Arts & Entertainment

Heather Banoub. Photo from SBU

Heather Banoub, Assistant Director of Communications for the Office of Government and Community Affairs at New York University (NYU), has been appointed Assistant Vice President of Community Relations for Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. 

Effective July 27, Banoub will lead Stony Brook’s efforts to engage with surrounding communities and collaborate with local organizations. She will also manage marketing and personnel for the University and Hospital Community Relations Office.

“Heather’s deep background in community relations and her solutions-focused ability to engage on and off campus partners around the issues that matter to the broader community will make her an excellent addition to our campus community,” said Judy Greiman, Chief Deputy to the President/Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations. “Please join me in congratulating Heather and welcoming her to our campus.”

Banoub’s accomplishments during her nine years at NYU include generating an outreach framework and standards for construction that enabled renovations in more than 2,000 faculty apartments, serving as the primary spokesperson for the campus’ physical expansion plan that included construction of academic space, faculty and student housing, a new athletic facility and public open spaces, and developing the Urban Farm Lab, an experimental classroom for urban agriculture studies that was approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Banoub has also worked in government and nonprofit agencies, which included serving as a community liaison and caseworker for Congressman Gary L. Ackerman. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, politics and law from Binghamton University and a Master of Public Administration in public and nonprofit management from NYU, where she spent nine months as a project associate focused on advocacy process improvements with the United Nations’ NGO Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security.

Banoub’s arrival follows the retirement of her predecessor, Joan Dickinson, who contributed more than a decade of service to Stony Brook and will continue teaching in the Honors College while leading the university’s efforts this year to bring back its popular CommUniversity Day which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The 28th annual Stony Brook Film Festival, presented by Island Federal Credit Union, wrapped up with a Closing Night Awards Ceremony on July 29.  The evening recognized the outstanding new independent films screened at the festival, which was held at Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University from July 20 to 29.

With hundreds of artists creating 36 films from 26 countries, the Stony Brook Film Festival became a hub for some of the best filmmakers working today, a meeting ground for favorite actors and rising stars, and a showcase of new masterpieces. Of those 36 films, 11 received awards. 

Yes Repeat No, a challenging and engaging meta masterpiece, won the Jury Award for Best Feature. Director Michael Moshe Dahan was in attendance for both the screening and to receive his award. “Thank you to all of the people who believe in human rights and democracy all over the world … and to all the people who want to make difficult material all over the world because finding the questions to ask is sometimes harder than getting the answers,” Dahan said in his acceptance speech. 

Two feature films won the audience’s hearts, resulting in two winners for this year’s Audience Choice Award for Best Feature: The Grandson, a charged thriller that boasts “revenge is a dish best served old,” and First Snow of Summer, a masterfully shot and magical romance in a whimsical setting, came out on top. 

The Grandson‘s director Kristóf Deák could not be at the Festival to accept his award but remarked, “I couldn’t be happier that The Grandson won the audience award at this year’s Stony Brook Film Festival. I feel a special connection to U.S. audiences since my short film Sing won the Academy Award in 2017. That film’s festival journey also began with audience awards, and for a filmmaker like me who makes his films for audiences, first and foremost, it remains the most important praise.” 

“Because it may lead to discussions about how we treat the elderly in our society, I hope [The Grandson]is a testament to how we should never ‘write them off’ as useless. I want to thank my wonderful cast, crew, co-writer, and wife for making this film with me,” said Deák

First Snow of Summer, in its North American premiere, was another beautiful and poignant film from German Sales Team, Picture Tree International. Festival Founder and Director Alan Inkles has been working with Founder/Co-Managing Director of Picture Tree, Andreas Rothbauer, for several years and this is the second consecutive year one of their films has won the Audience Choice Award, with last year’s biting dark comedy, Contra, taking home the same prize. 

“You can feel the warmth and genuineness of this new German film, and the audience in our full house screening of First Snow of Summer obviously agreed … the film has a ‘fantasy-like Amelie’ feel to it, and is ripe for a U.S. theatrical run,” said Inkles after the awards ceremony. “One of our goals with the Festival is to get these independent films in front of distributors to help reach larger audiences throughout America,” he added, and said he plans to continue working with Andreas to make that happen.

The Spirit of Independent Filmmaking is awarded to filmmakers that utilize a uniquely indie lens to bring their incredible stories to life. A first in the Festival’s history, this category was awarded to two different features: Friends From Home, a quietly hilarious cross-country odyssey by New York filmmakers, and Where the Road Leads, a Serbian film about a sleepy village brought to life with subtle humor and masterfully directed. 

“If you told us we would be watching our film on a 40-foot-screen, we wouldn’t have believed you, and this was awesome,” said Mike Koslov of Friends From Home. “We just tried to make a film as honest and close to the heart as we could,” said Joe Blank, co-writer and director of the film. Both flew in from LA for their screening and the awards ceremony. 

