G.E. Smith And Taylor Barton Headlining Community For The Retreat

On Thursday, March 30, rock out with The Retreat, the East End’s sole domestic violence agency, during Community for The Retreat – a benefit concert at Stephen Talkhouse (161 Main Street, Amagansett) featuring performances by G.E. Smith and Taylor Barton, followed by DJ Jack Luber.

G.E. Smith. (Courtesy Photo)

“We named the Stephen Talkhouse event Community for The Retreat because it illustrates the collaboration and support that makes our work possible,” shared Kimberly J. Nichols, The Retreat’s Director of Development. “We hope people will come out for an evening of great music and go home knowing they helped make a difference for families, here in our community, affected by violence.”

Last year alone, The Retreat helped 6,625 clients through its hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy programs. “All of The Retreat’s services are free,” Nichols explained. “The proceeds from Community for The Retreat will support programs such as prevention education, counseling for children and adults, legal advocacy, and emergency shelter.”

“Domestic violence is not just a household problem anymore. It’s a national problem that has made everyone erupt and it needs to be addressed on a national level first,” Barton added. “MAYBE, eventually it will trickle down to a household level. WE are very aware of the divisiveness that is present in our community, and where are people supposed to diffuse if they are victimized on a daily basis by what they see in the world as it stands now?”

Barton, who plays multiple shows in the Hamptons throughout the year, says the crowds are always very receptive. “The audiences welcome us wherever we play,” she said. “We perform 4 to 6 times per year, in this region.”

Later in 2017, the musician and her husband, Smith, will bring back a popular Guild Hall series. “We are about to present a new series that was highly successful in 2015,” Barton shared. “This summer we are launching GE’s Portraits 2, which will feature Paula Cole, Snowy White, The Bacon Bros and Billy Squier at Guild Hall. So look forward to their summer season.”

So, what can the audience expect during Community for The Retreat? “Just us doing a quiet acoustic set to bring a little peace to someone’s heart and help people to relax and ease their minds,” Barton shared.

Tickets to Community for The Retreat are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Additionally, The Retreat will hold a screening of The Hunting Ground, Kirby Dick’s critically acclaimed documentary that focuses on sexual assault on college campuses, on Monday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. The documentary includes interviews with students, parents, faculty, police, and administrators, and Lady Gaga’s Til It Happens to You. Following the screening, which will be held at the East Hampton Library (159 Main Street, East Hampton), a panel of professionals from The Retreat, Family Service League, East Hampton Town Police Department, and the Campus Sexual Assault Victims unit of the New York State Police will lead a discussion. Admission is free.

On Friday, April 7, Fred Raimondo will headline the Third Annual Songwriters Share series at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse of the South Fork (977 Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton Turnpike, Bridgehampton). Doors open at 8 p.m. and proceeds will support The Retreat. Admission is $15.

For more information, call 631-329-4398 or visit www.theretreatinc.org.