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Offering four Tuesday evenings of music on the lawn

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook, in partnership with Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses will present the 2024 Summer Stage With A Purpose (Summer SWAP), on a series of Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. The events are FREE to the community. 

Summer SWAP will offer visitors a relaxing and scenic outdoor venue on the front lawn of the Jazz Loft to listen to an impressive lineup of performers.

“This series was born from the desire to have the Jazz Loft collaborate with Stony Brook University, and Stony Book Medicine as a way to invest in the community and especially to nurture cultural development,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel.

“This summer concert series was born from the desire to give back to our community, to offer high quality performances to everyone without charge, and also to expand our collaborative projects with Stony Brook University, and Stony Book Medicine,” said Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft. “Summer SWAP is the perfect way to invest in our community and an especially real and genuine way to nurture cultural development.”

The Jazz Loft will be offering a variety of refreshments for sale in the Basie Garden which is adjacent to the Jazz Loft. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn.

The series performers will include:

Tuesday, June 18: 

Skye Hamilton-Carranza Septet:

Skye Hamilton-Carranza, bandleader/saxophone; Isaac “ALGONZO” Ketter, saxophone; Dekko Mills, Piano; Andrew Brett, bass; Ian Dennis, drums; Lo Wood, Bari sax; SPECIAL GUEST: Kristina Well, vocals

Tuesday, July 9: 

Arta Jekabsone Quartet

Arta Jēkabsone will share her original music, some Latvian Folk music, and an arrangement of one or two, well-known songs. The evening will be filled with positivity, smiles and laughter. Arta Jēkabsone – voice; Kengchakaj – piano; Hannah Marks – TBD; and Connor Parks – drums

Tuesday, July 23: 

Aubrey Johnson (vox) Quartet:

Aubrey Johnson, voice; Randy Ingram, piano; Sam Weber, bass; Jay Sawyer, drums

All performances are from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information contact the Jazz Loft at: 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

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The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft recently announced a grant award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s upgrades in equipment. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $32 million to 102 capital projects across New York State. The grant is a matching grant, with $50K coming from the state and $50K from The Jazz Loft donors.

According to The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, the grant funds will go towards installing high-end audio and video equipment so that the Loft can livestream, and record performances and the space can also act as a recording studio.

“The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism and creating jobs across New York State.”

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the legislature for their support. These projects are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our creative industry and our communities, especially as we continue to navigate the recovery of our creative sector. This support will help stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations for now and the future. Congratulations to The Jazz Loft, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture,” said New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallon.

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue i9n Stony Brook. For more information visit thejazzloft.org

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METRO photo

Flag Day is a special occasion that honors Old Glory and commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.

According to History.com, in 1775, the Second Continental Army led to the creation of the first “American” flag. However, that flag was too similar to the British Union Jack flag so President George Washington requested a revision. In 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that the “flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white.” Furthermore, the “union” was represented by 13 stars of white in a blue field, “representing a new constellation.”

More than a century later, a small-town Wisconsin teacher named Bernard Cigrand came up with the idea for an annual flag day in 1885. Even though the Fourth of July, a holiday in which the flag is prominently and proudly displayed, had long been celebrated as the birthday of the United States, Cigrand wanted a holiday that would focus specifically on the flag in all its glory. June 14 was selected because it marked the anniversary of the official adoption of the first flag. Cigrand led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday, and throughout his life continued to advocate for respect of the flag.

Various other organizations liked the idea of a day to honor the flag, including the State Board of Education of New York, the Betsy Ross House and the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution. 

On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation deeming June 14th as Flag Day, stating “It is the anniversary of the day upon which the flag of the United States was adopted by the Congress as the emblem of the Union.” He also wrote, “On that day rededicate ourselves to the nation, ‘one and inseparable’ from which every thought that is not worthy of our fathers’ first vows in independence, liberty, and right shall be excluded and in which we shall stand with united hearts.”     

Still, it would take another 33 years for President Harry S. Truman to sign an Act of Congress designating June 14 as the official National Flag Day, which he did on August 3, 1949.

Americans can honor the flag by displaying it on Flag Day. Here’s how to display the flag properly according to Military.com:

• The flag should be free of any obstructions, such as power lines or tree limbs.

• Flags should only be displayed in public from sunrise to sunset, unless the flag can be properly illuminated during darkness. In this instance, it may be displayed at all times.

• When displayed with other flags, such as on a single staff or lanyard, the U.S. flag should be above all other flags. If flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left.

