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The Jazz Loft. Photo by Heidi Sutton

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook has announced its concert schedule for the month of April:

Wednesday, April 5 at 1 p.m.          

Young at Heart: The Latin Side of Jazz at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio will present Latin Jazz music from Cuba and the Spanish Caribbean. Young at Heart is a monthly themed afternoon jazz concert series to help seniors with memory loss regain memory through familiar tunes.

Tickets: $10

 

Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zach will be performing at the Jazz Loft. Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts.

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

 

Thursday, April 6, Friday, April 7, & Saturday, April 8 at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft Big Band Presents Stan Kenton’s Cuban Fire Suite at the Jazz Loft

26-piece Jazz Orchestra directed by Jazz Loft Director, Tom Manuel, trumpet

Tickets: Adults $40, Seniors $35, Students $30; Children $25

 

Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zach will be performing at the Jazz Loft. Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts

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

 

Thursday, April 13 at 7 p.m.

The Madiran Wine Bar 209 NY-25A, Setauket – East Setauket NY 11733

Tom Manuel hosts vintage craft cocktails and a listening session in the Coal Bin at the Jazz Loft spinning rare unreleased master acetates from the 1930s-60s.

Tickets: $100 (21+)

 

Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zach will be performing at the Jazz Loft. Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts.

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

 

Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m.

The Bad Little Big Band at the Jazz Loft

12-piece big band featuring vocalist Madeline Kole, directed by composer, arranger, pianist Rich Iacona

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m.

Harry Allen Quartet at the Jazz Loft

Harry Allen, tenor saxophone, Steve Ash, piano, Mike Karn, bass, Bryan Carter, drums

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m.

Elsa Nilsson Band of Pulses at the Jazz Loft

Flutist Elsa Nilsson, Pianist Santiago Leibson, Bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Rodrigo Recabarren

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zach will be performing at the Jazz Loft. Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts.

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

 

Thursday, April 27, 7 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra at the Jazz Loft

17-piece orchestra by Joe Devassy, trombone; Gary Henderson, trumpet

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Friday, April 28, 7 p.m.

The Institute For New Music Launch Event at the Jazz Loft

Ray Anderson Ensemble

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

Saturday, April 29, 2 p.m.

The Institute For New Music Launch Event at the Jazz Loft

Stephen Nachmanovitch Improvisation Workshop

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

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

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Aubrey Johnson will be at the Jazz Loft on March 25.

Jazz music will once again fill the air as the Swing Into Spring Festival returns to the North Shore from March 21 to 25, bringing with it an assortment of opportunities to hear live Jazz music. The five-day musical event will culminate in concert performances by the Aubrey Johnson Quartet and Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet, and a Collegiate Big Band Brawl, Community Jazz Night and Jam Session Techniques Workshop.

The Swing into Spring Festival is the creation of Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn in partnership with Thomas Manuel, President and Founder of The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook and will be held at The Jazz Loft and in local shops and restaurants, including Sweet Mama’s, Stony Brook Chocolate, The Country House, Madiran Wine Bar, Bliss and The Three Village Inn.

“I think it is wonderful that [the Three Village area] will be alive with the sounds of Jazz for a week,” said Manuel. “The Swing Into Spring Festival has grown year after year into this wonderful mini-festival that truly brings the town to life and attracts folks from all over Long Island. We’re honored to be presenting such a diverse and unique blend of artists this year and also to be extending the invitation to young and upcoming artists.”

“Just as hearing that first songbird of the year warms spirits that have been chilled by the winter cold, so too does that first note of ‘Swing into Spring’ within this vibrant community eager to welcome locals, tourists, and music lovers back,” said Leg. Hahn.

Schedule of events

Tuesday, March 21

Collegiate Big Band Brawl                                                     

The Swing Into Spring Festival will kick off with a Collegiate Big Band Brawl where Long Island’s collegiate Jazz Ensembles face off in a battle royale! Stony Brook University’s Blowage Big Band will be performing against ensemble groups from Hofstra and Long Island University (Post) at the Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

An evening of jazz from 6 to 8 p.m.

— Bliss Restaurant, 766 Route 25A, East Setauket welcomes Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet.

— Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, 121 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes Frank Hansen on bass and Chris Donohue on tenor sax.

— Madiran Wine Bar, 209 Route 25A, East Setauket welcomes Dean Johnson on bass and Kevin Clark on guitar.

