Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) in a new walking tour experience, Unwind & Uncork History: The Story of Wine & the Stony Brook Grist Mill on Friday, September 30 at 11 a.m. (3 p.m. tour is sold out!)
The Stony Brook Grist Mill. Photo from WMHO
In this walking tour experience, tour-goers will “uncork” the stories of the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751), the sight of Long Island’s very first vineyard. This will include a tour of the Stony Brook Grist Mill, the scandalous story of Edward Kane, his Lakeside Wine Company, and a brief lesson on wine.
The tour will begin at Tranquility Park (also known as T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond Park) across from the Stony Brook Grist Mill, and will end at Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique at the Stony Brook Village Center, which gained its name from Kane’s Lakeside Wine Company.
Fee for the touris $25 per person and includes a bottle of authentic Catawba wine from Lake Side Emotions Wine Boutique. All participants must be 21 or older. Advance registration is required by calling 631-751-2244. For more information, visit www.wmho.org.
Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai celebrates the season with its annual Fall into Fun Carnival from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 Enjoy three days of carnival rides, games, food vendors, and fun for the whole family! Hours are Sept. 30 from 6 to 10:30 p.m., Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Oct. 2 from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Free admission and parking. Pay per ride or purchase a bracelet. Call 509-0882 for more information.
'Cave of Adullam' will be screened at Theatre Three on Oct. 10. Photo courtesy of PJDS
Please note: The movie line-up has been updated.
Line-up spotlights how singular stories impact society
By Tara Mae
What responsibility to people have to each other and the planet? This question is arecurring theme examined when the award-winning Port Jefferson Documentary Series’ film festival returns this fall. The season kicks off Monday, Sept. 19 and runs on select Mondays through Nov. 21.
“There is an underlying thread of social responsibility — stand up and do the right thing or at least recognize when things are going wrong and put a spotlight on it —throughout the whole season. It takes a lot of guts to take such a stance,” said co-Director Lyn Boland.
Screenings will be held in person at 7 p.m. With the exception of Rebellion and Heart and Soul, which will be screened at John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd. in Port Jefferson Station, all documentaries will be shown at Theatre Three, 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson.
“This series offers a valuable service, We are offering an opportunity for an arts organization in our community. Many of these films are noncommercial; people would not necessarily be able to see them in movie theaters,” said Theatre Three’s Executive Artistic Director Jeffrey Sanzel.
‘An Act of Worship’
Sponsored by the Suffolk County Film Commission, the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, Maggio Environmental, Maia Salon Spa and Wellness, and Covati and Janhsen, CPAs, the festival, which started in 2005, will present seven thought-provoking documentaries this year.
Evoking questions of personal responsibility, public activism, and corporate accountability, these documentaries explore the private motivations of public figures, community workers, and morally dubious entities who exploit areas of opaque legality for profit.
Kaepernick & America kicks off the series, exploring the thought process of a man whose actions speak loudly; An Act of Worship amplifies the ingenuity, initiatives, and endurance of female Muslim American activists; The Cave of Adullam chronicles the steadfast dedication of a Black martial arts sensei striving to support at-risk Black youths; Heart and Soul will appeal to rock and roll fans; and Rebellion, American Pain, and The YouTube Effect detail the detrimental impact of a trifecta of concurrent crises: climate change, opioid addiction, and misinformation, respectively.
“This festival really has something for everybody. I do think that we have some really remarkable films. Quite a number explore current events — things that are so much on everyone’s mind,” Boland added.
Following every screening, Tom Needham, host of The Sounds of Film on WUSB, will emcee a Q&A session with the director or producer of the documentary. Some guests will appear in person while others will appear via Zoom.
The documentaries are selected by the all-female film board: co-directors Lyn Boland, Wendy Feinberg, and Barbara Sverd as well as Honey Katz, Lorie Rothstein, and Lynn Rein. Collectively known as “the film ladies,” each woman nominates a documentary to be included in the series and if approved, arranges for the speaker(s) to participate in the Q&A.
After its nomination, the board and volunteers review the film to decide whether it makes the cut. The next step can be among the most challenging: securing the rights to show the documentary. This feat is generally negotiated by contacting the film distribution company or reaching out directly to a filmmaker in person at a festival, or through email and phone. Certain documentarians, such as Alex Winter (The Youtube Effect), have previously shown other work at the Port Jefferson Documentary Series, and thus have an existing connection to it.
Films are largely sourced from festivals like the TriBeca Film Festival and the Hamptons International Film Festival. Board members pay their own travel expenses, tickets, and industry passes.
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series is a passion project for everyone involved.
“My favorite parts of this endeavor are attending film festivals, previewing films on the big screen, and meeting the directors and subjects in the films in person. The satisfaction of having previewed dozens of films and finally then narrowing down to seven of the best with guest speakers for each…I love it. To me, it is entertainment,” said co-director Wendy Feinberg.
