Norm Lewis opens Hamptons Summer Songbook season in Wainscott

Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea returns June 28 for its third season at LTV Studios in Wainscott with Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Norm Lewis. The opening night also honors Jean Shafiroff with LTV’s 2026 Frances Ann Dougherty Award for Broadcast Philanthropy.

Why it matters: - Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea is expanding its East End role with an eight-show 2026 season that pairs Broadway and cabaret talent with LTV Studios’ intimate performance space. - The opening night combines live theater, philanthropy and community recognition in one event, underscoring LTV Studios’ push to position itself as a cultural hub in Wainscott. - Jean Shafiroff’s award highlights the series’ connection to media-driven philanthropy and local civic engagement.

What happened: - Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea opens June 28 at LTV Studios in Wainscott with Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Norm Lewis headlining the season premiere. - Lewis is making a rare East End appearance. - The evening begins with a summer reception featuring spirits from BottleHampton and passed hors d’oeuvres from East Hampton Kitchen. - Series producers Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone will present Jean Shafiroff with LTV Studios’ 2026 Frances Ann Dougherty Award for Broadcast Philanthropy. - The award honors leadership, generosity and a lasting commitment to strengthening the community through media.

The details: - Lewis’ credits include The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Les Misérables, Ragtime at Lincoln Center and the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. - The Frances Ann Dougherty Award is named for Frances Ann Dougherty, wife of LTV founder Frazer Dougherty and the institution’s first major contributor more than 40 years ago. - LTV presents the annual honor to an individual with meaningful East End ties who has advanced its public access, education and government broadcasting mission. - Shafiroff is a philanthropist, author and television host. - Shafiroff is being recognized for years-long support of LTV and for her program Successful Philanthropy, which focuses on charitable leadership and civic engagement. - Guests will mingle over desserts prepared by chef Annie Washburn after Lewis’ performance. - The 2026 season includes Ann Hampton Callaway on July 11. - The lineup continues with Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch performing Hoagy Carmichael songs on July 18. - David Alpern will host Maria Abous and Eric Yves Garcia in an evening devoted to Lorenz Hart on July 25. - A Swell-egant, Elegant Party, hosted by Laurence Maslon and starring Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, is set for August 1. - KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler will appear with Stephanie Pope and Christine Pedi in a program co-sponsored by the Mabel Mercer Foundation on August 22. - Donna McKechnie will close the season on August 29. - Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea is founded and produced by Rubin and Gladstone. - The series uses LTV’s industrial-chic television studio as an intimate venue with state-of-the-art lighting, acoustics, café-style seating, modular staging and a Baby Grand piano. - LTV is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are deductible as defined by IRS regulations. - More information is available at the LTV Studios website.

Between the lines: - The season opener blends marquee talent with a tribute to philanthropic leadership, a format that helps LTV deepen donor and audience engagement at the same event. - The programming mix suggests the series is aiming at both Broadway loyalists and cabaret audiences while reinforcing its identity as a high-touch community venue. - Shafiroff’s selection signals that LTV is using the award to spotlight people who support local institutions through public-facing media work.

What's next: - The full 2026 Hamptons Summer Songbook season runs through August 29. - LTV Studios will continue rolling out performances across the summer as the series builds toward its finale with Donna McKechnie. - Audiences can expect the concert series to keep combining live music, civic recognition and post-show social programming.