Wednesday, March 22 

Improvisation & Jam Session Techniques Workshop        

On the second day of the Swing Into Spring Festival, The Jazz Loft will host a workshop focused on improvisation followed by a jam session where Jazz musicians can collaborate on stage from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Featuring Dean Johnson on bass, Rich Iacona on piano, Tom Manuel on cornet and Ellis Holmes on drums Tickets are $10. Visit www.thejazzloft.org.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft  hosts a Jam Session featuring The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zachfrom 7 to 9:30 p.m.  Tickets are $10, $5 after 8 p.m.

An evening of jazz from 6 to 8 p.m. 

— Madiran Wine Bar, 209 Route 25A, East Setauket welcomes Steve Salerno on guitar, and Tom Manuel on cornet.

— Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, 121 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes Kevin Clark on guitar and Frank Hansen on bass.

— Three Village Inn, 150 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes the The Jazz Loft Trio (Dean Johnson on bass, Rich Iacona on piano and Ellis Holmes on drums).

— Country House Restaurant, 1175 North Country Road, Stony Brook presents Lee Tamboulian on piano.

Thursday, March 23 

Jimenez Mambo Dulcet in concert                                           

Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet is a NYC based salsa band and will be performing at The Jazz Loft at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

An evening of jazz from 6 to 8 p.m. 

— Country House Restaurant, 1175 North Country Road, Stony Brook welcomes Rich Iacona on piano and Tom Manuel on cornet.

Friday, March 24 

Community Jazz Night                                                                

The Jazz Loft hosts a Community Jazz Night at 7 p.m. with multiple local jazz acts performing including The Bay Big Band, Moment’s Notice, and the Keenan Zach Trio. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

Saturday, March 25 

Aubrey Johnson Quartet in concert                                                        

For the final day of the Swing Into Spring Festival, the Jazz Loft will present New York based vocalist, composer, and educator Aubrey Johnson in concert at 7 p.m. with Tomoko Omura on violin, Chris McCarthy on piano, and Matt Aronoff on bass. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children at www.thejazzloft.org.

An afternoon of jazz

Stony Brook Chocolate, 143 Main St., Stony Brook welcomes Mike Hall on bass and Steve Salerno on guitar from 4 to 6 p.m. *Featuring $5 hot chocolate you can make with a chocolate instrument for sale.

Funding for the Festival comes in part from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning and Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn and the Al Greiman Cabaret Series.

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Warren Vaché

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook welcomes back Jazz trumpet player Warren Vaché and his Quartet on Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. Joining Vaché will be Dean Johnson (bass), Dan Pugach (drums), and Wayne Sabella (piano).

Vaché is known to span across multiple styles of Jazz and has played in polka bands, Dixieland bands, big dance bands, Broadway pit bands, small Jazz groups and more. He studied with trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin and has a degree in music education from Montclair State College. Absorbing all types of music, Vaché’s inspirations and heroes include Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Bobby Hackett, Fats Navarro, Tom Harrell, and others.

Vaché commonly dueted with saxophonist Houston Person, who has been a frequent performer at the Jazz Loft. His career has been filled with countless performances such as with Benny Goodman’s band, making film appearances, composing soundtracks, and presently has a busy schedule of recording, worldwide festival appearances, club dates, Broadway shows, and is a dedicated educator and author. In his 40-year career, he has released over 35 albums as a band leader and appeared in many other musician’s recordings as a sideman.

“We are thrilled to have Warren Vaché once again perform again at the Jazz Loft,” says President and Founder Tom Manuel. “It’s a unique opportunity for Jazz Loft fans to hear a true legend.”

Displayed in the museum is a Warren Vaché exhibit that guests can view.

Tickets are available for purchase ($15, $20, $25, $30) at www.thejazzloft.org

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A letter to Jack Teagarden from Louis Armstrong is just one of the pieces in the collection recently acquired by the Jazz Loft. Photo from The Jazz Loft

No distance is too far for Jazz Loft Founder and President Tom Manuel to travel to acquire new Jazz archival collections and memorabilia for the Jazz Loft’s museum. The latest acquisition for the Loft comes from Phoenix, Arizona, where Manuel recently returned with a complete collection from the famed trombonist and singer Jack Teagarden. Teagarden pioneered early Jazz along with the likes of Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins and Earl “Fatha” Hines.

