Music

Jimmy Rosica

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host a special Q&A event featuring inductee Jimmy Rosica, an original member and current bassist of The Brooklyn Bridge, on Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m. at LIMEHOF’s museum location at 97 Main Street, Stony Brook. The event is free for LIMEHOF members and general admission ticket price for non-members.

“This is a must-see for fans of The Brooklyn Bridge and classic pop music,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham who will host the event. “Attendees of this special event will have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand insights from Jimmy Rosica about the making of this legendary album, its standout tracks, and the band’s lasting legacy.”

This exclusive discussion will take a deep dive into the stories behind every track on the band’s classic 1968 debut album, entitled “The Brooklyn Bridge”, which featured hits like “Blessed Is the Rain,” “Welcome Me Love,” and their gold-certified smash “The Worst That Could Happen.”

“I’m really excited to share stories about our first album with The Brooklyn Bridge at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Rosica said. “It’s a special part of our history that means so much to me.”

Formed in 1968 by Johnny Maestro, The Brooklyn Bridge combined the talents of The Del-Satins and Rhythm Method to create a signature sound blending doo-wop, pop, and powerful horn arrangements. With over 10 million records sold, the group left an indelible mark on American music history. The group was inducted into LIMEHOF in 2006 as Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge. They performed at the first LIMEOF induction ceremony with LIMEHOF inductee Jimmy Webb.

Jimmy Rosica grew up in Hicksville. In addition to his career in music, he is also the founder of Very Cool Music School, an educational program using pitch pipes and continues to share his love of music with students and fans alike of all ages.

For more information, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook recently hosted Huntington Film Director Sean Quincy King  who screened his latest film ScreamWalkers on May 17. This event was part of LIMEHOF’s Monthly Local Filmmakers Series putting the spotlight on Long Island Directors and their films.

“We’re so appreciative of the spotlight and the opportunity to screen here,” said King. “Having a place like LIMEHOF to screen local movies and feature local talent is so invaluable because it gives other people the opportunity to see what’s happening locally and to inspire. For someone who just started a band or just picked up a movie camera for the first time…to see that there is a place here that is interested and is willing to feature you and give you a chance. Filmmakers beg for that kind of opportunity.”

The film series is sponsored by Rob Eberle of Magnetic Vine and G&R Events. Following the screening, there was a Q&A panel emceed by LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham. Director Sean King, Bob Heckman, Will Puntarich, Glenn McBride Jr. and Peter Bune Jr. participated.

“The LIMEHOF Local Filmmakers Series is a celebration of the incredible filmmaking talent emerging from our region,” said Needham. “Each month, we showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of local filmmakers, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with audiences who appreciate the power of storytelling. This series is an important part of our mission to support the arts and highlight Long Island’s impact on the entertainment industry.”

Sean Qunicy King is an award-winning director, cinematographer, producer and actor whose films and TV credits include the cult classic comedy/horror TV show The Ghouligans! (2005-2015). He is also known for his cinematography work on the award-winning films Night For Day (2008), The Night Never Sleeps (2012), Send No Flowers (2013), and Cigarette Soup (2014). King has also worked as director on many commercials, documentaries, feature and television projects as well, such as Lost Suburbia (2007), This Mortal Coil (2010), and Hunter’s Moon(2015).

Screamwalkers was shot on Long Island in Huntington, Northport, Farmingville, and Setauket and stars actors from Long Island including Elizabeth Davoli, Glenn McBride Jr., Sasha Graham, Andy Rowell, Jason Seidl, Celia Spero, Rose Stark, Will Puntarich, Dino Castelli, Jen Elyse Feldy, Bernard Jackson, Ariann Huether, Ed Huether, Arabelis Griffin, Talia Griffin, Aidan P. Finnegan, Joe Winchell and Matt Weir.

The next LIMEOHF Local Filmmaker series film series event will be on June 21st and feature West Babylon Film Director Joe Pomarico. LIMEHOF welcomes nominations of local film directors and movies for consideration to feature in the series. For more information: Contact LIMEHOF at [email protected]

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, 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, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

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After weeks of preparation, fourth and fifth grade orchestra students at Pines Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District welcomed New York City-based composer, teacher and Broadway musician Eric Davis, the composer of one of their concert pieces.

Students first performed for Mr. Davis, showcasing their hard work and interpretation of his piece, “Dark Forest Legend.” Following their performance, Mr. Davis took the baton and led an interactive workshop on his composition. He shared stories about the inspiration behind the song, the narrative he hoped to convey and even how his original title was initially rejected by the publisher.

“It’s always rewarding to watch the students work with the original composer,” said orchestra teacher Tracey DeRose. “Seeing them learn directly from the expert is a delight.”

After the workshop, students asked Mr. Davis questions about the life of a composer.

Students asked thoughtful questions, gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to create music.

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF), in coordination with earMUSIC, hosted an evening celebrating Candice Night and the release of her new album, Sea Glass, on May 13. The celebration featured a live solo performance by Night, performing three songs from her new album followed by the official induction of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night of Blackmore’s Night into LIMEHOF at its museum, located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook.  Night accepted the induction by LIMEHOF executive board member Robert deBrauwere on behalf of Blackmore’s Night as Blackmore was not able to attend.

“I am so honored to be inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” Night said. “Being surrounded by some of the greatest musicians, knowing we all have the same roots here is an incredible feeling. I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life and am constantly inspired by the energy here and the beauty of our nature.”

Ritchie Blackmore

Blackmore’s Night, the minstrel rock band founded by legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and ethereal singer and multi-instrumentalist Candice Night began in 1997 as a labor of love and an escape from the pressures of the modern-day world. They formed their own musical world, creating a new genre of music. The group has recorded 11 albums. Weaving together melodies from the Renaissance times with modern day instrumentation, original arrangements, and new lyrical content, Blackmore and Night have achieved many awards, critical acclaim and gold records worldwide, consistently topping the Billboard New Age charts.

Together with their 7-piece touring band, they perform in castles and historical venues worldwide. Thousands of fans show up to the shows dressed in period garb to be a part of the musical festivities. They record in their home studio, here on Long Island, and have gained the love and loyalty of millions of fans over the past 28 years.

“It’s an amazing honor for me to induct my long-time friends and clients Candice and Ritchie as Blackmore’s Night into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,” said deBrauwere. “It’s incredible how popular their music is throughout the world. Particularly in Europe and Japan, but really everywhere, there are Blackmore’s Night fans throughout the world. There’s a huge community of folks that love them.”

The two inductees met on Long Island and have strong Long Island community ties. Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple and Rainbow) grew up in the UK and moved to the USA in 1974, moving to Huntington, Long Island in the 1980s.

Candice Night

Candice Night grew up in Hauppauge and is a lifetime Long Island resident and a graduate of NYIT in Old Westbury.  While interning at WBAB in 1989, she met Ritchie Blackmore at a charity soccer game where Deep Purple played against the station’s DJ’s and Staff. After the game, Candice asked Ritchie for his autograph and the two became friends, later developing into more. They started living together in 1993 and co-founded Blackmore’s Night in 1997.

They have been very involved in many local charity efforts and community events across Long Island including Save a Pet in Port Jefferson, STAR animal rehabilitation, Little Shelter in Huntington, and the North Shore Animal League. They have raised funds, awareness and supplies for them and set up donation booths over the years at every Blackmore’s Night show, even hosting adopting events at their concerts for some.

Night started singing at Lillian Carans Little Theater Workshop in Smithtown and has recorded music at Richie Cannatas Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove with local producer/engineer Brendan Keenan. Candice was also the Snow Queen in the Dickens Festival at Port Jefferson for 2 years, including receiving the 1st artist in residence award.

“In recorded and live performances, Long Island’s Blackmore’s Night has been thrilling and entertaining audiences all around the world for nearly three decades,” said LIMEHOF Co-Founder Norm Prusslin. “Blending renaissance melodies, instrumentals, and folk-rock original songs into a style uniquely their own, Blackmore’s Night is beloved by their fans for their exceptional musicianship, extraordinary vocals, and legendary performances. Blackmore’s Night’s induction into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame recognizes and honors their artistry, creativity and legacy.”

