A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone marches in the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone marches in the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
A scene from the 2023 Pride Parade in Huntington. Photo by Julianne Mosher
The 33rd annual Long Island Pride Parade and Festival, coordinated by the Hauppauge-based LGBT Network, hit Huntington this past weekend, bringing members of the community of all ages together in a welcoming and supportive setting.
“This is important and critical to bring visibility to our community and makes sure people know that we are here, we exist and we’re not going anywhere,” said Robert Vitelli, chief executive officer of the LGBT Network.
On Sunday, June 11, the streets of Huntington Village were draped in rainbow, pink and blue to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Couples and their allies marched together to show unity with the help of business sponsors and elected officials from across the Island.
Parade-goers included Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D), who marched alongside other members of the Suffolk legislature, as well as a few Huntington officials. News 12 anchor Erin Colton MC’d the event, welcoming an extra special guest, part-time Long Island resident and TV personality Ross Mathews, who served as the parade’s grand marshal with his husband, Elmont school district director of curriculum and instruction, Wellingthon Garcia-Mathews.
Mathews is known for his role as co-host on the daily syndicated talk show, “The Drew Barrymore Show,” as well as a judge and producer on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” He has also appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Chelsea Lately,” his own weekly talk show, “Hello Ross on E!,” “E!’s Live From the Red Carpet,” “Hollywood Today Live” and more.
“As a new Long Island resident, I’ve felt embraced and welcomed to Long Island, where my husband and I have chosen to build our life together,” Mathews said in a statement. “And now we get to celebrate pride with our neighbors, friends and family at a time when our community needs to stand together stronger than ever.”
The parade and festival began on Gerard Street and Main, marching up to Heckscher Park for the festivities. Dozens of vendors, resources for LGBTQIA+ people, food trucks and music filled the space, which included performances by local drag queens Ariel Sinclair and Androgyny. Kim Sozzi and Crystal Waters, known for their club hits in the 1990s and 2000s, sang for the crowd, as well as cover bands Vinal Revival, Radio Active and Jesse Wagner, a Donna Summer tribute.
Artist Laura DiLeone at a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North
*See schedule of events for both days at end of article
By Julianne Mosher
It all started as an event to remember a local painter, but now, 19 years later, it’s bringing new artists to light.
Since 2004 Gallery North’s annual Wet Paint Festival has invited artists from across Long Island to set up shop at a different location to paint the landscape in real time. This year’s festival, on June 17 and 18, will be held at Old Field Farm in Setauket.
Open and free to the public, the Wet Paint Festival will have something for everyone. Located at 92 West Meadow Road, Old Field Farm is a historical Long Island show grounds with a long equestrian tradition. According to its website, the farm was built by philanthropist Ward Melville as the North Shore Horse Show Grounds in 1931. For over half a century it attracted thousands of riders and spectators to equestrian competitions, many of which were successful charitable fundraisers.
Artist Angela Stratton at a previous Wet Paint Festival. Photo courtesy of Gallery North
The farm was privately owned until 1986 and was then acquired by Suffolk County to prevent commercial sale of the property or possible subdivision and development as it stood vacant and began to deteriorate. The site added that during this time, the county initiated a search to identify an appropriate entity to take on an extensive restoration required and manage Old Field Farm and return this prized local institution to its rightful place in the community.
Now several decades later, Gallery North chose their annual two-day event to take place at this scenic location. According to Executive Director Ned Puchner, they are expecting at least 50 artists to come by, set up shop and paint plein air.
“The festival is always in a new location and gives local artists the opportunity to not only paint the local scenery, but meet the public,” he said. “It’s also a great way for artists who are new to painting to try it out.”
The festival started out as a tribute to local painter Joseph Reboli who was popularly known for his beautifully crafted landscapes that often depicted local area. His widow, Lois, helped create the Reboli Center for Art and History in Stony Brook. As president of the center, she has been involved with the Wet Paint Festival since its inception.
“Joe was a modest guy,” she said. “He painted because he loved this community; I’m sure he would be extremely honored.”
As the artists paint the different scenes at Old Field Farm, whatever is created during those days will then be on display at the Reboli Center in an exhibition from July 5 to August 27. An opening reception will be held at the Center on July 21 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of it again and have the opportunity to be involved with the community,” added Reboli. “This is what we’re all about.”
