Music

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.

The Jazz Loft houses more than 10,000 pieces of jazz history and memorabilia. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

Every month is Jazz Appreciation Month at The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook, but in April 2002, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History designated April as the official Jazz Appreciation Month, with the aims to draw greater public attention globally to the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz. The Jazz Loft is announcing FREE admission to its museum for the entire month of April.

It’s also a great time to join The Jazz Loft’s Friend’s Circle, a membership with seven levels of support, which can include unlimited access to memorabilia displays; discounts on selected events; VIP pre-sale; discounts on special lecture events; free gifts; and complimentary passes to popular shows and festivals and more!

Already a Friend’s Circle Member? Joining for the first time? Sign up or renew during the month of April and get a FREE TJL car magnet!

The Jazz Loft’s museum boasts more than 10,000 pieces of jazz memorabilia and most recently, a new Tony Bennett exhibit, which features over 100 items, including several awards and Grammy nominations; letters from presidents, Louis Armstrong and Fred Astaire; and the Gold Records from his signature hit I Left my Heart in San Francisco. Other exhibits include one of the largest collections of Charlie Parker memorabilia in the nation; Keely Smith’s Grammy Award and designer gowns worn by Ella Fitzgerald.

“The Jazz Loft is without question the anchor for cultural outreach within our Long Island community,” says Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft. “Our 30-plus archive collections celebrate some of the most important figures in American popular music: Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Keely Smith, Louis Jordan, Tony Bennett, John Coltrane and many others. Our stage is alive with over 200 performances annually and over 12,000 people come through our doors each year. Our education program is fostering a new generation for Jazz and I’m happy that in April we can especially put the spotlight on this relevant, important and meaningful organization within our community.”

For more information visit The Jazz Loft’s Friend’s Circle. The Jazz Loft, located at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook, is a non-profit organization, established in 2016 by Dr. Thomas Manuel, its founder, curator, jazz historian and artistic director. The Jazz Loft aims to help preserve, educate on all things jazz and it is also the only music venue on Long Island that exclusively features jazz music. For more information visit: The Jazz Loft

Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, of the Port Jefferson School District, recently hosted the SCMEA (Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association) Division One East All-County Festival. On March 1, 7, and 8, more than 400 Suffolk County music students in grades 5 and 6 participated in the festival, performing in either band, chorus, or orchestra.

For the SCMEA Division One East All County Festival, Port Jefferson music faculty and student volunteers from the Tri-M Music Honor Society assisted with rehearsals, auditions, ticket and food sales, and guiding visitors through the building.

“We congratulate the Port Jeff students, music teachers, custodial, and security staff for helping to create a memorable music experience for so many of our county musicians and teachers,” said Dr. Michael Caravello, the district’s director of music and fine arts.

SCMEA consists of professional music educators and advocates of music education throughout Suffolk County that sponsors and organizes numerous All County Music Festivals (Band, Orchestra and Chorus) each year for students in grades five through ten.

For more information regarding the Port Jefferson School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website at https://www.portjeffschools.org and follow its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PortJeffSchools.

 

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents a tribute to the girls of pop on Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. If you’re a Swiftie or a Livie, this is the show for you, so come ready to sparkle, shine, and party at this family friendly experience as Julia Jewel dazzles with performances of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo hits and learn about Julia’s music journey from American Idol Golden Ticket Winner.

As a special bonus, you’ll also get to vibe to Julia’s favs from Sabrina, Billie, Chappell and more. Live band, costume changes, shimmering lights, and great pop entertainment will get you and your friends up out of your seats dancing and singing!

Tickets are $56.50 for orchestra seating, $46.50 for the balcony.   To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

DJ Johnny 'Juice' Rosado

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook welcomes one of its inductees—legendary Hip-Hop artist DJ Johnny“Juice” Rosado —as an official member of its board of directors.

DJ Johnny ‘Juice’ Rosado

“The LIMEHOF is essential in archiving Long Island’s artistry,” Rosado said. “My decision to join the board was to provide diversity regarding the curating and presentation of artists who otherwise may have gone unnoticed. Hopefully, my voice, along with the other esteemed members of the board, will accurately reflect the full spectrum of innovative artists that Long Island has been known to produce.”