Director Nina Ognjanovic traveled from Serbia to be here in person for her screening of Where the Road Leads and for the awards ceremony. Ognjanovic praised the film festival at the ceremony for showing her film to over 400 attendees and for recognizing her work.

The Jury Award for Best Short went to Chipper, while the Audience Award for Best Short went to Stuck. 

Director and lead actor of Chipper, Shaun MacLean, and Jayson Warner Smith, respectively, were both in attendance at the awards ceremony, with Shaun attending earlier during the Festival for his screening and leading a lively Q&A. Shoval Chiprut and Daniel Brushin from Stuck flew in from Israel and were present for both their screening and the awards ceremony. 

Opening Night Feature Award went to Sea of Time; Closing Night Feature Award went to Divertimento; Open Night Short Award went to The Red Suitcase and The Basics of Love received an for  Closing Night Short.

In addition to Island Federal’s generous support as presenting sponsor, additional sponsors for the Stony Brook Film Festival included Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP; Suffolk County; Altice Media; and WLIW/PBS.

2023 FESTIVAL WINNERS

YES REPEAT NO
2023 JURY AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE

THE GRANDSON
2023 AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE

FIRST SNOW OF SUMMER
2023 AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE

WHERE THE ROAD LEADS
2023 SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING

FRIENDS FROM HOME
2023 SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING

CHIPPER
2023 JURY AWARD FOR BEST SHORT

STUCK
2023 AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST SHORT

SEA OF TIME
2023 OPENING NIGHT FEATURE

DIVERTIMENTO
2023 CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE

THE RED SUITCASE
2023 OPENING NIGHT SHORT

THE BASICS OF LOVE
2023 CLOSING NIGHT SHORT

———————————————–

During the Festival, the Staller Center announced its exciting Fall 2023 Live Performing Arts season which kicks off on Sept. 5 with Corinne Bailey Rae, Pat Metheny on Sept. 23, Tara McNeill and Alexander Bernstein on Sept. 30, Disney Pixar Coco Live-to-Film concert on Oct. 9, Emerson String Quartet’s farewell concert on Oct. 14, Ballet Hispanico on Oct. 21, Jessica Vosk on Oct. 28, Evan + Zane on Nov. 3, iLuminated on Nov. 5, Tom Segura on Nov. 11, LeAnn Rimes on Nov. 18, Cat Kid Comic Club Musical on Nov. 19, Starry Nights chamber music concert on Nov. 29, Isaac Mizrahi on Dec. 1, Jane Monheit on Dec. 9, and concludes with GALA 2024 on March 9 with special guest Leslie Odom, Jr. For tickets and more information, visit www.stallercenter.com.

TEA, ANYONE? It's almost time for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Theatre Three. 'Alice's Most Decidedly Unusual Adventures in Wonderland' opens on Aug. 4. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
PROGRAMS

DIDI Maxx Dance Party

Do your children love to dance? Village of Port Jefferson will host a Dance Party with DIDI Maxx on the Performance Stage at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. Bring seating. Free. 631-473-4724

Pokémon Parade

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St. Cold Spring Harbor continues Friday Summer Fun Workshops with a Pokémon Parade on Aug. 4 at noon and again at 2 p.m. Discover how whales, sharks, and other animals inspired some of your favorite Pokemon. Learn how to play a unique version of this card game, using animal facts to gain points. Then, design and create your very own pocket monster and exclusive card to go with it. For ages 6 and up. Admission fee + $10. Register at www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. 631-367-3418.

Lollipop Train Rides

Did you know? Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association’s John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Ave., Greenlawn offers rides on the Lollipop Train every Saturday in the summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Call 631-754-1180 for more info. 

Jester Jim Show

As part of the Long Island State Parks Summer Entertainment series, Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents an afternoon with Jester Jim on Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. filled with juggling, magic, audience participation, beat boxing, balancing and tons of comedy. Free.  631-269-4333

Backyard Wildlife

Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket continues its 2023 Family Summer Program series on Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. with a visit from ambassador wildlife from Sweetbriar Nature Center. Meet at Hap’s Red Barn. Free. 631-689-6146

Giant Game & Big Voice Day!

