Robert Wilson and Jamie DeRoy at Guild Hall's Gala. Photo by Katrina Lovett

This weekend was star studded as events around the East End celebrated everything from a big birthday to several good causes.

In East Hampton on Friday night, Guild Hall hosted their Annual Summer Gala. Starting with a cocktail party in the museum, guests got a chance to take a look at the new Andy Warhol exhibit. We even managed to catch Debbie Harry who was kind enough to pose for us in front of Andy's likeness of her, a beauty that has lasted the test of time. Other iconic pictures blanketed the walls included Marilyn Monroe, Truman Capote, and many others making up the first showing of the art on Long Island.

After cocktails, guests including Doreen Atkins, Emily Weitz, Barbara Gladstone, Robert Wilson, and Jamie DeRoy headed over to Mulford Farm for dinner to honor Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee. A live auction after dinner included such items as artwork from Robert Wilson and Chloe Piene as well as the chance for a master class with Ross Bleckner or lunch and a studio tour from Chuck Close.

Jessica Biel at Bridgehampton Polo. Photo by Katrina Lovett

Saturday afternoon, Jessica Biel was in town for the opening of her new movie with Ed Norton, The Illusionist. After taking in the local beaches and a yoga class on her first visit to the Hamptons, she stopped by Bridgehampton Polo to throw out the first ball of the game. With Molasses Reef Island Villas hosting, there was quite a tropical feel to the afternoon, including chilled lemongrass soup that the servers couldn't seem to assemble fast enough for everyone to enjoy and Mojitos flavored mints from the folks at Bacardi. We spotted Krista Kennedy, Pamela Suskind, and Anita and Katherine Jaskot enjoying the perfect breezy afternoon under the main tent.

After polo, we stopped by Sylvester & Co for another great opening in their showroom, this time for "Works on Paper" by Eric Buechel. The cozy space serves as both a gallery and shop for fine home furnishings. A perfect combination, we've discovered, as guests including Joan Liebowitz, Linda Landi, and Barbara Wood enjoyed the comfortable seating while chatting with artist Eric Buechel and debated on their favorite pieces.

Suzanne Scott and Eric Buechel at Sylvester & Co. Photo by Katrina Lovett

The abstract works on paper ranged from the organic pieces that gave a beachy feel flanking the door, to the geometric with line drawings that drew the eye in like a maze waiting to be solved. Each piece was a conversation starter, and would easily fit into the décor of nearly any home. On display through September 12th, we recommend stopping by to take a look.

Next, we headed into Sagaponack where Bob and Soledad Hurst hosted a party for CancerCare to honor Roy Scheider. Judith and Rudy Giuliani were onhand to convey the honor, and the lawn quickly filled with supporters for the cause. Roy was spotted chatting with nearly everyone in the crowd, even taking the chance to comfort a woman who has been especially affected by cancer, proving why organizations like CancerCare are so needed, providing free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer.

Roy Scheider with Rudy and Judith Giuliani at the CancerCare benefit. Photo by Katrina Lovett

After guests including Gaile Evertz, Gini Booth, Dora Ziongas, and James Libby had the chance to mingle, Soledad Hurst welcomed them and started the award presentation. Rudy Giuliani took the stage conveying his own story about being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He added his charm and humor to the tale of how usually conflicting newspapers seemed to both key in on his diagnosis on their front pages, and thus it 'must have been true.' Loud applause helped Giuliani welcome Roy Scheider to the stage to accept his award, where he conveyed his own tale and survival of Multiple Myeloma cancer. With so many people being effected by cancer, tales of survival seem just as important as any other form of support, and CancerCare is right on track.

After the awards, we headed over to the Reason for Hope Gala to benefit the Jane Goodall Institute. Tiki torches lined the road in East Hampton leading to the home of Sheri and Howard Schultz just off of Lily Pond Lane.

