The Jazz Loft, located along the charming Stony Brook waterfront and nearby historic village, presents the 9th annual Harbor Jazz Festival from Sept. 18 to 21. The four celebratory days of Jazz will featureinternationally-known acts, including vocalist Pete Caldera and the Sinatra Project Sextet; the Ray Anderson Group; Akiko Tsuruga Organ Quartet; Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet; Bill Crow Trio and Mala Waldron Quartet along with a parade with the Equity Brass band through Stony Brook Village.
“The year’s 9th Annual 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 Tom Manuel, founder and president of The Jazz Loft.“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.”
Much of the festival will take place outdoors on two stages overlooking Stony Brook Harbor, as well inside The Jazz Loft at 275 Christian Avenue in Stony Brook.
This year’s outdoor concerts on September 21 will take place throughout the day on two stages: one on the Jazz Loft’s front lawn, and the second location across the street on the Stony Brook Village Green. All concerts on Saturday are free to the public. Just bring a lawn chair or blanket. Shows for Sept. 18 through Sept. 20 are ticketed events.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The Jazz Loft
Sept. 18at 7 p.m. — Opening reception & jam session with the Keenan Zach Trio. All tickets are $10.
Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. — The Bad Little Big Band, featuring guest artist trumpeter Joe Magnarelli. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students, $15 children ages 5 and up.
Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. — The Sinatra Project with vocalist Pete Caldera backed by The Sinatra Sextet. Tickets are $40.
Sept. 21 from noon to 8 p.m.
Village Green Stage
Traditional Jazz Parade with Equity Brass Band at noon; Ray Anderson Group at 1 p.m.; Akiko Tsuruga Organ Quartetat 4 p.m.; and Carlos Jimenez Mambo Dulcet at 7 p.m. Free.
Jazz Loft Lawn Stage
Bill Crow Trio at 3 p.m.; Mala Waldron Quartet at 6 p.m. Free.
In the case of rain, all events will be held inside The Jazz Loft.
For more information, call 631-751-1895 or visit www.thejazzloft.org.
This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s Harvest Times supplement on Sept. 12.
The Northport Chorale will hold open auditions for all voice parts, especially basses and tenors at the Union United Methodist Church, 1018 Pulaski Road, East Northport on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and at the East Northport Middle School, 1075 5th Avenue, East Northport on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Prior experience a plus, but not required.
Established in 1982 as a part of the Northport Continuing Education Department, the Northport Chorale has been bringing the gift of song to the area for over 40 years. A mixed-voice chorus of approximately thirty members, the Chorale attracts singers of varied ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. Under the direction of Matthew Ho, the Chorale performs several times during the year, often with additional accompaniment, from guest soloists.
Regular rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at the East Northport Middle School from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.northportchorale.org.
Mark your calendars! Three Village Rotary will host a Light Up Main Street fundraiser at the Setauket Neighborhood House, 95 Main St., Setauket on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The evening will feature live music, food, drinks and raffles. All proceeds will go towards funding lighting up Main Street in Setauket for the holidays. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make a difference while having a great time! Ticket includes one complimentary drink, food, coffee and dessert. To purchase, visit threevillagerotary.eventbrite.com.
The event is sponsored by The Bench, Main Street Properties, Revival by Toast, Makenzie Moeller of Howard Hanna Coach Realtors, Grace Leyhane of Howard Hanna Coach Realtors, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant, Invaiatura, and Relancer Capital. For more information, call 631-988-9564.
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
Scenes from the Huntington Music Fest. Photos by Toni-Elena Gallo and the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society
By Toni-Elena Gallo
Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society held its 15th annual Music Fest on Saturday, Aug. 31. The event takes place each year between Huntington Bay and Lloyd Harbor and brings together lovers of the sea and lovers of rock ’n’ roll.
In 1985 the lighthouse was scheduled for demolition, but the nonprofit HLPS took it over and has worked to preserve and restore it ever since.
A variety of bands, ranging in genre from reggae to classic rock, played from 11 a.m. to dusk, at the top of Huntington Lighthouse, a historical landmark that has existed in its current incarnation since 1912, and housed the families of keepers from the 19th- to the early 20th century.
The unique design of this festival — it is only accessible by taking a boat for about a 10-minute ride out of Huntington Harbor — adds to the excitement it generates among boaters.
“We’ve got 1,500-plus boats here from Connecticut, New Jersey, Westchester, Rhode Island. They come from all over the place,” said Pam Setchell, president of the preservation society. “There is no music fest, anywhere in the world, that is performed on top of a working lighthouse. That’s the ace in the hole. As long as my roof is in good shape, we’re good,” she said with a laugh.