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on the Library lawn for an afternoon of fun & games on Aug. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. Try your hand at games such as Giant versions of Connect 4, Scrabble, and Checkers. Move and balance with Twister. Sing your heart out with karaoke. Or spin the prize wheel! Families with babies and children up to 6th grade welcome. No registration required. In the case of rain, the event will be moved indoors. 631-941-4080

THEATER

‘Seussical Jr.’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents an outdoor production of Seussical Jr. on the grounds of the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown from July 8 to Aug. 17. Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, JoJo, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in this fantastical musical extravaganza. Tickets are $18.50 per person. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Cinderella’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Cinderella, the beloved tale of a young girl’s magical night at the Royal Ball where she meets and briefly loses her true Prince Charming, from July 22 to Aug. 27. Only his quest to find the perfect fit for the glass slipper left behind will reunite them. But will they live happily ever after? All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ 

Children’s theater continues at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson with Alice’s Most Decidedly Unusual Adventures in Wonderland from Aug. 4 to 12.  Talking flowers and tea in hats! It’s a rainy day at Camp Carroll Woods when our very modern heroine ventures down the rabbit hole. Join Alice as she encounters the outrageous citizens of Wonderland: the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and many more. All seats are $12. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Disney’s ‘High School Musical Jr.’

Sachem High School East, 177 Granny Road Farmingville hosts a production of Disney’s High School Musical Jr. performed by Productions Over the Rainbow’s Summer 2023 Triple Threat students on Aug. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at www.potr.org.

FILM

‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Honey I Shrunk the Kids on Aug. 6 at noon. Wayne Szalinski, a preoccupied inventor, just can’t seem to get his electromagnetic shrinking machine to work. But when it finally does, it has Wayne’s kids in its sights! With the now 1/4-inch-tall children swept into the trash, the real adventure begins. Rated PG. Tickets are $12, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Many participants from last year’s concert will be returning this year. Photo from Dan Kerr
Stony Brook University musician Lindsay Ross will take part in this year’s concert. Photo from Dan Kerr

Historic All Souls Church, 61 Main Street in Stony Brook Village presents monthly Saturdays at Six concerts, Second Saturdays poetry readings, and Native American Drumming to the community.  Each of these programs brings its own unique mix of visitors to the Stanford White-designed national landmark chapel on the hill across from the Duck Pond. Their latest event, Conversations on the Sacred on Saturday, Aug. 5, will combine, music, poetry and drumming in one unique performance for the community.

The special program is the brainchild of Stony Brook University adjunct professor, poet, and literary scholar Carmen Bugan.  She selected the sacred readings for the evening and collaborated with Stony Brook University musicians and composers Ford Fourqurean and Lindsay Ross, All Souls organist Dan Kinney, and Native American Elder and Drummer Ric Statler on the musical interludes between readings.

The selection of poems includes works that are widely regarded for their technical virtuosity and lyrical beauty. Each reading includes a specific conversation with the sacred but offers at the same time a way into the life and sensibility of the poet. Christian and Judaic religions are in conversation with mystical Judaism, Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and Native American tradition. The literary selections will be placed in descending chronological order, beginning with a Native American chant (Where I Stand is Holy), all the way to several hundred years before Christ with a reading from Lao Tzu (Tao Te Ching).

Long Island poets Adam Fisher, Linda Dickman, Mindy Kronenberg, Vivian Viloria-Fisher, Greg Alexander, Bruce Johnson, Jack Zaffos, and Kathy Donnelly will serve as readers. The musical pieces interspersed with the poetry will include Native American Drumming; a mix of baroque, modern, improvisation; and classical hymns performed by Dan Kinney on All Souls’ almost 200-year-old Henry Erben-designed tracker organ.

The concert will begin promptly at 6 p.m., will include a 15-minute intermission and conclude by 8 p.m. The event is free. All Souls collects food to feed the hungry at every event.  “Lend a Hand; Bring a Can.” For further information, call 631-655-7798.

by -
0 893
TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS Catch a screening of the documentary ‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on Aug. 4. Photo courtesy of CAC
Thursday August 3

Eco-Printing Workshop

Join the Huntington Historical Society for an Eco-Printing Workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. At this workshop, you will be making a scarf using an eco print of leaves and flowers. Fee is $55, $50 members. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org or call 631-427-7045.

Music Behind the Barn

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead hosts a free drum circle at the historic Naugles Barn at 6:30 p.m.  Join two experienced drum facilitators for a welcoming musical adventure for the whole family. Explore West African, Latin, and New Orleans Grooves on the drums with a twist that makes them accessible and easy to play for first-timers. Bring your own drum or use the ones provided. No registration required. 631-298-5292

East Northport Fire Dept. Fair

The East Northport Fire Department, 1 9th Ave., East Northport will host its annual Fair tonight and Aug. 4 from 7 to 11 p.m., Aug. 5 from 5 to 11 p.m. with carnival rides, games of chance and skill, live music, large selection of food and more. Free admission. POP ride bracelets. 631-261-0360, ext. 110

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a concert by  Boardwalk Nights (Jersey Shore tribute) tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a preshow at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Author Talk at CAC

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents A Conversation with Michael Schulman at 7:30 p.m. Join the author of Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears for a lively conversation about the Academy Awards, focusing on the brutal battles, the starry rivalries, and the colorful behind-the-scenes drama. Hosted by Sandra Brawarsky. Tickets are $25 for event only, $47 for event and copy of book. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Friday August 4

East Northport Fire Dept.  Fair

See Aug. 3 listing.