Setauket Neighborhood House. File photo

New location! Emma Clark Library has moved the Ellen Bogolub Chamber Music Concert to the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Sunday, May18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join them for an afternoon of Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Florence Price’s “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” performed by a  string quartet from Long Island Chamber Music. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Emma Samghabadi at the New York Marine Rescue Center. Photo courtesy Jennifer Samghabadi

By Daniel Dunaief

The odds haven’t always been in favor of Emma Samghabadi.

The Comsewogue High School senior and Port Jefferson station resident was born under two pounds and spent over a month in the neonatal intensive care unit at Stony Brook Hospital.

After maneuvering through a period her parents Jennifer and Pedram Samghabadi described as “touch and go” for a while, she flourished and is poised to graduate from high school in June and enter college this fall.

Emma Samghabadi after singing with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra in 2022. Photo courtesy Brian Kacharaba

A gifted singer and performer, Samghabadi, who recently played Velma Kelly in a teen edition of “Chicago,” applied for the Live Más scholarship through Taco Bell, where she has been working since last summer.

Samghabadi spent close to three months putting together a two minute video describing her passions, which include performing, singing, and serving as a conservationist.

On April 25th, Samghabadi, 18, was working at the drive through window at Taco Bell and learned that she had won a $10,000 scholarship, which she will use at the University of Rhode Island.

“It was a complete surprise to me,” said Samghabadi, who was thrilled when her managers and coworkers celebrated her scholarship with balloons and congratulatory posters in the dining room of the restaurant. “All my managers were there and my regional managers were there as well.”

Indeed, Samghabadi called her mother, who works as a registered nurse and her father, who is a social worker, to celebrate.

Jennifer Samghabadi was “overjoyed, proud, grateful and also humbled” with the scholarship.

“The odds [of winning] are very, very low,” her father said. “This was her exhibiting her unique mix” of passions.

Out of 500 scholarship applications from New York, Taco Bell awarded 13 at this level, which is just over two a half percent of the state’s entries.

The Taco Bell Foundation has been awarding these scholarships for 10 years, with some notable past winners including Mato Standing Soldier, a film and TV composer who was named to Forbes 30 under 30 List for 2023 and Brooke Taylor, who is dancing on Broadway in Moulin Rouge.

Samghabadi gave her scholarship entry considerable thought. The scholarship is based on a student’s passions, social impact, personal presentation and educational goals and does not include any reference to a grade point average or standardized test scores.

“As soon as I started finding pictures, I was already thinking about what I wanted to talk about,” Samghabadi said.

Editing the presentation to under two minutes was a “struggle,” she added.

The work paid off, as a Taco Bell Foundation spokeswoman suggested that Samghabadi’s video embodied the key traits they seek in an applicant: strong passion, a focus on social impact, clear educational goals and compelling storytelling.

Samghabadi, who has a weighted grade point average above 100, has impressed her high school teachers.

Rosa Antelo, who teaches Samghabadi’s Advanced Placement Class and was also her instructor for Advanced Spanish in 10th grade, described her student’s potential as “unmeasurable.”

Antelo suggested that Samghabadi is “not just a great student, but she’s truly an amazing person.”

Antelo, who wrote a college recommendation for Samghabadi, recalled a time when her student helped her manage through the strain of a stressful situation.

“She’s so positive and is looking for the best of everything,” said Antelo, who has been teaching for 26 years and believes Samghabadi stands out among her many students.

An early curiosity

When she was five, Samghabadi found a large green caterpillar in a hibiscus bush, which she brought home.

She and her parents looked up how to care for it. The caterpillar formed a cocoon and emerged as a moth.

After that, Samghabadi was hooked, establishing a monarch butterfly way station where she has released over a hundred of the orange and black insects that, while not endangered are threatened by a loss of habitat, pesticide use and climate change.

Dedicated to conservation and marine biology, Samghabadi has worked as a volunteer at the New York Marine Rescue Center in Riverhead.

She tells visitors about the only effort in the state to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles and seals. She has also helped with beach clean ups and, in 2023, became scuba certified.

Samghabadi’s favorite animal is the manta ray, which she hopes to study in college.

From ‘The Lion King’ to community theater

Around the same time that she found the green caterpillar, Samghabi, saw her first broadway show.

