Museum

Ernie and the Band perform on Dec. 1 at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) held a jam-packed, two-day 20th Anniversary Holiday Celebration Party, on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, at its museum in the back section of Stony Brook Village.  

The event featured continuous Long Island-connected entertainment giants, including Mark Newman and his band, Kerry Kearney, DMC, with Johnny Juice, Stanton Anderson, Ernie & the Band and American Idol contestant Christian Padavan. During the two-day event,  music videos of LIMEHOF inductees played on the wall-sized screens throughout the museum, as visits from Santa Claus took place. The gala also did its part in community support by organizing a Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church’s Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, supporting 1,500 children in need on Long Island during this season of giving. 

From left to right: LIMEHOF board of director members Norm Prusslin, Jim Faith, Tom Needham, Jeffrey James and Ernie Canadeo discuss the evolution of Long Island music scene with the crowd. Photo by Steven Zaitz

On the first day, LIMEHOF board of director members, including Chairman of the Board Ernie Canadeo, Norm Prusslin, Tom Needham, Jeffrey James and Jim Faith waxed nostalgic about the origins of the organization, its trials and tribulations throughout the years, how it established its current home in Stony Brook and its association with Long Island music legends like Billy Joel, Twisted Sister, Mariah Carey and Blue Öyster Cult. 

“Long Island, the people in the area, and the artists of the area were so happy that we have established this organization and this place,” said Faith. “In the 1970’s and 1980’s musicians were told to say that they were from New York City, because the perception was that Long Island wasn’t “cool.” No musician has to say that anymore. They can say they are from Long Island because we helped change the perspective of music on the Island.” 

In attendance on Saturday was Larry “Duck” Dunn. Dunn was a disk jockey at WLIR, a station which introduced “New Wave” bands like Long Island’s Stray Cats, INXS, The B52’s and Depeche Mode, to area listeners in the 1980’s. He sat and listened as the LIMEHOF board of directors spoke of the past, present and future of the music scene on Long Island.

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage being an important resource, which should be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships and awards to Long Island students and educators.

Photo by Steven Zaitz

Since 2004, the not-for-profit organization will now be able to be recognized in a permanent home. The space — covering 8,800 square feet — features a large exhibition area, theater, gift shop and an official “Hall of Fame Museum.”

“We always wanted a permanent home, but for a long time the organization never had enough money,” said LIMEHOF Canadeo. “We were using a 1998 Winnebago as a mobile museum for many years and now we are lucky enough to have this beautiful facility.”

Aside from original concert posters and promotional material that adorn the walls on both levels of the building — much of which is related to Hicksville-raised Billy Joel — the museum features artifacts, such as musical instruments, famous awards, apparel and other memorabilia from many of Long Island’s favorite artists. The wide variety of talent represented by the 120 inductees includes names like Joel, KISS, LL Cool J, Debbie Gibson, Louis Armstrong, Vanilla Fudge, Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond and Run-DMC, among many others.

LIMEHOF is also proud to partner with Steven Van Zandt’s TeachRock.

Launched by Van Zandt, who is not only Bruce Springsteen’s longtime guitarist, but also starred in the HBO hit series the Sopranos, created TeachRock, along with Bono, Jackson Browne, Martin Scorsese and Springsteen, to provide free, standards-aligned resources, which use music to help K-12 students succeed in science, math, social studies and language arts. 

TeachRock improves students’ lives by filling every classroom with the sound, stories and science of music.

It aspires to keep the arts in the DNA of school systems, empower teachers with a methodology to engage a generation with the internet in their pocket, create inclusive spaces through the arts by providing teachers well researched, abundance-framed classroom resources, which feature positive representations of all Americans. This is done in the hopes of increasing graduation rates.

The Long Island Museum (LIM), 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook and LIMarts are delighted to announce the opening of the 11th Annual Members’ Exhibition, Milestones. This year’s exhibition holds special significance as the museum celebrates its 85th anniversary, reflecting on its legacy as a cultural cornerstone in the community.

On view hrough December 22 in the LIM History Museum, Milestones brings together the creative visions of over 100 LIMarts members. Each piece represents a unique interpretation of personal and collective milestones, highlighting moments of growth, change, and reflection through art.