Individual tickets are $10 each online or at the door. A season pass is $58 and also available online or at the door.
For further details about the documentaries, booking tickets, or the series in general, visit www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
Film Schedule
‘Kaepernick & America’
■The season begins with a screening of Kaepernick & America at Theatre Three on Sept. 19. The documentary relives the summer of 2016, an election year with unrest rumbling through America, when Colin Kaepernick took a knee and America lost its mind. Kaepernick & America examines the man and his protest, exploring the remarkable conflict stirred by such a symbolic gesture. Guest speaker will be co-director Tommy Walker.
■ Up next is An Act of Worship on Oct. 3 at Theatre Three. The film weaves a glorious tapestry of personal stories, verité, archival footage, and home movies together, to open a window into the world of Muslim Americans. The film follows three women activists who have come of age since 9/11 and who are part of a new generation of Muslims in America. Guest speakers will be director Nausheen Dadabhoy and producer Sofian Khan.
■ The award-winning film Cave of Adullamheads to Theatre Three on Oct. 10. The film focuses on martial arts sensei Jason Wilson and his efforts to help often-troubled black youths from Detroit at the Cave of Adullam Transformational Training Academy that he founded in 2008. Guest speaker will be director Laura Checkoway.
■ After a brief hiatus, the series continues with a screening of Rebellion at John F. Kennedy Middle School on Oct. 24. The film gives us an in-depth look into the global environmental movement, Extinction Rebellion (XR), established in the United Kingdom, from its beginnings in 2018. Guest spaker will be co-director Maia Kenworthy via Zoom.
■ The festival continues with a a preview screening of Heart and Soul at John F. Kennedy Middle School on Nov. 7. The first-ever Rock & Roll Show at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater electrified the teenagers who waited for hours to see their new idols – Chuck Berry; the Chantels; Frankie Lymon; and a roster of some of the greatest talent of the time. Fourteen-year-old Kenny Vance sat in the balcony mesmerized by a unique style of music that still resonates for him -and many of us- half a century later. The film seeks to solve the question that may never be answered, because, like all art, it is about feelings: What was that particular magic that grabs a heart and never lets it go? Guest speaker will be director Kenny Vance with a vocal harmony performance by Vance & the Planotones.
■ Moving into November, American Pain will be screened at Theatre Three on Nov. 14. A jaw-dropping true crime documentary, the film tells the story of twin brothers and bodybuilders Chris and Jeff George, who operated a franchise of pain clinics in Florida where they handed out pain pills like candy. Director Darren Foster offers an incredibly compelling and shocking story that exposes the tower of corruption that made the George’s enterprise so massively successful. Guest speaker will be producer Carolyn Hepburn.
■ The Youtube Effect heads to Theatre Three on Nov. 21. The documentary takes viewers on a timely and gripping journey inside the cloistered world of YouTube and parent Google. It investigates YouTube’s rise from humble beginnings in the attic of a pizzeria to its explosion onto the world stage, becoming the largest media platform in history and sparking a cultural revolution, while creating massive controversy in the age of disinformation. The film is a startling but necessary look at a website that has become so intertwined with our daily lives. Guest speaker via Zoom will be director Alex Winter.
Linda Johnson of Chocology at a previous Women's EXPO. Photo by Heidi Sutton
Popular marketplace of LI women entrepreneurs back for its 22nd year.
Save the date! The highly popular Women’s EXPO heads back to the Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach on Thursday, October 6, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Time to shop! Photo by Heidi Sutton
Featuring more than 80 vendors, the indoor event provides a marketplace for Long Island women entrepreneurs who create or distribute a variety of products, including jewelry, pottery, soaps, food and more. This event is a great opportunity to support local women entrepreneurs while shopping for holiday gift giving.
The Women’s EXPO is presented by the Middle Country Library Foundation. Proceeds will help to support the library’s Miller Business Center, which supports regional economic development by meeting the information needs of the business community, promoting a literate and job-ready workforce, and providing employment information and career exploration opportunities. Sponsors include TD Bank, People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union and BankUnited.
“We are excited to be back celebrating women entrepreneurs on Long Island with the 22nd annual Women’s EXPO, after two years of limitations due to the pandemic.” says Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, the Director of the Middle Country Public Library.
Idyllic, intimate scenes of small town life and sublimely serene landscapes. Warmly illuminated faces, too often absent in American fine art, immortalized for generations. William Sidney Mount’s art both embraced and defied the standards of the 19th century.
Through this prism, the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) will present a special program titled “William Sidney Mount and Long Island’s Free People of Color” at the Brewster House (c. 1665) in Setauket on Saturday, Sept. 24.
The cover of Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller’s new book.
The talk by Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller, co-authors of The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas, will explore the identities and lives of the 19th century Black, Native-Black and Black-White people who Mount portrayed in many of his works as well as their ties to the Three Village community.
During the presentation’s two sessions, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m., Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller will discuss researching and writing their book, which delves into some identities of Mount’s most notable subjects: people who are largely missing, erased, otherized, or caricatured in American art of the 1800s.
Each session will be followed by a Q&A segment, book signing, artwork presentation, and tour of the Brewster house.
“[Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller] put forward research that makes you want to ask more questions and think about who these people were…What were their lives like? Who were the other people that lived here? What were their relationships like?” said WMHO’s President Gloria Rocchio.
The event will be held at the historic Brewster House in Setauket, which Mount painted in ‘Long Island Farmhouses’ (see cover photo)
Among the individuals that the book and presentations will highlight are Henry Brazier, the left-handed fiddler in Right and Left (a portrait that is a stark departure from the racist caricatures of Black fiddlers typical of the time); George Freeman, the lively musician in The Banjo Player; Robbin Mills, the attentive outside audience in The Power of Music; and, Rachel (who’s last name will be discussed at the presentation), the poised fisherwoman in Eel Spearing in Setauket.
Mount’s portrayal of these people is noteworthy in its normalcy. Rather than racist caricatures, at the time a prevalent American representation of any nonwhite person, he painted people as they were: members of the local community.
So it is arguably a bit jarring to learn that, despite what much of his art might imply, Mount was not a abolitionist, an incongruous revelation that Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller address in the book and will acknowledge in the talks.
“Mount was a complex man,” Kirkpatrick said. Despite the multitudes he contained, Mount’s artistic aims appear simpler: inspired by historical paintings he admired, Mount painted what he knew.
‘Long Island Farmhouses’ by William Sidney Mount (1862-63)
And, Mount knew Long Island, particularly the Brewster house, which is now owned by WMHO and was restored in 1968 to appear as it did in his painting Long Island Farmhouses which is now hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mount even parked his mobile studio on the Brewster property while painting other farmhouses.
Beyond his appreciation for the landscape, Mount was also acquainted with the Brewster house’s inhabitants. George Freeman of The Banjo Player and Rachel, of Eel Spearing in Setauket, who may have been a Brewster, were just two residents that Mount painted, according to Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller.
While some structures featured in his landscapes, like the Brewster House, have had both their facades and histories preserved, not much has been cohesively published about the people who populated his paintings, many of whom were friends, neighbors, and townspeople.
‘The Power of Music’ by William Sidney Mount, 1847
Rocchio sees “Color and Canvas…” as a way of correcting the apparent information vacuum. “I am looking forward to seeing people’s reactions to learning more about who lived and worked in the Brewster House…Any time we can bring out new information about the properties that we own, we are incredibly interested in the projects,” Rocchio said.
It was such a search for knowledge that first drew educator and genealogist Nicholson-Mueller to the project. While on a quest for genealogical discovery, she learned that she is probably a descendant of Mount, the Brewsters, and many of the people he captured on canvas, including Mills, of The Power of Music.
Having already bonded over a shared loved of history after meeting at the home of a mutual friend, she teamed up with Kirkpatrick, a historical fiction and nonfiction author, who grew up in Stony Brook.
‘The Banjo Player’ by William Sidney Mount (1856)
“The research was a gift to myself; and it is Vivian’s and my gift to the people of the Three Villages, St. James and Smithtown. The details we put together will broaden people’s perspectives and knowledge of familiar places,” Kirkpatrick said.
Each woman already had connections to the WMHO and were looking to work on a project together. Kirkpatrick is the author of Redcoats and Petticoats, a children’s book told through a young boy’s perspective about the British occupation of Long Island during the American Revolution and the Culper Spy Ring. Research and other projects have put her in contact with the WMHO over the years.
Nicholson-Mueller has worked as a volunteer docent for the WMHO at the Thompson House, another historic property it owns. She has also conducted research on the Brewsters and Thompsons.
So, history is both a personal interest and professional passion for Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller. “Color on Canvas…” is a continuation of their efforts to make the past come alive for modern audiences by broadening the palette of people’s understanding.
“I am hoping that people learn about Mount as an individual; about the lives and history of the people of color who lived in Brookhaven during this period and have heretofore been neglected or ignored,” Nicholson-Mueller said.
Tickets to “William Sidney Mount and Long Island’s Free People of Color” at the Brewster House are $8 per person; space is limited and anyone interested in attending must register in advance by calling 631-751-2244.
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There will two additional local events to celebrate the book launch of The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas:
On Sunday, October 2nd, the Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A; Stony Brook, will host an Author’s Talk on Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. It will include a presentation by Kirkpatrick and Nicholson-Mueller as well as a book signing, banjo and fiddle music, refreshments and a gallery tour, where The Banjo Player and Right and Left will be on display. Fee is price of admission. Visit wwwl.longislandmuseum.org.
On Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m., the Three Village Historical Society will host a Zoom lecture with the authors. The event is free for TVHS members, with a $5 suggested donation for nonmembers. Registration is through www.tvhs.org/lecture-series. For more information, call 631-751-3730.
Dragon boats were back in the water during the 8th annual Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17.
Sponsored by The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, this event is a way to foster community togetherness. It also serves to promote Asian and Asian American culture and customs.
Barbara Ransome, the chamber director of operations, said dozens of community organizations and business groups participated during the event, bringing together hundreds more community members.
“This is six months in the making,” Ransome said. “It’s a tremendous amount of organizing, not only with the teams … but all of this entertainment. It’s wonderful to see this all going well, flawlessly and without a hitch.”
A total of 23 teams participated in the boat races. Among the organizations represented in the dragon boat competition were Stony Brook University, Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society, Mather and St. Charles hospitals, and club teams from as far as New York City, among others.
The day kicked off with the ceremonial “Dotting of the Eyes.” During this ritual, team captains and local officials painted a dragon head. Among them was Port Jeff village trustee Rebecca Kassay, who described the rush of this ceremonial gesture.
“It was a beautiful moment to dot the eyes and tongue and forehead of the dragon,” she said. “You feel connected with the people around you, and I think that’s something we’re missing these days. To be a part of something where you’re connecting with others is really special.”
This year was Kassay’s first dragon boat festival. For her, the event was an opportunity to celebrate the community’s rich culture and diverse people. “I am so delighted to see so many people come out, the diversity of people here, and the enthusiasm of everyone here for this cultural event on Port Jefferson Harbor,” Kassay said.
Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) also made an appearance. He seemed overjoyed by the festival’s sizable turnout and the many people he encountered throughout the day.
“I’m excited to see our friends here, especially my friends from Long Island Youth Development and the Chinese School at Stony Brook,” he said. “We are excited to enjoy the awakened spirit of Port Jeff Harbor for another year.”
Kornreich also recognized the festival as a cause for celebration. He described the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans and their steadfast commitment to building a stronger community.
“The Asian American population here in our area is growing,” he said. “They have a huge presence and enrich our community so much with their culture and with their friendship, as with their dedication to the community.” He added, “They’re an amazing group of people, and we’re just excited to enjoy this day with them.”
The East Setauket-based LI Youth Development Inc., or LIYD, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2021. The organization is dedicated to supporting the community youth through extracurricular programs. LIYD instructors host weekly sessions to reinforce these skills regularly.
“We started as a way to help teach kids around our communities about different topics and subjects,” said LIYD member Luke Hou. “For example, we have a bunch of different clubs inside of LIYD that each teach their own thing, like tennis club, art club, music club and so on.”
David Wu, one of Hou’s team members, discussed how the lessons of teamwork and cooperation learned from the dragon boat competition harmonize with LIYD’s organizational principles. “Although this is our first year competing, through the practices it has been pretty fun,” he said.
Several dance and choral groups gave moving performances throughout the day. These often paid homage to the cultural and linguistic traditions of the performers.
Jeffrey Sanzel, pictured with Michelle LaBozzetta, in a scene from 'A Christmas Carol' in 2018. Photo from Theatre Three
By Melissa Arnold
If you’ve been to Theatre Three in Port Jefferson at any point in the last 30 years, you have Jeffrey Sanzel to thank. Of course, he doesn’t see it that way, but as Executive Artistic Director, he’s responsible for overseeing everything from the upcoming season’s lineup to hiring actors and managing day-to-day operations.
Jeffrey Sanzel Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
Beyond that, he’s also written countless shows of his own and taken his turn onstage. Each December, he reprises the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” and most recently starred in “Every Brilliant Thing,” an intimate one-man production about mental health.
So when it came time to choose an honoree for Theatre Three’s 50th anniversary celebration and fundraiser, the decision was a simple one.
“The amount of work Jeffrey puts in is completely unmatched. Watching him work up close is amazing – he’ll agonize over something as small as the placement of a book or the lighting being a certain way. He has a vision of how everything fits together, not just as a director but an actor,” said Andy Markowitz, president of Theatre Three’s board of directors.
The dinner/dance celebration was originally slated for 2020, the theater’s anniversary year, but was shelved during the pandemic.
Jeffrey Sanzel in a scene from ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ in July of this year. Photo by Steve Ayle/ShowbizShots.com
“After the original plans were canceled, there was a suggestion to have a 55th celebration instead, but ultimately this is about recognizing Jeffrey for all he does. He deserves it, and this is his time. There’s no need to wait,” said Theatre Three’s Managing Director Vivian Koutrakos who met Sanzel when he first joined the Theatre Three staff in 1989. Since then, he’s earned a reputation for being a meticulous and serious director, but he’s got a humorous side, too.