While the main purpose is watching artists (coming from as far west as Port Washington to eastern Wading River), there are other events that day that will fancy people of all ages. Guides from the historic farm will be on site to provide tours of the Old Field Farm structures and grounds, and provide information on equestrian history and culture.
Local naturalists from the Four Harbors Audubon Society will lead tours on the rich ecology and wildlife of the surrounding area, regional artists will lead guided tours on plein air painting, and there will be children’s activities as well.
Sponsored by bld Architecture, Jefferson’s Ferry and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, Gallery North will also team up with WUSB 90.1 fm/107.3 fm Stony Brook to present live musical performances each day. LevelUp Kitchen, based in St. James, will also be on site to purchase picnic lunches before the event.
“Every year the festival has been growing,” Puchner said. “Three years ago there were about 30 artists who signed up, now it’s a little over 50.” He added that last year was the first time they added tours and music, which was a huge success.
“We’re really happy about how it’s been developing,” he said. “There is a vibrant creative community made up of artists, musicians, actors and the like that live in the area and this is a great opportunity to come out, go to a free event and meet the creative community in action.”
Selden-based artist Angela Stratton is excited to be returning to the event she has been attending for 17 years.
“As an artist, I love being outside in nature,” she said. “Long Island is beautiful and there are so many places to paint, so I want to go out and paint it!”
The Wet Paint Festival will be held on June 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Rain dates are June 24 and 25). For more information about the festival or to register to paint, visit www.gallerynorth.org or call 631-751-2676.
Wet Paint Festival Schedule:
Saturday, June 17
10 a.m. – Nature Walk with the Four Harbors Audubon Society
11:30 a.m. – Meet local wildlife, courtesy of Sweetbriar Nature Center
12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Live music by Tom Killourhy
1:30 p.m. – Plein Air Art Tour with artist Jim Molloy
Sunday, June 18
10 a.m. – Nature Walk with the Four Harbors Audubon Society
11:30 a.m – History Tour with Margo Arceri of Tri-Spy Tours
12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Live music by the Keenan Zach Trio
1:30 p.m. – Plein Air Art Tour with artist Nancy Bueti-Randall
Three Village Community Trust’s Friends of the Greenway will host its monthly cleanup of the Greenway Trail on Saturday, June 17 starting at 9 a.m. in the Port Jefferson Station trailhead parking lot off Route 112 next to Port Jeff Bowl.Come help keep our community gem clean as we get ready for the summer. Questions? Email [email protected].
Members of Son of Bazerk perform at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Members of Son of Bazerk perform at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
MC Glamorous performs at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
DJ Johnny Juice and AJ Ron perform at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Dinco D performs at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
DJ Johnny Juice and Dinco D perform at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Dinco D performs at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Keith Shocklee during the June 11 hip-hop Q&A at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Long Island hip-hop artists at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 11 celebrating 50 years of hip-hop. Photo by Rita J. Egan
Artist Sherwin Banfield explains the details on the statue honoring LL Cool J. Photo by Rita J. Egan
AJ Rok from JVC Force and DJ Wildman Steve talk about the early days of hip-hop. Photos by Rita J. Egan
Many who visited the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook Sunday, June 11, may have thought they stumbled upon a family reunion. In a way they did, as Long Island hip-hop artists were on hand to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the genre at an event hosted by the museum and venue.
The Sunday afternoon event started with a “knock out” presentation as the museum unveiled a statue of LL Cool J, born James Todd Smith in Bay Shore. The actor, rapper, songwriter and music producer’s successes include the hit “Mama Said Knock You Out” (1990) and his role on “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
The statue, known as The G.O.A.T. Monument, is officially titled “Going Back to The Meadows, A Tribute to LL COOL J and Performance at FMCP” and was created in 2021 by artist Sherwin Banfield. During the unveiling ceremony, Banfield pointed out different accents he included on the 8 1/2-feet tall, 600-pound statue, including a boom box with a cassette tape of the rapper’s debut album “Radio” (1985). Banfield also played homage on the piece to what he called “the determination pin.” The rapper’s right arm was paralyzed when he was younger, and his mother would pin his right sleeve to the mattress to inspire movement.
Composed of bronze, stainless steel, steel, winter stone, resin, cement and wood, the statue was displayed in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park for a year. It includes a solar panel that powers an audio system.
Blasts from the past
Visitors were treated to performances as well as a Q&A panel where the artists shared stories from the early days of their careers, many of them knowing each other since they were younger.
Before the performances featuring DJ Jazzy Jay (John Bayas), DJ Johnny Juice Rosado, AJ Rok (AJ Woodson) of JVC Force, MC Glamorous (Chaplain Jamillah), Dinco D (James Jackson) of Leaders of the New School and the group Son of Bazerk, the artists participated in the Q&A panel along with Keith Shocklee of the producing team The Bomb Squad and an original member of Public Enemy as well as video jockey and director Ralph McDaniels. The panel members were happy to share the history of hip-hop on Long Island stories with attendees.
Shocklee, who was born in Roosevelt, said he, along with his brother and friends, started DJing by playing in his family’s basement in the 1970s. They then began to play at local youth centers around the Island and throw parties in friends’ basements and backyards. Soon they were DJing at the local parks. While others would go to Centennial Park in Roosevelt to play basketball, other young people would go to play music, Shocklee said.
“It’s something we did to stay off the streets of Long Island,” he said. “It wasn’t as dangerous as the Bronx or Brooklyn, but you had your stick-up kids.”
MC Glamorous, originally from Freeport, said events such as Roosevelt Day, Freeport Day and Wyandanch Day gave the communities something to look forward to and the artists a chance to perform.
“It brought people together, and we got a day to shine also with those jams,” she said.
Shocklee said Long Island hip-hop artists in the 1970s were aware the Bronx was the epicenter of hip-hop, where he said the DJ technique scratch, MCs, hip-hop culture and breakdancing were born and developed.
McDaniels said the hip-hop culture on Long Island was different from what was happening in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and parts of New Jersey. He said when he hosted “Video Music Box” he was able to compare music scenes.
“There was something going on in Long Island that was different,” he said. “When I heard Public Enemy, when I heard EPMD [from Brentwood], I was like, ‘This is different.’ This is not what the rest of the city or the rest of the country sounds like, and I think that’s what makes Long Island its own — or Strong Island — its own unique sound, because we weren’t as thirsty. We had homes. Some of us had parents. Some of us went to college. We were relaxed.”
McDaniels reference to “Strong Island” was a song recorded in 1988 by JVC Force sampling a phrase that Public Enemy’s Chuck D used while working as a DJ at Adelphi University’s radio station, WBAU.
Woodson, who spent several of his younger years in Central Islip, said the reason the group recorded the song “Strong Island” was because “you literally had to be from the five boroughs to get respect.”
Bayas, who was part of the development of Def Jam Recordings, remembered when he would come down from the Bronx to play in Amityville, and the first time he said, “We’re going out to the country.”
During those visits to the Island, he said he met hip-hop artists Biz Markie, Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith — the latter two from EPMD — when they were children. Bayas said before hip-hop, if someone didn’t know how to play an instrument, they weren’t considered a musician. For that reason, he learned to play the drums and, as a DJ, he said he and others were always searching for the rare group to play at the parties.
“Hip-hop allowed us to be musicians because we have something to offer, because we know what music to play,” Bayas said.
The LIMEHOF received a surprise visit toward the end of the event from rapper Keith Murray who grew up in Central Islip. The venue had to postpone its induction of The Fat Boys, from Brooklyn, as surviving member Kool Rock-Ski (Damon Wimbley) was unable to attend at the last minute.
Mt. Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Road, Mount Sinai invites the surrounding community to attend a free “Senior Safety” presentation by Officer Sergio Moller on Wednesday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in Voorhees Hall. The presentation will cover cons and scams, personal protection, shopping and banking, ID theft, safety on the road, home protection, and services for seniors. Call Jayne at the church office to reserve your seat. 631-473-1582.
BRINGING SAM COOKE TO LIFE
Darrian Ford will perform the Cooke Book at The John W. Engeman Theater on June 20.
Thursday June 15
St. Philip St. James Family Festival
Saints Philip & James Roman Catholic Church, 1 Carow Place, St. James will host their 2023 Family Festival today from 6 to 10 p.m., June 16 and 17 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. and June 18 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 andprizes, and fun for the entire family. Free admission, pay-one-price rides or individual rides. 631-584-5454
Friday June 16
St. Philip St. James Family Festival
See June 15 listing.
Third Friday at the Reboli
The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook continues its Third Friday series with an informative talk by fashion designer Celine Chen from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Chen will educate guests on her life, her experience working in the fashion industry, her experience running a business and some interesting similarities and differences between the fashion industry in China and America. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Free, no reservations required. 631-751-7707
Pride Concert
The Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates its 15th anniversary season with a free concert at Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach at 7 p.m. Titled “Why We Sing,” the performance is a wide-spanning musical celebration of the LGBTQ+ community featuring some of the members’ favorites selections from the last 15 years of concerts. 631-585-9393
Saturday June 17
St. Philip St. James Family Festival
See June 15 listing.
International Day of Yoga
The Meadow Club, 1147 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station hosts a freeUnited Nations 10th International Day of Yoga from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participate in yoga, meditations, ayurveda, pranayama, reiki, sound healing, and so much more. Bring your family and friends, meet the speakers — enjoy an offering of vegetarian fare if you wish for $35. RSVP at www.learnwithmasters.com.
All Souls Treasure Sale/Bake Sale
All Souls Church, 61 Main Street, Stony Brook will hold a Treasure/Bake Sale on the lawn of the church starting at 9 a.m. There will treasures, home-baked goods, hot dogs and refreshments as well.Proceeds to benefit All Souls’ Handicap Accessibility Project.Call 631-241-2775 for more details.
Strawberry Festival/Tag Sale
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point present their annual Strawberry Festival and Church Tag Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with delicious food and desserts, bake sale, HUGE Tag Sale, gift basket raffles, crafts, local vendors, bounce house and children’s activities. 631-744-9355
Wet Paint Festival
Join Gallery North for its 19th annual Wet Paint Festival, an outdoor event that provides the community with the unique opportunity to watch Long Island’s plein air painters as they capture the area’s historic and natural beauty, at Old Field Farm, 92 West Meadow Road Setauket today and June 18 from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music, nature tours, kids activities and more. Rain dates are June 24 and 25. Free. 631-751-2676, www.gallernorth.org
Kings Park Day
Come on down! The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce presents the 45th annual Kings Park Day at the Library Municipal Parking Lot, 1 Main St., Kings Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a craft fair with over 100 vendors, international food court, live music, kids activities, and more. Perfect Father’s Day gift shopping. Free admission. 631-846-1459.
Spring Craft and Flea Market
Harborfields Public LIbrary, 31 Broadway, Greenlawn will host a Spring Craft and Flea Market on its circular driveway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The outdoor fair will feature craft vendors, local businesses, and flea market items from individual sellers. Held rain or shine. 631-757-4200
Farmers & Artisans Marketplace
Farmingville Residents Association hosts a Farmers, Artisans and Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, corner of Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring over 45 vendors selling local produce, handmade and homemade items and flea market treasures with live music by Visco & McNeill. 631-260-7411.
Freedom Day Celebration
The Town of Brookhaven will hold its 9th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at the historic Longwood Estate, 205 Longwood Road in Ridge from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in recognition of the 157th anniversary of the end of slavery in 1865. Included is a BBQ picnic, games, music, dancing and activities for the entire family. For TOB residents only. Visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov/Juneteenth or call 451-2627 to RSVP.
Father’s Day on the Farm
Join Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket for a Father’s Day Special Weekend today and June 18 from noon to 4 p.m. before the farm closes for the season. Featuring antique trucks and tractors on display, farm implements, home-made ice cream making, the Big Swing, and visits with the farm’s baby animals. The Little Store will also be open offering eggs, maple syrup, T-shirts and more. Admission is $12 adults, $10 children, free for all fathers. 631-689-8172
Northport Pridefest
The Village of Northport will host a Pridefest in the Park at Northport Village Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a “pre-tea” afternoon music festival, with a brief program, and vendors located harborside at the foot of Main Street. Some locationswill host “tea” starting at 4 p.m., and the Northport Historical Society Museum will present a PRIDE pop-up exhibit. www.northportpridefest.com
Juneteenth Celebration
Town of Huntington will celebrate Juneteenth with a day filled with dancing, food, music, Double Dutch tournament, history, drummers circles and more at Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington from 1 to 7 p.m. The event will include an art activity with Art League of Long Island from 1 to 3 p.m. and free admission to the Heckscher Museum of Art. Bring seating. Free. www.heckscher.org
Sunday June 18
St. Philip St. James Family Festival
See June 15 listing.