‘Fam*ly of Humans – THEY ARE US!,’ mixed media installation by Linda Louis

Embracing the goal of enhancing and supporting Long Island’s rich artistic talent, LIM established LIMarts: a collaborative arts group for visual artists. LIMarts provides its members with opportunities to exhibit and sell artwork, participate in programming events and lectures, and engage with both fellow artists and the public. Designed to foster a creative forum within the cultural community, LIMarts has become an essential resource for the region’s artists.

In addition to showcasing exceptional artwork, Milestones offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire pieces from some of Long Island’s finest artists. Most works on display are available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting LIM’s ongoing programs and initiatives. All purchased pieces will remain on view for the duration of the exhibition.

“The annual LIMarts exhibition is one of the most exciting highlights of the year,” said Alexandria D’Auria, Director of Development. “With its eclectic group of talented artists, Milestones showcases the creative spirit of our members while offering an opportunity for the community to support and connect with local artists. This year’s exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire, celebrate milestones, and bring people together.”

The exhibition is generously supported by: Robert W. Baird Incorporated, The Carol & Arnold Wolowitz Foundation, The Smithtown Community Trust.

For more information about Milestones or to become an LIMArts member please visit longislandmuseum.org 

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s holiday centerpiece is the summer mansion of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt, decorated each year by local designers and garden clubs. Their creative touch brings additional charm and magic to the spectacular, 24-room, Spanish-Revival house. Built in stages from 1910 to 1936, the grand waterfront house overlooking Northport Harbor in Centerport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Renowned designer and author Tricia Foley has just completed decorating eight rooms for the holidays while five local garden clubs — Asharoken, Centerport, Dix Hills, Nathan Hale, and Three Village — decorated an additional eight rooms. The stunning results will take visitors on trip back in time at the estate of a prominent family whose guests included famous Americans and British royalty.

“The historic mansion has never looked more stunning for the holiday season, thanks to the extraordinary vision of Tricia Foley, her brilliant team, and their collaboration with the garden clubs. The mansion is bright and alive with earthy elegance and the inviting scents of the season — a magical and timeless atmosphere,” said Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt.

Foley, who has decorated houses at Colonial Williamsburg, is principal of Tricia Foley Design. She specializes in all aspects of home design and restoration and is known for her simple, classic style.

“The challenge in decorating historic houses is, what is period appropriate?” she said during a decorating break at the mansion. “In the early days, people did not use much décor. They might place a sprig of greenery on a mirror or looking glass, as they were called.

“Here, we want to bridge the gap. The mansion is elegant, with original furnishings, tapestries, sconces, lamps, and crystal. Red and green is expected, but we’re using silver, gold and cream. Instead of color, we’re using candlelight and crystal — as much sparkle as we can get.”

Foley said she wanted to create a “natural” look, with greenery, garlands, ribbons, and ornaments on the mantelpieces. She also made use of decorative objects the museum had from past years — Tiffany boxes with gold bows, and small brass instruments.

“There are so many beautiful things to work with,” she said. “The Vanderbilts were not here in December, so we have to imagine what it would have been like. If they had been here, they would have used poinsettias, apples, oranges, and greenery.”

Foley has decorated homes for House Beautiful, Victoria, and Country Home as well as four historic houses in Yaphank for their historical society. Her own house on the East End of Long Island has been photographed for Neiman Marcus, the Pottery Barn, and Land’s End for their Christmas catalogs

Enjoy the holiday magic at the Vanderbilt mansion during guided tours now through December. Regular guided tours will take place on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and weekends from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Special candlelight tours will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14, and Friday, Dec. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Private tours of the mansion are also available. 

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is located at 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport. For more informaton and ticket prices, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

By Jennifer Donatelli

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, located inside Ralph J. Osgood Intermediate School (RJO) in Kings Park, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the everyday lives, struggles and technological advances that shaped the 20th century.

Nestled in a quiet corner of town, the museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage items spanning key historical periods. From the late 1800s to the rise of modern appliances, iconic cars and the enduring appeal of typewriters, cameras and electronics, it provides a fascinating gateway to history.

The museum’s creation was inspired by the closing of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, one of the country’s largest, oldest and most medically significant mental hospitals. Retired Kings Park High School history and English teacher Leo Ostebo, along with two other townspeople and a group of high school students, opened what remains the only school community-managed museum in the United States.

Developed, maintained and cultivated for educational purposes, the museum’s mission is to preserve the town’s rich historic past and educate youth, the community and the public.

