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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

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Vandermeulen High School played host for the S.C.M.E.A. Division One East All-County Festival
Vandermeulen High School played host for the S.C.M.E.A. Division One East All-County Festival
Vandermeulen High School played host for the S.C.M.E.A. Division One East All-County Festival
Port Jefferson students and staff volunteered to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Port Jefferson students and staff volunteered to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Port Jefferson students and staff volunteered to ensure the event ran smoothly.

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.

 

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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.

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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.  ###

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From left, Bob Willemstyn, restaurateur and owner of the Country House; Madiran's owner and sommelier, Jacqueline Malenda; Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft; and Elaine and Enzo Micali, owners of Elaine’s restaurant. Photo courtesy of The Jazz Loft

The signs of spring on the North Shore bring more than warm breezes and the return of the ospreys. Jazz music will once again be filling the air as The Jazz Loft’s Swing Into Swing Festival 2025 returns from March 18 to 22, not only boosting everyone’s spirits but also at local businesses. There will be an assortment of opportunities to hear live Jazz music throughout the community at five local restaurants in the Stony Brook/East Setauket area.

From left are Tom Manuel, founder of The Jazz Loft; Bob Willemstyn, restaurateur and owner of the Country House; Madiran’s owner and sommelier, Jacqueline Malenda; and Enzo and Elaine Micali, owners of Elaine’s restaurant. Photo from The Jazz Loft

Local restaurants featuring live jazz include: Bliss, located at 766 Route 25A in East Setauket; Elaine’s, located at 316 Main Street in East Setauket; The Country House, located at 1175 North Country Road in Stony Brook; Madiran, located at 209 Route 25A in East Setauket; and Schnitzels, located at 77 Main Street in Stony Brook. 

“We are excited to be part of the Jazz Loft’s Swing into Spring event,” said Elaine Micali,  owner of Elaine’s in East Setauket. “It’s a great way to spread a little Jazz throughout the Three Village community!” 

“I believe that the annual Swing into Spring is something to which the community looks forward to,” said Madiran owner and Sommelier Jacqueline Malenda. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to expose our friends and neighbors to such tremendously talented local musicians. It’s how I began a monthly gig with The Jazz Loft a few years ago, and I’m so happy that I have!”

“The Jazz Loft is a gem in our community,” said Jane Taylor, Executive Director of The Three Village Chamber of Commerce. “The quality of the performances are outstanding and we are fortunate to have The Jazz Loft in our backyard with its quality musicians, while also sharing with the community the history of Jazz, and how it has influenced our culture. I would encourage all to take advantage of the upcoming Swing into Spring Festival.”

The five-day music festival will also feature concert performances at The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook including a Community Jazz Night with Carl Safina, Rod Borrie and John Ronconi on March 18; Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble on March 20;  the Mitch Marcus Quintet on March 21 and Frank Vignola and his Birdland Quintet on March 22. 

Funding for the Festival comes in part from the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright.

“Music has the power to draw people out and bring people together,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “I am always excited each year to bring music with the Swing into Spring festival throughout the Three Village community. I am so proud to partner with our community businesses. It’s a great feeling to see our restaurants bustling with people, and filled with the sound of live Jazz.”

Schedule of Events:
Tuesday March 18:

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Community Jazz Night: Rod Borrie & Free Range, Carl Safina & Moment’s Notice, John Ronconi & Cafe Society

$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE

Bliss (6-8PM):

Steve Salerno, guitar, John Marshall, tenor saxophone

Elaine’s (6-8PM):

Tom Manuel, cornet, Phil Rinaldi, piano

Madiran (6-8PM):

Dean Johnson, bass, Al Marino, guitar

 

Wednesday March 19:

Madiran (6-8PM):

Phil Rinaldi, piano, Mark Wade, bass

Bliss (6-8PM):

Steve Salerno, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet

Elaine’s (6-8PM):

Kevin Clark, guitar, Chris Donohue, tenor saxophone

The Country House (6-8PM):

The Jazz Loft Trio

Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano, Darrell Smith, drums

The Jazz Loft (4-5:30PM):

Improvisation & Jam Session Techniques Workshop

Dean Johnson, bass, Rich Iacona, piano Tom Manuel, cornet, Darrell Smith, drums

$10 All

The Jazz Loft: (7-9:30PM)