Sheri Schultz and Jane Goodall at the Reason for Hope Gala. Photo by Katrina Lovett

On the front lawn, two large chimpanzee statues served as a perfect backdrop for a few photos of the soft-spoken Jane Goodall and hostess Sheri Schultz as well as Candice Bergen and Marshall Rose. Guests including Richard Rovsek, Robert and Jennifer James, Dr Jonathan Levine, and Dina Merrill paused for cocktails by the pool on the side and back yard as dusk settled in, and the guests enjoyed the calm relaxing atmosphere. The main tent was aglow for a scrumptious dinner catered by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs, followed by a stellar private performance by Sarah McLachlan.

Saturday night was Rock 'n Roll night as we were transported back in time to the days at high school dances when the girls were on one side talking clothes and cute boys and the boys cute or otherwise were on the other side of the room talking cars and of course cute girls.

Amy and George Kane at the Doo Wop Dinner at the Plaza Cafe. Photo by John Wegorzewski

Super fun couple Amy and George Kane decided it was time to get out of their Gin Lane manse with their vintage penny arcades, movie theater (they scooped up all the seats, wall ornaments and even the ticket window from the old Southampton movie house pre United Artists renovation to create their very own Gin Lane Cinema on the first floor of their house) and their own golf course. Instead, the Kane's took a passel of pals to Plaza Café for an early dinner prior to the Southampton Lions annual Doo Wop concert.

Amy, good friends with Chef proprietor Doug Gulija, had arranged to have each place setting feature a vintage 45 record as the napkin ring, individual photos of each guest (in somewhat younger days) as place cards, and a song title from the great era of early rock n roll that each guest had to weave into their conversation. Talk about an ice breaker.

We got "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and were able to quickly weave a tail of a new briefcase for Dad from Saks Fifth Avenue. Preston Douglas got "Chain Gang" and told all he had been inside more jails than a mafia boss but never on a road crew. Later we found out he was a major legal eagle.

Following an exquisite dinner of salmon napoleon, striped bass with mango chutney and flourless chocolate cake, it was off to Southampton High School for three non stop hours of street corner harmony and hilarity. 11 year old Kid Kyle and his Kool Kats, who's already cut his chops appearing on Conan O'Brien and Good Morning America, seemed to be channeling 60's idol Frankie Lymon and crooned to a pack of poodle skirted Southampton intermediate school back up singers that brought the house to its feet.

Marlena and Sam Gershowitz the Doo Wop Dinner at the Plaza Cafe. Photo by John Wegorzewski

Veteran Louisiana rocker Frankie Ford famed for "Rocking Pneumonia" and "The Boo Woogie Flu" drew howls from the crowd each time he claimed he was "over medicated". Didn't stop him from pounding the keyboard til his fingers literally bled, forcing stage hands to stop to bandage the indefatigable rocker.

Then it was time to "See the Pyramids Across the Nile" with a swell hand-holding set by The Duprees, the iconic 60's romantic crooners. Dessert and more drinks followed at the Wyandanch villa of Star Island Marina owners Marlena and Sam Gershowitz and a chance to say hello to the 300 Koi in one of their vast ponds and ogle Sam's fleet of vintage Cadillacs, Rolls Royces and Ferraris, several of which had been on display at the concert. Lasting throughout the evening's festivities were Dave and Carol Fetters, Sharon and Preston Douglas, PR wiz Tony Vargas, Mary Anne and George Mathys, Edward Callaghan, and John Wegorzewski.

Sunday afternoon, Guild Hall showed they know how to throw a birthday party, hosting a Community Day Celebration for their 75th anniversary. Birthday cakes of every shape and size lined the tables in the museum as guests got the chance to vote for their favorite (We think the chocolate confection from JL East looked scrumptious), and check out the Andy Warhol exhibit. Kids took advantage of the craft tables fashioning masks and other activities before heading next door to Mulford Farm. Activities were tucked into every corner as we spotted water-balloon throwing contests, a magician, a bird exhibit from Long Island Parrot Society, dance performances, and music from Drummers Escola de Samba Boom. There seemed to be a bit of something for all ages as we spotted Ginny and Bob Blank, Noreen O'Loughlin, and Ellen Marcus enjoying the sunny afternoon.

Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Ruth Appelhof, and Paul Rickenbach at Guild Hall's 75th anniversary celebration. Photo by Katrina Lovett

Assemblyman Fred Thiele stopped by to deliver a birthday citation to Mayor Paul Rickenbach and Executive Director Ruth Appelhof. After the presentation, Nancy Atlas took the stage to lead the crowd in a sultry "Happy Birthday" before a short performance. With birthday cake, snow cones, and other party fare, Guild Hall put on one of the best birthday parties we've been to in a long time. We hope we have as much fun when we turn 75!

Sunday found us back at school and trying to catch up. No we didn't get our days mixed up simply had to return to the Ross School for another round of tasting and imbibing at the 2nd Annual Hamptons Wine and Food Festival.

Having gone on a major eating orgy - in the name of fair reporting – savoring the signature dishes of such top kitchens as Cittanuova, Mumbo Gumbo, JLX, Southampton Publick House, and Old Speonk Inn we decided, as it was Sunday (and we had already gone to church) that we would do our very best to work through the spirits tables featuring the North and South Fork's prize vintages and the very best of the international offerings.

Make A Wish's Kristine Vilardi, Jessica Lessing, Jodi and Charlie Della Femina, and Kathie Lombardi at the Hamptons Wine and Food Festival. Photo by John Wegorzewski

We worked our way through some local all-stars Wolffer Estates, Bedell Cellars, Macari, Lenz, and Paumonok Vineyard finding it hard to not to limit it to one glass. Keeping our balance by alternately sipping and munching brie with fig jam, we stumbled upon – ahem – found - the Pol Roger table where Frederick Wildman & Sons, George Eldi and his wife Nancy regaled us with the history of the famed champagne purveyors.

Little did we know that the Brits revere Pol Roger with the feeling accorded to the Crown Jewels. During the "Big War," Winston Churchill made sure that the bubbly was at the front lines with the troops. As Churchill was oft quoted "we are fighting for our culture" and that clearly meant quaffing vast amounts of Pol Roger. We sampled, well actually hung out with the Eldis, and decided the Pol Roger vintage rose was a definite add to our cellars.

New products from tasty comestibles to practical kitchen aids were in the spotlight as well. We snared a nifty Bamboo cutting board/tray, delighted to learn that bamboo doesn't split and it is a natural anti-bacterial substance. Score one for our dishwasher back home.

Another pleasant find was with Bistro Blends where we were greeted by a most personable college student Jeffery David Lee Elkins (yes, his father is from the south hence it would have been Jefferson Davis but parents settled for Lee). Jeffery didn't look any older than the 18 year aged balsamic vinegar blend and olive oils he was selling. To our surprise Jeffery went into business with his college age brother Jaymes. What entrepreneurs! It sure beats selling magazines door to door to help with your education. We tasted the Balsamic garlic and it was one of the best!

Amidst the dizzying array of new food items, tops on our list at day's end were the absolutely splendid and healthy "finishing sauces" from Masefield's in Jamesport, nutritionally inspired in Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian and Tropical blends perfect for grilling or stir frying fish, poultry and pasta.

Jerry Della Femina with Platinum Chef Winner Richard Lanza at the Hamptons Wine and Food Festival. Photo by John Wegorzewski

Created by dietitian Christine Mansfield with her husband Joseph, Masefield's Twin Forks Nutrionist Product line also features a selection of salad and veggie dressings they call "Tossing Splashes" guaranteed to perk up any bit of greens!

