AceShowbiz - With New York City reaching 80 degrees for the first time this spring, the season of outdoor gatherings and live music is officially underway. Over 100 miles east of the city, the iconic Surf Lodge in Montauk is preparing to welcome some of the biggest names in music for its celebrated summer concert series.

Each year, the Surf Lodge, located at the easternmost tip of the Hamptons, hosts a diverse crowd that includes both year-round Montauk residents and visitors arriving by Jitney and Long Island Rail Road. The venue’s back decks transform into a vibrant stage where music fans enjoy performances under the sun and stars.

Last summer’s lineup at the Surf Lodge featured unforgettable moments such as a sunset set by Kaytranada, a rare appearance by actress and singer Kate Hudson, and a drum masterclass from Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. As the Surf Lodge approaches its 20th anniversary, this year’s concert series has shifted its focus toward more live music acts, complementing the popular DJ sets that get attendees dancing each weekend.

Alongside returning electronic acts like Bob Moses, Louis the Child, and Chris Lake, the schedule includes performances by Teddy Swims, Snoop Dogg, Fetty Wap, Grace Bowers, and Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy. The series kicks off this Memorial Day Weekend with sets from Gorgon City, the Martinez Brothers, and Francis Mercier, and will continue through September.

The Surf Lodge was founded in 2008 by New York nightlife veteran Jayma Cardoso, who transformed a modest motel on the edge of Fort Pond into a renowned music and cultural hotspot. Cardoso aimed to preserve the intimate charm of Montauk’s small community rather than cultivate a flashy party scene.

“Our opening weekend we had Stephen and Julian Marley perform and it was freezing rain. I had zero expectations anyone would show that night, but they did,” Cardoso shared with Rolling Stone. Over the years, the venue has attracted a wide range of artists, including Courtney Love, who fell in love with the intimate atmosphere and ended up staying for an unofficial residency that summer.

The Surf Lodge’s back deck has been the site of spontaneous collaborations across multiple genres. Memorable moments include Jimmy Buffett joining Willie Nelson in 2013 and a dynamic back-to-back performance by John Summit and Alesso a few summers ago. Many artists who played here early in their careers have since gone on to large arena tours or film roles.

“You can go from the Flaming Lips, which was a monster act, to at-the-time emerging acts like Halsey, who was a baby when she opened for Tove Lo,” Cardoso noted. She also mentioned watching Zoë Kravitz grow up, having seen her perform with LOLAWOLF and appreciating her vocal talent.

Labor Day Weekend is expected to be one of the busiest during the Surf Lodge summer calendar. The Danish pop group WhoMadeWho will perform on Friday, September 4. DJ Carlita will take over the decks on Saturday, September 5. The weekend will culminate on Sunday, September 6, with an intimate session hosted by White Claw Sessions featuring a Grammy-nominated performance by Teddy Swims.

Additional artists, surprise sets, and the usual impromptu happenings are anticipated to be announced as the season progresses, keeping the concert series fresh and unpredictable. Tickets and weekly lineup updates will be available through the Surf Lodge’s official channels.

As the summer unfolds, the Surf Lodge continues to be a cherished destination where music lovers can enjoy a blend of established and emerging talent in a unique and welcoming environment, all while soaking up the scenic beauty of Montauk.