Wet Paint Festival
See June 17 listing.
Father’s Day on the Farm
See June 17 listing.
Father’s Day at the LIM
In honor of Father’s Day, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook offers free admission to fathers and grandfathers from noon to 5 p.m. Spend some quality time together exploring the museum’s latest exhibits: Picturing America’s Pastime andHome Fields: Baseball Stadiums of LI and NYC and visiting the state of the art Carriage Museum. 631-751-0066
Juneteenth Walking Tour
The Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport celebrates Juneteenth with a Black History Walking Tour at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. Researcher Ceylan Swenson will offer attendees a new perspective on familiar locations and tells the stories of the generations of Black families who lived in and around Northport. Tickets are $10 per person. To register, call 631-757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.
Monday June 19
TVHS lecture
Three Village Historical Society continues its lecture series at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket at 7 p.m. Rev. Lisa Williams and Ann Pellegrino will present Planting Seeds of Hope: The Bethel Hobbs Community Farm Story. Come learn about the farm’s rich history, its growth and development, present service and operation and future vision. Suggested donation, free for members. Also available via Zoom. Register at www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730
Tuesday June 20
NSJC Social Club event
North Shore Jewish Center Social Club, 385 Old Town Road, Port Jefferson Station invites the community to a talk by Rabbi Aaron Benson about the “Destruction of the Temple” and its ramifications in the Social Hall at 11 a.m. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee will be served. $5 per person, $4 members. 631-928-3737
Tribute to Sam Cooke
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents The Cooke Book, a celebration of Sam Cooke’s career that blazed a trail for Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Rod Stewart, Smokey Robinson, and many other giants of soul music performed by Darrian Ford in concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45. 631-261-2900, www.engemantheater.com
Wednesday June 21
No events listed for this day.
Thursday June 22
Summer Thursday at the LIM
Kick off your summer with a free outdoor concert featuring Ray Lambiase on the grounds of the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pack a picnic supper, enjoy the concert and view the latest exhibits at the History Museum. In the case of rain, concert will be held in the Carriage Museum’s Gillespie Room. Free admission.631-751-0066
Summer Swap Concert
The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook presents a free “Summer Stage With a Purpose” (Summer SWAP) concert featuring the Equity Brass Band on the front lawn of the museum from 6 to 8 p.m. Grab a lawn chair and come on down! Sponsored by Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine. The concert series continues with Nikos Chatzitsakos Tiny Big Band on July 13, and the Melanie Marod Ensemble on Aug. 10. 631-751-1895, www.thejazzloft.org
Theater
‘The Sound of Music’
The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is The Sound of Music from May 18 to July 2. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen.” Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘Something Rotten!’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson continues its Mainstage productions with Something Rotten! from May 20 to June 24.Living in the shadow of Renaissance rock star The Bard, two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being to thine own self be true.Contains adult humor and situations. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’
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 The Two Gentlemen of Verona from June 4 to 30. Young Valentine travels to Milan to find his fortune, but instead falls for the fair Silvia, daughter of the Duke. His world is turned upside down when his best friend, Proteus, abandons his love, Julia, in Verona to woo Silvia for himself. With a pair of bumbling servants and a dog, it’s a lively Shakespearean comedy about the complexities of love, lust, and friendship. Tickets are $20, $15 children under 12. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.
HUZZAH! From left, Jordan Breslow, Joseph Anthony Smith and Richard Risi in a scene from Gilbert & Sullivan’s Princess Ida. The show heads to the Smithtown Performing Arts Center on June 17. Photo by NanMagna
‘Princess Ida’
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St. Smithtown hosts a performance of Princess Ida, the classic comic opera by Gilbert & Sullivan, on June 17 at 8 p.m. Presented in an all-new production by the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island, the opera follows Princess Ida who has fled an arranged marriage to the son of King Hildebrand and instead sets up a college for women, where she teaches the then-unthinkable principles of women’s rights and equality for all, regardless of rank, gender, wealth or nationality. Featuring a 23-piece orchestra. Tickets are $30, seniors and students $25. To order, visitwww.gaslocoli.org. 516-619-7415
Class Reunions
•Hauppauge High School Class of 1978 will hold its 45th reunion on July 22, 2023 with a reunion party on July 21 and a reunion picnic on July 23. For details, email [email protected].