Watching “The Lion King” sparked an interest in performance and theater.

Samghabadi has been an extra in short films and commercials as well as in the movie “Uncut Gems.”

As a 10-year old, she spent a day on set as an extra, sitting behind Adam Sandler in a movie theater.

She has performed in several shows and goes through cycles of singing different Broadway songs in the house.

These days, she’s using her soprano voice to belt out “Sweeney Todd” in the house. 

Samghabadi is open to combining her interests in conservation and music. At some point, she would like to conduct research on bioacoustics. She could also envision using music as a part of public outreach for conservation.

Despite all her commitments, including working with second graders to help teach them Spanish, Samghabadi is able to enjoy leisure activities with her friends by organizing herself.

“I have a set plan for what I need to do each day,” she said.

Multiple scholarships

Samghabadi’s talents and dedication have earned her other competitive scholarships.

She will receive $84,000 over four years as a part of the inaugural Schilling Scholars Program at the University of Rhode Island. She will also receive $68,000 from the presidential scholarship at the university.

The New York Elks Association recently awarded her a $1,000 scholarship.

Samghabadi is the second generation in her family to work at Taco Bell, where her favorite meal is the Cantina Chicken Bowl.

When he was earning money for college, Samghabadi’s father Pedram worked at the restaurant chain.

Samghabadi’s parents are grateful for the life their daughter has lived and the energy and passion she brings to her interests.

“You can’t be thankful enough,” said Pedram Samghabadi. “We still cannot believe what we went through” in the first year of her remarkable life.

Their daughter. whose singing they will miss when she attends college, gave them a preview of what was to come early in life.

Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, the annual Spring Appreciation Day at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and experiences during this free event, including:

  • Steppin’ Out Ponies & Petting Zoo (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of D.K. Brothers): Children can interact with a variety of friendly animals.
  • Mustang & Shelby Club of Long Island Car Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): A spectacular display of Mustangs from 1964 to today, including classic models like the Shelby GT500, GT350, and the Boss 302. This event will also celebrate National Mustang Day, as MSCLI kicks off the season with up to 70 Mustangs on display. (MSCLI members must pre-register to participate; for more information, contact[email protected].)
  • Live Music by Brenda & Burke (noon to 4 p.m. at the Stony Brook Post Office): Enjoy an eclectic mix of R&B, Roots, Blues, and Contemporary Acoustic performances.
  • The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corps (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Inner Court): Family-friendly scavenger hunt for all to enjoy. One lucky winner will win a Stony Brook Village gift certificate. Other prizes are available for each participant.
  • Stony Brook Fire Department (noon to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): Meet local firefighters, explore a fire truck up close, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Giveaway items will be available for children and adults.

While enjoying the festivities, visitors can shop the latest spring styles with special deals at participating Stony Brook Village shops and dine at one of seven delicious restaurants in the open-air village center.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Goldfish Swim School, and Renewal by Andersen. For more information, visit stonybrookvillage.com

A TeachRock class at the LIMEHOF

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will host two free TeachRock workshops at its Stony Brook location (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY) on Wednesday April 30th and Wednesday May 28th at 6 pm. The workshops are free for teachers and eligible for New York CTLE hours. Also included is free access to the LIMEHOF museum prior to the workshop and light dinner/refreshments will be provided. 

“TeachRock brings music’s rich history and cultural power into the classroom, and I’m proud that LIMEHOF is helping Long Island educators tap into this inspiring, free resource,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Education Chairman.

These workshops are made possible by BMA Architects. Teachers who wish to attend this free workshop at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame must register in advance at: https://teachrock.org/LIMEHOF/

Details of the workshops:

TeachRock Methods for All Classrooms 

Wednesday, April 30th at 6:00 PM

This workshop introduces The TeachRock Method, which empowers educators to connect music, history, and critical thinking to engage and inspire students of all backgrounds. Participants will explore TeachRock’s unique approach to fostering active learning, meaningful discussions, and creativity in the classroom.

Designed both for music teachers seeking to bring more culture and historical context into their classrooms, as well as history and ELA teachers looking to enhance engagement through music, this course provides practical strategies to make learning more dynamic and relevant for all students.

TeachRock Methods for Music Classrooms 

Wednesday, May 28th at 6:00 PM

This workshop introduces TeachRock’s method of creating more culturally responsive Music classrooms. Participants will explore how to connect historical events, cultural movements, and social issues to musical content, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.

Teachers will walk away with standards-aligned lessons that integrate music with subjects such as history, social studies, language arts, and even STEAM.

For more information, visit the LIMEHOF website.

About LIMEHOF 

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, 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, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

Seeking high school vocalists and musicians to apply by deadline of June 1st

This summer, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) will host its first All-Star Band Camp for high school students (grades 9-12). The week-long program will run from July 28th through August 1st at 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day and conclude with a final concert on Sunday, August 3rd at 3 p.m.

The unique aspect of this band camp is that it will be the first ever to be held in LIMEHOF’s Museum at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook. Students will explore and learn about the great artists who have been inducted into LIMEHOF—from Blue Öyster Cult and Mariah Carey to Billy Joel and Twisted Sister.

“As part of LIMEHOF’s commitment to education, we are thrilled to offer students the opportunity to perform songs by our esteemed inductees in the unique setting of the museum,” said LIMEHOF Vice Chairman Tom Needham, who manages LIMEHOF’s educational programs. “The All-Star Band Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that connects young musicians with Long Island’s rich musical legacy.”

The program will be coached by LIMEHOF Long Island Sound Award Winner Jack Licitra (from Bayport) of South Bay Arts and his staff, all of whom have extensive experience managing youth programs. Jack Licitra has been coaching youth bands since 2008.  He has developed an efficient approach that highlights talent and prepares kids for the intensity of live performance.

“LIMEHOF is inspiring the next generation of LI musicians and this a great step towards cultivating that talent to create a thriving music scene,” said Licitra.

This intensive experience will have students playing for two-and-a-half hours each day for 5 days of rehearsals and a 6th-day concert performance in the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. This program was designed to enable students to have a team building and professional music experience. All high school-aged vocalists, drummers, guitarists, bass players, and keyboardists from Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Kings (Brooklyn) counties are welcome to apply by the deadline of June 1st. The arrangements will be created specifically for the enrolled ensemble and their skills. The cost to participate is $350.

To apply, please email student’s name, age, specific instrument/vocalist, and contact information to Tom Needham at[email protected] or call 631-689-5888.

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, 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, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

Photo from The Jazz Loft

Spring has sprung at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook! Here is their musical line-up for the month of April:

Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft Orchestra: Cuban Fire Suite
The Jazz Loft presents a Cuban Fire Suite Orchestra performance at the Staller Center in Stony Brook.
Tickets: $40 Adult, $35 Senior, $30 Student, $25 Child

Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m.
The Jazz Loft Orchestra: Cuban Fire Suite
The Jazz Loft presents a Cuban Fire Suite Orchestra performance.
Tickets: $35 Adult, $30 Senior, $25 Student, $20 Child

Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m.

Bright Moments Series: Jeremy Carlstedt
The Jazz Loft presents Jeremy Carlstedt, drums for the Bright Moments Series, presenting some
of the newest upcoming voices in the Jazz scene.
Tickets: $10

Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
The Bad Little Big Band
The Jazz Loft presents a 12-piece Big Band featuring vocalist Madeline Kole, directed by
composer, arranger, and pianist, Rich Iacona.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
Harry Allen Quartet
The Jazz Loft presents a Quartet including Harry Allen, tenor saxophone, Rossano Sportiello,
piano, Mike Karn, bass, and Aaron Kimmel, drums.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

Saturday, April 19 at 7 p.m.
The Del Segno Trio feat. Dayna Stephens, tenor sax
Tickets: $30/$25/$20/$15
Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra
Interplay Jazz Orchestra, 17-piece big band co-directed by Joe Devassy, trombone & Gary
Henderson, trumpet performs original compositions and arrangements written by band
members.
Tickets: $30 Adult, $25 Senior, $20 Student, $15 Child

Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m.
Bright Moments Series: Elliott Brown
The Jazz Loft presents Elliott Brown, trombone for the Bright Moments Series, presenting some
of the newest upcoming voices in the Jazz scene.
Tickets: $10

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.