The Suffolk County Police Department is advising motorists of heavy traffic in Rocky Point for the Mike DelGuidice of Big Shot Concert Monday.
The event will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, located at 614 Route 25A from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on August 28. Overflow parking will be at Joseph A. Edgar School, located at 525 Route 25A. During the concert, Route 25A will be closed from the west side of the business district at 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. Traffic will be diverted on eastbound bypass. Westbound Route 25A will be closed at Broadway at 8:45 p.m. Southbound Rocky Point Landing Road traffic coming from Joseph A. Edgar School will be diverted westbound on Route 25A. Attendees should not arrive before 4 p.m.
As a reminder, there is no alcohol or tobacco permitted on church or school grounds.
The VFW, county government and the Mike DelGuidice-led Big Shot put on a massive concert for thousands Aug. 27.
Photos by Greg Catalano
By Rich Acritelli
It was during this past week that classic rock could widely be heard throughout the North Shore.
The Billy Joel “Big Shot” band that is led by local native Mike DelGuidice sang to a packed audience at Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church in Rocky Point Aug. 27. With almost 8,000 people on hand to watch the musical event, it was a great night enjoyed by all. For the last several years, Big Shot has been the main attraction of the summer concert series and a driving force of Post 6249 Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars’ local efforts.
VFW Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore speaks at the Aug. 27 concert. Photos by Greg Catalano
For the entire day, veterans of this military post diligently worked to ensure that this production was enjoyed by the many residents of this community. This operation was organized by Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore with eighteen members of the veterans organization that helped set up tents, directed where chairs could be placed, the positioning of garbage cans and worked with the church to ensure the success of this night. Cognitore was pleased to be working with Reverend K.J. Augustine, a new addition to the parish of Saint Anthony’s. It was a united effort by members of the church, VFW, county officials and local leaders that all participated in making this night come alive. Cognitore was thankful for the guidance that Augustine demonstrated to bring various organizations together through a musical tradition that has flourished at Saint Anthony’s during the summer months.
Cognitore said he was delighted that everything came together for all of the people on the beautiful evening to hear the DelGuidice sing the hits of Billy Joel, Elton John and Aerosmith.For well over twelve hours, members of Post 6249 were seen in their blue shirts selling raffle tickets, pointing people to their seats, dancing, all with big smiles on their face, excited to watch this event unfold in front of a packed house. Even as DelGuidice now calls Florida his home, this local kid recalled his roots with good-hearted banter with the crowd.
Since this series was created under then county legislator Dan Losquadro and continued with the aid of his successor Sarah Anker (D-Mount Siani), DelGuidice has been the key event to end these shows on a high note. While the musician performs next to Joel through the longstanding franchise at Madison Square Garden, DelGuidice is a proud figure from Miller Place. The former resident has mastered the songs of Joel and has members of his band playing with Big Shot to round out this talented group. With cheers that could be heard up and down Route 25A and Main Street in Rocky Point, DelGuidice played for almost three hours.
It is this music that resonates well with many people that can identify with the local lyrics and spirit of Joel mastered by DelGuidice.Like that of Bruce Springsteen, John Cougar Mellancamp, and Zac Brown, the combination of Joel and DelGuidice music will continue to stand the test of time and local residents will surely enjoy these shows for many years to come.
The VFW, county government and the Mike DelGuidice-led Big Shot put on a massive concert for thousands Aug. 27. Photos by Greg Catalano
The importance of this concert series is that the local government and Cognitore are able to bring solid musicians to this area to present their multitude of talents. Instead of worrying about paying an expensive ticket price and traveling into the city, many people are able to come home from work and within minutes hear the unique voice of DelGuidice play some of the most memorable rock hits. This leisurely event allows people the opportunity to see an outstanding show that is free, close to home and they also observe the likes of Post 6249 work for the betterment of the North Shore.
One of the finest songs that DelGuidice sang on this night was “Good Night Saigon.”Immediately, DelGuidice invited all of the veterans to be present on the stage and be next to him and his band. Much of this tribute was presented to the Vietnam Veterans that were led by Cognitore. He had tears in his eyes by the overwhelming applause from the crowd. Standing next to the post commander, they looked out to the crowd as they raised phones over their heads.nThey turned on their flashlights and cameras creating a clear path of light across the fields of Saint Anthony’s.