The Next Level, one of the festival’s acts, was thrilled to be back performing for the third time.
“It is awesome. We love playing here,” said Althea, the group’s lead singer.
And, to top off the day of festivities, lights illuminate the small lighthouse as dusk approaches, creating a colorful spectacle.
The festival was free to attend, and all proceeds from the 50/50 raffle went toward lighthouse restoration.
The Jazz Loft Founder Tom Manuel and Hofstra intern Rachael Hajec stand in front of the
new Ella Fitzgerald exhibit. Courtesy The Jazz Loft
Rachael Hajec, a Hofstra University journalism student, just completed a summer internship at Stony Brook’s famed Jazz Loft. There, she delved into marketing, media relations and all things journalism.
During her internship, Hajec worked on a range of projects, including creating documentaries for The Loft’s social media and website, managing event promotions and producing video and audio packages for the John Monteleone: Art of the Guitar Festival, as well as the Loft School of Jazz Summer Camp. She, also, developed graphics for event promotion, conducted interviews and maintained connections with local businesses and officials for future collaborations.
“There are students who are hard workers and dedicated professionals, and then there are those who embody the intangible,” said The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel. “Rachel has that intangible quality. It was a joy to work with her, and I’m confident she’s destined for great things.”
Hajec hails from Spartansburg, Pennsylvania, and has been residing in Hempstead for the past four years. She is set to be a senior at Hofstra, this fall, where she has been serving as the Program Director of Music at award-winning radio station 88.7FM WRHU, as a passionate student of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.
“Working at The Jazz Loft was one of the most beneficial experiences of my early journalism career,” Hajec said.
Hajec worked under the supervision of The Jazz Loft’s media director Carole Trottere — a woman who served as a mentor to the aspiring journalist.
“Rachael is one of the most creative and enthusiastic interns I’ve ever worked with,” Trottere said. “She brought such energy to her role, and offered many new ideas for marketing our events.”
The Jazz Loft offers internships in public relations, marketing, archival research and stage production. Interested candidates can view opportunities on Handshake.com.
“When I saw the Jazz Loft’s internship listing, I knew I had to apply,” Hajec said.
“The work was rewarding, and the relationships I built…made it even more special. I highly recommend The Jazz Loft to anyone who loves jazz and values a sense of community, and I hope other eager journalists will enjoy their time there as much as I did.”
As the air begins to chill, Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts is ready to warm up audiences with a variety of exciting performances with its Fall 2024 season.
Alan Inkles, Staller Center director, said planning a season is similar to putting together a puzzle when deciding who to include and working with the artists’ schedules. He added he and his team like to create a season that is a mixture of newcomers and well-known names, which he feels both challenges and entertains audiences.
Record breaking artist Jackie Evancho heads to Stony Brook University on November 23. Photo courtesy of Staller Center
“What I’ve begun the last couple years is to mix the stars in with what I call discovery shows,” he said. “We’ve got to keep going back to bringing in shows with great, talented people that maybe you might remember them from America’s Got Talent or you may have seen them somewhere. That’s the joy of going to an arts center.”
Among those who have appeared on America’s Got Talent scheduled to perform at the Staller Center are Malevo on Oct. 26 and Jackie Evancho on Nov. 23.
Inkles described Malevo’s show as “high energy.” The dance group from Argentina was a semi-finalist on AGT in 2016. The dancers will perform zapateo, similar to tap dancing, using a type of weapon called boleadora.
Evancho is known for competing as an opera singer and coming in second on AGT in 2010 at the age of 10. Inkles said the artist, now known for singing pop, has created a show that will include opera, pop and Broadway tunes.
“That will be a fun night,” Inkles said. “That’s something different that I like to bring in.”
Among those appearing at the Staller Center this season will be comedian Wanda Sykes (sold out), Tony Award winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, musician John Pizzarelli and Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque.
The season will kick off on Sept. 15 with the Emerson Legacy Concert Presents the Han-Setzer-Finckel Trio performing the music of Haydn, Beethoven and Dvorak. The trio continues the tradition of the Emerson String Quartet with former members Phil Setzer on violin and David Finckel playing cello, with the addition of pianist Wu Han.
Entertainers perform on the main stage or recital hall depending on the performance. Inkles said on Nov. 13, “It’s going to be a really cool night at the recital hall.” The night will feature viral star Stella Cole, Postmodern Jukebox’s Benny Benack III and tap dancer Jabu Graybeal for Some Enchanted Evening with Stella Cole. The trio will perform Jazz-inspired selections of Broadway hits spanning the decades.
The Peridance Contemporary Dance Company will take on the Staller Main Stage on Nov. 16. “If you like modern dance … if you want to see amazing movement, if you’re taking dance class, there is ballet, there is tap dancing in it,” Inkles said.
Last year, the Staller Center debuted a new concept showing a children’s movie. At the same time, a live orchestra performed along to the songs with Disney’s Coco. This year, the arts center will show Disney’s Encanto on Oct. 14, with a Latin band playing the musical score. After the viewing, attendees can meet the band members.
“It gives the kids the opportunity to see a live band as well as a movie,” he said.
Changes through the years
For this year’s fall season, like most performance periods, Inkles and his team began planning two years ago when he started traveling around the country to attend shows featuring various artists to see who would be a good fit for the arts center.
After the COVID-19 shutdowns and venues began to open again, Inkles said a decision was made to have a fall and spring season instead of one long performance period due to people tending to go out less after the pandemic. “People aren’t buying in advance as much or as many shows,” he said.
Regarding post-pandemic, Inkles said that out of the other State University of New York campuses with arts centers, the Staller Center is doing better than others audience-wise, and things are returning to normal. “We’re thriving in a time when a lot of our centers have either closed their doors or are doing much, much less,” he said.
Inkles said it’s vital to have such an arts center on campus grounds. For every show, the center makes at least 100 free tickets available to SBU students who wish to attend a performance. “We want to give these students culture and entertainment that they’ve not seen before,” he said. “It’s growth of the future. If we don’t do this, in 20 years there won’t be art centers. People will just be watching on their phones.”
Inkles added he and his team aim to create shows that are good not just for Long Island but also in general.
“When you come to see a show at the Staller Center, in my mind, it is as good, if not better, because the acoustics are great in the recital hall, or our sound system is better than most theaters on Broadway,” he said. “You need to walk out thinking it’s as good, if not better than something you could see in New York City, and that’s sort of my rule of thumb. I’m not looking for something that is pretty good, I’m looking for something that’s really great.”
Calendar of Event
9/15 — Emerson Legacy Concert at 5 p.m. (RH)
9/21 — Renée Elise Goldsberry at 8 p.m. (MS)
9/28 — John Pizzarelli: Stage & Screen at 8 p.m. (RH)
10/14 — Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Sing-Along at 4 p.m. (MS)
10/18 — Wanda Sykes at 8 p.m. (MS) *Sold out
10/26 — Malevo at 8 p.m. (MS)
10/9 — Cirque Kalabané: Afrique en Cirque at 7 p.m. (MS)
11/13 — Some Enchanted Evening with Stella Cole at 7 p.m. (RH)
11/16 — Peridance Contemporary Dance Company at 8 p.m. (MS)
11/21 — Starry Nights at 7 p.m. (RH)
11/23 — An Evening with Jackie Evancho at 8 p.m. (RH)
11/24 — ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus’ at 3 p.m. (MS)
12/6 — Anthony Nunziata: A Broadway Italian Christmas at 8 p.m. (RH)
12/14 — Caroline Campbell with guest Chloe Flower at 8 p.m. (RH)
RH: Recital Hall
MS: Main Stage
Stony Brook University’s Staller Center for the Arts is located at 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. To order tickets, call the box office at 631-632-2787 or visit stallercenter.com.
Scene from the Town of Smithtown's End of Summer concert. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
Scene from the Town of Smithtown's End of Summer concert. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
Scene from the Town of Smithtown's End of Summer concert. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
Scene from the Town of Smithtown's End of Summer concert. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
Nathan Dean and the Damn Band returned to Smithtown for an unforgettable end of Summer Country Music concert at Callahan’s Beach. On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, the parking lot and camp grounds were transformed into an outdoor concert venue, as Nathan Dean and The Damn Band made Smithtown the last stop on their coast-to-coast Unsupervised Tour.
The free concert was sponsored by Cosentino Companies, and organized by David Capo in conjunction with Smithtown Supervisor, Ed Wehrheim, the Town Council, the Parks Department and Public Safety. Local families packed the parking lot with tailgate-style picnic setups, while residents wishing to be closer to the band, set up beach chairs and blankets to enjoy the live performance. The Show was emceed by David Capo.
