Sure, biting into a lobster roll, sipping on a Painkiller, Little Creek Oyster’s popular cocktail, and the cool breeze rolling in from Gardiner’s Bay sounds like a lovely summer evening. But wouldn’t it be even better with some live music?
Ian Wile and Travis Zurawski sure think so. The duo behind the Sunshine Shack, which opened last summer at Orient Beach State Park, introduced live music to the beach Aug. 1 with a performance by Julia King in front a beachy blue Volkswagen backdrop.
“It took about four days from idea to execution,” Wile said of the new concert series, which he hopes to bring back next year. “By the end of that night, I think we were all eager to see it repeat.”
Following King’s performance, Rob Europe and Jon DiVello graced the sandy stage Aug. 8 and 15 respectively. Wile and Zurawski will also book performances for the final two Tuesdays of the month, Aug. 22 and 29.
Wednesday’s crowd, about 30 strong, enjoyed Divello’s acoustic performance from the comfort of picnic tables or huddled in groups, drinks in hand.

A lifelong North Forker, Zurawski believes Orient Beach State Park is already a special, serene place. He hopes his and Wile’s efforts will attract other locals who may not otherwise enjoy what it has to offer.
“The fact that these are really great artists playing at such a beautiful setting, it has been received well by everyone in our little bubble,” Zurawski said. “We’re seeing different people every week, it’s not always the same faces, which we’re really excited about. There’s not many opportunities where you can go on the beach hang out and listen to quality music for free.”
While artists for the next two shows have not yet been announced, live music lovers can follow Sunshine Shack’s Instagram page for announcements.

