Looking to kick 2019 off on a high note?
The Fifth Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series is launching with Points East on Friday, January 4 at 7:30 p.m.
“We are so excited to be starting the 5th Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series – a series in which every concert gives back to the community! New to the series this year is the family band Points East hailing from the North Fork,” Nancy Remkus, series Founder, relayed. “I had a chance to hear them during the Sag Harbor American Music Festival and thought they were wonderful! Beautiful arrangements and harmonies – fun to listen to.”
Points East features Brian Cummings, lead vocals and guitar; Keith Cummings, vocals, guitar, and banjo; Heather Sterling, vocals and hand percussion; Steve Shaughnessy, upright bass; and Taylor Cummings, percussion. For Songwriters Share, the Southold-based band will perform their own original music, showcase unique covers, and provide insight about the meaning behind their songs.
The local favorites have headlined across the East End, taking the stage at East Hampton’s Guild Hall and several beloved events, including 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.
Through the Fifth Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series, each headliner has selected a local charity that their performance will support. “They [Points East] have chosen to play for Maureen’s Haven and all proceeds are shared between the band and the charity of their choice,” Remkus explained.
The Riverhead-based Maureen’s Haven offers temporary shelter to homeless individuals from November through March through its winter shelter program. To do so, the organization relies on several volunteer houses of worship located throughout the East End who generously provide a place to sleep and a nutritious meal, which is cooked by dedicated volunteers. Year-round, Maureen’s Haven provides case management, connecting those in need with services and assisting them achieve their goal – such as housing, employment, counseling. Over the past decade, Maureen’s Haven has provided refuge and services to over 3,500 homeless individuals – more than half of which were able to procure permanent housing and employment with help from the organization.
“We are excited to be part of the Fifth Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series and truly thankful for their continued support of Maureen’s Haven,” shared Daniel O’Shea, MS, Maureen’s Haven Executive Director. “It is a wonderful thing to see people come together and share their gifts and talents for those who need it most. We are especially excited that Points East is performing, it is going to be a great evening.”
The Fifth Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series will continue with Inda Eaton playing for Project Most on Friday, February 1, Caroline Doctorow playing for Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt on Friday, March 1, Fred Raimondo playing for The Retreat on Friday, April 5, Gene Casey playing for Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons on Friday, May 3 and Nancy Remkus and Dan Koontz playing for the Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry on Friday, June 7.
The Songwriters Share Concert Series will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House in Bridgehampton. General admission is $20, while the entry fee for seniors and students is $15.
“The beautiful intimate setting gives concert goers the opportunity to listen to what has inspired the artists to write their songs,” Remkus added. “A complimentary wine and cheese (and other goodies) reception follows each concert which is a great opportunity to speak with the artists and concert goers alike. Different from some of the larger concert venues – this series gives you a sense of being part of the community-and doing something good for the many deserving charities.”
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House is located at 977 Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton Turnpike in Bridgehampton.