Jack Teagarden’s trombone is just one of the pieces in the collection recently acquired by the Jazz Loft. Photo from The Jazz Loft

For more than 35 years the archives had been in the possession of Jimmy Nicholas, who was entrusted with the collection by Teagarden’s widow Addie Teagarden. The collection includes manuscripts, music from Teagarden’s big band of the 1940’s and small groups with Armstrong from the 1950’s, photos, contracts, personal letters from important figures in the entertainment world, such as Paul Whitman, Bunk Johnson, W.C. Handy, Johnny Mercer, Hugh Hefner, Joe Glasser and countless others.

Some highlights of the collection include Teagarden’s 1940’s Buescher trombone which he received from Jerry Colonna and a very personal letter from Louis Armstrong.

“Due to their close friendship and collaboration over many years, the amount of Armstrong memorabilia is really impressive,” said Manuel. “I am in awe and amazed that the Jazz Loft can present these historic memorabilia. It really is the pinnacle and dream of any museum archive and an absolute honor to be guardians of such an important collection. I am so appreciative to Jimmy Nicholas and his wife Debbie for entrusting us with this incredibly important piece of Jazz history. There are four people who truly were at the birth of it all and paved the way for what is considered Jazz: Louis Armstrong on trumpet, Coleman Hawkins on tenor saxophone, Earl Hines on piano and Jack Teagarden on trombone.”  

Teagarden frequented the Jazz scene in New York extensively over the years both performing in the clubs on and around 52nd Street, as well as the major recording and television studios and theaters.

“It’s nice to have Jack back in New York after all these years,” said Manuel.

The archives have been boxed and interns from Stony Brook University will start digitalizing the items to make them available to the public within the next few months.

Manuel is hopeful that the remaining items that are in the collection and still held by Mr. Nicholas, will find their way to the Jazz Loft within the next few years, including master acetates of Teagarden recordings, some of which many historians believe are the earliest photos of Teagarden, as well as a very important piece of art which was given to the Teagarden family by the King and Queen of Thailand.

 The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. The museum is open Thursdays through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and is FREE. For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.

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The Jazz Loft

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

Thursday, March 2, at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Dispatch

Madiran Wine Bar, 7-9 p.m.

209 Rt 25A in East Setauket.

The Jazz Loft continues to bring live jazz music to Madiran Wine Bar in East Setauket in 2023, with the next show on March 9 and every second Thursday of the month! Live music will be from 7 to 9 p.m. This month the Jazz Dispatch Live Music Series at Madiran will feature Steve Salerno on guitar and Chris Donohue tenor sax. The monthly series will also feature a rotation of musicians, as well as an array of guest artists.

“We are having a swingin’ time bringing live jazz music to this delightful and intimate venue,” said Manuel, the founder of the Jazz Loft. “Our Jazz Dispatch Series is our community outreach effort to get what we do inside the walls of the Jazz Loft out into the community at large. Our desire is to meet people where they’re at, be it restaurants, parks, Jazz clubs, museums, historic buildings, and more.”

“As a lifelong jazz enthusiast, I could not be more thrilled to continue our partnership with Tom and the Jazz Loft to give patrons a great experience at the wine bar!” said Jacqueline Malenda, owner of Madiran. “What better pairing is there than good wine and pure jazz?”

 

Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m.

The Jazz Loft Big Band

The Jazz Loft Big Band is one of the Loft’s resident ensembles which presents the major projects at the Loft. The 18-member Jazz Loft Big Band is led by trumpeter Tom Manuel and performs jazz standards and original pieces by members of the band.

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

 

Wednesday, March 8, at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

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

 

Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m.

Thurs 3/9 Warren Vache Quartet

 Warren Vache has been impressing audiences for years with his versatility and his cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn stylings. He has recorded and performed with many jazz greats including Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney and Bobby Short among many. He will be playing with Tom Manuel on trumpet, Dan Pugach on drums, Dean Johnson on bass and Wayne Sabiella on piano.

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

 

Wednesday, March 15, at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zach will be performing at the Jazz Loft. Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts

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

Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m.

The Bad Little Big Band

 The 12-member Bad Little Big Band led by pianist Rich Iacona and vocalist Madeline Kole accompanies the band. Iacona has added to the band’s repertoire with fresh and new arrangements.