The 6,000-square-foot museum features nine rooms, each with a distinct theme. One of its most captivating rooms pays tribute to wars fought and soldiers who died for the country. The collection includes military uniforms, helmets, ration cards and other artifacts, offering a powerful glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians during turbulent times. Military equipment such as tools, gas masks and communication devices is displayed alongside personal items like photographs, providing an intimate perspective on history.

“Grandma’s Kingdom,” another themed room, showcases the evolution of domestic life, highlighting kitchen appliances such as 1940s refrigerators and iceboxes alongside hand-powered washers and dryers from the late 1800s. The exhibit offers a nostalgic look at innovations that shaped family life in the early 20th century. Visitors can also marvel at dolls, wooden strollers and bassinets from pre-World War I, and period clothing and furniture.

For car enthusiasts, the museum’s collection of vintage automobiles is a standout. Highlights include a 1923 Ford Model T, owned by Gary Richards, founder of P.C. Richard & Son, and a 1931 Plymouth that cost $535 at the time and features a rumble seat. These vehicles showcase the evolution of automotive design and the golden age of engineering.

The electronics room celebrates the typewriter, an invention that revolutionized communication and office work. Rows of vintage typewriters, from early models to more modern versions, illustrate the evolution of writing technology.

What sets the Kings Park Heritage Museum apart is its ability to connect the past to the present. Unlike many museums with static displays, it offers an immersive experience, inviting visitors to engage with artifacts. Guests can try a vintage typewriter or explore a classic car up close. Educational programs, workshops and events delve deeper into the cultural, technological and social changes reflected in the museum’s collection.

New donations arrive weekly, ensuring visitors always discover something new. The museum serves as a testament to the ingenuity, resilience and creativity of the 20th century, preserving the past for future generations. Whether you’re a history buff, a vintage enthusiast or simply curious about the past, the Kings Park Heritage Museum promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Museum Director Sal Iraci encapsulates its charm: “You could work here seven days a week for 10 hours a day and still find something new each time you come in.”

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, the only school community-managed museum in the U.S., is independently run by donations and volunteers, without funding from the Kings Park school district. It is open for tours during school days until 4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information on upcoming events, visit kpheritagemuseum.net.

By Jennifer Donatelli

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, located inside Ralph J. Osgood Intermediate School (RJO) in Kings Park, came alive on Nov. 15 for the museum’s second annual Asian Heritage Night. The event transformed the space into a celebration of culture, showcasing the talents of Asian dancers, musicians and singers in a night dedicated to community and connection.

This free event featured 14 performances by local artists and community groups, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Asian cultures. Through music and dance, the evening brought together tradition, creativity and a spirit of cultural exchange.

“The melodies tell stories, the rhythm sparks joy and the movements convey the depth of character,” said Joseph Piacentino Jr., media director for the Kings Park Heritage Museum. Museum Director Sal Iraci echoed this sentiment, calling the performances “a connection of beauty and tradition to the power of creativity.”

Among the highlights was a vibrant Bollywood performance by three young dancers from Rhythm Dance Academy in Stony Brook. Bollywood, a colorful and energetic style popularized by Indian cinema, blends classical Indian, rustic and folk dances with lively music.

Local student performers also shone. Eighth grader Arianna Yang from Stony Brook captivated the audience with her solo performance of “Beautiful,” sung entirely in Chinese. Yang shared that the song, with its harmonious melodies and inspiring lyrics, represents “the simple joys of life.” She added, “Sharing my singing with others brings me great joy.”

The Infant Jesus Prayer Group of Nassau Dance Troupe performed the Filipino folk dance “Polka sa Nayon,” a lively polka that reflects a mix of cultural influences. Member Jane Rupa described their rehearsals as moments of camaraderie, filled with “food, fun and laughter.”

Community appreciation for the event was palpable. Kings Park resident Kalbana Bhanbari, originally from Nepal, called the performances “inspiring, amazing and moving.”

The Long Island Chinese Dance Group, based in Stony Brook, also contributed to the program. Their Tibetan-inspired performance conveyed themes of endurance, harmony and resilience, capturing the essence of life in the snowy Tibetan mountains. “It is a cultural expression that honors the spirit of the people who live in these areas,” explained dancer Ming Lu.

Dr. Yan Yu, a professor of applied mathematics at Stony Brook University and organizer of the evening, said many of the performers were from the local community. “As immigrants, we like to showcase our culture and bring our heritage to the United States,” she said.