Jam Session / The Keenan Zach Trio

$10, $5 at 8PM

Thursday March 20:

Country House (6-8PM):

Mala Waldron, piano

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Bakithi Kumalo Ensemble

Bakithi Kumalo, bass, Miho Nobuzane, piano/vocal, Kate Curran, vocal, Dylan Kries, saxophone, Ray Marchica, drums

 Friday March 21:

Country House (6-8PM):

Rich Iacona, piano, Tom Manuel, cornet

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Mitch Marcus Quintet

Mitch Marcus, tenor saxophone, Evan Francis, alto saxophone/flute, Jeff Miles, guitar, Peter Brendler, bass, Jerad Lippi, drums

$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE

 

Saturday March 22:

The Jazz Loft (7-9:30PM)

Frank Vignola Birdland Quartet

Frank Vignola, guitar, Ted Rosenthal, piano, Alex Raderman, drums, Gary Mazzaroppi, bass

$30, $25, $20, $15, Kids 5 and under FREE

Schnitzels (5-7PM)

Vinny Raniolo, guitar, Tom Manuel, cornet

 

All tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://www.thejazzloft.org/tickets

For more information call 631-751-1895.

 

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Rhythm India heads to the Staller Center on March 21.

Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook will present three exhilarating dance performances this season, showcasing diverse styles and cultural expressions. From the powerful sisterhood of Syncopated Ladies to the vibrant celebration of South Asian dance in Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond to the innovative artistry of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, this season offers an exceptional opportunity to experience some of the world’s most innovative dance performances yet.

On March 14, the groundbreaking Syncopated Ladies take the Main Stage. Led by Emmy Award-nominated choreographer Chloé Arnold, Syncopated Ladies is the most viewed female tap group in history, having amassed over 100 million views online. With a background of notable collaborations—including Beyoncé, who shared their work with her fans and invited them to perform internationally—the Syncopated Ladies have quickly become a global sensation. In this upcoming performance, Syncopated Ladies combine bold choreography with personal stories, empowering audience members of all ages to pursue their dreams with courage. From their viral success to their acclaimed performances on Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more, this dynamic group continues to inspire the next generation of artists.

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Chloe Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies: Live!

On March 21, get ready for “A feast for the eyes, ears, and heart!” (Cultural Explorer) with Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond. Under the direction of Joya Kazi, a World Choreography Award nominee and Telly Award-winning choreographer, this performance celebrates the spirited traditions of South Asian dance, from classical forms to Bollywood hits. Dazzling costumes, dynamic music, and energetic rhythms resonate from the palaces of ancient India to the bustling streets of its modern cities. Rhythm India invites audiences to step into the rich cultural tapestry of India with the talented dancers from Joya Kazi Unlimited.

DINNER & A SHOW: Enhance your experience by bundling your ticket with an authentic three-course Indian dinner at the Curry Club at SaGhar. For just $95 (adult package), or $68.50 for kids 12 and under, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal, soft drinks, and coffee, along with tax and gratuity included. This package combines the best of South Asian cuisine with an evening of exceptional dance.

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Dancers from Joya Kazi Unlimited in Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond

Closing out the Spring Season is an international leader in modern dance: Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to Staller on May 3rd. Since its founding in 1954, the Paul Taylor Dance Company has been at the forefront of contemporary dance, offering audiences new perspectives on the human experience through the joy, pain, humor, and tragedy that bind us all together. Under the artistic direction of Michael Novak, a longtime company member appointed by founder Paul Taylor himself, the company has evolved while maintaining the core values and that Taylor instilled. With a repertoire that spans over six decades, the company’s performances have touched audiences in over 600 cities across 66 countries, showcasing the transformative power of dance. This is a rare opportunity to experience some of the world’s finest dancers performing in one of the most prestigious dance companies. “One of the most exciting, innovative, and delightful dance companies in the entire world.” (The New York Times). 

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Paul Taylor Dance Company performs Esplanade.

For tickets, information, and to see all of the upcoming programs at Staller Center, visit stallercenter.com. 