• State and local flags are traditionally flown lower than the American flag.

• The flag should be displayed at every public institution and at schools during school days.

• The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

• On a vehicle, the U.S. flag should be displayed from a staff firmly fixed to the chassis. It should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a vehicle.

• The flag should never touch anything beneath it.

• When displayed vertically and not on a staff, the union should be on the left when observed. It should be suspended so its’ folds fall freely as though the flag were staffed.

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A scene from 'The Watchers'. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

By Jeffrey Sanzel

Author A.M. Shine set his 2022 Gothic horror The Watchers in his native Ireland. The debut novel dealt with an uncharted forest that ensnares people within its woods. At the heart of the mystery is folklore dealing with fairies best known as changelings, malign shapeshifters studying their captive human quarry. 

Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of auteur M. Night Shyamalan, who produced) directs and pens her first film, having only worked on episodes of the television series Servant (for which her father was showrunner) and directed the second unit on the films Old and Knock at the Cabin (her father’s films). Additionally, she collaborates with her older sister, the R&B singer-songwriter Saleka, on the latter’s music videos. Her first solo outing has distinctly mixed results. 

A scene from ‘The Watchers’. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

First seen vaping in the pet shop where she works, Mina (Dakota Fanning), an American artist living in Galway, leads a disconnected life. Sent to deliver a parrot to a zoo, Mina finds herself trapped in the forest along with Ciara (Georgina Campbell), Daniel (Oliver Finnegan), and the self-appointed leader, Madeline (Olwen Fouéré). 

They live in a cement structure with a two-way mirror that prevents the inhabitants from seeing out into the night. They have dubbed this strange dwelling the Coop. Here, they are surrounded by the nocturnal Watchers. With shades of Black Mirror, Shyamalan manages to crank up the atmosphere and “creep” factor before losing steam. She wisely eschews jump-out scares, but she fails to explore the claustrophobic nature of the Coop’s dwellers as well as the conversely frightening sense of being completely exposed by the ceiling-to-floor window. 

Eventually, the four discover an underground bunker in the Coop that leads to explanations of their entrapment and the nature of the ancient entities that hold them prisoner.

Shyamalan goes to great lengths to establish Mina’s lack of identity, a theme that will play throughout the film. Sometimes a bit heavy-handed, the definition of self and self-reflection are given less-than-subtle imagery but do not hamper the story’s progression. In the novel, Madeline explains the creatures: “What do they look like?” [Mina] asked. “Like us, I suppose,” Madeline replied calmly. “But they’re not like us. They’re leaner and they’re longer, and I won’t describe their faces to you. I couldn’t, to be honest, even if I tried.” 

The film gets faster to the concept that the Watchers take on the visages of the people they study. (“Even when wearing the mask of man, still they are monsters to the eye,” writes Shine.)

As in the book, the film builds to a climactic twist. Here, Shyamalan slightly improves the source material, creating an extra layer in the reveal. Unlike the novel, she finds closure, where the book leaves off on a cliffhanger. (The book’s sequel, Stay in the Light, drops on October 2024.) Additionally, while hewing closely to the general plot and tone, she adds more background and clarification to the dark world of the fairies and their connection to the contemporary world. 

Fanning is a solid, grounded actor and leads the cast as best she can. Her performance is honest and introspective, and she never crosses the line into Scream Queen. Campbell is given less to play but is equally believable as the woman waiting for her husband to return. Finnegan’s Daniel has more spark than Shine’s sketch, which serves the actor but undermines the character’s doubts and frailties. 

As Madeline, Fouéré has the most interesting role and finds a slow-burn ferocity. Unfortunately, Shyamalan stripped most of Madeline’s most interesting aspects—a woman whose “silence was like a sleeping dragon.” Oddly, Shyamalan makes the quartet more resourceful, lowering the danger/struggle quotient.

Filmed on location, Eli Arenson’s cinematography contrasts city and forest and embraces some beautiful Irish vistas. Ferdia Murphy’s production design ranges from the gritty to the pastoral. As for the monsters themselves, they are adequate if little seen. Sadly, where the film succeeds least is Shyamalan’s strained dialogue, which is leaden and predictable and serves neither cast nor plot. 

In the universe of horror movies, The Watchers is a minor and easily forgotten entry. Not a failure on a large scale, but certainly one to be consumed (or not) and forgotten, the film marks the beginning—or ending—of a second-generation cinematic voice.

Rated PG-13, the film is now playing in local theaters.