Library Concert on the Lawn

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a free concert, Forgotten Favorites from the 60s & 70s, on the library lawn from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy songs from the 60s and 70s, performed by the band Grand Folk Railroad, on Emma Clark Library’s lawn. Rain date is Aug. 9. Bring a blanket or lawn chair or even pack a picnic! Questions? Email [email protected]

Concert in the Park

Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai will host a free concert with Bon Journey paying tribute to rock icons Bon Jovi and Journey at 7 p.m. Presented by Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and the North Shore Youth Council. 631-403-4846

Happenings on Main Street

Northport Arts Coalition continues its Happenings on Main Street series, free concerts at the Northport Village Park Gazebo at the harbor with a performance by Toby Tobias Ensemble tonight at 7 p.m.  Bring seating. 631-261-1872, www.northportarts.org

Saturday August 5

East Northport Fire Dept.  Fair

See Aug. 3 listing.

Sherwood-Jayne House Tour

Preservation Long Island will host tours of the Sherwood-Jayne House (c. 1730), 55 Old Post Road, Setauket at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. with a self-guided tour at noon. The house contains period furnishings and features original late eighteenth-century hand-painted floral wall frescoes. Tickets are $10, $5 children ages 6 to 15, under age 6 free at www.preservationlongisland.org/tours.

Pop-Up Saturday event

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization continues its 2023 Pop-Up Saturdays series with a visit by Radical Reptile Entertainment: a fun and educational interaction with reptiles in the Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court, 97 Main St., Stony Brook from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free. 631-751-2244

Conversations on the Sacred

All Souls Church, 61 Main St., Stony Brook hosts a special concert, Conversations on the Sacred,  from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will combine music, poetry and drumming in one unique performance for the community with performances by Ford Fourqurean and Lindsay Ross, All Souls organist Dan Kinney, and Native American Elder and Drummer Ric Statler. Free. For further information, call 631-655-7798.  

Sunday August 6

Antique & Big Rig Truck Show 

The Long Island Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society will host the 5th annual Antique & Big Rig Truck Show at 5951 Sound Ave., Riverhead from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring antique trucks and modern straight jobs to semis. Admission is $5. 631-882-7378

Rock & Roll Car Show

The 12th annual Rock-N-Roll Car Show will be held at the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 East Main St., Smithtown,  from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. View cars from the Fabulous 50s-60s Nostalgia Car Club, enjoy live bands, food vendors, craft tables, blood pressure screenings and more for Judy’s Run For Stroke Awareness and Prevention annual judged rock and roll car show fundraiser. Rain date is Aug. 13. Fee is $5 for spectators. 631-402-2798

The Spirit of Summer Art Festival

The Spirit of Huntington, 2 Melville Road, Huntington Station presents a Spirit of Summer Art Festival, a day of fine art, community networking, food trucks, raffles and music/dance performances from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Aug. 13. 631-520-1147

Wind Down Sundays

The popular summer concert series continues at Hap’s historic Red Barn at Frank Melville Memorial Park, 1 Old Field Road, Setauket with the Wayne Hart Band at 5:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-689-6146, www.frankmelvillepark.org

Celebrate Park Concert

Celebrate St. James continues its summer concert series at Celebrate Park, 369 Lake Ave., St. James with music by The Whiskey Crows Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Free. Bring seating. 631-984-0201

Summer Concert on the Green

Summer concerts are back in front of the Stony Brook Post Office at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Sunday through Aug. 20, courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization. Tonight’s concert features The Bob & Tony Band. Free. Bring seating. 631-751-2244, www.wmho.org

Monday August 7

No events listed for this day.

Tuesday August 8

NSJC Social Club event

North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a screening of  the documentary “Before the Flood” in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio meets with scientist, activists, and world leaders to discuss climate change issues and possible solutions. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737

Jazz Loft All-Star Quartet  concert

The Jazz Loft’s All-Star Quartet will premiere an original composition by Jazz Loft founder Thomas Manuel at a concert at 5 p.m. as part of the Art and Outreach Program at the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics (SCGP) at Stony Brook University. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Handwoven Jewelry workshop

Join the Huntington Historical Society for a handwoven jewelry workshop at the Conklin Barn, 2 High Street, Huntington from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Taught by textile artist Galina Carroll, students will learn basic skills of handwoven tapestry, warping a mini loom, weaving with yarn of their choice, creating a mini art piece and framing it in a wooden pendant. $60 per person includes all materials. To register, visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Northport Harbor Family Nights