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

 

Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m.

Rich Iacona’s Bad Little Big Band, featuring vocalist Madeline Kole

Tickets $30 adult, $25 senior, $20 student and $15 children

Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

KICK OFF FOR SWING INTO SPRING FESTIVAL

 Collegiate Big Band Brawl

The Swing Into Spring Festival, presented by the Jazz Loft and Legislator Kara Hahn, will be kicked off by the Collegiate Big Band Brawl where Long Island’s collegiate Jazz Ensembles face off in a battle royale! Stony Brook University’s Blowage Big Band will be performing against ensemble groups from Hofstra and Long Island University (Post).

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

 

Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.

SWING INTO SPRING FESTIVAL

Improvisation & Jam Session Techniques Workshop

On the second day of the Swing Into Spring Festival, we will be hosting a workshop focused on improvisation followed by a jam session where Jazz musicians can collaborate on stage

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

Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m.

SWING INTO SPRING FESTIVAL

Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet

Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet is an NYC based salsa band and will be performing at the Jazz Loft as the third day of the Swing Into Spring Festival

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

Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m.

SWING INTO SPRING FESTIVAL

Community Jazz Night

Community Jazz Night at the Jazz Loft will have multiple local Jazz acts performing. The Bay Big Band, Moment’s Notice, and Keenan Zach Trio will all be performing for this event as a part of the Swing into Spring Festival.

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

Saturday, March 25 at 7 p.m.

 SWING INTO SPRING FESTIVAL

Aubrey Johnson Quartet

 For the final day of the Swing Into Spring Festival, the Jazz Loft will present New York based vocalist, composer, and educator Aubrey Johnson. The Aubrey Johnson Quartet will feature Aubrey Johnson on vocals, Tomoko Omura on violin, Chris McCarthy on piano, and Matt Aronoff on Bass. The quartet will be primarily performing Aubrey’s original pieces.

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

Wednesday, March 29, at 7 p.m.

Jam Session at the Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft Trio led by Keenan Zach will be performing at the Jazz Loft. Jazz musicians of all ages are invited to play on stage along with fellow Jazz enthusiasts

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

Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra

17-piece orchestra by Joe Devassy, trombone; Gary Henderson, trumpet

Tickets: Adults $30; Seniors $25; Students $20; Children $15

 

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

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Stony Brook University Symphony Orchestra
Free event to highlight kid compositions and musical surprises

By Melissa Arnold

Music has a way of moving us both physically and emotionally. Regardless of culture, language or age, the right song can make just about anyone smile.

For more than 20 years, the Stony Brook University Symphony Orchestra, an all-student ensemble featuring undergraduate and graduate music majors as well as qualified non-music majors, has put on a special Family Orchestra Concert, aiming to instill an excitement for music in children while bringing generations together. The free event returns to the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University on Tuesday, Feb. 28. 

Featured soloist violinist Elvina Liu will perform the opening movement of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4.

Conductor Susan Deaver works hard each year to dream up a fun and creative theme for the performance. Some are obvious — recent concerts have focused on contrasts or weather, to name a few — but others are more subtle.

This year’s theme, “Musical Surprises,” will challenge the audience to listen for something unexpected in each piece.

“Everybody likes surprises, right?” joked Deaver, who’s been with the university since 2000. “There are a few ways we’ve included surprises in this show. For example, we have two [portions] from Sir Edward Elgar’s ‘Enigma Variations,’ which offer surprising changes in mood and tempo. There’s also ‘Thunder and Lightning’ [by Johann Strauss II], which reflects the surprise of being caught in a sudden thunderstorm.”

The concert includes both recognizable and lesser-known pieces, but the majority are short to provide as much variety as possible. And the program is just an hour long, helping to keep the littlest concertgoers happy while getting everyone home at a decent time. It is a school night, after all.

A surprising new addition to the program this year are mini-melodies composed by young orchestra students in the community.

Elementary school musicians from the Hauppauge Public School District have attended the concert for the past several years as a nighttime field trip. Interest in the concert continues to grow, and this year, Deaver approached music teacher Timerie Gatto with an exciting idea.

“There are three elementary schools in Hauppauge, and each one has an orchestra. We started with each child bringing one parent to the concert, so that they could all see what a future in music can look like if they work at it. Now we are also involving younger siblings,” Gatto said. 

