Dan’s Papers November 19, 2010 danshamptons.com Page 17
Jon Bon Jovi has taken the stage, unexpectedly, at the Stephen Talkhouse
Surprise Appearances Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, etc. get Inspired at the Talkhouse By David Lion Rattiner The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett is undeniably the most important music venue on the East End of Long Island. The bar and stage create a very laid back space, with bartenders who know everybody and performers that include the most famous musicians in the world, as well as local bands trying to earn their street credit. It’s quite possibly one of the most unique spaces in the world in terms of the good music, when you account for the number of celebrities who walk in and out, and the mix of locals and tourists. As the old saying goes, music brings people together, and nearly every facet of the social fabric of New York goes to the Talkhouse to listen
to good performers, and have a few drinks and a good time. On any given night in the summer time, you could pass by music legends such as Jon Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffet and others inside, while the local band Little Head Thinks is doing a set or Nancy Atlas has the crowd dancing up a storm. The club is owned by Peter Honerkamp and partners. Honerkamp, something of a quiet hero in the Hamptons, participates in countless charity fundraising efforts through music that has drawn the attention of the national press. If somebody in town is sick, Honerkamp will give a green light for talent booker Nick Krauss and their long time staff and crew to organize a
music benefit. Thousands, possibly even millions when you add it all up, has been raised for the charity efforts this club has brought to people over the years. The club has been a tremendous supporter and active member of Soldier Ride. This charity was started by Chris Carney, a former bartender at the club, to raise awareness and funding for wounded American veterans, and has been talked about in the national media. None of the charities, the big musical acts, the local acts nor the good vibe of the Talkhouse happens by accident. Over the years the Talkhouse has worked itself into being an institution for the entire country, with some of the biggest names in (continued on page 24)
BERNIE MADOFF’S MONOGRAMMED SLIPPERS By T.J. Clemente It was quite the spectacle at the Sheraton Hotel New York in Midtown last weekend as the belongings of Bernard Madoff were auctioned off. Meanwhile in a federal correctional complex in Butner, North Carolina, Bernard Lawrence Madoff, prisoner No. 61727-054, sat as he does every day, in his cell, wondering perhaps about his family, his pets, or even his shrubs at his former homes. But, according to many reports, the one thing he doesn’t worry about are his victims who will be the beneficiaries of the proceeds of this auction, the second one held so far to sell off items seized by the authorities from Madoff’s three homes. The $2 million raised by this auction doesn’t really go that far compared to the $20-60 billion that the Madoff’s Ponzi scheme devoured from the savings of friends, investors, charities, universities, and other institutions. Some even
believe you can blame Madoff for the two last horrible seasons the Mets have had, since Madoff reportedly squandered their owner’s fortune. But for one day last weekend, it was all about collectors, curious folks, and some in-the-know hunting for novelties, treasures, and keepsakes. And it was a spectacle with the top item being the diamond engagement ring that Madoff gave to his wife Ruth. Bidding went up to $550,000 for the 10.54karat, emerald-cut rock—nearly doubling the pre-sale estimate of $300,000. However, on the other end of the spectrum was the $1,700 paid for item #360 that included 11 pairs of brandnew monogrammed designer drawers with the owner reportedly planning to give them away as holiday gifts. The winner of that bid also received 38 pairs of Sir Madoff’s ultra-luxurious Charvet socks. Then there was the Persian rug
dealer who sent his son to the auction to fetch back a prize rug that was won for $30,000. Antique rug aficionados speculated that the rug will most likely sell for twice that when properly marketed. Long Island octogenarian, John Rodger, bid $42,000 for Madoff’s 1917 Steinway grand piano, admitting it was perhaps $7,000 more than it was worth. But he had a place picked out and perhaps at 81 years old, one can splurge every now and then. Prices paid for other items included $67,500 for a Rolex “Moon Phase” watch; Ruth Madoff’s French diamond earrings fetched $135,000 from an undisclosed buyer. That was the second highest price paid for an item, after the engagement ring. A leather bull-foot stool, including a tail that had broken off, sold for $3,300. An oil painting by the late American artist Frederick Carl Frieseke went for $47,500. Italian vel(continued on next page)