Third season of Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea opens June 28th with Broadway star Norm Lewis, a summer toast & Jean Shafiroff Honored with LTV Studios’ Frances Ann Dougherty Award for Broadcast Philanthropy
Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea, the live concert series bringing leading Broadway and cabaret performers to LTV Studios, returns for its third season with an eight-show summer lineup. The 2026 season opens with Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Norm Lewis, one of American theater’s most celebrated baritones, performing in the intimate black-box setting of LTV Studios in Wainscott.
Lewis, whose stage credits include “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,” “Les Misérables,” “Ragtime” at Lincoln Center and the title role in “The Phantom of the Opera,” will headline the season premiere in a rare East End appearance. The evening will begin with a summer reception featuring spirits from BottleHampton and passed hors d’oeuvres from East Hampton Kitchen before guests take their seats for the opening performance.
As part of the evening, series producers Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone will welcome Jean Shafiroff to the stage as LTV Studios presents her as the 2026 recipient of the Frances Ann Dougherty Award for Broadcast Philanthropy. The award honors leadership, generosity and a lasting commitment to strengthening the community through the power of media. Named for Frances Ann Dougherty, wife of LTV founder Frazer Dougherty and the institution’s first major contributor more than 40 years ago, the annual recognition is presented to an individual with meaningful ties to the East End who has helped advance LTV’s mission in public access, education and government broadcasting.
Shafiroff, a philanthropist, author and television host, is being recognized for her years-long support of LTV and the continued success of her program, “Successful Philanthropy,” which highlights charitable leadership and civic engagement. Her selection as the 2026 honoree reflects LTV’s commitment to celebrating those who use media to inform, uplift and connect the community.
Following Lewis’ performance, guests will be invited to mingle over desserts prepared by chef Annie Washburn as LTV Studios looks ahead to the full Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea season.
The 2026 schedule continues with Ann Hampton Callaway on July 11th; Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch performing the songs of Hoagy Carmichael on July 18th; David Alpern hosting Maria Abous and Eric Yves Garcia in an evening devoted to Lorenz Hart on July 25th; “A Swell-egant, Elegant Party,” hosted by Laurence Maslon and starring Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, on August 1st; KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler joined by Stephanie Pope and Christine Pedi in a program co-sponsored by the Mabel Mercer Foundation on August 22nd; and a season finale with Tony Award-winning “A Chorus Line” star Donna McKechnie on August 29th.
Founded by Rubin and Gladstone, Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea has become a distinctive cultural fixture on the East End, pairing world-class performers with the intimacy of a soundstage environment. The series offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience Broadway, cabaret and the American songbook up close in one of the Hamptons’ most creative community media spaces.
Pamela Morgan
“What's Cooking? Where Every Song Comes with a Story and a Little Spice.”
Sunday, Aug 23rd 7:30PM Because the best evenings never end when the show does , your ticket includes admission to the show and an exclusive post-performance cocktail party featuring specialty cocktails, and a generous assortment of passed hors d’oeuvres and substantial bites—from elegant appetizers to crowd favorites.
Last Season’s Performances:
