On July 13th, LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton will host a unique event, “Echoes of Emotion,” featuring an evocative blend of music and poetry by the renowned artist August Gladstone. This event, born out of the vision and support of Carrie Rabora Barratt, the Director of LongHouse Reserve, promises to be a night of artistic immersion and heartfelt expression.
Gladstone, who has been inspired by the serene environment of LongHouse since his days at Springs School, is eager to headline the event but insists on sharing the spotlight with emerging talent. “I am honored to be headlining but did not want to bogart the night because there are wonderful, talented young people still writing poetry and lyrics nowadays,” he explained. One such talent is Reilly Rose, whose lyrical charm and folk-inspired romance impressed Gladstone during her performance at LTV this winter. He sees a kinship in their writing styles and is thrilled to share the stage with her.
“The LongHouse Reserve is a place of such serenity; it suits poetry and songwriting so well. I hope ‘Echoes of Emotion’ can become a recurring event or at least inspire young creatives to indulge in the artistic bosom of the Hamptons. There is beauty everywhere for those who seek it,” Gladstone told hamptons.com. He reflects on how his journey into poetry began as a means to work through personal pain, eventually leading to a realization that his highly personal work resonated deeply with others. “My goal as an artist is to mine these moments from my own life and present them to shake hands with yours – so we help each other navigate tumultuous waters.”
Gladstone emphasizes the importance of artistic accessibility, expressing his concern that poetry has become a contest of intellectual prowess, alienating many potential enthusiasts. He advocates for a return to poetry’s communal roots, where stories were shared around a fire, fostering a sense of unity and collective experience. “Poetry should be something that unites people, recites people, ignites people – especially in a time where we yearn to be back in person, sharing life beyond the screen with one another.”
At the event, Gladstone will share work from his debut book of poetry, “Ivy,” marking his first foray into the literary world. Known primarily as a screenwriter and comedian, he credits John McCaffrey, an accomplished East End author, as a great mentor and editor. McCaffrey will introduce Gladstone at the event, adding another layer of depth and connection to the evening.
Inspiration plays a crucial role in Gladstone’s creative process. He draws from the lyrical prowess of songwriters like Jim Morrison, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Connie Converse, and Joni Mitchell. These artists, rooted in the mid-century folk tradition, have significantly influenced his approach to writing. Traditional poets like Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Dylan Thomas, and controversial figures like Charles Bukowski also inspire him. He admires modern poets such as Ada Limón and Dana Gioia, whose works have been foundational in his poetic journey.
As the world emerges from the isolation of COVID-19, Gladstone believes that poetry and art are more critical than ever. “Art is so commodified, algorithmized, delegitimized; we’ve forgotten its purpose to connect, unite, and amplify our humanity,” he remarked. He sees poetry as a powerful tool for community storytelling and healing in these tumultuous times, describing it as a spiritual experience that can provide joy and connection far beyond the ephemeral likes on social media.
For those seeking to experience the profound emotional resonance of poetry and music, LongHouse Reserve on July 13th is the place to be. “Echoes of Emotion” promises an evening of artistic reflection and shared humanity, a testament to the enduring power of words and melodies to unite and heal. Tickets are available at LongHouse Reserve’s website.
