Peace Festival, Fundraiser for Haiti, and Karaoke Contest Begins

It was so hard what to decide to put in this column on this Saturday. It's the start of a long weekend, and East Hampton Town is bustling with activities.

1. is holding a on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. There are all sorts of interesting workshops and readings going on, starting with the gilding workshop for parents, children, and serious artists. Artist and Springs resident Ellen Frank will show how the Egyptians worked with papyrus, gilder's clay, and gold leaf. At 2:15 p.m., artist Danny Simmons will read a new poem in honor of peace. The Simmons name might sound familiar. He's Russell Simmons' brother and a co-founder of Rush Arts, as well as the creator of Def Poetry Jam.

2. The is well under way. On Saturday at 5 p.m., Juliet Frodella, the director of Senior Options and Solutions at Eastern Long Island Hospital, will speak about anxiety and depression and safe-guarding seniors and ourselves. The lecture is free.

3. The first of the bi-monthly at begin on Saturday evening. The contest is being held in conjunction with a national contest, where the final's winner takes home $5,000. More information to come, but check out the first leg of the contest starting at 9 p.m. It's free to join, all you have to buy are the drinks.

4. As part of the at on Saturday, will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. This first part of the benefit will focus on activities for the kids. Children under 12 are $5, and adults are $20.

5. The second part of the fundraiser is called . It is also held at East Hampton Studio, and will include an evening of music, hors d'oeuvres, and art. Omarosa of Donald Trump's Apprentice fame will be hosting the event, Melky Jean, a singer-songwriter who is also Wyclef Jean's sister, will perform, and artists such as our Wordhampton friend Steve Haweeli will be making art right in front of the guests. Tickets are $75 at the door.