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The Fireside Sessions: How Nancy Atlas Turned a Quiet Hamptons Winter Into a Can’t-Miss Music Tradition
Nancy Atlas returns to Bay Street Theater with the Fireside Sessions—a winter tradition that brings the Hamptons community together through live music.
As we slide into January, gritting our teeth through the cold, the Hamptons are about to get a lot hotter—at least in Sag Harbor.
The force of nature known as Nancy Atlas returns to Bay Street Theater this winter with the beloved Fireside Sessions, a much-anticipated January tradition that brings warmth, soul and world-class live music to the quietest season of the year.
That means four Saturdays of intimate performances curated by Atlas, featuring standout musicians who jam alongside her and her band, The Nancy Atlas Project—turning winter hibernation into a communal celebration.
A Winter Tradition That Keeps Selling Out
The Fireside Sessions have been a passion project for Atlas for more than a dozen years (minus a two-year pandemic pause), and they regularly sell out. The roster of past guest artists is jaw-dropping, including rock legends like Chad Smith (drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Simon Kirke (Free and Bad Company).
In other words, the Fireside Sessions never fail to heat up the senses and awaken spirits during the stillness of winter. It’s no small feat—especially given the dreariness of the season (and the current news cycle)—but Atlas does the heavy lifting to create a magical, intimate evening filled with stories, surprises and incredible live music spanning rock, soul, blues and Americana.
The Many Hats of Nancy Atlas
Catching up with Nancy Atlas is no small feat either.
She’s a musician, singer, songwriter and recording artist. She’s also a mother of three (ages 12, 14 and 19), a repeat winner of Sag Harbor’s legendary clam-shucking contest (earning her the title “Mother Shucker” once again this year), and the newly minted founder of a nonprofit, Atlas for the Arts, which supports young musicians in the community.
If anyone knows how to make sparks fly in the Hamptons, it’s Nancy Atlas.
INTERVIEW: Nancy Atlas
You are one busy person.
“I can make a ham, a lobster mac and cheese, land a plane—and right now I’m working on my set list,” she says, laughing.
What the Fireside Sessions Mean to the Community
“The Fireside Sessions are a testament to the trust that exists between our musicians and the community,” Atlas says. “The audience doesn’t really know who these people are, but they trust the experience. After 10 years, they know.
“It’s like a Christmas box—you don’t know what it’s going to be, and you leave going, ‘Whoa, what just happened?’”
On Energy, Art and Staying Resilient
The energy you bring to your performances is beyond powerful.
“Well, like most artistic people, I have to dodge and weave through depression,” Atlas says. “One of the things I’ve learned is to keep myself busy.
“It’s a very interesting—I won’t say brutal, I won’t say hard—profession, but you’re constantly pivoting. It’s not always romantic.”
How the Fireside Sessions Began
The Fireside Sessions have always called Bay Street Theater home.
“My daughter was born at the end of summer 2013, and by late November or early December I said, ‘I’ve got to work,’” Atlas recalls. “There was nothing happening out here. The Talkhouse was closing for the season. I didn’t want to run an open mic.”
Then came the epiphany.
“I knew all of these sidemen and women who had played with me over the years—like Clark Gayton, a trombonist who’s played with Bruce Springsteen and Wynton Marsalis. When Clark wasn’t touring, I said, ‘Can you give me a Saturday in January?’”
Atlas pitched the idea to Bay Street leadership at the time, including Gary Hygum (now at The Suffolk).
“Gary said, ‘Do you think you could sell 90 tickets? OK, we’ll give you four weeks—but if it’s not selling after week two, we’ll cut it.’”
The first Fireside Session featured Chad Smith—during a blizzard.
“We were sold out wall to wall,” Atlas says. “You’re only as good as your last show—and that’s really the motto of the Fireside Sessions.”
A Show for Everyone
Tickets originally started at $15.
“I wanted this to be for everybody,” Atlas says. “Now it’s around $45 to $55, and there’s nothing else like this. You can’t see this level of talent for that price anywhere else.”
The goal remains the same: bringing the entire community together.
This Year’s All-Star Lineup
“This year really is the all-star edition,” Atlas says.
Gene Casey & Eugene Chrysler — country and rockabilly (Jan. 10); Brian Mitchell, keyboardist and accordionist for Levon Helm (Jan. 17); Randy Fischfeld, rock and roll and electric violin (Jan. 24); Jonny Rosch, soul and funk (Jan. 31)
“I fly people in. I’m learning 15 songs a week,” Atlas says. “It’s an enormous undertaking—but it’s there to entertain and offer reconnection. We’ve lost a lot of people in recent years, and this is my chance to connect.”
Why Atlas for the Arts Was Born
Atlas launched Atlas for the Arts after seeing firsthand the needs within local schools.
“I have children in the East Hampton and Montauk school systems,” she says. “I believe the best way to support educators is to ask, ‘What can I do?’ instead of pointing fingers.”
When teachers expressed interest in collaborating with national acts and expanding opportunities for students, Atlas got to work. Early support came from Jayma Cardoso, owner of The Surf Lodge.
“She said, ‘We’re good for $10K,’” Atlas recalls. “Then eBay matched it. Last year we raised $36K.”
Now a fully established nonprofit, 100% of the funds go back into mentorship programs, allowing Atlas to hire professional musicians at fair rates to work directly with students.
“We have a holiday fundraiser running online through Jan. 31,” she adds.
Advice for Young Musicians in the Age of AI
“A lot of young musicians are worried about AI—and rightly so,” Atlas says. “But one thing AI will never have is authenticity.
“My best advice for young musicians: Treat every show like it’s your last. Appreciate authenticity. Put your blinders on and run your own race.”
She pauses. “See the race I’m running—see the Fireside Sessions.”
Event Details
The Fireside Sessions
📍 Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor
🗓 Saturdays in January
⏰ 8 p.m.
🎟 Tickets & info: baystreet.org
🎶 Donations & info: atlas4arts.com