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Amy Tyler School of Dance students perform a ballet to Handel's Water Music during a recital in 2009.
2010 show Holidaze - "The Chase"
2016 show Lazydaze - "Better Do it Right"
Amy Tyler Worrell and husband John Worrell) in their first production of The Nutcracker in 1992 - Sugarplum & Cavalier.
Costumes for this year's show Glorydaze "Jet Set" with (front) Cassidy Worrell, Vivian O'Brien, Madison Testa, Ryan Worrell and Abigail Nam-senior.

By Rita J. Egan

The owners of one Port Jefferson dance school will take their final bows on June 14 and 15 at their annual recital.

In October, Amy Tyler-Worrell and John Worrell, owners of Amy Tyler School of Dance, announced that the dance studio would close permanently at the end of the school year. Tyler-Worrell operated the business for 36 years.

“The hardest thing was telling the kids,” the dance teacher said.

The business owner, who has been dancing since she was 6, bought the school in 1988 from her dance teacher, Karen Fitzgerald. Two years later, she met Worrell, and in the third year of the school, he began teaching and assisting with the technical side. In 1992, they launched their annual production of The Nutcracker.

Through the years, Amy Tyler School of Dance has moved twice: once from its first location by Theatre Three in Port Jefferson to farther north on Main Street, where the cigar store is today, and finally to its current location on Reeves Road. 

The couple juggled their responsibilities at the dance studio with raising three children. All three have been involved with the studio. While 24-year-old Ryan is a dance teacher, 20-year-old Jack, a sound engineer, helps with sound and lights at the recitals. The couple’s youngest, Cassidy, 17, who has been dancing since she was 3 and performing in the recitals, will be attending Temple University this fall. Ryan will continue to teach dance at another school, according to his mother.

“Everybody’s in a transition period,” Tyler-Worrell said.

The turning point

Tyler-Worrell and her husband witnessed the business change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the lockdowns that began in March 2020, the school offered Zoom classes for half price. Tyler-Worrell said most students took the virtual classes, and some insisted on paying full price for them.

“Some people were working from home and still earning the same salary, and some were struggling,” she said. “We tried to balance it out and make it work for everybody.”

Tyler-Worrell said that the students were happy when they could dance in the studio again.

“It was so wonderful to see,” she said. “We could have just said this is it for us. We stuck it out, and the kids really needed it at the time. I’m really glad we did it.”

However, she added that studio attendance was cut by a third after the lockdowns. When the doors opened again, many students were uncomfortable dancing with masks and in squares six feet apart. The recital that year was held virtually, and The Nutcracker performance was canceled in 2020. In 2021, the school owners had a stage built on their property and held their recitals outdoors for the last three years.

“Things didn’t go back to how they used to, and being in it for 36 years, we thought this was the time,” Tyler-Worrell said.

Lasting memories

Tyler-Worrell and her husband have countless memories due to the school, and she said the one good thing that came of the difficult decision was hearing from former students, many of whom will perform in this year’s recital.

She said several former dancers have formed longstanding friendships, attending important events in each other’s lives, such as weddings and showers.

“They’re still supporting each other into their adult life so that makes me feel really good about what we created,” she said.

Tyler-Worrell added that the teachers taught technique and the importance of community. She said that while a small percentage of students become dancers, “hopefully, the skills they learn carry them into other things.”

Sara Barasch is one of the former students who fondly remembers the school and the skills she acquired. She started dancing in kindergarten in 1988 and continued until 2001. She said there was a point when she was at the studio practically every day of the week.

“It’s the end of an era,” Barasch said, “It’s something I took for granted, because I thought it would always be there.”

She hasn’t danced much for the last 20 years, but as an agent who books clients with performing arts venues across North America, she said her experience with dance comes in handy since many clients are dance companies.

“Having the background as a dancer and knowing what it’s like physically and emotionally, it helps to provide a lot of perspective,” Barasch said. 

She added she was happy to drive from Queens to rehearsals to participate in the recital’s alumni dance, and she has kept in touch with a few of her former fellow Amy Tyler School of Dance students.

Barasch credited the school with helping her gain independence as she would go buy lunch at the local deli by herself when it was located on Main Street. Additionally, the Worrells would provide students with an opportunity to work at the front desk or help clean to earn money, and she said she cleaned at the dance school more than she did at home.

“I can’t imagine Port Jefferson without the studio,” Barasch said.

For Kai Sherman, who has taken the adult ballet class at the school for the past 10 years, she said the studio helped her become familiar with the community when she moved to Long Island at the age of 32. She added she feels fortunate to have found the Worrells.