(Rescheduled from July 25) The Northport Chamber of Commerce hosts a Northport Harbor Family Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Village of Northport’s Main Street will be closed to traffic from Gunther’s to Skippers. Enjoy live music, outdoor dining, vendor sidewalk sales and antique cars. 631-754-3905

Concerts at The Gazebo 

Enjoy Tuesday night concerts at The Gazebo, 127 Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset  through Aug. 15, courtesy of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. Tonight’s concert will feature Panic! (Dance Rock Tribute) at 7 p.m. Rain dates are the next day. Bring seating. 631-672-5197, www.nesconsetchamber.org

Wednesday August 9

Sunset Concerts

Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council continues its Sunset Concerts at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson from 6:30 to 8 p.m. with a performance by The New Students. Held rain or shine. Bring seating. 631-473-5220, www.gpjac.org

Music Under the Stars

Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach celebrates summer with its Music Under the Stars concert series in its parking lot featuring Southbound (Country) at 7 p.m. Free and open to all. Bring seating. 631-585-9393

Summerfest Concert

The Northport Chamber of Commerce kicks off its Summerfest Concerts on Wednesdays in August at the Robert Krueger Bandshell in Northport Village Park, with Rolling Stones tribute band Streetfighter from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Bring seating. 631-754-3905

Thursday August 10

Summer SWAP Concert

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook continues its free “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concerts on its front lawn from 6 to 8 p.m. with the Melanie Marod Ensemble. Guests may purchase refreshments in the Basie Garden beside the venue. Bring seating. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org

Historic Harbor Tours

The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport hosts two Historic Harbor Tours today at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The Society and Seymour’s Boatyard invite you to take a relaxing evening cruise while learning about the history of Northport Harbor, followed by drinks and light fare. Tickets are $60, $50 members. 631-757-9859, www.northporthistorical.org

Reboli Center lecture

Join the Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook for a free lecture with Kevin McEvoy from 6:30 to 8 p.m. McEvoy will discuss Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Light snacks will be served for your enjoyment. No reservations are required to attend. Seating will be first come, first serve.  631-751-7707

Harborside Concerts

Harborside concerts are held at the Show Mobile at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tonight’s concert features Fleetwood Macked. *Final concert, featuring Foreign Journey with special guest Randy Jackson will be held on the Ferry Dock on Aug 24 at 7 p.m. 631-473-4724 www.portjeff.com

Dennis Cannataro Concert Series

The Dennis Cannataro Family Summer Concert Series returns to the Smithtown Library, 1 North Country Road, Smithtown with a concert by the Gold Coast Orchestra tonight at 7:30 p.m. with a preshow at 7 p.m. Bring seating. 631-360-2480 ext. 150

Kings Park Rocks

Kings Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a Kings Park Rocks free outdoor summer concert featuring That 70s Band at the municipal lot adjacent to Kings Park Library, Main St., Kings Park from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring seating. 631-269-7678

Theater

‘Macbeth’

The Carriage House Players continue their 34th annual Summer Shakespeare Festival in the mansion courtyard of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport with Macbeth on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. from July 7 to Aug. 6. Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12 at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

‘Urinetown’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents a production of Urinetown The Musical on Aug. 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. ​In a Gotham-like setting, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom. This show is performed entirely by The John W. Engeman Studio’s elite Select Players. Tickets are $25. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Escape to Margaritaville from July 13 to Sept.3. This upbeat and energetic new musical features all your favorite Jimmy Buffett classics including “Volcano,” “Fins,”,“Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and of course “Margaritaville.” Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

‘The Prom’

Productions Over the Rainbow (POTR) presents its summer production of The Prom at Sachem East High School, 177 Granny Road, Farmingville on Aug. 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at www.eventbrite.com. 631-696-6817 

Film

‘Creature From the Black Lagoon’

Youth Directives & Alternatives (YDA) invites the community to a free screening of the 1954 classic Creature From the Black Lagoon at Northport Village Park on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. Bring seating. 631-261-7901

‘Woodpeckers: The Hole Story’ – Just added!

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a screening of Nature’s The Woodpeckers: The Hole Story at the Smithtown Library, Main Building,One North Country Road, Smithtown on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Narrated by Paul Giamatti, this episode takes an intimate look at what makes woodpeckers so special. Do they really live in giant cacti? How many acorns can they store and how do they remember where they put them all? Find out more about their unique abilities and interesting anecdotes from around the world? Age appropriate for those in high school to retirees.  Free and open to all. Reservations required by calling 631-766-3075 to register.