“Susan Deaver is fantastic, she interacts with the audience and does whatever she can to help the kids develop a greater appreciation for music. This year, she asked if my students would make up melodies for the orchestra to play!”

With the help of classroom iPads, students were able to compose, hear and perform their own one-line melodies.

“It’s been an impressive experience for me, watching them develop their own titles and musical ideas. Some kids even put groups of notes into chords and developed more complex syncopated rhythms,” Gatto said.

The orchestra is comprised of about 75 university students from diverse backgrounds and fields of study. Among them is 20-year-old Elvina Liu, a senior music major from Auckland, New Zealand. Liu is also the orchestra’s concertmistress — a lead violinist who serves as liaison between the orchestra and conductor.

Liu will perform a solo from Mozart’s “Concerto No. 4 in D Major,” which she said can be surprising in its own way.

“I think classical works, such as this Mozart concerto, are commonly perceived as pieces that don’t allow for a lot of freedom in interpretation. A lot of teachers and musicians believe that there are certain elements that have one “correct” way of being played, which is a pretty outdated way of tackling these pieces in my opinion,” Liu explained. “I do make a great effort to respect Mozart’s writing and stylistic ideas, though I admit that I enjoy testing the limits and boundaries when I play. Sometimes I surprise myself in the moment as well!”

Liu and Gatto agreed that music provides children opportunities for development, self-expression and community in a way little else can.

“Music is one of those things where it doesn’t matter how bright, strong or fast you are. It’s accessible to all kinds of people regardless of their ability, and it offers the chance to connect with others in a nonverbal way,” Gatto said.

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will host the annual Stony Brook Family Orchestra Concert on the Main Stage on Tuesday, Feb. 28  from 7:30 to 8:30  p.m. Admission is free and tickets are not required. Children of all ages are welcome. For more information, call 631-632-7330 or visit at www.stonybrook.edu/music.

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Hear ye, hear ye! Looking for something cool to do during winter break? The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will host a A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic on and Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. and Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. The princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Princesses, princes, and royal families of all ages are welcome to attend but must be with an adult at all times. Special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $16 per person. To order, call 800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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The cast of 'Side By Side By Sondheim'. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

By Rita J. Egan

The cast and crew at Theatre Three have once again created an entertaining production of music and laughs with Side by Side by Sondheim. The show debuted on the Port Jefferson stage Feb. 18. 

Countless songs throughout the decades have been loved for generations, and Broadway tunes are no exception. The late composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is among the talents who created those gems, and Side by Side by Sondheim is a testament to his immense talent by celebrating his earlier works.

From left, Linda May and Emily Gates in the duet ‘If Momma Was Married’ from Gypsy.

The production featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim as well as music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne debuted in London in 1976 and on Broadway in 1977. The musical revue may leave some in the audience wanting to know more about Sondheim, as he composed so much more after the late 1970s. Despite this factor, it’s the perfect starting point to enjoy his contributions to the arts.

In Theatre Three’s version, director Christine Boehm has expertly directed a cast of five, and conductor Jeffrey Hoffman, on piano, leads bassist Logan Friedman and percussionist Don Larsen seamlessly from one number to another. The three are visible on stage the entire show and, a few times, join in on the jokes with the actors.

Emily Gates, Linda May, Ryan Nolin and Jack Seabury are the main vocalists in the production and have wonderful chemistry together. All four deliver strong performances whether singing as a quartet, trio, duo or solo.

Ana McCasland serves as narrator to fill in the audience on some of the backstories of Sondheim’s songs and his life, including how he met Leonard Bernstein, providing an interesting glimpse into musical history for Broadway enthusiasts.

May shines during “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music, and then just as easily makes everyone laugh during a silly number called “The Boy From,” a song featured in Sondheim’s off-Broadway revue The Mad Show.

Jack Seabury and Ryan Nolin perform ‘We’re Gonna Be All Right’ from Do I Hear a Waltz.

Gates belts out a “Losing My Mind” from Follies so beautifully and perfectly that it’s the tearjerker it’s meant to be. She and May on “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” capture all the anger, sorrow and tenderness that Maria and Anita felt after Bernardo’s death in West Side Story.

