Weekend Spotlight: Rufus Wainwright to Play Shelter Island Festival

To some, Rufus Wainwright is the talented son of Loudon Wainwright III, a folk singer-guitarist made famous in the singer-songwriter heyday of the early ‘70s.

But if you were paying attention in the late ‘90s, you might remember when Rufus made a mark himself in the world of popular music with his operatic piano-laden songs accented by his unique voice, which eventually landed him gigs touring with the likes of Tori Amos.

Wainwright and his sister Martha will headline the fourth-annual “Plant and Sing” celebration at Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island. The event begins on Friday and ends on Sunday and features music, barn dancing, storytelling, drama, farming, and culinary delights. The Wainwrights take the stage at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Culinary events will embrace the “farm-to-table” experience with cooking demonstrations, garlic planting and sweet potato harvesting. Local vendors will be at the event selling food and beverages, and guests are also welcome to bring their own.

Proceeds from the “Plant & Sing” Arts and Food Festival will contribute to Sylvester Manor and its educational programs, which connect the community with history, food and culture.

Go to www.sylvestermanor.org or call 631-749-0626 for more information.