‘Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat’

Join the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington for a screening of the documentary Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat on Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Told through an unexpected cast of characters, including a badass grandma, the film challenges stereotypes and preconceptions at every turn, conveying the depth, diversity, and critical role volunteer fire departments play across the country. Followed by  a discussion and Q&A with the film’s producer Louise Matoso & some local volunteer firefighters! $15 per person at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’

As part of Suffolk County’s Parks After Dark Series, Coindre Hall, 101 Browns Road in Huntington will host a special screening of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl” under the stars on August 4 at sunset. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite. Bring seating.

‘Grease’

The Stony Brook Fire Department will host its 5th annual Drive-In Movie Night! at Station #2, 1410 Stony Brook Road Stony Brook on Aug. 5. This year’s movie will be Grease. The gate will open at 6:30pm and the movie beings promptly at sunset. Rain date is Aug. 12. Tickets are $50 per car (4 people), $10 for grass seating, more options available at www.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 631-793-0432.

‘In the Heights’

Village of Port Jefferson presents its Movies on the Harbor at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson Tuesdays at dusk with a screening of In the Heights on Aug. 8. Rain date is the next evening. Bring seating. 631-473-4724

‘42’

Join the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook for a special screening of  the 2013 biopic 42 on Aug. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. with special guest Ivo Philbert of the Jackie Robinson Museum.The film tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. Stop by the History Museum before the screening to seet he museum’s baseball exhibitions: Picturing America’s Pastime and Home Fields: Baseball Stadiums of Long Island and New York City. This event is free but registration is preferred by visiting www.longislandmuseum.org 631-751-0066

Class Reunions

Port Jefferson High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion on the weekend of August 4-6. For information, email Lori Sternlicht Lucki @ [email protected] or call 631-495-8604.

Ward Melville High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sept. 9, 2023 from 6 to 11 p.m. For ticket information, contact Tibo Dioguardi at [email protected].

Save the date! Port Jefferson High School Class of 1964 will hold its 60th reunion at the Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 17, 2024. For more information, email Mike Whelen at [email protected].

John Hill. Photo from BNL

John Hill, a distinguished physicist who is widely recognized as a world leader in x-ray scattering research, has been named deputy director for science and technology (DDST) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, effective July 1.

Hill’s appointment comes after an international search that began in March 2022, when current DDST Robert Tribble announced his plans to step down after eight years in the position.

“John Hill offers vision, institutional knowledge, and a track record of sound leadership,” said JoAnne Hewett, who was named the next director of Brookhaven Lab in April. “I look forward to working with him and the entire Brookhaven Lab community at the forefront of science.”

Jack Anderson is serving as interim director until Hewett joins the Lab later this summer.

In his new position, Hill will work closely with Hewett, the Lab’s science leaders, and the Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) Board of Directors and its committees in charting the Laboratory’s future research directions (BSA, a partnership between Stony Brook University and Battelle, manages and operates the Lab on behalf of the DOE Office of Science).  More than 2,600 scientists, engineers, technicians, and professionals at Brookhaven are currently working to address challenges in nuclear and high energy physics, clean energy and climate science, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, isotope research and production, accelerator science and technology, and national security.

“I am incredibly excited to be taking on this role,” said Hill who is a resident of Stony Brook. “Brookhaven Lab has a long history of carrying out world-leading science for the benefit of the Nation and I am honored to be chosen to help lead the Lab as we continue that tradition and seek to answer some of the most important scientific questions facing the world today.”

Hill, a long-time employee of Brookhaven Lab, joined its Physics Department as a postdoc in 1992. He progressed through the ranks and has been director of the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), a DOE Office of Science User Facility located at Brookhaven, since 2015.

NSLS-II is one of the most advanced synchrotron light sources in the world. It produces ultra-bright x-rays for researchers to study materials for advances in energy, quantum computing, medicine, and more.

In addition, Hill has served as deputy associate laboratory director for energy and photon sciences since 2013. He also chaired Brookhaven Lab’s COVID-19 science and technology working group and represented Brookhaven as a member of DOE’s National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory, a consortium comprising all 17 national laboratories working to address challenges in the fight against COVID-19.

Hill’s research has focused on using resonant elastic and inelastic x-ray scattering to study magnetic and electronic phenomena. He has authored more than 120 articles published in peer-reviewed journals and has been recognized with both a Presidential Early Career Award and a DOE Young Independent Scientist Award. He was elected a fellow of the American Physical Society. Brookhaven Lab awarded Hill its Science and Technology Award—one of the Lab’s highest accolades—in 2012.

Hill earned a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Imperial College in London.

——————————–

Brookhaven celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022 and is home to seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and countless advances. Its 5,322-acre site attracts scientists from across the country and around the world, offering them expertise and access to large user facilities with unique capabilities. Each year, Brookhaven hosts thousands of guest researchers and facility users—in-person and virtually—from universities, private industry, and government agencies. The Lab’s annual budget is approximately $700 million, much of which is funded by the DOE and its Office of Science.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov.

