Talking to Max Honerkamp about the Stephen Talkhouse is as wonderful an experience as seeing a live performance at this legendary East End music venue. His energy and ambition are palpable as we discuss the venue’s future. His father, Peter Honerkamp, the well-known Talkhouse owner and operator for decades, purchased the property in the 1980s, creating the iconic spot it is today.
“From the local fisherman to the New York City businessman, the main thing that will always remain is our commitment to make this a place for everyone to let their hair down,” said Max, who is the venue’s general manager.
We discuss what is happening this season and his vision. When asked what he hopes to bring to the table in the future, he said, “I am focused on paying homage to the history of the Talkhouse, but also to bring everything it represents forward and what the East End wants and expects… I also want to shake things up.”
This much-loved spot, located at 161 Main Street in Amagansett, is known for nurturing and featuring some of the best local and national artists and bands.
“We are continuously focused on introducing the next generation of music before these artists appear at bigger places,” Max explained. “This doesn’t mean we don’t have major established acts. It just means we like to get them here just as they are on the cusp of bigger things.”
From up-and-coming locals to well-known celebrity-fronted bands with a large following, this summer’s line-up perfectly blends every music genre and notoriety. The lineup this summer includes Caroline Jones, Nancy Atlas, The Heavy Heavy, Steve Earle, The Wailers, Vieux Farka Touré, The Moss, Jackie Greene, Donavon Frankenreiter, The Stews, Joan Osborne, Cimafunk, and Matisyahu, to name a few.
Intentionally appealing to every age group, the venue offers an early set of shows and a late set, kicking off around 8 PM. Some early shows are focused on the Talkhouse’s clientele who want to experience a great live show, and, perhaps, get home by midnight.
“It’s the later shows that draw the recent college graduates, die-hard music aficionados of all ages, and groups of friends and fans who want to spend the night at the Talkhouse to dance, talk, and stay late,” said Max.
Writer’s Note: some of my information about the Talkhouse is gleaned from a first-hand source — my 23-year-old daughter — who frequents the venue whenever she is on the East End.
I learned about the branded Talkhouse drinks served there from her. My interest piqued, I asked Max about Encore, a canned Talkhouse-branded cocktail introduced by his sister Ruby a few years ago.
“Yes, this was her idea during Covid,” he explained. “It’s also about further branding the venue and increasing what we offer patrons, fans, and followers when they come.”
Encore comes in six flavors, including four infused with vodka. Many other places on the East End are now selling the cocktails. The family hopes to take this road much further in the months and years to come.
You may also find late-night food vendors at the Talkhouse. Max sums it up like this: “You never know who is going to pop in to our place… We are all about making everyone and anyone feel welcome and happy.”
