Music to Know and Escape to New York rock the Hamptons

Photo credit: Getty

The Hamptons are known for many things, but indie music is not one them. Not yet, anyway.

This August, not one but two weekend-long "boutique festivals" will hit the South Fork: Music to Know in East Hampton and Escape to New York in Southampton.

A recent trend in the U.K., a boutique festival is  basically a concert with classed-up amenities and other activities.

"[These concerts] had good food and a higher standard of service, and incorporated more than just music," said Fred Fellows, founder of Escape to New York. His event promises music and art with an emphasis on comfort.

Fellow Brit Chris Jones heads Music to Know. "We're putting the whole thing together as an 'experience' as opposed to just a 'concert,' " he said. His goal is to bring fashion, food and entertainment together "in a curated environment."

Both men are supportive of each other's efforts; however, they stressed how each festival differs from the other.

"I don't perceive us as competing with each other," Fellows said.

So what's the difference? We break down what each fest is about.

Music to Know

Aug 13-14, East Hampton

Headliners: Vampire Weekend, Bright Eyes

Crowd size: 9,500

Beyond the music: Browse the pop-up shops featuring fashion by local and international designers, and visit the organics tent, which will feature "all locally harvested food," said Jones.

Accommodations: They suggest you get in touch with the local Chamber of Commerce to find B&Bs or rental houses in the area - you can find rooms for as cheap as $145 a night.

Tickets: One day: $110, two-day pass: $195

VIP amenities: A VIP ticket goes for $645, which will get you into the VIP tents (with premium food offerings), VIP viewing areas and premium restrooms.

Escape to New York

Aug. 5-7, Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton

Headliners: Patti Smith, the Vaccines, Of Montreal

Crowd size: 5,000

Beyond the music: "We've got a huge wealth of interactive art," said Fellowes, as well as a program of lectures on science and history and "an incredible selection of epicurean delights."

Accommodations: ENY offers "glamping" - camping with concierges, massages and exclusive showers - starting at $2,250. Alternatively, there are a limited number of free plots for regular old camping (reservation required).

Tickets: One day: $100, three-day pass: $275.

VIP amenities: There is no VIP ticket, as "everybody is a VIP" with access to gourmet food vendors, comfortable bar areas, etc.

Will it happen?

Some may remember 2003, when two high-profile events out on the East End were cancelled abruptly. Field Day, which boasted Radiohead and the Beastie Boys as headliners,had to relocate to Giants Stadium two weeks before the concert was scheduled to happen. And Bonnaroo NE - slated to feature Tom Petty and Bob Dylan - was cancelled entirely.

Could it happen again? Probably not.

ENY: The organizers have been working with the Shinnecock Indian Nation for five years to bring this deal to fruition, and the Shinnecocks are happy to have them. 

MTK: Jones has been meeting weekly with East Hampton Town. "They've been a pleasure to deal with," he said.

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