Follow @BrookhavenLab on social media. Find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

The DMV In the Three Roads Plaza will close its doors on Aug. 25. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

The Port Jefferson Station office of New York State’s Department of Motor Vehicles will close by the end of August. 

In a press release on July 27 the agency announced that it is consolidating its brick-and-mortar locations in Suffolk County and that the closing was part of its strategic transformation plan and “ongoing efforts to maximize operational efficiencies and best utilize taxpayer resources.”  

The office, located at 1055 Route 112 in the Three Roads Plaza, will no longer serve customers after August 25. Operations and staff at that location will be absorbed by the other four offices in Suffolk County which include Medford, Hauppauge, Dix Hills, and Riverhead.

“One of the foundational goals of our transformation effort is to change how we operate and to work more effectively in a fiscally responsible manner,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “All decisions about our office locations are made with our customers and employees top of mind, and through careful consideration and analysis of the facts and data.”

Schroeder said the decision was based on the expansion of the DMV’s online and self-service transactions which had led to a declining number of in-person transactions at the Port Jefferson Station office.  

“Because of the significant expansion of our online footprint, our appointment system, and the processing efficiencies we have gained in the past two years, we see an opportunity to shift our workforce to the other locations in Suffolk County to maximize the capacity in those offices and ultimately to serve our customers better and faster,” he said.

There are currently more than 70 transactions and services available at DMV.NY.GOV that customers can use to better prepare to visit an office and make their experience as seamless as possible or skip the trip altogether. Customers can renew a driver license or vehicle registration online, order a duplicate document, request their driving record, pay fees and fines, check the status of their ID, change their address and more. 

For in-person transactions, customers are encouraged to visit the Medford office at 2799 Route 112, which is approximately 10 miles from the Port Jefferson Station location. 

“The average customer who visits [the DMV office] is in and out in less than 30 minutes thanks to DMV’s appointment scheduling system that allows customers to avoid waiting in line” said the release.

For more information, call their customer service number at 1-800-698-2931.

The Jazz Loft. Photo by Heidi Sutton

Located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, The Jazz Loft offers a month of great music in August:

Wednesday, August 2, at 1p.m.

Young at Heart: Bobby Darin

Tom Manuel and the Jazz Loft Trio will be playing tunes honoring Bobby Darin for this month’s Young at Heart. Young at Heart is a monthly themed afternoon jazz concert series to help seniors enjoy and remember familiar tunes.

Tickets: $10

Wednesday, August 2

Jam Session at 7 p.m.

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach and Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5

Thursday, August 3

Jazz Loft Big Band: Stomping at the Savoy

Stomping at the Savoy is a 17-piece big band directed by Tom Manuel, the band will be using a trumpet to celebrate the Lindy Hop Swing Craze of the 1940’s

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

Wednesday, August 9 

Jam Session at 7 p.m.           

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach Jazz and musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5

 

Thursday, August 10 at 6 p.m.

Summer SWAP: Melanie Marod (vox) Ensemble

The Jazz Loft will be holding four outdoor Summer Swap concerts on the Jazz Loft front lawn throughout the summer. This show will feature the Equity Brass Band and is FREE!

The Summer Swap series is sponsored by Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine.

FREE on the Jazz Loft lawn

Friday, August 11 at 6 p.m.

Monteleone: The Art of Guitar: Opening Reception

John Monteleone is one of the world’s greatest guitar builders. John Monteleone, guitarist Steve Salerno, and guitarist Anthony Wilson play and discuss guitars in the collection.

FREE

 

Friday, August 11 at 7 p.m.

Art of the Guitar: John Jorgenson Quintet           

The John Jorgenson Quintet is an American gypsy jazz band led by guitarist John Jorgenson. The John Jorgenson Quintet will be performing at the festival!

Tickets: $40 General Admission

Saturday, August 12 at 12 p.m.

Art of the Guitar: Guitar Workshop John Monteleone and Steve Salerno

John Monteleone and Steve Salerno will be holding a guitar workshop.

FREE 

 

Saturday, August 12 at 1 p.m.

Art of the Guitar: Steve Salerno Trio

Steve Salerno is an active performer of Jazz and classical music. The Steve Salerno Trio which is led by Steve Salerno will be performing at the Art of the Guitar festival.

Tickets: $35 General Admission

Saturday, August 12 at 4 p.m.

Art of the Guitar: Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo      

Frank Vignola is one of the most popular and sought after guitarists on the international music scene. Vinny Raniolo is best known for his accompanying skills and is a very high demand rhythm guitarist.

Tickets: $35 General Admission

Saturday, August 12 at 7 p.m.