•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].
Vendors Wanted
■ Vendors are wanted for the 2nd annual Port Paws Dog Festival at Joe Erland Park in Port Jefferson on July 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fee is $350 for 10X10 booth for both days. Visit portpawsdogfest.com/vendors or text 516-939-8960.
■ Spirit of Huntington, 2 Melville Road, Huntington seeks artists, musicians, and vendors fort its Spirit of Summer Art Festival on Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $125 fee for 8’ by 10’ area. Rain date Aug. 13. Deadline to apply is July 28. Visit www.spiritofhuntington.com.
■ The Village of Lake Grove seeks arts & crafts, food and community vendors for its 2023 Lake Grove Summer Festival at Memorial Park, 980 Hawkins Ave., Lake Grove on Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit lakegroveny.gov for an application.
■ Vendor applications are now available for Sunshine Prevention Center’s Family Fall Festival at 468 Boyle Road, Port Jefferson Station on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date Oct 15). Fee is $50 for a 10 x 10 space, no charge for Agency Resource tables. Bring your own tables, tents, chairs. All vendors must also donate a prize ($20 value) for a raffle. Register at www.sunshinepreventionctr.org or email [email protected].
■ Craft and new merchandise vendors are wanted for the St. Thomas of Canterbury Church Fall Car Show and Craft Fair, 90 Edgewood Ave., Smithtown, on Oct. 14from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $50 per booth (10’ by 10’ space). For more information, call 631-265-4520 or visit www.Stthomasofcanterbury.net.
Long Island’s largest fair heads to Suffolk County Community College, 485 Wicks Road, (Exit 53S off the LIE) in Brentwood from June 15 to June 25 featuring live music and entertainment for the whole family, exciting midway rides and games, and plenty of tasty carnival eats.
Grand Carousel
Included with fair admission are tribute band performances and other daily concerts; Saturday night Fireworks by Grucci; the educational Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo; up-close and personal Dinosaur Experience; Houdini-style Escape Explosion; World of Wonders Amazement Show starring sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists and other old-time sideshow acts; and the Royal Hanneford Circus featuring edge-of-your-seat high-wire, trapeze and motorcycle thrill shows and more under the big top.
Sam Ash Music Stage entertainment includes All Revved Up (Meat Loaf tribute), Milagro (Santana tribute), A Second Life, La Sonora 495, Crucial Experiment, Gimme All Your Lovin’ (ZZ Top tribute), The Strange Parade (The Doors tribute), Penny Lane (Beatles tribute), FREEBIRD (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute), Reverb, La Elegancia de la Salsa and more, including Latino Dance Time both Sundays.
Admission: $5 (free for kids under 36″ tall). Parking is free.
Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36″ and taller) are $35 on site Monday – Thursday and $40 Friday – Sunday while supplies last, or online before 5 pm June 15 for $25.
Visit the website for Thursday Carload Nights (admission and rides for $60 per car) and advance savings on ride tickets.
FunFest hours: 5-11 pm weekdays and 3-11 pm Saturday – Sunday. Take Exit 53S off the Long Island Expressway and use the Wicks Road campus entrance. No unaccompanied guests under age 21.
Meet New York Times Best Selling Author Carl Safina at the Bates House in Setauket on June 13. File photo
The Bates House, 1 Bates Road, Setauket welcomes New York Times Best Selling Author Carl Safinafor an Author Talk on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. Safina will be reading from his many bestselling and award-winning books and talk about the work of his not-for-profit organization, The Safina Center, based in Setauket. A book signing will follow. $10 per person. To register, visit www.thebateshouse.org. For more information, call 631-689-7054
From left, JVC Force's AJ Rok, The Fat Boys' Kool-Rock Ski, Son of Bazerk and Ralph McDaniels Photos from LIMEHOF
From left, Jazzy Jay, Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice and Leaders of the New School’s Dinco D and Milo In De Dance
By Rita J. Egan
In the early 1970s, a new genre of music came out of the Bronx called hip-hop. Through the years, the music’s popularity grew and among the hip-hop artists were Long Islanders. On Sunday, June 11, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the genre and those local entertainers, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook will host a special concert along with a discussion panel featuring several artists who began their careers in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens and Brooklyn.