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Pictured from left,Twila Silverman, Chair of Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission; Stacey Ann Caggiano, Director of Suffolk County Department of Women’s Services; Fifth Legislative District Woman of Distinction Johanna Kosak; Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright; and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright's office

At a luncheon held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on March 4, all 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored the county’s Women of Distinction for 2025. The county’s Department of Women’s Services asked each legislator to choose an impressive female constituent from their district who volunteers their time to make their community a better place. Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) named nonprofit founder Johanna Kosak as the Fifth Legislative District’s Woman of Distinction.

Kosak founded the Comsewogue Music and Arts Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in September 2023 after her daughter noticed a lack of music and arts scholarships in the Comsewogue School District. The nonprofit organization assists students pursuing creative paths.

“It’s impressive that Ms. Kosak found a need in her children’s school district and took matters in her own hands to do something about it,” Englebright said. “Music and other creative pursuits are vital for the collective good of our society.”

Kosak works alongside school district mothers Secretary Michele Provenzale and Treasurer Yoon Choi-Perrone, as well as the nonprofit’s student volunteers, her daughter, Annmarie; Perrone’s son, James; and Provenzale’s son, Michael.

The volunteers organize and host 20 to 30 fundraisers annually and have raised $12,000 since September 2023. The nonprofit is present at every school concert and drama production to sell flowers and snacks, hold raffles and request donations.

The nonprofit raises funds for scholarships for Comsewogue High School seniors who plan to enroll in college music, arts, marketing, business and architecture programs. CMAC also provides opportunities for art students to promote their artwork at the nonprofit’s craft fair. Last year, the sale of artwork supplied funds for CMAC and the Arts Honor Society.

Additionally, the CMAC supports teachers by providing grants for educators to invite professional musicians and artists for workshops and career development sessions. CMAC also raises funds to reduce costs for families in financial need who wish to send younger children to music or drama programs during the summer vacation.

The nonprofit’s work includes supporting the Comsewogue High School Business Department by providing learning and collaboration opportunities for students interested in digital art marketing.

In addition to her volunteer work with CMAC, the mother of four works fulltime and volunteers with her husband at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Her husband serves as the organist, while she plays keyboard. A former instructor at Suffolk County Community College, Kosak also volunteered with the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation, serving in roles such as president, vice-president and competition coordinator.

Kosak said she was honored and humbled to be honored and credited her fellow volunteers and the community for making CMAC a success.

“This recognition was not only for me but for our entire community and a great encouragement to continue,” Kosak said.

 

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Photo courtesy of Northport Symphony Orchestra

The Northport Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Eric Mahl, will present the second concert of its 2024-2025 season at Northport High School, 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport on Friday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

The concert will feature Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, composed in 1883, while Brahms was at his creative peak. The program also includes Jubilee, from the Symphonic Sketches by George Chadwick, the Montgomery Variations by Margaret Bonds, and the Egmont Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven. 

Join them for a repertoire of wonderful classical music! Tickets are $15 at the door.

These concerts are made possible by ticket sales and by donations from our generous advertisers, sponsors, donors, and audience members. For more information, visit www.northportsymphony.org.

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Photo by Christine Ambrosini

The monthly Hard Luck Café concert series co-presented by the Folk Music Society of Huntington and the Cinema Arts Centre (423 Park Avenue, Huntington) in the Cinema’s Sky Room continues on Wednesday, March 19 with a multimedia Tribute to Those We’ve Lost. Two-dozen Long Island-based artists will perform songs by/popularized by notable songwriters and recording artists who left our world over the past year. The concert will extend from 7 to 10 p.m., with a short intermission.

LI-based artists slated to perform include Candice Baranello, Janice Buckner, Eric Eaton & Jennifer Grace, Gathering Time (Stuart Markus, Christine Sweeney & Gerry McKeveny), Ray Lambiase and Kate Corrigan, Bill Lauter, Stuart Markus, Larry Moser and Max Rowland, James O’Malley, Princess Peapod (Dave Cook & Michele Frimmer), Denise Romas, Gary Schoenberger, Terry Seidl, Hank Stone, Suffolk Shuffle (Richard Parr & Joe Roccanova), Bob Westcott, Jim Whiteman, and Lindsay Whiteman.

