Concert For the Concerts Helps Continue Musical Tradition in Montauk

Summer is fast approaching and pretty soon it will be time to grab a lawn chair and listen to the sweet sounds coming from the Montauk Green on Monday nights.

But first, to raise money to fund the concerts, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce will hold its fifth annual Concert for the Concerts at Zum Schneider restaurant on April 21 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Nancy Atlas, a local musician, conceived of the family friendly fundraiser to keep the program going when town funding for the concerts ended in 2009, and she was one of the musicians to play in the series.

The summer series — which started over 25 years thanks to the original Montauk Downtown Association and was turned over to the chamber in 2004 — costs the chamber well over $5,000, according to Laraine Creegan, the executive director. The town used to provide $2,500, a figure that increased to $5,000 in 2006, she said. When the economy turned, and in light of the town's financial situation, the money was pulled five years ago.

"The chamber felt strongly that this was a very important tradition in Montauk, not just for visitors but for the residents and businesses alike. We decided to ask our membership to sponsor these concerts, so we are able not only to maintain this wonderful tradition, but to expand it to the Harbor," Creegan said.

This coming year there are 14 shows between the Concerts on the Green and in the harbor, plus two Open Mic nights.

"All the bands are local East End bands — East Hampton, Montauk — and we feel we want to support them as well. Music has always been a big part of Montauk, we don’t want to see it go away," Creegan said.

The fundraiser helps continue that tradition, Atlas said. "The bands typically play these shows for a fraction of their usual costs so the money that we need to raise to keep this 10 week program going is nominal but truly needed as the town doesn't have the funds for it anymore," she said.

"The thing I've always loved about the Concert on the Green Series is that it's truly a gathering of the local community. It's on a Monday night all summer long so its a real reprieve from all of the families out here who are working on the weekends," Atlas said. "The kids are running around, the older people have their beach chairs and the vibe is great. It's like a little block party in the center of town, reminding us that we can still enjoy a little slice of Montauk even with all of the summer madness around us."

This year’s concert will feature Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks, the 3B’s, The Blue Collar Band, Ray Red, and for the children, entertainment by Miss Melody from 4 to 5:30 p.m. These performers are also involved in the summer series and they donate their time to support the endeavor, which also includes four summer concerts at Gosman’s "Dockside Stage."

Admission is a $10 donation at the door. Kids accompanied by an adult will be admitted for free. There is a 50/50 drawing and several raffles including spa passes to Gurney's and tickets to the Atlantis Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. A light menu will be available at the Bavarian bierhouse, with a selection of brews.

The summer concerts are held on Monday evenings on the Village Green at 6:30 p.m. in July and 6 p.m. August.

Do you go down and listen to the summer concert series? Tell us what you love about them. Leave a comment below.