The Nepali Team Dance Group, featuring three sisters aged 4 to 9, delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Maitighar,” a classic folk song from the 1966 Nepali film of the same name.The song’s title, which translates to “maternal home,” captures the event’s celebration of cultural pride and tradition while honoring the performers appreciation for the American way of life. Meanwhile, the Philippine Line Dance troupe wowed the crowd with a cha-cha performance, reflecting the shared cultural ties between the Philippines and the United States.

The evening also honored community leaders. Agnes and Duanfeng He, attendees from Stony Brook, called the event “a celebration of Asian-American cultures.” Mr. He said, “We are so proud to be American.”

The night concluded with a performance of “You Raise Me Up,” led by Dr. Yu and the Stony Brook Chorus, a group of professors, scientists and researchers united by their love of vocal music. “We benefit so much from being American, and this is our way of giving back,” Yu said.

The Leo B. Ostebo Kings Park Heritage Museum, the only school community-managed museum in the United States, continues to fulfill its mission of preserving the town’s historic past and educating the community through events like Heritage Night. Independently run by volunteers and donations, the museum is open for tours during school days after 4 p.m. or by appointment.

For more information on upcoming events, from the Kings Park Heritage Museum, visit kpheritagemuseum.net.

A unique aspect of the whale is that the public will be able to step inside to view its internal organs. Photo courtesy of the Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor has  announced the new fabrication and acquisition of a life-size inflatable whale, which will travel to locations across Long Island in a new “Whale on Wheels” educational program. 

This will be the only whale of its kind in the state of New York and will serve as a crucial educational tool to address the needs of children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the museum’s traveling programs.

Photo courtesy of The Whaling Museum

The inflatable whale is a 45-foot Sperm Whale. A unique aspect of the whale is that the public will be able to step inside to view its internal organs. The inflatable is a custom piece fabricated by the company Landmark Creations in Minnesota, and will use pressurized air with a blower. The whale’s design was modeled utilizing multiple sperm whale images.

Museum educators will use the whale to bring the sperm whale’s story, history, and biology to life. Sperm whales are the largest of the toothed whales, and are found in all deep oceans worldwide. With their massive, square-shaped heads, adult males can weigh 90,000 to 100,000 pounds, which is more than 700 people combined. From the height of Yankee whaling in the 19th century through the 1970’s, sperm whales were heavily targeted by American and international whalers, pushing the whale to the brink of extinction. An international ban on whaling went into effect in 1987.

Today, sperm whale populations are still slow to recover, and are currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Sperm whales are threatened by vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris ingestion, and other threats from human impacts on the ocean environment. 

Similar to real whales, the inflatable whale is designed with realistic scars on its body, such as propeller scars on its tail, to help demonstrate the pressures whales face today.

Main support for this project comes from a $16,050 grant from The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which primarily supports the study of Long Island history and its role in the American experience. Robert D. L. Gardiner was the 16th Lord of the Manor of Gardiner’s Island until his death in 2004. The Foundation is inspired by Gardiner’s personal passion for New York history.

“We are very thankful to the Gardiner Foundation for partnering with our Museum to enable our education team to provide schools and libraries with the greatest teaching tool of all — a traveling life-size whale,” noted Nomi Dayan, Executive Director of the museum.

Additional funding for this project comes from an Innovation Grant awarded from the Long Island Library Resources Council, which supports unique and new projects in cultural institutions in the region.

The whale will arrive at the museum at the end of November, and the museum plans to introduce the whale to the public in Spring 2025. 

Jackie Powers

Preservation Long Island, the Cold Spring Harbor-based regional historic preservation advocacy nonprofit, is pleased to announce the appointment of JackiePowers as its new executive director, effective December 2, 2024. Powers, a resident of Glen Cove and former senior advisor with the American Museum of Natural History, will bring her extensive experience in museum and educational leadership to Long Island’s only regional not-for-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation.

“Jackie brings a wealth of professional experience from her two decades in senior roles at the American Museum of Natural History,” said Michelle Elliott Gokey, president of Preservation Long Island’s board of trustees. “We are excited about Jackie’s passion for our mission and look forward to working closely with her, along with our members and partners, to advance historic preservation throughout the region. As our 76-year-old organization embarks on a new phase of growth, Jackie’s leadership will be key to enhancing our impact.”