Members of Son of Bazerk, Kool Rock-Ski (of The Fat Boys), DJ Jazzy Jay and DJ Johnny Juice Rosado (of Public Enemy) are scheduled to perform. A panel discussion will also take place with Rosado, AJ Rok (of JVC Force), Dinco D and Milo in de Dance (both of Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box). In addition to the performances and Q&A, the hall of fame will unveil a statue of hip-hop artist and actor LL Cool J and induct The Fat Boys.
Tom Needham, LIMEHOF vice chairman, said the event aligns with the organization’s ultimate goal to represent and present different types of music. He added there is so much talent in the area, including hip-hop artists, some who have already been inducted into the local hall of fame.
“I think a lot of people, when they think of music on Long Island, simply think of Billy Joel, but there are so many hip-hop artists who lived here, who made music here,” Needham said. “I think sometimes the average Long Island resident just doesn’t even know it.”
Rosado, who has been involved with LIMEHOF since its early days and was inducted with Public Enemy in 2008, said the idea to include the panel came from a tour he took part in during 2012. He and his fellow artists came up with the idea to have a press conference with a panel before shows. He said he feels concerts should have some kind of context and a Q&A helps to provide that.
“I think that it’s important, especially with something like this, a museum and a hall of fame, to kind of know the artists, what they’re about, and why Long Island was such an incredible incubator for these types of acts,” he said.
The event will give several entertainers the opportunity to visit the venue for the first time, including AJ Woodson, a.k.a. AJ Rok from JVC Force. Now the editor-in-chief of Black Westchester Magazine, Woodson said he was happy to hear about the event from Rosado.
“Long Island rap needs to be celebrated more, and it doesn’t get celebrated the way it should, but it was a very strong region as far as it had a lot of contributions to hip-hop,” the journalist said.
A bit of history
Rosado, in addition to being part of Public Enemy, whose “Fight the Power” was featured in the 1989 movie “Do The Right Thing,” has worked with various artists and composed film scores. He remembers the early days of hip-hop as being similar to jazz’s trajectory.
“A lot of it wasn’t accepted by the established greats of the time or what have you, and because of that, it was a hard time trying to get it launched,” he said. “But, along the way, there were some breakthrough moments like when Run DMC did ‘Walk This Way.’”
The 1986 hit was a cover of Aerosmith’s 1975 song, and the hip-hop version did better on the charts than the original. Rosado added that many artists, such as Aerosmith, had a resurgence when hip-hop artists would sample classics.
Woodson said hip-hop started out as a way to express oneself and now it has touched “every form of entertainment at this point.”
As for Long Island artists, Needham said in the early days of hip-hop, many, during interviews, were made to feel as if they had to say they were from New York City.
“It was actually a thing in the record companies,” he said. “Their strategy years ago was — if somebody was from Long Island — they would kind of rewrite their history slightly and make it sound like they were from New York City. They didn’t think it was cool to say they were from Long Island with a lot of different artists, not just hip-hop.”
During the June 11 panel, attendees can find out how many of these entertainers first formed their groups.
Woodson said he moved from Mount Vernon to Central Islip when he was 7. After his parents divorced and his father moved back to Mount Vernon, Woodson decided to attend high school there. He would visit Central Islip often and, after graduation, was back on Long Island. One day his neighbors told him about William Taylor (B-Luv) and Curtis Andre Small (DJ Curt Cazal), who were young DJs starting out, and a friend told him about a party they were having. When he attended, a friend asked if Woodson could have a mic.
“Me and B-Luv were on the mic and going back and forth,” he said. “Not really a battle but we were going back and forth, exchanging rhymes and everybody talked about how great we sounded.” The party was a turning point in Woodson’s life as he joined the group and soon after they were making demos. JVC Force is responsible for the song “Strong Island” in 1988, which sampled Chuck D from Public Enemy saying the phrase on Adelphi University’s radio station. The song helped drive home the fact there were hip-hop artists from Long Island, including Public Enemy and Erik B. and Rakim.