Seabury sings a touching “Anyone Can Whistle” from the musical of the same name, and Nolin delivers a strong “Being Alive” from Company. Nolin also is a delightful surprise during “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” a favorite tune from Gypsy. Seabury and Nolin are also priceless singing the duet “We’re Gonna Be All Right” from Do I Hear a Waltz. The song was originally written for a woman and man singing about their relationship, but the singers are wonderful in embracing the updated spin on the song.

McCasland is a charming narrator and has her chance to sing during “I Never Do Anything Twice,” featured in the movie The Seven-Per-Cent Solution. Not only did she shine, she also had fun with the song, garnering laughter from the audience as she performed the tune to the hilt.

Subtle choreography and simple, colorful blocks of light on stage rounded out the show beautifully. Theatre Three has produced a lighthearted Side by Side by Sondheim, which is a breath of fresh air. The Cabaret-style revue is perfect for ending a special night or taking in some musical history.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents Side By Side By Sondheim through March 18. Tickets are $35 adults, $28 seniors and students, $20 children ages 5 to 12 (under 5 not permitted), $20 Wednesday matinees. For more information or to order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Photos by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three Productions, Inc.

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The Quartet 'Antiquity' from the Harbormen Chorus sing to two 'sweethearts.'

“Let me call you sweetheart…” The Harbormen Men’s Chorus is out in public again, singing and entertaining at various venues. This year quartets will be offering in-person and virtual singing Valentines. If an in-person presentation is acceptable, four elegant gentlemen can visit your home, office, school, restaurant or any other locale on Monday, Feb. 13 or Tuesday, Feb. 14 to sing two love songs and present a rose, chocolates and a personalized card to your sweetheart for $75. If preferred, you can request a link that delivers a digital version of the songs with a personalized introduction for only $35. Call 631-644-0129 with your preferred format and times. 

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METRO photo

To mark Black History Month, the Jazz Loft in Stony Brook Village will be highlighting wines specifically from Black winemakers and winery owners, for its Acoustic in the Main Room series. The series showcases small duos/trios in the Loft’s main performance room which will be set up to resemble an intimate living room, with spaced out seating. The concerts are conversational, engaging and intimate and a very special window into the heart and mind of the artists and each concert is paired with a special wine to celebrate Black History Month.

“This theme was chosen in an effort to elevate awareness and support the growth of African Americans in the wine industry,” said Director of Education Laura Landor, who selected the wine pairings. “Of the more than 11,000 wineries in the United States, less than 1 percent of them are Black owned or have a Black winemaker. We are excited to introduce these wines to our Jazz Loft patrons during Black History Month and hope to add a selection of them to our regular list of wines that are available by the glass or bottle.”

The Jazz Loft will offer tastings of a red and white selection during each performance with full glasses available for purchase.

“Our Acoustic in the Main Room series is a unique opportunity to hear some of the most talented singers and musicians that perform regularly at the Loft in a relaxed setting, reminiscent of the New York City Loft scene of the 1950’s which inspired the Jazz Loft’s name,” said Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “If you don’t know any Jazz performers personally to invite into your own living room, then this is the next best thing.”

The Acoustic in the Main Room series calendar:

February 9-Featuring Mala Waldron on piano and vocals; with Mike Hall on bass; and Tom Manuel on cornet.

McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rose, Hawk’s Bay NZ

McBride Sisters 2020 Chardonnay Central Coast, CA

McBride Sisters 2019 Red Blend Central Coast, CA

 February 10-Houston Person on tenor saxophone; Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet.

Brown Estate “Chaos Theory” 2021 Proprietary Red Wine (California)

Brown Estate House of Brown 2021 Chardonnay (California)

February 24- Buddy Merriam on mandolin; Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet

Longevity 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Longevity 2019 Chardonnay (California)

 February 25- Grammy-nominated singer Nicole Zuraitis, with Steve Salerno on guitar and Tom Manuel on cornet

LVE Signature Series 2021 Chardonnay (North Coast, California)

LVE 2019 Cabernet (North Coast, California)

All performances are hosted by Tom Manuel and Laura Landor.

Tickets will be limited to just 85 people and start at 7 p.m., and feature two sets with a brief intermission.

Tickets for all performances are $40 and start at 7 p.m. and can be purchased at https://www.thejazzloft.org.

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is located just 90 minutes from New York City and is the only music venue on Long Island that features exclusively jazz music. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

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