Throughout his life and career, Johnny “Juice” Rosado has been known and admired in many roles. These roles include Emmy and NAACP Image-nominated composer, award-winning producer, turntablist, sound and electronic engineer, musician, b-boy, educator, lecturer, and mentor. He was originally from the Bronx and grew up in Uniondale. With almost 40 years in the music industry, he has contributed to some of Hip-Hop’s greatest works. In addition to being in Public Enemy, over the years, he has lent his production, composition, engineering, and scratching skills to projects by other legendary artists such as the Mandrill, Mavis Staples, Ben Harper, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Leaders of the New School, KRS One, DMC, and C&C Music Factory.

“We are thrilled to bring someone of Johnny‘s musical stature to our board,” said LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo. “We are looking forward to implementing his ideas and insights and assisting to make LIMEHOF one of the most important musical institutions in the country.”

Inducted to LIMEHOF in 2008 with Public Enemy, Johnny “Juice” has remained a longtime friend and strong supporter of the LIMEHOF organization and museum location in Stony Brook as far back as its first press conference announcement of the signing of the lease for the building in 2022. Before the doors even opened to the public, he DJed at the first museum press conference. Since then, he’s enthusiastically participated, spoken, emceed and lent his talents in several of the concerts and special events. These events included the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop celebration and Q&A panel, the induction of The Fat Boys, and the most recent inductions of DJ Hurricane, Davy DMX, and DJ Jazzy Jay. As a former educator himself, he also is a strong supporter of LIMEHOF’s education programs, and he’s even participated in one of Stevie Van Zandt’s TeachRock workshops held at LIMEHOF.

DJ Johny Juice Rosado is still very active in his music career and is currently on tour with Public Enemy as part of its 2025 Guns N’ Roses tour. For more information about LIMEHOF’s board of directors, visithttps://www.limusichalloffame.org/board-of-directors/

JOHNNY “JUICE” ROSADO Official Biography

DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado is an Emmy and NAACP Image-nominated composer, award-winning producer, turntablist, sound and electronic engineer, musician, b-boy, educator, lecturer, and mentor. Originally from the Bronx, he witnessed the birth of Hip-Hop right on his doorstep. He is the Global Vice President of The Bronx Boys Rocking Crew, the 1st Latino rocking (breaking) crew and the founders of the original style of floor rocking, established in 1975.

Moving to Uniondale, Long Island in the early 80s, he immediately made an impact on Long Island’s budding Hip-Hop scene. His work, especially with Public Enemy, has been embedded into Hip-Hop history. With almost 40 years in the industry, he has contributed to some of Hip-Hop’s greatest works. Over the years, he has lent his production, composition, engineering, and scratching skills to projects by other legendary artists such as the Mandrill, Mavis Staples, Ben Harper, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Leaders of the New School, KRS One, DMC, and C&C Music Factory.

Juice also produces and composes music for TV and film scores and soundtracks. He was nominated for an Outstanding Music Composition Emmy for his work on ESPN’s “Ali Rap,” as well as being nominated for 3 NAACP Image Awards, including Best Album for the soundtrack to the movie “On the Shoulders of Giants.”

Juice is one half of the duo, The Odyssey. Their unique brand of music—blending jazz, soul, funk, pop, and Hip-Hop—won them Best Alternative Video and Video of the Year for their song “Bang Bang” at the International Independent Music Video Awards in 2020. He is also working with the Long Island alternative rock band My World. They are currently performing around the country as well as locally on Long Island. He also works with the youth as a mentor and instructor at Energetic Enterprise Youth Community Studio in Uniondale.

In 2008, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy, and in 2013 he took the stage and performed as Public Enemy were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is currently the Music Director and DJ for Public Enemy.

Outside of his music, he is a computer scientist, electronic engineer, a lifelong martial artist (becoming a Junior Olympic medalist in Tae Kwon Do), and a proud US military veteran.

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.  ###