Over in the competitors tent, we were able to arrive just as PassionFish top chef Richard Ranza received the Platinum Prize from ad genius now super restaurateur Jerry Della Femina, beating some skilled competitors as Colette Connor of Inn Spot on the Bay, Keith Greene of JLX East, Justin Dwyer of Tiderunners, and Robert Gurvich of Alison fame.

We got to mingle with some of our favorite foodies The Independent's Amy Patton, Hamptons Michael Braverman, and the always delightful Sylvia Lehrer, cookbook author, teacher and food columnist for Dan's Papers. Sylvia's recipes based on the season offerings of the East End have made us look good in the kitchen so we were delighted when she invited us to come to her house to cook with her.

Surprisingly, there were three times as many wine and spirits exhibitors than restaurants much to the dismay of many attendees though we were quite happy to make a find stop at the Level Vodka bar for a sensational extra dry martini – shaken not stirred as Bond would say – served up by the vivacious Jennie Carr. A perfect capper to a delightful afternoon.

Dena K. Weiner, Marion Waxman, Robyn Joseph, Laurie Schaffran, Marcia Lavipour, with Dr. Samuel Waxman at the Third Annual Hamptons Happening. Photo by Richard Lewin

Earlier this summer, the Third Annual Hamptons Happening took place on Saturday, July 8th. The gourmet tasting event and silent art auction, at the home of Robyn and Kenneth Joseph on Georgica Pond in Wainscott, included over 20 restaurants and 95 pieces of art from galleries, artists and individual donations. It was attended by more than 400 guests and raised over $200,000 for cancer research.

More than 80 photographers and painters, many of whom are Hampton residents, generously donated artwork for the auction. They included: Burt Glinn, Liz Taylor's photographer; Ellen Frank, and Denise Regan all of East Hampton; Lisa Pevaroff Cohn of Sagaponack, Evelene Wechsler, Peter Marcelle, and Richard Zimmerman of Amagansett and New York. Many local galleries also contributed to the event including Hampton Road Gallery, Harrison and Harrison Pictures and Framing, Spanierman Gallery, Tulla Booth Gallery, and Vered Art Gallery.

New York and Hamptons-based restaurants that participated included: Antonucci, Brandt Beef, Bread Tribeca, davidburke&donatella, DuFour Pasty Kitchens, Goldberg's, William Greenberg Jr. Desserts, Ichiban Sushi, il Buco, Il Cantinori, Il Cappucino, La Masseria, Le Monde, Leo's Latticini, Orsay, Periyali, Sapori d'Ischia, Saracen, The Seafood Shop, Shun Lee, and Spoonbread. The dessert table included Mama Berta's Macaroons, John Johner's Fudge Shop Chocolate Chip Cookies, Tate's Cookies, and Fairytale Brownies. Beverage sponsors included Grey Goose Vodka, Fizzy Lizzy, Fuze Beverage, and Rushh.

Joanna Steinberg (Co-Chair of Jr. Committee), Rachel Katz, Jake Sokol, and Scott Schaffran at the Third Annual Hamptons Happening. Photo by Richard Lewin

Benefit Co-Chairs were Laurie Schaffran and Marion Waxman. Committee members included: Jocelyn Brandeis, Vira Capeci, Cecile Cohen, Dean and Kris Denninger, Elena Prohaska Glinn, Ed Greenblat, Kenneth and Robyn Joseph, Marcia Lavipour, Gale Meisenberg, Thomas Mikolasko, Lora Reichman, Dena K. Weiner and David Rozenholc, Clifford and Kristin Sterling, and Janet Tekworth. The Junior Committee Co-Chairs were Ruth Abend and Joanna Steinberg.

Since 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has been dedicated to funding research on the causes of cancer, developing less toxic, cancer cell-specific treatments, and looking for science-based means to eradicate cancer from our lives. The Foundation is unique in that its international "Institute Without Walls" is a collaboration of leading hospitals, research institutions and medical schools in the U.S. and across the globe in Canada, China, Europe and Israel. Its team of investigators is at the forefront of cancer research.