“It’s true that his humor is dry and he runs a very tight ship. But he’s honestly the funniest person I’ve ever met, and he makes us laugh every day,” Koutrakos said. “He’s absolutely brilliant.”
Now in its 52nd season, proceeds from the evening will be used to expand Theatre Three’s programming, particularly for children.
“The money raised is going towards new educational programs, specifically one called ‘How Does It Make You Feel?,’ an original musical aimed at elementary schools. The play will address many social-emotional learning topics,” said Sanzel. “In addition, there is a long-term project in the works for educational touring that I’m working on with Oya Bangura from Project Move.”
Sanzel is the creative force behind the theater’s school-based programs, using the stage as a vehicle to educate thousands of students on issues that can be tough to address, such as the Holocaust (“From the Fires”) and bullying (“Stand Up, Stand Out”), among others. Hired actors travel as far as Florida and Canada for the shows, with as many as 100 performances per year.
“The traveling shows for students are about 45 minutes long and are focused on specific age groups. The kids become totally captivated by the shows — it gives them an opportunity to connect with serious issues and ask questions in a way that’s meaningful to them,” Markowitz said.
Above, Theatre Three celebrated Jeffrey Sanzel’s 1,400th performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol’ on Nov. 29, 2019 with the cast and crew. Photo by Gabriele Brekne
In addition to the traveling shows, the theater puts on a full mainstage season, children’s theater productions, comedy nights and special events. They also offer acting classes for all ages and skill levels.
Douglas Quattrock, Artistic Associate and Director of Development for the theater, said that while the past few years have been a struggle for the nonprofit, they are excited about the future.
“I think all of us at the theater saw our 50th year as a real turning point. Times are always hard in the arts, but with Jeffrey’s leadership we’ve been able to keep going and maintain the integrity and quality of our work. This team respects Jeffrey and the mark he’s made on this institution so much,” he said. “Personally, he’s given me so many incredible opportunities, brought my stories to life, and become such a dear friend to me over the years. I know that if I ever need him, he’s there for me.”
Dinner dance guests will be treated to a cocktail hour, an elaborate meal with open bar service, and live entertainment from Debra and Patrick Lawler.
As for Sanzel, he’s feeling a little sheepish about all the attention.
“It’s kind of embarrassing,” he joked. “But this is a great honor and the acknowledgement is deeply appreciated.”
Theatre Three’s Dinner/Dance fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Danfords Hotel and Marina, 25 E Broadway, Port Jefferson. Tickets are $150 per person. For questions or to purchase tickets, call Theatre Three at 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
The Port Jefferson Hill Climb has been postponed to Sept. 30. File photo by Julianne Mosher/TBR News Media 2021
Ongoing
Stone Bridge Nighthawk Watch
Every evening through Oct. 6, from 5:30 p.m. until dusk, the Four Harbors Audubon Society will be tallying migrating Common Nighthawks to better understand nighthawk population trends. Join them at the stone bridge at Frank Melville Memorial Park, One Old Field Road, Setauket to witness nighthawks as they pass over during their migratory journey to their wintering grounds in Brazil and Argentina. Visit www.4has.org for further details.
Thursday Sept. 22
Harbor Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers are invited to attend the Harbor Jazz Festival at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook today through Sept. 24. Each day brings a line-up of jazz greats, including some of the top internationally and nationally recognized talents. All events on Sept. 24 are free and take place on the Stony Brook Village Green. Call 751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
Friday Sept. 23
Harbor Jazz Festival
See Sept. 21 listing.
ArtABILITY art reception
Spirit of Huntington Art Center, 2 Melville Road, Huntington Station hosts an art reception for its latest exhibit, ArtABILITY, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The traveling special needs art exhibition showcases the talents of individuals on Long Island living with various physical and cognitive impairments. Enjoy wine and cheese, refreshments and live music. The exhibit, which features over 250 pieces of art, will also be on view Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. Call 470-9620.
Irish Night in Kings Park
The Leo P. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum at the William T. Rodgers Middle School, 97 Old Dock Road, Kings Park presents Irish Night 2022 in the RJO Auditorium at 7 p.m. Join them for a family -friendly evening celebrating Irish culture through music and entertainment. Free. Call 269-3305.
Lion Babe heads to Staller Center
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook kicks off its Fall season with Lion Babe in the Recital Hall at 8 p.m. New York-bred with a concoction of funk, soul, and their own sonic magic, Lion Babe’s unique sound has defied genre. Multidisciplinary artist Jillian Hervey and DJ and producer Lucas Goodman (aka AstroRaw) deliver magnetic, unique performances that have allowed them to wow audiences at Coachella’s mainstage to intimate parties in the New York Fashion scene. Tickets range from $44 to $52. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Saturday Sept. 24
Greenlawn Church Fair
Celebrating 150 years, the First Presbyterian Church, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn will present its annual Church Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature craft vendors, a rummage sale, live music and a food court. Something for everyone! Rain date is Oct. 1. Call 261-2150.
A MARCH THROUGH HISTORY The Brookhaven Country Fair returns to the Longwood Estate in Ridge on Sept. 24 and 25. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven
Brookhaven Country Fair
The Town of Brookhaven’s Country Fair returns to the historic Longwood Estate located on Longwood Road and Smith Road in Ridge today and Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy traditional crafts, vendors, colonial cooking, Revolutionary War and Civil War re-enactments, music by the Ed Travers Band, pet shows, vintage apron show, house tours, and children’s activities. Leashed dogs permitted. Held rain or shine. Admission is $5, children 12 and under free. Call 924-182 or visit www.brookhavenny.gov.
Port Jefferson Hill Climb
The Port Jefferson Conservancy will host a re-enactment of the 1910 Hill Climb from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come cheer on antique cars as theyretrace the original Hill Climb course from the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, Port Jefferson to the top of East Broadway followed by a car parade through the village. Rain date is Oct. 1. Call 238-2290 or visit www.portjeff.com.
Fall Pottery & Craft Show
The Brick Clay Studio & Gallery, 2 Flowerfield, St. James will hold their annual Fall Outdoor Pottery and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring one of a kind hand-made pottery, other local artists and craftsmen and live music. Proceeds from bowl and raffle sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen/Ukraine. The Gallery Shop will also be open to browse handmade pottery made on the premises. Admission is free. Rain date is Sept. 25. For more info, call 833-THE-BRICK or visit www.thebrickstudio.org.
Community Yard Sale
Sound Beach Civic Association hosts a Community Wide Yard Sale at 30 New York Ave., Sound Beach (across from the post office) from 10 to 4 p.m with 17 families participating. Come shop for new and used items. For more info, call 744-6952.
Plant Sale in East Setauket
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook, located at 380 Nicolls Road in East Setauket, will hold a fall plant sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor garden plants and bulbs, and indoor house plants will be available for purchase. Stop by to browse and chat with vendors. Event will be held rain or shine.For more information, call 751-0297 or email [email protected]
Fall Festival
The Farmingville Residents Association hosts a Fall Festival at its Farmers, Artisans & Friends Marketplace at Triangle Park, Horseblock Road and Woodycrest Drive, Farmingville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local produce, handmade and homemade items, flea market, live music and more. Held rain or shine. Call 260-7411.
Setauket Craft & Country Fair
Caroline Episcopal Church of Setauket hosts a Craft & Country Fair plus Barn Sale on the Setauket Village Green, Main St. and Caroline Ave., Setauket from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 60 craft and boutique vendors, bake sale, white elephant table and more. Come shop unique crafts, retail products and amazing gifts. Food will also be available onsite. Free admission. Rain date is Sept. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. Call 806-4845.
Outdoor Thrift Market
Drop by Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for an Outdoor Thrift Market fundraiser to raise money for their wildlife. Shop for antiques, household treasures, furniture, collectibles, knick knacks and more. Come support a wonderful cause. Call 979-6344 or 901-5911.
Wildwood Fall Festival
Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River presents its 28th annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual event will feature a variety of local craft vendors, food and free activities which include family entertainment, and inflatables (weather permitting). Admission is free. Call 929-4314.
Library Fall Picnic
Join Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station for a Fall Picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic lunch to enjoy outside with your neighbors. Light refreshments, music, and lawn games will be provided. Call 928-1212
Holbrook Craft Fair & Raffle
The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1370 Grundy Avenue, Holbrook will be having an outdoor Craft Fair & Raffle today from noon to 6 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature holiday décor & crafts, food and baked goods for sale. Over 100 baskets will be raffled off on Sunday at the close of the Fair. Call 588-7689.
William Sidney Mount lecture
Join the Ward Melville Heritage Organization for their in-person program, William Sidney Mount and Long Island’s Free People of Color, at the historic Brewster House (c. 1665) in Setauket. Presenting ground-breaking research, authors Katherine Kirkpatrick and Vivian Nicholson-Mueller will reveal the names and life stories of the agricultural laborers, domestic workers and musicians who posed for Mount from their book The Art of William Sidney Mount: Long Island People of Color on Canvas. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and a tour of the historic Brewster House (c. 1665), owned by the WMHO. Choose 1 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. session. $8 per person. Books are available for purchase. Advance registration required by calling 751-2244.
Pop-up concert at the Atelier at Flowerfield – just added!
The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suite 6 & 9, St. James will host a pop-up concert by the Beo String Quartet from 1 to 3 p.m. in Atelier Hall. Free admission. Call 250-9009.
Sherwood-Jayne Farm Paint-Out!