Cassandra Jackson, also known as ½ Pint from Son of Bazerk, will be performing on June 11 with her fellow group members Tony Allen “Bazerk” and Gary Pep Stanton “Daddy Rawe” as well as DJ Johnny Juice. The performance will be in memory of Son of Bazerk member Jeff “Almighty Jahwell” Height who passed away a few months ago.
Jackson’s musical journey began in Freeport. She said before her sophomore year of college, she and her friends were playing basketball at the park and “thrash talking” when someone approached her and said, “Sounds like you can make records.” While she was surprised someone would approach her on a basketball court and say that, she gave him her number and he met with her grandparents. It turned out to be Hank Shocklee, a member of the producing team The Bomb Squad, and he introduced her to Townhouse 3, which eventually became Son of Bazerk. She said she remembered the guys growing up in Freeport.
Becoming part of the group and performing she said “was so surreal for me.”
“It was the epitome of what it was to be hip-hop,” she said. “Banging on the tables in the lunch room, back of the bus rhyming, those things, and then to be able to actually go into a studio and do those things that I’ve practiced with my friends and then to actually be on stage to convey those things and perform.”
Jackson said preserving the history of hip-hop is important. She is still making music and working on a documentary. An administrator of the Alternative Learning Academy with Roosevelt High School, Jackson runs an alternative program where she incorporates hip-hop into the curriculum. “More than just the music, hip-hop stands on the shoulders of movements before, and the music is a way to express that — how we feel and who we are and what we’re trying to convey.”
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The 50th anniversary of hip-hop concert and panel discussion event will be held on Sunday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, 97 Main Street, Stony Brook. The event is free with admission ($19.50 for adults, $17 for seniors and veterans, and $15 for students with ID). For more information, call 631-689-5888 or visit www.limusichalloffame.org.
Mike DelGuidice will cover classic hits from Billy Joel on Aug. 28. File photo by Greg Catalano/2019
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker has announced the Suffolk County Summer Concert and Movie Night Series in collaboration with community organizations including North Shore Youth Council, the Longwood Alliance, the Middle Island Civic Association, the Middle Island Fire Department, the Coram Civic Association, the Coram Fire Department, and the Ridge Civic Association.
“The summer community concerts have been instrumental in providing local performances with free-admission concerts across the district,” said Legislator Sarah Anker. “I encourage our residents to attend these concerts that provide a wonderful entertainment venue for all ages. A warm thank you to the community organizations for their partnerships with my office.”
Concert Information:
1. North Shore Youth Council Community Movie Night
Showing: ‘Luca’
Date: Friday, July 7th
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai
2. Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the
Middle Island Fire Department
Featuring: That 70’s Band (Fireworks after show)
Date: Saturday, July 8th
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Old Kmart Parcel Across from Artist Lake, Middle Island
3. Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the
Middle Island Fire Department
Featuring: 45RPM (Firework rain date)
Date: Sunday, July 9th
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Old Kmart Parcel Across from Artist Lake, Middle Island
4. Ridge Civic Association Concert
Featuring: Tradewinds
Date: Saturday, July 15th (rain date July 16th)
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Longwood Estate, Longwood Rd, Ridge
5. North Shore Youth Council Community Movie Night
Showing: ‘Tangled’
Date: Friday, July 21st
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai
6. North Shore Youth Council Community Concert
Featuring: BonJourney
Date: Friday, August 4th
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: North Shore Heritage Park 633 Mount Sinai Coram Rd, Mount Sinai
7. Middle Island Concert with Longwood Alliance, Middle Island Civic Association and the Middle Island Fire DepartmentFeaturing: Penny Lane
Date: Saturday, August 19th
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Middle Island Fire Dept. 31 Arnold Dr, Middle Island
8. Coram Civic Association and the Coram Fire Department Concert
Featuring: Southbound
Date: Saturday, August 26th (rain date August 28th)
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Middle Island Fire Department, 31 Arnold Dr, Middle Island
9. North Shore Youth Council Concert
Featuring: Mike DelGuidice on tour with Billy Joel
Date: Monday, August 28th (rain date August 30th)
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: St. Anthony’s of Padua Church 614 NY-25A, Rocky Point
There is no charge for admission to the concerts. For more information about the concerts, please contact the office of Legislator Sarah Anker’s office at (631) 854-1600.
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