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Event to feature elite line-up of jazz artists

The Jazz Loft, located along the charming Stony Brook waterfront and nearby historic village, presents the 7th annual Harbor Jazz Festival, four celebratory days of jazz featuring  internationally-known acts, including the Harry Allen Quartet, Rubens De La Corte Brazilian Ensemble, Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band, Nicole Zuraitis and her All Star Band and more, from Sept. 21 to 24.

Much of the festival will take place outdoors overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, as well inside the Jazz Loft at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook. The Loft, which operates as a non-profit organization, was established in 2016 by Dr. Thomas Manuel, its founder, curator, jazz historian and artistic director. Dr. Manuel is also the director of the Loft School of Jazz.

“The year’s Harbor Jazz Festival line-up promises to deliver an extraordinary experience and unique opportunity to hear performances from some of the finest jazz artists in the world,” said Manuel. “Many of the acts booked for this year’s festival perform at some of New York’s top venues and clubs. It’s amazing for our Long Island community that this years’ festival brings them all right here in our own backyard.”

The full schedule for the Harbor Jazz Festival:

Sept. 21 (Wednesday) 7 p.m.

Opening Reception & Jam Session with the Keenan Zach Trio

All tickets $10

Sept. 22 (Thursday) 7-9:30 p.m.

Interplay Jazz Orchestra, with special guest artist Glenn Drewes

The Interplay Jazz Orchestra has the distinction of being the only Long Island Big Band performing original compositions and arrangements written by members of the band.

Tickets $30, $25, $20

Sept. 23 (Friday)

Harry Allen Quartet, John DiMartino piano, Neal Miner, Bass, Aaron Kimmel, Drums.

7-9:30 p.m.

Tickets $30, $25, $20

Sept. 24 (Saturday) – All Saturday shows are OUTDOORS and FREE! In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will take place inside The Jazz Loft.

1 p.m. Rubens De La Corte Brazilian Ensemble, Corina Sabbas, voice; Rubens de La Corte, guitar; Mike LaValle, bass; Arcoiris Sandoval, piano; Dennis Bulhoes, drums; Elsa Nilsson, flute; Tom Manuel, cornet/flugelhorn.

4 p.m. Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band, Ray Anderson Trombone, Tommy Campbell Drums, Steven Bernstein, slide trumpet and Jose Davila, sousaphone

7 p.m. Nicole Zuraitis and her All Star Band, Matt Wilson, Maya Kronfeld, Steve Cardenas, Tom Manuel, Sam Dillon, Caili Odoherty, organ.

Sponsors for the Harbor Jazz Festival include: Douglas Elliman; Huntington Arts Council; Realty Connect USA; Jovia Financial Credit Union; Team Ardolino; Branch Financial Services, Inc.; The Ward Melville Heritage Organization; Dan Oliveri and Suffolk County Economic Development and Planning; Olivia and Harlan Fischer; and Ivana Stolnik-Lourie and Robert Lourie.

All Saturday Events on the Stony Brook Village Green and are FREE to the general public.

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

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TIME TO SHOP! The 56th annual Gallery North Outdoor Art & Musical Festival returns this weekend. Photo by Heidi Sutton/2021

Gallery North in Setauket will present its 56th Annual Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept, 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day event will feature over 100 exhibitors offering a diverse selection of affordable, exciting, original paintings, prints, photography, ceramics, pottery, woodwork, glassware, artisan created jewelry, handmade crafts, decorations, clothing, and so much more! The event will be free and open to the public.

The Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival hosted by Gallery North has featured some of the finest art and craft from regional artists and artisans over its long 57-year history, making it a vital part of the regional art community and a significant tradition for the public. Keeping with the event format of past years, the Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival will include art in a vast range of media, as well as delicious and exciting food vendors, St. James Brewery, raffle prizes, and an area devoted solely to kids’ activities. In addition, Gallery North is teaming up with WUSB 90.1 fm/107.3 fm Stony Brook this year to present live musical performances.

The WUSB Music Stage will feature four music groups each day of the festival, some of which will be featured on WUSB Radio in advance of the Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival. Art show awards and recognition will also be granted for Best in Show within several categories, including crafts, fiber art, glass art, jewelry, painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, and more. This year’s judges will include Marianne Della Croce, Executive Director of the Art League of Long Island; Lorena Salcedo-Watson, Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Art at Stony Brook University; and contemporary artist, Tom Brydelsky. All award winners will be featured in Gallery North’s Winner’s Circle exhibition in 2023.

The Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival will be situated outside along North Country Road in Setauket, between 25A and Ridgeway Avenue, and on the grounds of Gallery North (90 N. Country Rd, Setauket). For more information, call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

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The Jazz Loft. Photo by Heidi Sutton
What is Jazz? tour takes visitors to seven jazz stops in museum

The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook will be presenting two opportunities to take a walk through jazz history with its What is JAZZ? interactive tour on Sept. 10 (starting at 6 p.m.) and Oct. 21 (starting at 7 p.m.) with guests arriving in 10-minute intervals.

The unique tour is comprised of seven stops within the Jazz Loft’s museum and performance space. Each stop in Jazz history is about four minutes, during which patrons will be treated to a brief performance and historical reflection. The entire live music, interactive experience will take about 30 minutes.

Guests begin in the main lobby and are welcomed to America by a lone pianist who introduces them to the BLUES. Each stop is limited to a brief historical reflection and a singular tune leaving guests hungry for more.

As they continue to the Seaman Gallery, inspired by Jazz photography, guests meet a singer who introduces them to the influence of GOSPEL music in Jazz and they hear a melody reminiscent of a tent revival meeting in the deep south.

The tour continues in the Milt Hinton Music Room as visitors are ushered into the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans as they hear the sounds of EARLY JAZZ presented by a banjo/bass duo. Each time warp landing leaves no time for lingering and as the map leads from stop-to-stop, patrons head upstairs to the Teddy Charles Room. Transported to the windy city of Chicago and the heyday of the BIG BAND/SWING ERA this stop is fueled by the syncopated vibrations of a clarinet/vibraphone trio reminiscent of Benny Goodman’s unit (the vibraphone, a 1939 Deagan model actually performed with Goodman and is flanked by photos to prove it!).

Six steps up the elevation climbs further to the wow-room and the journey continues as patrons are in the main performance space of the Jazz Loft, an intimate supper club environment complete with a three-tier bandstand reconstructed from the Roseland Ballroom dance floor and the towering 1927 Irving Plaza Ballroom chandelier, fully restored. Bandstand aglow in the history and story of the city that never slept, New York is alive with the energy, pep, vim and verve of BEBOP heralded by a quintet who’s never ceasing and endless energy abounds.

Is there more? YES! Because the story of Jazz is still evolving as told by the singular Avant-guard trombonist in the Loft’s library who shouts and wails the sound of THINGS TO COME and of beyond the now. The tour may seem complete, but this journey of four-minute stops, scheduled so that every group of guests has their own private walk through of The Jazz Loft will certainly leave much to be discussed.

Guests can then proceed to the Basie Garden to enjoy some lingering sounds of LATIN JAZZ to debrief their experience. Patrons can choose from a select list of wines, craft beers, snacks and drinks available for purchase.

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. Tickets to the tour are $30, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children. To order, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org

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The New Students return to the festival this year.

By Heidi Sutton

Featuring the best in traditional and contemporary folk music, the annual Fiddle & Folk Festival returns to Benner’s Farm in East Setauket this Sunday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The musical event will feature local fan favorites from previous years along with some fresh new faces.

Ten years ago, the event was formed as a reincarnation of a previous festival in the area. “It was a revitalization of The Fiddle and Folk Fest that had been run for years through the Long Island Museum and the Long Island Traditional Music Association,” said Benner’s Farm’s co-owner Bob Benner. 

Returning acts include Buddy Merriam and Taylor Ackley, Fiddle & Folk Fest veterans who have teamed up to perform their signature mandolin duo pieces, featuring their museum-quality Monteleone mandolins; and Brooklyn-based The New Students will be bringing their three-part vocal harmonies and skilled acoustic instrumentation.

New acts this year include The Serpent and The Fiddle featuring Dee Harris on mandola and Lora Kendall on fiddle who will be kicking off the festivities on the Main Stage with their intriguing interpretations of historic and traditional instrumentals; the String Sisters — Annie Mark on guitar and Maria Fairchild on banjo, playing a mix of classic country blues, old time, and original song; CJ and the Say Hey Bluez Crew, a new feel-good group comprised of musicians who share a love of upbeat jazzy blues, fronted by Claudia Jacobs, whose brassy and bold presence gets the audience on their feet; and headliners The Haymakers, a high-energy trio of veterans of the Long Island roots music scene who bring a new punch to retro favorites with the classic rockabilly instrumentation of twangy guitar, upright slap bass, and drums.