“It’s just been amazing to have them as my ballet teachers,” she said.

Sherman is grateful that in addition to adult ballet she was able to take pointe classes at the school where she has danced with the Worrells’ daughter and other young dancers.

“To see those girls go through their high school years and to see how much they’re improving and working on dance but also their schooling, you just have these proud moments,” she said.

As the recital approaches, Sherman said, the memories won’t be sad ones.

“There are all these beautiful, wonderful memories and that’s what we’re going to take away from it,” Sherman said. “And having to end on the recital is just even better because then you’re just going out on such a high note.”

The last dance

Titled “Glorydaze,” Tyler-Worrell said this year’s recital will include songs from past years with new choreography and will feature current and former students as well as the school’s famous chase scene. After the recital being held outdoors the last few years, she said she’s pleased that it will be held in an auditorium for the last performance.

“We’re doing our final one inside at J.F.K. (Middle School) and kind of trying to go out with a bang,” Tyler-Worrell said.

Amy Tyler School of Dance’s recital will take place at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Boulevard, Port Jefferson Station, on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com (search for school’s name) and at the door.

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From left, Mike De Caro, Alvin Hall, Saro Varjabedian at The People's Film Festival. Photo courtesy of WMHO
Filming for the documentary took place at the Three Village Inn on Feb. 18, 2022. Photo courtesy of WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has revealed that the documentary Driving the Green Book, which features the historic Three Village Inn in Stony Brook, has won ‘Best Documentary’ at The People’s Film Festival in Harlem. The announcement was made in a press release on June 11.

On February 18, 2022, WMHO had the distinct pleasure of hosting filmmakers Saro Varjabedian, Mike De Caro, and Alvin Hall at the Three Village Inn. They discussed the Inn’s mention in the Green Book, an annual guidebook for African American travelers during segregation, highlighting safe and welcoming establishments across the nation.

In Driving the Green Book, WMHO President Gloria Rocchio explores the connection between the Green Book and the Three Village Inn, which was owned by philanthropist and businessman Ward Melville. She also delves into the history of the Dogwood Hollow Music Festivals in Stony Brook, which featured legendary African-American performers such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie from 1955 to 1970.

“WMHO is honored to have contributed to a project that sheds light on an important part of American history,” read the release.

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The cast of 'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater
'Seussical the Musical' 2024. Photo courtesy of The John W. Engeman Theater

By Julianne Mosher

The colorful pages of Dr. Seuss’ stories come to life on the John W. Engeman’s stage for their latest children’s theater production, and their rendition of Seussical the Musical is one for the books. 

Directed by Danny Meglio, the story follows the plot of “Horton Hears a Who,” with Horton (Patrick McCowen), the elephant, speaking to Jojo (Sophie Achee and Finn Brown) — the smallest Who in Whoville. Jojo and his community live on a speck of dust on a clover that Horton lovingly carries throughout the show.

The elephant’s big ears allow him to hear the chitter chatter of the people on the clover, while the rest of the jungle thinks poor Horton is crazy, constantly ridiculing him. On top of that, Horton gets tricked into egg-sitting for the sassy, popular Mayzie (Jillian Sharpe), who abandons her egg to go party in Florida. But luckily, he has the support of his friend Gertrude (Natalie Sues), especially when he gets bullied by the Wickersham Brothers (Daniel Bishop, Terrence Sheldon and Will Logan) and Sour Kangaroo (Christina Cotignola). The Bird Girls (Michelle Shapiro, Nicki Winzelberg and Ally Clancy) are a three-piece ensemble who help tell the story through song and great harmonies throughout each number.

Written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the show is narrated by the Cat in the Hat (the incredibly talented Jae Hughes) whose mischievous ways will make the entire audience laugh. 

Acting as Jojo’s guide, the Cat helps the young dreamer maneuver through all the different scenes he imagines with special mention to the big dance number, “It’s Possible (McElligot’s Pool).” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of a synopsis — you’ll have to see the rest for yourself.

Meant to appeal to young children, with many families in attendance, this musical is really made for all. Grandparents, parents and babysitters alike smiled along as each scene presented a new musical score sung by this professional cast. They effortlessly danced along with choreography by Jillian Sharpe in the most colorful costumes and wigs led by Laura McGauley. 

Anyone who has read Dr. Seuss’ other childhood tales (like “Green Eggs and Ham,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket”) knows that the famous author’s art is truly out of this world and the team at the Engeman Theater and scenic designer Orion Forte did a great job portraying that with funky Seuss-like trees in the jungle of Nool. 