Preservation Long Island invites the community to a Paint-Out! at the Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket from 2 to 5 p.m. Recreate a historic Long Island landscape at a paint-and-sip experience on the historic grounds. Full art kits, beverages, wine and snacks included. The Paint-Out! supports The Art of Edward Lange Project, an ongoing initiative by Preservation Long Island to dive deeply into the life and work of Long Island landscape artist Edward Lange (1846-1912). No previous painting experience is required. Adults and accompanied teenagers are welcome. Parking is available on site. Tickets are $35 per person, $30 members. To register, visit www.preservationlongisland.org. Call 692-4664.
Coram FD Oktoberfest
Join the Coram Fire Department, 303 Middle Country Road Coram for its 15th annual Truck Company Oktoberfest with doors opening at 5 p.m. Come and enjoy authentic German cuisine, a biergarten, live music and entertainment. $40 per person at the door. Call 732-5733.
Harbor Jazz Festival
Celebrated singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti will enliven the Jazz Loft’s Great Lawn, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook for a free concert at 7 p.m. that also coincides with the 7th annual Harbor Jazz Festival. Cincotti has performed at the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and L’Olympia in Paris, has collaborated with artists ranging from Andrea Bocelli to David Guetta, and has also been featured in blockbuster films like Spiderman 2 and Bobby Darin biopic Beyond the Sea. See more in Sept. 21 listing.
Sunday Sept. 25
Brookhaven Country Fair
See Sept. 24 listing.
Holbrook Craft Fair & Raffle
See Sept. 24 listing.
Mustang Car Show
The Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island will present its 14th annual Mustang Car Show at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars from 1965 to present will be on view inside and outside the center. Free. Call 473-4778.
Long Island Harvest Festival
Apples and pumpkins and mums — Oh my! The Long Island Harvest Festival returns to the Tanger Outlets, 200 Tanger Mall Drive, Riverhead from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase and sample Fall menu foods from local farms and restaurants all over Long Island, talk to classically trained chefs, meet food truck owners, purchase drinks from your favorite breweries, vineyards, and cider houses. This family-friendly festival also features several children, teen, and adult activities such as, large yard games, Bubble Palooza Bubble Bash, and live, interactive entertainment. Call 833-3364 or visit www.longislandharvestfestival.com.
Mandolin Masters in concert
The Mandolin Heritage Association and the Greater Port Jeff-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council will host a free concert by Buddy Merriam and his Mandolin Quartet at Harborfront Park, 101-A East Broadway, Port Jefferson at 4 p.m. Grab a lawn chair and join themfor this very special concert event! Rain location at the First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St, Port Jefferson. Call 848-9249.
Monday Sept. 26
Civic Association meeting
The Coram Civic Association will hold its monthly meeting at the Coram Fire Department’s Community Room, 303 Middle Country Road, Coram at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be SCPD Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison. All are welcome. Call 736-3168.
Tuesday Sept. 27
No events listed for this day.
Wednesday Sept. 28
Tide Mill Tour
The Huntington Historical Society will lead a tour of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill, one of the best preserved 18th century tide mills in the country, at12:30 p.m. The tour begins with a short boat ride from Gold Star Battalion Beach into Puppy Cove, past waterfront mansions with sightings of egrets, ospreys, and visiting waterfowl. Your guide will explain the workings of the mill with some related social history, and each tour participant will receive a comprehensive, illustrated booklet. Ticket are $20 per person, $15 members. To purchase, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl
The Huntington Historical Society hosts a Historic Walking Tour & Pub Crawl beginning at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building, Main Street, Huntington at 6 p.m. Led by Town of Huntington Historian, Robert C. Hughes, this walking tour will guide you through the notable buildings and events in the history of Huntington Village. Along the way participants will stop at local establishments, (with a great history or in a historic building) to enjoy some refreshment before continuing the tour. $25 per person, $20 members (drinks not included). To register, call 427-7045 or visit www.huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org.
Audubon lecture
Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for an autumn lecture via Zoom from 8 to 9 p.m. Guest speaker and naturalist, artist, writer Julie Zickefoose will discuss her latest book, Saving Jemima: Life and Love With a Hard-luck Jay, the intimate story of how an orphaned bird can save a soul, which she wrote and illustrated after spending nearly a year healing, studying and raising \a young blue jay for release. Free and open to all. Register in advance at www.4has.org.
Thursday Sept. 29
Morgan James in concert
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook welcomes Morgan James in concert in the Recital Hall at 7 p.m. With a meticulously trained, versatile voice of unbridled soul, Morgan James has dominated Broadway and Blues Halls alike. Her transfixing stage presence coupled with the unparalleled instrument that is her voice moved the Wall Street Journal to hail James as “the most promising young vocalist to come along so far this century.” Once you witness James live, in-concert, you’ll realize they’re not exaggerating. Tickets range from $$ to $48. To order, call 632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
Film
‘Don Juan’
As part of its Anything But Silent series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of Don Juan (1926) on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Legendary star John Barrymore gives one of his iconic performances as the famous playboy Don Juan in this classic of the silent era. With live organ accompaniment by Ben Model. Tickets are $17, $12 members. Call 423-7610.