Also new to the festival this year is the Pick of the Crop performer contest. According to Amy Tuttle, program director at the Greater Port Jefferson-North Brookhaven Arts Council who’s also on the festival committee, four Long Island singer-songwriters — Josie Bello, Steve Robinson, Hank Stone and Linda Sussman — “will be strutting their stuff in hopes of being selected for a spot on the Main Stage at next year’s F&FF. All four are talented in their own right, and have their own signature styles,” she said. There will be a panel of music professionals judging the contest, and the audience will be given ballots to vote for their choice. The lucky winner will be announced at the end of the festival.

Other activities include a fiddle workshop, an open mic on the back of a 1924 Model TT Ford, vendors and a Kids Korner with crafts, stories and music. Visitors are also encouraged to stroll around the 15-acre working organic farm, meet the resident farm animals, and feel like a kid again on the Big Swing. 

For Bob Benner, it is an event he looks forward to every fall.

“Every year I look out on the great lawn and see hundreds of people settled in and entranced with the musicians, the ambiance of the farm and the slower pace that seems to envelope the crowd. I’m glad our groups can bring that experience to our Long Island community,” he said.

Presented by Homestead Arts, the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council, Benner’s Farm, TBR News Media and WUSB Radio, the music festival will be held rain or shine.

Benner’s Farm is located at 56 Gnarled Hollow Road in East Setauket. Advance tickets are $18 for adults, $15 seniors, and $10 for children at www.fiddleandfolk.com; $20 adults, $18 seniors and $10 for children at the door. Please bring seating. For more information, call 631-689-8172.

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Northport Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Hayao Nakahara

The Northport Symphony Orchestra has announced the creation of a Student Scholarship Program for the 2022-2023 season.  The Orchestra will offer three deserving music students a chance at a scholarship worth $500.  The program offers talented musicians performance opportunities outside the academic program, and is an excellent addition to extra-curricular activities for college applications.  The scholarship is repertoire-dependent; this year, we can offer scholarship opportunities to qualified students who play violin, viola, cello, string bass, bassoon, and French horn.

High school seniors and college students qualify for the NSO scholarship program.  Each scholarship winner will have the full experience as an active NSO member for a two-concert cycle.  Please visit www.northportsymphony.org/nsoscholarship for complete details and links to the application form, complete requirements, and additional information.

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The Jazz Loft
What is Jazz? Tour takes visitors to seven jazz stops in history

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, will be presenting two opportunities to take a LIVE tour through jazz history, with its What is JAZZ? Interactive tour on September 10 (starting at 6 p.m.) and October 21 (starting at 7 p.m.). Visitors can arrive at 10-minute intervals-see TICKETS. The tour is comprised of seven stops within the Jazz Loft’s museum and performance space. Each stop in Jazz history is about four minutes, during which patrons will be treated to a brief performance and historical reflection. The entire live music, interactive experience will take about 30 minutes.

Guests begin in the main lobby and are welcomed to America by a lone pianist who introduces them to the BLUES. Each stop is limited to a brief historical reflection and a singular tune leaving guests hungry for more.

As they continue to the Seaman Gallery, inspired by Jazz photography, guests meet a singer who introduces them to the influence of GOSPEL music in Jazz and they hear a melody reminiscent of a tent revival meeting in the deep south.

As the tour continues, we stumble into the Milt Hinton Music Room and are ushered into the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans as we hear the sounds of EARLY JAZZ presented by banjo/bass duo. Each time warp landing leaves no time for lingering and as the map leads from stop-to-stop patrons head upstairs to the Teddy Charles Room. Transported to the windy city of Chicago and the heyday of the BIG BAND/SWING ERA this stop is fueled by the syncopated vibrations of a clarinet/vibraphone trio reminiscent of Benny Goodman’s unit (the vibraphone, a 1939 Deagan model actually performed with Goodman and is flanked by photos to prove it!).

