of the Beatles, 1963-1973! will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets start at $150 per car.

The lawn will open 45 minutes prior to the concert and will close 15 minutes after the concert start time. All vehicles will be spaced at least 10 feet apart.

Attendees must remain within the confines of their vehicle at all times, with the exception of walking to the restrooms. Concert-goers may sit in the trunk or tailgate of their vehicle.

Great Lawn is located at 35 Main Street in Westhampton Beach. For more information, visit whbpac.org.