They’ll be performing songs by/popularized by such artists as Mike Brewer (Brewer & Shipley), Eric Carmen, Barbara Dane, Roberta Flack, Garth Hudson (The Band), Bernice Johnson Reagon, Kris Krisfofferson, Linda LaFlamme (It’s A Beautiful Day), Phil Lesh (The Grateful Dead), Dave Loggins, David Mallet, One Direction’s Liam Payne, Tom Prasada-Rao, John Roberts, JD Souther, Randy Sparks (The New Christy Minstrels), Libby Titus, and Peter Yarrow, among others.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for Cinema Arts Centre/FMSH members) and may be purchased online at cinemaartscentre.org or at the box office through the evening of the show.

 

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A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three
A scene from 'Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show' at Theatre Three. Photo by Steven Uihlein/Theatre Three

By Heidi Sutton

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” So begins Theatre Three’s latest offering, Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show, a fitting tribute to the life and music of the Man in Black. The show opened to a full house last  Saturday night and did not disappoint. 

Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade, with orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby, the musical opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2006 for a limited run before heading to community theaters. 

Expertly directed by Christine Boehm, the show at Theatre Three features over 30 of Cash’s most popular songs including Jackson, Ring of Fire, If I Were a Carpenter, Get Rhythm, and I Walk the Line, sung in quick succession over two hours by an incredibly talented cast — Tina Ann Aurora, Kyle M. Breitenbach, Jeffrey Hoffman, Michael Mandato, Cassidy Rose O’Brien, Dan Schindlar and Ryan Van Nostrand — as the singer’s story is told.

One of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Cash drew inspiration from his life experiences and embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel, earning him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

Born in Kingsland, Arkansas in 1932, Johnny Cash was the fourth child of Carrie and Ray Cash. As the show progresses, we learn that he and his six siblings worked alongside their parents picking cotton on their farm. Tragedy strikes when his older brother Jack dies after been injured at work, an event that deeply affected Cash for the rest of his life.

We witness the first time the singer meets June Carter at the Grand Ole Opry and is instantly smitten. Several stints in jail inspire a series of “prison” songs including Folsom Prison Blues and Orleans Parish Prison and his struggles with drugs spur him to write Cocaine Blues.

Every song is executed beautifully and with gusto and each actor has a chance to shine, taking turns to sing the lead. Highlights include Breitenbach’s version of Delia’s Gone, Van Nostrand’s hilarious rendition of Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart and Man in Black by Mandato.

Special mention must be made of Schindlar’s A Boy Named Sue which tells the story of a young man’s quest for revenge on his father for naming him Sue before abandoning him. During the performance, Schindlar comes down from the stage to look for his “father” in the audience. A nice touch. 

As with any production, it takes a village to make it all come together perfectly.

While each cast member plays multiple instruments including guitar, violin, ukulele, piano, tambourine and flute, they are accompanied on stage by a backup band featuring Marni Harris on fiddle, John Dericco on guitar and mandolin, Dave Grudzinski and Ethan Mascarenas on bass and Don Larsen on drums.

The costumes, designed by Boehm, feature modest and demure country dresses, jeans and overalls in Act I but switch to sparkly and shiny new digs in Act II to reflect the progression of Cash’s career. Even the boots glitter! 

The impressive set, designed by Randall Parsons, resembles the inside of a barn with hints of the Grand Ole Opry. Each side of the stage features a lighted porch for seating and stained glass windows illuminate the background.

Don’t miss this wonderful show. You’ll be clapping along and tapping your feet and going home with a deeper appreciation of the legendary singer/songwriter and his impact on the world of music. The standing ovation at the end of the opening performance was most deserved. 

See trailer here.

Theatre Three, 412 Main St. Port Jefferson presents Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show through March 30. Come early for a cocktail and snacks at Griswold’s Cafe. Proceeds benefit the refurbishment of the historic theater.

Mainstage performances continue with Wait Until Dark from April 18 to May 11 and the Long Island premiere of Half Time from May 24 to June. 22. Tickets are $40 adults, $32 seniors and students, $25 children ages 5 to 12. 

Coming up at The Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, on the Second Stage is the 26th annual Festival of One-Act Plays featuring the world premieres of seven  plays up close and personal from March 8 through April 5. Tickets are $25. 

To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

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