The music industry isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about LongHouse Reserve, but the East Hampton venue will host “Women Shaping the Future of Music,” a round-table discussion and brief performance, on Saturday at 3 p.m.
The program will be led by Sarah Nagourney, a songwriter, producer, and host of the podcast and event series “She Creates Noise.” It will open with a two-song performance by Toby Lightman, a singer-songwriter who has toured with Jewel, James Blunt, and Gavin DeGraw and opened for Prince, who learned about her when he saw her perform on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien.”
Over the course of her career, Nagourney has written with or for such artists as Wynonna Judd, Wayne Brady, Carnie Wilson, Southside Johnny, and Chris Difford of Squeeze while mentoring emerging artists and advocating for women across the music industry.
The panelists — Sam Cox, Andreea Gleeson, Kate Hyman, and Taylor Barton Smith — will explore the changing landscape of the music business, the realities of building a creative life, the importance of mentorship and community, and the opportunities and responsibilities that come with navigating a period of extraordinary change.
Cox is a vice president at BMI New York, where she works closely with songwriters, composers, and music publishers, fostering creative partnerships and supporting the development of the next generation of music creators.
Gleeson is the founder and C.E.O. of AGA, which specializes in entertainment funding, music marketing and promotion, and major label distribution. Prior to that she was the C.E.O. of TuneCore, a music distribution and artist development initiative, and has been recognized on Billboard’s Power List and by Fast Company magazine as one of music’s most innovative leaders.
As an A&R executive, Hyman’s career has included important positions at Chrysalis Records, Warner Music Group, BMG, and Big Ears Music. She has supported the careers of generations of songwriters and recording artists.
Smith is a writer, producer, singer, and ASCAP award-winning songwriter who has logged more than four decades in the music industry. She has released 10 albums, directed the documentary “50 Watt Fuse,” and written two novels, a memoir, a play, and an eco-friendly children’s book. She also produces G.E. Smith’s “Portraits” series at Guild Hall.
Tickets are $35, $25 for members, and a reception will follow the discussion.
Tea Ceremony
The Japanese Tea Ceremony will return to LongHouse with two sessions on Sunday, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This year will feature a Peace Bell tea ceremony hosted by Urasenke members to commemorate the International Day of Peace, which will be observed on Monday. The gathering will begin at the Gateway Bell, an iconic artwork by Toshiko Takaezu, followed by a workshop and demonstration.
The Urasenke Chado (the Way of Tea) will be presented by Ayako Souryo Takamoto (the great-granddaughter of the 14th grand tea master), Yuka Souyu Yamazaki, Yoko Sanada, Takuya Suzuki, and Chisato Konda.
Each session will be limited to 20 guests. Tickets are $45. If one of the sessions is sold out, a waiting list can be joined by contacting LongHouse.