Seussical the Musical is a fun play that explores themes of identity, individuality, creativity, loyalty and community. Kids will leave the energetic production knowing the importance of being unique, standing up for one’s beliefs and that “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” 

So, get your tickets now, fill up on some green eggs and ham and head over to the Engeman Theater for a fun trip into the creative mind of Dr. Seuss. Meet the cast after the show for photos and autographs.

The John W, Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Seussical the Musical on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. through June 30. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

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Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

By Heidi Sutton

This Father’s Day, go ahead and shower dad with some love straight off the grill. You can make the day even more memorable by sharing the experience together. Grilled skewers keep the whole family happy and come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick and healthy meals without the hassle. Serve with a side salad and rice for a satisfying feast.

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

Recipe courtesy of Perdue Farms

Kona Pineapple Chicken Kebabs

YIELD: Makes 4 skewers

INGREDIENTS: 

1 can (6 ounces) pineapple juice

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 lime, zest and juice only

1 tablespoon sugar

1 package diced chicken breast

1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 16 chunks

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 16 chunks

4 metal skewers or 8 wooden skewers (12″)

DIRECTIONS:

In bowl, whisk pineapple juice, vegetable oil, lime juice and zest, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add diced chicken breast, cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Thread alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple and red bell pepper onto skewers. Discard remaining marinade. Heat lightly greased grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill kebabs 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken feels firm to touch and a meat thermometer inserted in the center reaches 165 F. Remove kebabs from grill, rest 2-3 minutes and serve.

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers

Recipe courtesy of Family Features

Shrimp, Broccoli and Potato Skewers

YIELD: Makes 4 skewers

INGREDIENTS: 

1 pound small potatoes

1 bunch broccoli

12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 1/2 lemons, juice only

3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In large, microwave-safe bowl, microwave potatoes on high 5 minutes. Chop broccoli into large pieces. Add broccoli and shrimp to bowl once potatoes are steamed. Add lemon juice, thyme and olive oil; evenly coat potatoes, shrimp and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Build skewers and grill 10-15 minutes on medium-high heat, until shrimp is cooked through.

Note: If using wooden skewers, soak in water 30 minutes to keep skewers from burning on grill. If using metal skewers, remember chicken will cook faster because metal will conduct heat and cook chicken cubes from inside along with grill heat cooking chicken from outside.

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ONCE UPON A FAIRYTALE Catch the final performance of 'The Mystery of the Missing Ever After' at Theatre Three on June 15. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature: Wonderful Wildlife for children ages 2 to 4 on June 14 at 9:30 a.m. Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Wildlife Wonders

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Harbor hosts a visit by the Wildlife Center of Long Island on June 15 at 10 a.m. Learn about the different classes of animals and their characteristics. Meet cold-blooded reptiles, furry mammals, and feathered birds. Come and meet some local animal rescues and find out ways to help the wildlife in our area. For ages 5 and up. $10 per person. To register, visit  www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on June 17 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Hatchery Scavenger Hunt

Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Scavenger Hunt on June 19 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Explore the Hatchery and Aquarium and find the animal that completes the rhyme. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors and children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Sailing to Freedom

Did you know that whaling was America’s first integrated industry? On June 19 (Juneteenth), drop by the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor to celebrate the resistance and resilience of African Americans in the whaling industry at noon and again at 2 p.m. Discover the stories of trailblazing captains, ingenious inventors, and celebrated craftsmen. Enjoy a special scavenger hunt around the museum’s special exhibit and construct your own boat model using a variety of wooden materials and a bit of imagination. Admission fee + $10 participant. 631-367-3418

Dino Discoveries

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park hosts a Tiny Tots program, Dino Discoveries, on June 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. For children ages 3 to 5. $4 per child. Advance registration required by calling 631-269-4333.

THEATER

‘Seussical the Musical’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport continues its children’s theater with Seussical the Musical from June 1 to June 30. “Oh the Thinks You Can Think!” Dive into the colorful world of Dr. Seuss as The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who sets off to save a speck of dust containing The Whos from destruction. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, imagination, loyalty, and community are challenged and emerge victorious. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. See review on page B23.