Six steps up the elevation climbs further to the wow-room and the journey continues as patrons are in the main performance space of the Jazz Loft, an intimate supper club environment complete with a three-tier bandstand reconstructed from the Roseland Ballroom dance floor and the towering 1927 Irving Plaza Ballroom chandelier, fully restored. Bandstand aglow in the history and story of the city that never slept, New York is alive with the energy, pep, vim and verve of BEBOPheralded by a quintet who’s never ceasing and endless energy abounds.

Is there more? YES! Because the story of Jazz is still evolving as told by the singular Avant-guard trombonist in the Loft’s library who shouts and wails the sound of THINGS TO COME and of beyond the now. The tour may seem complete, but this journey of four-minute stops, scheduled so that every group of guests has their own private walk through of the Jazz Loft will certainly leave much to be discussed.

Guests can then proceed to the Basie Garden to enjoy some lingering sounds of LATIN JAZZ to debrief their experience. Patrons can choose from a select list of wines, craft beers, snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Tickets, which are $30, $25 seniors, $20 students and $15 children, can be purchased at TICKETS

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

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Director Eric Stewart

The Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA) invites singers to their first rehearsal for a December concert on Tuesday, September  13 at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Eric Stewart, the exciting program of beautiful music will include works by Mozart, Bach, Lauridsen, Whitacre, Monteverdi, Rutter and more. Please call  631-751-2743 or  631-751-0630 for location and further details.

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The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook has announced the following events for September 2022 :

Thurs. 9/1    The Jazz Loft Big Band  at 7 p.m.

The 17 member Jazz Loft Big Band performs Big Band Swing at the 1939 World’s Fair. During the Fair famous big bands would play while dancers did the lindy hop and swing dances. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free.

 

Wed. 9/7      Young at Heart : Billie Holiday Torch Songs at 1 p.m.

The Jazz Loft Trio will perform the songs made famous by Billie Holiday. Young at Heart is a monthly themed jazz concert for those that like their jazz in the afternoon. Tickets: $10

 

Wed. 9/7         The Jazz Loft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 PM followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 at 7 p.m., $5 at 8 p.m.

 

Fri.  9/9      Aubrey Johnson Duo at 7 p.m.  Aubrey Johnson is a vocalist, composer and educator who specializes in jazz, Brazilian and creative contemporary music. She is joined by pianist and composer Randy Ingram. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children 5 and under free.

 

Saturday 9/10    What Is JAZZ ? Living Museum Tour at 6 p.m. The Jazz Loft will help visitors understand , “What is jazz?”, through an interactive tour featuring 7 stops in the museum that tell the history of jazz.   Small groupswill tour through the museum while musicians and singers will be stationed at displays in the museum that depict blues, gospel, early jazz, the big band and swing era and bebop. The tour ends in the Count Basie Garden where a Latin band will play and refreshments will be available. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Wed. 9/14  The Jazz Loft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 p.m. followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 at 7 p.m., $5 at 8 p.m.

 

Thurs. 9/15 Bad Little Big Band at 7 p.m. Pianist Rich Iacona leads his 15 member band in performing the music of The Great American Songbook and original music and arrangements written by band members. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Wed. 9/21 to Sat. 9/24  HARBOR JAZZ FEST

 

Wed. 9/21  Opening Reception   Jazz Loft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7 p.m. followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10

 

Thurs. 9/22   The Interplay Jazz Orchestra  at 7 p.m. The 17 member Interplay Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and arrangements written by band members. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Fri. 9/24  Harry Allen Quartet  at 7 p.m. Harry Allen is a renown jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, recording artist and arranger. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children, children under 5 free

 

Sat. 9/25   Rubens De La Corte at 1 p.m. Rubens De la Corte is a Brazilian guitarist, songwriter and ethnomusicologist.

Anderson Pocket Band at 4 p.m. Trombonist Ray Anderson is known for pushing the limits of his instrument.

Nicole Zuraitis and Her All Star Band at 7 p.m. Nicole is a Grammy nominated powerhouse vocalist, winner of the 2021 American Traditions vocal competition. She is a pianist, songwriter and arranger. She is a Jazz Loft audience favorite. She will be performing on the Stony Brook Village Green as part of the Harbor Jazz Fest. This event is FREE.

