Eastville Community Historical: Benefit, AME Zion Church: Gospel Concert & Soul Food Dinner Sale, 9.20th

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Gospel Concert & Soul Food Dinner Sale to Raise Funds for Historic St. David’s AME Zion Church in Sag Harbor

Chara’s Kitchen & Catering, in partnership with the Eastville Community Historical Society, is proud to announce the Gospel Concert & Soul Food Dinner Sale, a community celebration of music, food, faith, and African American history taking place Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 33 Eastville Avenue, Sag Harbor, New York.

The event will combine an afternoon of award-winning soul food with an inspirational gospel concert featuring special guest artist Antoinne Hilton & Friends.

Food sales begin at 11:00 a.m., and the Gospel Concert begins at 4:00 p.m. A suggested $10 donation is requested for the concert, with proceeds benefiting the restoration and preservation of the historic St. David’s AME Zion Church.

The event is being held to help preserve the history of St. David’s AME Zion Church; a historic African American landmark built between 1839 and 1840.

According to the event organizers, the church has a significant connection to local oral tradition surrounding the Underground Railroad. The church is remembered as refuge and suspected maritime stop on the Underground Railroad, with this history connected to its first pastor, the Reverend J. P. Thompson.

One of the most compelling features of the historic site is the hatch where enslaved people were reportedly hidden. Visitors will have an opportunity to tour the church and see—and lift—the very hatch associated with this history.

The restoration effort is being undertaken under the stewardship of the Eastville Community Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to restore the landmark and preserve it so that its history remains available for the community and future generations to see, learn from, and experience.

The culinary portion of the celebration will feature award-winning soul food prepared by Chef Cheryl of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering, offering attendees an opportunity to enjoy a meal while supporting an important preservation effort.

Cheryl Grigg, Chef/Owner of Chara’s Kitchen & Catering, is serving as Sponsor and Event Chairperson. Her accolades include being a 2023 Power Women East End winner, being featured in Feedfeed Magazine, Feedme TV, CBS News, News 12 and Newsday, recognition among the 2022/2023 LI Top 100 Restaurants, and being a Best of LI Winner in 2020. She is also a travel chef, culinary instructor, public speaker and consultant.

The concert will feature Antoinne Hilton & Friends, with Hilton presented as the event’s featured artist. The event promises an afternoon of gospel, inspiration and community celebration in support of the historic church.

Sound will be provided by DJ ROBBIEO of iHeartRadio, helping bring the musical celebration to the audience both on-site and to listeners beyond Sag Harbor.

The event’s live-streaming and media partners featured on the promotional materials include:

DJ BabyDoll Radio, Audacy, Live365, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Apple Music.

This expanded streaming presence will help share the concert and its message of history, faith and community with audiences beyond the East End.

The event recognizes the support and participation of:

Chara’s Kitchen & Catering

SLG Sound Lighting Group

A Peace of Mind

DJ ROBBIEO 

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Businesses and community members interested in becoming sponsors are encouraged to contact Chara’s Kitchen & Catering at contact@charaskitchen.com.

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Event Details

Gospel Concert & Soul Food Dinner Sale

Sunday, September 20, 2026

FOOD SALES: 11:00 a.m.

CONCERT: 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: 33 Eastville Avenue, Sag Harbor, NY

CONCERT DONATION: Suggested $10

FEATURED ARTIST: Antoinne Hilton & Friends

EVENT CHAIRPERSON: Cheryl Grigg, Chef/Owner, Chara’s Kitchen & Catering

BENEFICIARY: Restoration of St. David’s AME Zion Historical Church

HISTORICAL STEWARD: Eastville Community Historical Society (501(c)(3))

Donations toward the restoration effort are greatly appreciated, and attendees can use the donation QR code featured on the event materials.

For sponsorship information:

Chara’s Kitchen & Catering

Email: contact@charaskitchen.com

Website: www.charaskitchen.com

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About the Event

The Gospel Concert & Soul Food Dinner Sale is more than a concert or a community meal. It is an opportunity to eat, worship, celebrate, learn and invest in preserving a significant piece of Sag Harbor’s African American history.

Organizers invite residents, visitors, families, historians, music lovers, supporters of the arts and everyone who believes in preserving historic places to come together on September 20 and help ensure that St. David’s AME Zion Church—and the stories connected to it—remain part of the community for generations to come.

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Founded to preserve the diverse history of the Eastville neighborhood in Sag Harbor, NY, the Eastville Community Historical Society (ECHS) discovers, preserves, and disseminates the history of the working-class community that was uniquely composed of African Americans, Native Americans, and Irish immigrants. ECHS maintains the historic St. David A.M.E. Zion Church (circa 1840) and the Heritage House, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and community lectures throughout the year to foster historical awareness and cultural appreciation.

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Image:

St. David A.M.E. Zion Church, 1839, Sag Harbor

St. David A.M.E. Zion Church was built for African Americans and Native Americans. 

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