‘The Mystery of the Missing Ever After’

“Where in the world is our happy ending?” Stories collide and mysteries abound as three great princesses come together to solve The Mystery of the Missing Ever After at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from May 25 to June 15. A slipper, a spinning wheel, and a red, red rose are all clues in this hilarious new musical! All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

FILM

‘Field of Dreams’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Field of Dreams on June 16 at noon. Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can’t ignore and builds a baseball diamond on his land. Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

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WE WERE GOOD FELLAS Catch a screening of Martin Scorcese’s Goodfellas at the Cinema Arts Centre on June 18. FPhoto courtesy of CAC
Thursday June 13

LIM Alzheimer’s Conference

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook presents its 8th Annual Arts and Alzheimer’s Conference from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the vast and enriching opportunities available for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. This daylong conference is intended for those who work in healthcare facilities, professional & family care partners, as well as the staff of cultural organizations who are looking to find meaningful ways to further connect with those living with dementia through the arts. Available in person or on Zoom at no charge. Preregistration is required by visiting www.longislandmuseum.org.

Community Blood Drive

A blood drive by New York Blood Center in memory of  NYPD Detective Anastasios Tsakos will be held at Saint Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church, 1 Shrine Place, Greenlawn from 1 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 631-261-7272 or call 800-933-BLOOD.

St. Philip St. James Family Festival 

Saints Philip & James Roman Catholic Church, 1 Carow Place, St. James will host their annual Family Festival today, June 14 and 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. and June 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. This family friendly annual festival features exciting carnival rides for all ages by Newton Shows, delicious festival eats and carnival treats, games and  prizes, and fun for the entire family. Free admission, pay-one-price rides or individual rides. 631-584-5454

Friday June 14

St. Philip St. James Family Festival

See June 13 listing.

HAC Members Showcase Reception

Join the Huntington Arts Council for an opening reception for its latest exhibit, Members Showcase, at the Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington from 5 to 8 p.m. The annual exhibit is an opportunity exclusively for artist members to showcase a piece of their work in the Gallery along with their member peers. The exhibit will be on view through July 14. 631-271-8423

Grounds & Sounds Concert

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 380 Nicolls Road, E. Setauket hosts a Grounds and Sounds Cafe concert featuring O’Malley’s Motley Musical Revue with doors opening at 7:30 p.m., open mic at 8 p.m. James O’Malley graces the stage with a cast of musical friends, including 3 of Hearts, Femmes Enchantees, Take 2, and Mountain Maidens. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.groundsandsounds.org or at the door. 631-751-0297.

Sounds on the Sound

The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Sounds on the Sound, a sunset cruise on the Port Jefferson Ferry from 7:45 to 10:45 p.m. Dance all night long with the Amber Ferrari Band playing music of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Tickets are $40 per person and include 1 drink ticket for wine or beer. *Deadline to register is June 14 at noon. 631-473-1414, www.portjeffchamber.com

Saturday June 15

St. Philip St. James Family Festival

See June 13 listing.

Foodie Fest and Craft Fair

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mt. Sinai presents its first annual Foodie Fest and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  with food trucks, artisan gifts, specialty vendors and North Shore Youth Council art show. Free admission. 631-403-4846

Greenway Trail Clean Up

Three Village Community Trust hosts a cleanup of the Setauket and Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail at 9 a.m. Meet up with Friends of the Greenway volunteers at trailhead at Hallock Ave. and Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station. For more info, email [email protected].

Garage Sale Fundraiser

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown will hold an Outdoor Thrift Garage Sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Center’s parking lot. Proceeds benefit the wildlife center’s mission. Come shop for treasures and support a great cause! 631-979-6344

Rocky Point Garden Tour

The 12th annual Rocky Point Garden Tour, a self-guided walk through the community’s best home gardens, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with garden goods for sale and raffle. $20 per person. Tickets are available at Heritage Paint, 637 Route 25A, Rocky Point and Flowers on Broadway, 43 Broadway, Rocky Point. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Point Civic Association. For more information, call 631-521-5726.

Yard Sale Fundraiser

Miller Place Historical Society hosts a Yard Sale Fundraiser at the Daniel Hawkins House, 111 North Country Road, Miller Place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come shop for treasures. Street parking only. 631-476-5742

Rocky Point Strawberry Festival 

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point presents their annual Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with craft vendors, delicious food and desserts, bake sale, HUGE Tag Sale, gift basket raffles, and children’s activities. 631-744-9355

Kings Park Day

Kings Park Chamber of Commerce presents the 46th annual Kings Park Day Town Fair along Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with over 250 vendors, music, craft fair, games, rides, live performances and entertainment, international food court, sidewalk dining, raffles, giveaways and much more. Fun for the whole family. Free admission. 631-269-7678