Art of the Guitar: The Dario Napoli Trio

Italian guitarist and composer Dario Napoli has built an international reputation in the world of gypsy jazz.  The Dario Napoli Trio, led by Dario Napoli on lead guitar, Tommaso Papini on rhythm guitar, and Tonino De Sensi on bass will be performing.

Tickets: $35 General Admission

Wednesday, August 16 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session   

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach Jazz and musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5

Thursday, August 17 at 7 p.m. 

The Bad Little Big Band

The 12 member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona,and vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band. Iacona has added to the band’s repertoire with fresh and new arrangements that are performed at the Jazz Loft.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

 

Wednesday, August 23 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach Jazz and musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5

Thursday, August 24 at 6 p.m.

Summer SWAP

The Jazz Loft will be holding four outdoor Summer Swap concerts on the Jazz Loft front lawn throughout the summer. This show will feature the Equity Brass Band and is FREE!

The Summer Swap series is sponsored by Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine.

FREE on the Jazz Loft lawn

 

Friday, August 25 at 7 p.m.

Nicole Zuraitis Sings the Keely Smith Songbook

Nicole Zuraitis is a Grammy nominated American Jazz vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger. Nicole will be performing with the Jazz Loft big band this month!

Tickets: $35 Adult, $30 Senior, $25 Student, $20 Children

Saturday, August 26 at 7 p.m.

Nicole Zuraitis Sings the Keely Smith Songbook

Nicole Zuraitis is a Grammy nominated American Jazz vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and arranger. Nicole will be performing with the Jazz Loft big band this month!

Tickets: $35 Adult, $30 Senior, $25 Student, $20 Children

Wednesday, August 30 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session

Jam Sessions are led by Keenan Zach Jazz and musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow jazz enthusiasts.

Tickets: $10, after 8 p.m. $5

Thursday, August 31 at 7 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra

The 16-piece Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members.

Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

 

For tickets, visit www.thejazzloft.org. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

Bruce Lee in a scene from 'Enter the Dragon'. Photo courtesy of Fathom Events
Three screenings will be held at Regal Deer Park & IMAX.

By Heidi Sutton

Calling all Bruce Lee fans! In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the 1973 classic martial arts film Enter the Dragon will return to select movie theaters on Sunday, Aug. 13 and Wednesday, Aug. 16 courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events’ Big Screen Classics series. 

In Suffolk County, the film will only be screened at Regal Deer Park & IMAX, 1050 The Arches Circle at the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 13 and at 7:05 p.m. on Aug. 16.

Bruce Lee explodes onto the screen in the film that rocketed him to international superstardom. Recruited by an intelligence agency, martial arts student Lee participates in a brutal tournament at a remote island fortress in an attempt to gather enough evidence to convict the international drug-trafficker responsible for the murder of his sister. In the now-classic fight-to-the-death finish, two men enter a mirrored maze, but only one will exit.

Directed by Robert Clouse from a screenplay written by Michael Allin, the film also stars Robert Wall, John Saxon, Bolo Yeung, Ahna Capri, Jim Kelly, Kien Shih, Angela Mao, and Peter Archer. Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan also make an appearance in the film, although they were uncredited.

Enter the Dragon was Lee’s final completed film appearance before his death on July 20, 1973 at the age of 32. An American and Hong Kong co-production, it premiered in Los Angeles one month later. It became one of the most profitable films of all time as well as the most successful martial arts film and cemented Bruce Lee’s legacy. 

In 2004, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Each screening will include an exclusive introduction by film critic and historian Leonard Maltin who will discuss the seminal martial arts masterpiece’s unprecedented legacy, which made history as the first Kung Fu action film produced by a Hollywood studio. He will also highlight its meticulous fight sequences that continue to influence the genre to this day.

Special anniversary screenings continue with Rain Man on Sept. 17 and 20, The Birds on Oct. 22 and 23, Scarface on Nov. 12 and 15, and A Christmas Story on Dec. 10 and 13.

To order tickets in advance, visit www.fathomevents.com.

See trailer of movie here.

 

 

 

 

Photo by Elisa Hendrey

SETTING SUN

Moments after Elisa Hendrey of Sound Beach snapped this sunset during a recent visit to Mount Sinai Harbor, the weather suddenly turned violent.

She writes, “Wild wind gusts suddenly whipped across the water. Trees were swaying violently. I jumped in my car and took off for home, keeping an eye out for falling branches. Fortunately, there weren’t any, but my car was being pelted by twigs and at one point a gust of wind actually moved the car a bit. It was very strange listening to the wind and  the ping of whatever small parts of trees were continuously hitting the car. A perfectly calm sunset scene turned violent with no warning whatsoever. I guess there was a message in that cloud bank!”

Send your Photo of the Week to [email protected]