Veterans, young and old were continually thanked by DelGuidice and his band for sacrificing for this nation. In an evening with many highlights, this one surely hit home for the members of Post 6249 and for those with history of defending this nation at home and abroad.
Already, Cognitore is looking forward to next year. He wanted to thank all of the political leaders, the church, officers of the Suffolk County Police Department of the 7th Precinct for their role in handling crowd control, parking, the traffic, and being a presence to ensure the safety of an audience of thousands.
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalanod
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice will cover classic hits from Billy Joel on Aug. 28. File photo by Greg Catalano/2019
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
File photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot covered classic hits from Billy Joel and beyond Aug. 24. Photo by Greg Catalano
Joe Cognitore and Sarah anger helped lead children in the pledge of allegiance. Photo by Greg Catalano
VFW Commander Joe Cognitore helped kick off the annual concert. Photo by Greg Catalano
Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, covering Billy Joel hits and more, strode onto the stage in Rocky Point Aug. 27, blowing out the summer concert series with classic rock hits to a packed crowd.
The last in the Downtown Rocky Point Summer Concert Series, sponsored by the Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 and Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) was held on the lawn of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church.
Lead Mike DelGuidice sings and plays the piano at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series. File hoto by Giselle Barkley
There is a traffic advisory out for a road closing in Rocky Point.
On Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, will be performing at St. Anthony of Padua Church as part of the final Downtown Rocky Point Summer concert series.
Every year, this performance attracts thousands of people from Suffolk County and the surrounding tristate area.
The Downtown Rocky Point Summer Concert series allows resident to enjoy free musical performances and also helps support local businesses. Organizations such as Long Island Cares, Suffolk County United Veterans, the Rocky Point Rotary, and the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce will also be in attendance to provide information about their programs and services.
Be advised, due to the anticipated attendance, the Suffolk County Police Department will be closing Main Street in Rocky Point from Rocky Point Landing Road to Broadway at 5:30 p.m. The road will reopen at the end of the concert.
Benefit concert rakes in $55,000 for Suffolk County Crimestoppers
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Mike DelGuidice, Miller Place frontman of the Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
A guitarist from Zofolk, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
Teri Kroll lost her son Timothy in 2009 to a heroin overdose. She shared her story during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
A celloist form Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
Zofolk, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
A guitarist from Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
Mike DelGuidice, Miller Place frontman of the Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
Information on opioid abuse treatment and prevention centers was available at the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
Mike DelGuidice, Miller Place frontman of the Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot, performs during the Suffolk County Police Department's benefit concert to raise funds for Crime Stoppers' rewards to aid in halting Long Island's heroin problem. Photo by Rebecca Anzel
By Rebecca Anzel
The first thing Suffolk County Police Chief Stuart Cameron does when he gets to work each morning is check the communications section log, which tracks all significant events from the night before. More often than he would like, he reads that at least one young adult died from drug-related causes. And almost every time he is in a police car, he hears a call about an overdose on the radio.
“It is unprecedented — the opioid crisis affects everybody,” Cameron said over the sound of “Walking in Memphis” playing in the background. “We absolutely have to do something about it.”
The Emporium in Patchogue was filled with almost 600 people Thursday night, all there to listen to Billy Joel and Led Zeppelin cover bands, who were there to raise money for SCPD’s Crime Stopper’s four-month-old narcotics tip phone line, 631-852-NARC, which has already received nearly 900 tips — so much that the SCPD added detectives to investigate leads.
Teri Kroll lost her son Timothy to a heroin overdose in 2006. Photo from Teri Kroll
The original Suffolk County Crime Stoppers tip line generated a lot of helpful leads, Cameron said, but residents did not realize they could use the number to call in narcotics-related ones. Now, narcotic search warrants are up 100 percent this year, he said, and the amount of reward money given to those who called in tips leading to an arrest was higher than it had been in the past 20 years.