Northport Pridefest

The Village of Northport hosts the 2024 Northport Pridefest at Northport Village Park from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with featured performances by the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus, Emmet Hughes Band, Memory Lane Trio and the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Company. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the music, stroll among the vendor tents, picnic in the park, explore Northport’s many specialty shops, galleries, antique stores, restaurants, wine stores, brewery, the museum and enjoy all that Northport has to offer. www.northportpridefest.com

Pride on the Farm

Celebrate Pride Month  with a free family event at the Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy wagon rides, crafts, dancing, rainbow treats, a unicorn story time and educational resources from Stony Brook Medicine.  631-852-4600

Sunday June 16

St. Philip St. James Family Festival

See June 13 listing.

Father’s Day Hike

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association will host a guided hike with WWBA Tour Guide and Educator, Jack Canfora, to Jayne’s Hill, the highest point on Long Island, at 11 a.m. Participants will follow the hike Walt Whitman took when visiting his childhood home. Meet in West Hills County Park parking lot, Sweet Hollow Road, Melville. $10 suggested donation. 631-427-5240

LITMA Contradance

Smithtown Historical Society’s Frank Brush Barn, 215 Main St., Smithtown will host a contradance by the Long Island Traditional Music Association at 2 p.m.  with basic instruction at 1:45 p.m. Tod Whittemore will be calling with music by John Kalinowski & Mickey Koth. $15 adults, $10 members, $7.50 students, children under 16 free with paid adult. 631-369-7854

Benner’s Farm Concert

Good Earth Soundstage at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket welcomes Buddy Merriam in concert from 3 to 5 p.m. $15 donation at the door. Bring seating. Proceeds will benefit the artists and Homestead Arts for this year’s Fiddle & Folk Festival. 631-689-8172

The Phil Firetog Trio in concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main St., Stony Brook  presents a concert by The Phil Firetog Trio from 3 to 4 p.m. The event is free with general admission ticket purchase. 631-689-5888, www.limusichalloffame.org. 

Monday June 17

TVHS lecture

Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket with The History of Magic and the Magic of History with Judge Gary Brown at 7 p.m. Learn about the colorful history of stage magic, including the work of magicians on Long Island and in the Three Villages over the past century. Free. First 25 guests receive a free magic trick to take home. Pre-registration encouraged by visiting www.tvhs.org.

Tuesday June 18

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a workshop on Retirement Strategies by Chris Buzzanca in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Tea with a Spot of History

Three Village Historical Society continues its Tea with a Spot of History with a presentation titled The Wanderer:The Last American Slave Ship​ at the Stony Brook Yacht Club, 21 Shore Road, Stony Brook at 1 p.m. Join historian Bev Tyler as he presents his decades long research on The Wanderer, a slave ship that was built in East Setauket a half-century after Congress banned the slave trade. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 members and includes a tea party with scones. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730

Fourth of July Garland Workshop

Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station hosts a Fourth of July Garland workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. and again from 7 to 8 p.m. Create a patriotic-themed garland using decorative fabric with Theresa Maritato. Nonrefundable materials cost is $5. Open to all. Call 631-928-1212 or visit www.cplib.org to register.

Summer Swap Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook will host a series of “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concerts on its front lawn kicking off tonight with a performance by Skye Hamilton-Carranza from 6 to 8 p.m. The series continues on July 9 and  July 23. Guests may purchase refreshments in the Basie Garden beside the venue. Sponsored by Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine and community businesses.  Bring seating. Free. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Travel Presentation Club

The Travel Presentation Club will meet at Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St.,  Setauket at 7 p.m. Dr. Marianne McNamara, one of CRESLI’s (The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island’s) naturalists and Professor of Biology at SCCC, will make a presentation entitled “Highway to Heaven: A Road Trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Wind Cave, Badlands, and Custer (State) Parks.” Free and open to all. [email protected]

Owl Prowl

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown hosts an Owl Prowl Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m. Meet and learn about some of the Center’s resident owls and then embark on a walk into the darkness to enjoy the night and call some owls. Meet behind the main house and check in. Wear bug spray and bring a flashlight just in case. $15 per person. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Anthony Nunziata in Concert

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro presents Anthony Nunziata in concert at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport at 8 p.m. Emceed by Joy Mangano, the event will feature an opening performance by American Idol contestant Leah Laurenti. Tickets are $95 per person. Proceeds benefit the future Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Call 516-775-5683 for more information. 