Tickets: All Saturday events are free and take place on the Village Green in Stony Brook

 

Wed. 9/28 Jazz Loft Trio and Jam at 7 p.m. The Jazz Loft Trio performs at 7  p.m. followed by a jam at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 at 7 p.m., $5 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.thejazzloft.org and subject to availability, on site before events. For more information, call 631-751-1895.

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Enjoy traditional Greek dancing on Saturday and Sunday evenings. File photo by Giselle Barkley/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

Lovers of all things Greek will gather at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Port Jefferson this week when the church presents its annual Greek Festival on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 26 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28 from noon to 10 p.m. 

Held rain or shine, the fun event will feature carnival rides, games, a variety of vendors, fireworks, church tours, live Greek music by Asteri Entertainment, dancing and of course, culinary delights.

Authentic mouth-watering foods such as gyros, tiropita (cheese pie), moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita (spinach pie) will be served up, along with sweet desserts such as galaktoboureko, koulourakia, baklava and loukoumades, a fried dough pastry favorite.

One of the main attractions at the festival is the over-the-top sweepstakes that the church holds. This year 170 prizes will be awarded from cars — a 2023 Mercedes Benz A-Class is first prize — to a boat, Apple Watch, iPad, cash, Smart TV and more. Tickets for the sweepstakes are $100 each and limited to 3,999 tickets. The drawing will be held on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.

The event is also an opportunity to see traditional Greek dance performances by the Blue Point Hellenic Dancers on Saturday and the Greek School Dancers on Sunday. 

Fireworks will be held on Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Free shuttle buses will pick up attendees from Ward Melville High School, 380 Old Town Road, East Setauket to transport them to festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Parking is also available at BASF Corporation across the street from the church. Tickets are $2 per person; children under 12 can attend for free.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption is located at 430 Sheep Pasture Road in Port Jefferson. For more information, call the church office at 631-473-0894 or visit www.portjeffgreekfest.com.

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The cast, from left, Ari Spiegel, Derek Hough, Cassidy Gill and Alexa Oliveto. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

By Heidi Sutton

The children’s picture book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems was an instant success when it was released in 2004 and won the Caldecott Honor in 2005. The story, based on the author’s 3-year-old daughter Trixie and her favorite stuffed animal, was followed by two sequels, Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity and Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion as well as an animated short film.

The cast, from left, Ari Spiegel, Derek Hough, Cassidy Gill and Alexa Oliveto.
Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media

Now the Smithtown Performing Arts Center pays homage to the award-winning book with a children’s theater production of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. With script and lyrics by Mo Willems and music by Michael Silversher, it  begins as Dad suggests that Mom take a trip to the spa while he takes their rambunctious pre-verbal daughter Trixie to the neighborhood laundromat. While Mom is hesitant, Dad insists he is up to the job. “It’s just one load of laundry. What could go wrong?”

Mom reminds Dad to make sure Trixie takes along her favorite stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, and the adventure begins.

Dad and Trixie walk through their neighborhood, through the park and into the laundromat. Dad decides to go home to fix Trixie a snack but as they head back to the house things take a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes she has lost Knuffle Bunny. Can she make Dad understand what’s wrong? Will he be able to save the day?

Expertly directed by Evan Donnellan with musical direction by Robbie Torries, the four-member cast does a flawless job conveying the funny, silly, engaging and fast-paced story. 

Derek Hough, last seen on SPAC’s stage as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, is incredible in the role of a clueless but well-meaning Dad and Alexa Oliveto shines in her role as the all-knowing Mom. Their duet “[Life Is] Tricky With Trixie” kicks off the show and sets the tone for a fun afternoon. 

Cassidy Gill is wonderful in the role of a frustrated Trixie and plays her character with infinite energy. While Trixie desperately attempts to communicate with her solo “Aggle Flaggle Klabble” and acts out by going “boneless,” she surprises everyone at the end with her first real word. Can you guess what it is? 

A versatile Ari Spiegel rounds out the cast and plays numerous supporting roles including a pigeon and a giant Knuffle Bunny.

A nice touch is the constantly changing screen in the background, from the exterior and interior of the family’s home to the laundromat and even a video of a fire truck driving by.

In the end, the show reminds us of the amazing lengths parents will go through for their children and that is worth the trip.

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., Aug. 20 at 2 p.m., Sept. 1 and 2 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. Running time is one hour with no intermission and snacks and drinks will be sold before the show. All seats are $18. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

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