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ II and III
Retro Picture Show presents a special double feature screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part II and Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III at the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Sept. 23 at 10 p.m. Tickets are $22 per person. Visit www.cinemaartscentre.org.
Theater
‘Guys and Dolls’
Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off its 52nd season with Guys and Dolls from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22. Considered the perfect musical of Broadway’s Golden Age, this delightful romp gambles in luck and love from Times Square to Havana. High rollers and low characters from Damon Runyon’s mythical New York are joyously presented in Frank Loesser’s bold and brassy score, featuring “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” An award-winning classic for the entire family! Tickets are $35 adults, $28 senior and students, $20 children ages 5 and up. To order, call 928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.
‘Mystic Pizza’
Up next at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport is the new musical comedy, Mystic Pizza, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30. Based on the classic 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT. Add in some of the best pop songs of the ‘80s and ‘90s such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Addicted To Love,” “Small Town,” “Hold On,” and “Take My Breath Away,” and you have all the ingredients for a romantic comedy–with the works! Tickets range from $80 to $85. To order, call 261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
‘The Lightning Thief’
The Smithtown Performing Arts Center presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29. As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief is an action-packed mythical adventure “worthy of the gods” Tickets are $40, $35 seniors, $25 students. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.
Class Reunion
✴Ward Melville High School Class of 1972’s50th reunion is Oct 1. Please spread the word and visit Facebook page “Ward Melville High School Class 72 50th Reunion” for more information and purchasing tickets. For more information, email [email protected] or call 631-928-5684 and leave your name and contact information for any questions.
Vendors Wanted
◆Stony Brook Community Church, 216 Christian Ave., Stony Brook is seeking vendors for its Apple Festival on Oct.1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Oct. 2). Spots (10’ x 10’) are $40 each; vendors can call or text 631-252-0777 for an application.
◆St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 29 Brooksite Drive, Smithtown seeks craft or new merchandise vendors for its Craft Fair and Car Show on Oct. 8 (rain date is Oct. 15 for craft fair only) $50/space. Visit www.stthomasofcanterbury.net or call 631-265-4520 to obtain an application.
◆Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 716 Route 25A, Rocky Point seeks vendors to be a part of their annual October Festival on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee for vendor participation of new items, no raffles is $35 per10’ x 10’ space. Must supply own table and chairs. Visit www.thefishchurch.com Festivals and Events page.
Time to shop! The Brick Clay Studio & Gallery, 2 Flowerfield, St. James will hold their annual Fall Outdoor Pottery and Craft Show on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring one of a kind hand-made pottery, other local artists and craftsmen and live music. Proceeds from bowl and raffle sales will be donated to World Central Kitchen/Ukraine. The Gallery Shop will also be open to browse handmade pottery made on the premises. Admission is free. Rain date is Sept. 25. For more info, call 833-THE-BRICK or visit www.thebrickstudio.org.
UPDATE: January 27 show sold out! Second show added on January 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale for the second show on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m.
It’s official! Kevin James is headed to Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts’ Main Stage for an evening of comedy on January 27, 2023 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. For one night only, the King of Long Island comes home in his first Staller Center appearance, blocks away from the streets that built him
“We’re thrilled to bring Kevin James to Staller Center,” says Alan Inkles, Director of the Staller Center, “I’ve been looking forward to hosting him here in his hometown for some time now, and I know this will be a really special show for our audience.”
Since performing his first Stand-up set at Long Island’s East Side Comedy Club in 1989, Kevin James has established himself as a powerhouse actor, writer, and comedian. Discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a deal with Paramount to develop his own sitcom, The King of Queens. Earning an Emmy nomination for his role, James starred in all nine seasons of the smash hit show, which continues to air daily in syndication. Moving from television to film, James’ iconic roles in the films Hitch, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and Grown Ups catapulted him into stardom. He continues to dominate all of these mediums, having starred in the sitcoms Kevin Can Wait and The Crew and the new films Hubie Halloween, Home Team, and Becky, all while lending his voice to the Hotel Transylvania films.
Ranked as one of the 100 greatest stand-ups by Comedy Central, his lauded specials Sweat The Small Stuff and Never Don’t Give Up have solidified James as one of the top comics of his generation. Now, James brings that incisive, irreverent stand-up to the Main Stage in an all-out hilarious evening. Returning to his Stony Brook roots, James will have audiences doubled over in laughter as he comes home- and brings his biting, uproarious wit with him.
Tickets will be available at stallercenter.com on September 15th at 10am.
For more information, call 631-632-2787 or visit www.stallercenter.com.
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