The benefit concert raised $55,000 in one night, all of which funds rewards. Donations are the sole way rewards are funded.
Michael DelGuidice, a Miller Place resident and front-man of Billy Joel tribute band Big Shot, said that the night’s concert was the right way to start fighting the county’s heroin epidemic, but stressed that it needs to be just the beginning of more action.
“As parents and fellow Long Islanders, we need to do something,” he said. “It’s going to be a fight, and it’s going to take a lot of collaboration, but we need to think of future fundraising efforts too.”
Teri Kroll’s son Timothy died at age 23 from a heroin overdose on Aug. 29, 2009. He became addicted to oxycodone after a doctor prescribed it to help alleviate the pain from his migraines. When his parents found out, they took the drugs from him and began the process of helping him recover, but they did not know he had turned to heroin.
The doctor, Seji Francis, was sentenced to six months in prison and deported after Timothy reported him to police. But during the process of helping her son and the detectives, his mother said there were no resources for her to turn to for help; no other mothers to call. There was a stigma around heroin addiction that there does not seem to be now.
“This event allows us to let our guard down, relax and know we’re doing a good thing at the same time.”–Teri Kroll
“The whole thing was hard on my family, but my son suffered the worst. Speaking out about this is my mom job for Timothy,” said Kroll, who is now the PUSH Coordinator for the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. “This event allows us to let our guard down, relax and know we’re doing a good thing at the same time.”
She added that if Timothy was at the event, he would be smiling and dancing with whoever was around him.
“The room was packed – and Michael DelGuidice gets it, and is willing to speak out on behalf of the disease of addiction and put his time an energy in the fight against what drives this epidemic – the drug dealers,” Kroll said. “The Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Crime Stoppers have made it easy to report the dealers – proving zero tolerance in Suffolk County. We are attacking this epidemic from all sides, just what Timothy would have liked to see.”
Louis Iacona, president of Long Island Helps Recovery Initiation, said this event was a fun way to raise money and awareness about Suffolk County’s heroin problem. He struggled with the drug and found there were not a lot of resources available to help him recover.
“We need to smash this heroin epidemic to smithereens,” Iacona said.
Smithtown resident Nick Santoria, guitarist for Led Zeppelin cover band Zofolk, said the band was grateful to be invited to play at such an important event.
“We love to partake in such a great cause,” he said. “Crime Stoppers is doing such a great job and we wanted to help in any way we could.”
Residents can report tips or information regarding past crimes and drug dealing anonymously by calling 1-800-220-TIPS. Rewards of up to $5,000 will be issued.
Drummer Mike Sorrento of Big Shot does a drum roll for the audience at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the final performance of the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Community members applaud the band’s performance at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Bass player Nick Dimichino of Big Shot performs at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Guitar player Kem Cino looks toward the audience at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the final performance of the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Lead Mike DelGuidice sings and plays the piano at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series. File hoto by Giselle Barkley
A mother holds her sleeping son as she sways to the music at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the final performance of the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Sax player Mark Fineberg performs at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Guitarist Kem Cino plays his guitar during one of the first few songs at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
A little girl eats an oreo at the Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot concert for the last performance of the 2015 Rocky Point Concert series on Aug. 18. Photo by Giselle Barkley
Long Islanders and their friends and family members gathered on Tuesday for the Rocky Point concert series’ last performance of the year.
Community members danced, sang and cried during the Mark DelGuidice & Big Shot: The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute, which began at 7 p.m The band’s performance wrapped up this year’s Rocky Point Summer Concert series, which began in early July.
The North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce alongside members of the Veterans of Foreign War were two of the organizations that attended the concert.
During an intermission period, the Veterans of Foreign War were invited on stage for the audience to pay tribute to their service. Legislator Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) was also among the crowd. Anker, who announced the schedule for the Rocky point concert series, joined the veterans on stage as Joe Cognitore, commander of the Veterans of Foreign War, waved the American flag.
The audience members remained at the concert until late in the evening as they enjoyed the tribute, which feature Billy Joel songs as well as songs by Elton John and other artists.