Powers expressed her enthusiasm for joining the organization, saying, “Preserving Long Island’s architectural history and cultural heritage—through stewardship, education, and advocacy—is a mission that resonates deeply with me. My career at the American Museum of Natural History has focused on similar educational goals: interpreting and sharing knowledge about human cultures and the natural world.” She added, “This opportunity is especially meaningful, as I spent much of my youth on both the North Shore, where I now live, and the South Shore, as well as in Brooklyn. Long Island’s architectural history is a vibrant mosaic of communities from around the world. Engaging with these diverse cultures will be essential to expanding Preservation Long Island’s reach and relevance for future generations.”

Powers succeeds Alexandra Parsons Wolfe, who retired last June, becoming the eighth executive director to lead Preservation Long Island, formerly known as the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.

A scene from the visual immersion concert at the Vanderbilt Planetarium. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

On November 10, as strings played, music and the cosmos united in a concert that took its audience on a journey through time and space at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium’s annual Strings Under the Stars event. 

Performing to a sold out crowd, professional musicians from Long Island Chamber Music played a program of introspective classical music, as visuals of space were projected onto a 60 foot dome.

Dave Bush, Program Director of the Planetarium, explained the dome video sequences displayed “things related to outer space.”

“[Some things shown] are stellar nurseries and explosions, paired with scenes that are slow moving, all set to music, so it’s comforting and transportive at the same time,” Bush explained.

““The music,” he went on, “is amplified by the sound system, and the visuals have been specifically picked to match the mood of all of the pieces.”

Long Island Chamber Music is a non-profit organization, founded by husband and wife team, Eric Huckins and Gergana Haralampieva. Their mission is to make professional classical music of the highest caliber accessible to Long Island audiences. 

Huckins said the artists they work with are world-class musicians from Long Island and New York City and are chosen from institutions such as Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect, the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Concert Artist Guild, among others.

“In addition to being leaders in their art form, our musicians are teaching artists, entrepreneurs, and socially-minded advocates for classical music,” Huckins explained.

Haralampieva elaborated, explaining that the immersive quality of concerts like these makes it easier for a wide range of audiences to “connect with classical music.”

Bush added that this type of show has grown in popularity through the years, and that Long Island Chamber Music consistently added new music and visuals to their performances.

Marc and Daniela Wong of Huntington, enjoyed their night out under the stars.

“We go to concerts a lot, but I have never seen or heard anything quite as spectacular as this. The music is amazing and the immersive idea is brilliant,” said Wong.

For more information on upcoming concerts and educational programs held by Long Island Chamber Music, visit their website at, www.longislandchambermusic.com. And to see upcoming events held at the Vanderbilt Museum, Mansion & Planetarium, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

On several Thursday evenings throughout the year, the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road in Centerport invites the community to join them for a FREE family-friendly planetarium show.

This week, on November 14, Thankful Thursday will feature Earth, Moon & Sun, for ages 7 and up, at 7 p.m.

This family show explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions, who has many misconceptions about Earth and its most familiar neighbors. Native American stories are used to help distinguish between myths and science.

Learn why the Sun rises and sets and the basics of fusion and solar energy. Examine the Moon’s orbit, craters, phases and eclipses. The show also explores past and future space travel to the Moon and beyond. Produced by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

After the show,  the observatory will be opened to the public and an astronomy educator will invite you to look through a telescope at the night sky (weather permitting). Funding for this series is generously provided by BAE Systems.

Registration is required. To register for this free program, click here.

 

 

Louis Jordan

By John Broven 

The Jazz Loft at Stony Brook will be presenting an illuminating doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 15.

The main event will be the “Louis Jordan Tribute” starting at 7 p.m. Danny Bacher, also a soprano saxophonist, will be singing many of Jordan’s hits of the 1940s including “Caledonia,” “Choo Choo Ch’Boogie,” “G.I. Jive” and “Let The Good Times Roll,” accompanied by an all-star group of musicians.

In effect, Jordan introduced the small swing combos which took over from the big bands, popularized the saxophone as a lead instrument and made music fun.

Initially, at 6 p.m., music author John Broven of East Setauket will give a presentation entitled “Who Is Louis Jordan?” Included will be a video outlining Jordan’s impactful history, featuring film clips and excerpts from the artist’s key recordings, prepared by Debbi Scott of Stony Brook.

The evening will bring into focus the influential music of Louis Jordan, an all-time American great and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Tickets to the 6 p.m. event are $10 per person. Tickets to the 7 p.m. event are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, and $15 children ages 6 and up at www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft, which features a Louis Jordan exhibit in its museum, is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895.