Wednesday June 19

Juneteenth Poetry Reading

The Caribbean American Poetry Association (CAPA) will host a Poetry Reading  from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at ELIJA Farm, 43 Foxhurst Road, Huntington Station. The event will be a jubilant gathering of poets from the Caribbean and Long Island, as well as poetry enthusiasts from this region.  Featured poets will perform, followed by an open mic and light refreshments.  Special guests include the poet laureate of Suffolk County, Nassau County, and the Town of Hempstead.  For event details and to RSVP, go to to https://www.elijafarm.org/events/view/Caribbean-American-Poetry-Association-2024-06-19/. Free. 631-423-2379

Cruise Night Car Show

The Shoppes at East Wind, 5720 Route 25A, Wading River hosts a Cruise Night Car Show every Wednesday through October from 5 to 9 p.m. Visit the Shoppes, enjoy a bite to eat and then check out the fine array of classic cars in the parking lot. 631-929-3500

Thursday June 20

Lunch and Learn

Huntington Historical Society continues its Lunch and Learn series with a presentation titled The Lloyds & Jupiter Hammon at Harbor Mist Restaurant, 105 Harbor Road, Cold Spring Harbor from noon to 2 p.m. Presenter Andrew Tharler, Education and Engagement Director, Preservation Long Island, will discuss the life and writing of Jupiter Hammon, the first published Black American poet who was enslaved by the Lloyd family on Long Island in the 18th century. $55 per person, $45 members includes a two-course gourmet meal and dessert. Cash bar available. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org. 631-427-7045

Juneteenth Fashion Show

In celebration of Juneteenth, Rhonda Gooden of Chez Lâa Reine Boutique on New York Avenue in Huntington, will host a “fabulous” fashion show on the Great Lawn of the Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station from 5 to 9 p.m.  The event will feature a dozen models showcasing African American styles from today and yesteryear along with a poetry reading, cultural exhibit and bbq (fee). Free admission. 631-427-5240

Summer Thursday at the LIM

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook kicks off its 2024 Summer Thursdays series with a free screening of The Chisels Are Calling followed by a Q&A with director Trevor Laurence and John Monteleone, as well as a performance by Chico Pinheiro from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The special event also includes free admission to the museum’s latest exhibit,  Musical Masterworks. A unique way to experience the LIM after hours. 631-751-0066

Vanderbilt Lecture

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for a lecture titled The Mummy and the Obelisk: The Vanderbilts and Ancient Egypt at 7 p.m. Roberta Casagrande-Kim, an archaeologist and curator of ancient art, will give a lecture on the Vanderbilt family’s fascination with ancient Egypt. Ticket are $10 per person. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Film

‘Goodfellas’

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of Goodfellas on June 18 at 7:30 p.m. Martin Scorsese’s mob masterpiece exposes the fascinating, mysterious and violent underworld of New York’s Mafia families through the life of insider Henry Hill. With an introduction by film historian Philip Harwood. Tickets are $16, $10 members. To order in advance, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Theater 

‘The Producers’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Mel Brooks’ The Producers from May 18 to June 22. With something to offend everyone, the hilarious show-biz hit follows the antics of a pair of scheming Broadway producers with a plan to put on the biggest flop of all time. Featuring “If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It,” That Face,” “Keep It Gay,” and the outrageous “Springtime for Hitler.” Contains adult humor and situations. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Jersey Boys’

Extended! John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St. Northport presents Jersey Boys, the story of Franki Valli & The Four Seasons, from March 14 to June 30. They were just 4 guys from Jersey until they sang their very first note–a sound the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage was a different story ­— a story that has made them a sensation all over again. Winner of the 2006 Tony© Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys features the top ten hits “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” To order tickets, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Romeo and Juliet’

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its 35th annual Shakespeare in the Courtyard Festival with Romeo and Juliet from June 7 to July 5 (No performance June 19 & 21). Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of star crossed lovers follows two families locked in an ancient rivalry. When two children from opposing sides fall in love, they challenge the imposed norms of the time and set both families on a path to ruin. Presented by the Carriage House Players, the show will take place in the mansion’s Spanish Revival Courtyard on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors and children. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Newsies’

Stop the presses! This Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit Newsies heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown from July 13 to Aug. 18. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right! Tickets are $35 adults, $32 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

CALENDAR DEADLINE  is Wednesday at noon, one week before publication. Items may be mailed to: Times Beacon Record News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Email your information about community events to [email protected]. Calendar listings are for not-for-profit organizations (nonsectarian, nonpartisan events) only, on a space-available basis. Please include a phone number that can be printed.

 

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