“We were ecstatic when we learned that Nathan Dean and the Damn Band wanted to return to Smithtown. We were doubly blessed when Cosentino Companies generously agreed to sponsor the cost of the event for the second year running, so the community could enjoy a great show absolutely free. I’d also like to thank and acknowledge David Capo, who originally introduced us to the band, in addition to the Parks Department, Public Safety and local foodie favorites Ralph’s Famous Ices and Philly Pretzel Factory. This band is the real deal… They had us all dancing under the stars as the sun set on our gorgeous newly renovated Callahan’s Beach. Kids were playing in the new playground area, while friends found a great spot up by the campgrounds. It was a much needed break after dealing with a week of cleanup and storm damage. Everyone had a blast and I look forward to planning their return next Summer,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
About Nathan Dean and the Damn Band
Nathan Dean: Lead Singer and Guitar, Jason Judd: Lead Guitar and Back up Vocals, Bill Bogan: Drums and Back up Vocals, Chris Duke: Bass
Founded in Arizona in 2005, Nathan Dean and the Damn Band are a prime example of hard work paying off. Playing well over 200 shows a year and regularly touring across the country they’ve gone from a weekend warrior bar band to a high energy, crowd pleasing, headlining band, thanks mostly to their drive and their incredible fan base. From catchy and heartfelt originals to country/rock and pop favorites, once you see a show you’ll understand why they’re one of the most sought after bands on the touring scene right now. They’ve shared the stage with artists like: Dylan Scott, LOCASH, Big and Rich, Cody Johnson, Randy Rogers Band, Diamond Rio, Eric Church and countless others… They were recently nominated for 3 Josie awards in 2021 for Entertainer, Artist and Group of the year.
Jay Ungar and Molly Mason will headline this year's festival.
By Melissa Arnold
As summer begins to wind down, September ushers in what could be considered the best of the season: Mellower weather, cooler nights, and still plenty of time for outdoor fun.
Benner’s Farm in East Setauket is an ideal spot for celebrating all things Americana when the Fiddle and Folk Festival returns on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Historical records show that the 15-acre property has functioned as a working family farm as far back as 1751, if not earlier. Seven families have called it home since then, with schoolteachers Bob and Jean Benner purchasing the property in 1974.
The concert line-up will include Eastbound Freight Bluegrass — John Brisotti on mandolin; Dave Thompson on guitar; Bill DeTurk on banjo; Bill Ayasse on fiddle and Bruce Barry on bass — who will be joined by two former members, singer Gene Yellin and fiddler Bill Christopherson.
Today, Benner’s Farm provides a much-needed respite from the frenetic pace of life on the North Shore. Visitors can enjoy the grounds and say hello to the sheep and goats, chickens and ducks, and Tippy the cow.
The Fiddle and Folk Festival was held for many years at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. When those festivals were discontinued, Bob Benner found that he really missed attending.
“We’ve always had a love for music on the farm, whether that’s contra dancing or welcoming musicians to come and play,” Benner said.
At the Long Island Museum, a William Sidney Mount painting of a fiddler at a barn dance (“Dance of the Haymakers”) captured Benner’s imagination. And with a little encouragement from the late Gerry Riemer of WUSB Radio in Stony Brook, Benner made plans to reboot the festival on the farm.
In the years since then, the Long Island Traditional Music Association, Homestead Arts and the Greater Port Jefferson-Northern Brookhaven Arts Council have helped Benner connect with a wide variety of folk, bluegrass, blues and roots musicians.
“The folk community might be smaller than others, but they are global and well-connected to each other,” said Amy Tuttle, the arts council’s program director. “I’ve gotten to know many performers simply through word of mouth from other musicians. They are all creative spirits that are excited to get to know new people, including their audiences.”
This year’s festival has four performance spaces situated around the farm, each with its own unique vibe. The heart of the action is on the Back Porch, a gorgeous hillside where headliners and larger groups will perform.
Headlining this year’s festival are Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, a married duo best known for their expressive roots tunes. Ungar’s Grammy Award-winning song “Ashokan Farewell” gained notoriety as the theme for the acclaimed Ken Burns documentary The Civil War.
The Sugar Maple Barn will host fiddle and banjo duo Brian Chabza and Bill Ayasse, plus the anticipated “Pick of the Crop” competition, where hopeful performers can step up to the mic. Impress the judges and you could be invited to play on the Back Porch. Keep your ears open for last year’s contest winners, Toby Tobias and Suzanne Ernst, as they make their Big Porch debuts.
If you have musical talent but don’t want to compete,the open mic “stage”— actually a 100-year-old Model T truck — awaits. And if you’re looking to jam with a group or sing along in the audience, head to the Shady Grove, an acoustic spot featuring the Eastern Long Island Old Time Jam. Beginners and seasoned performers alike are encouraged to pull up a chair and play.
Emceed by Bob Westcott, the lineup will also include The Roger Street Friedman Band, Claudia Jacob’s Say Hey Crew, and Eastbound Freight, among others.
Hot dogs, hamburgers and other picnic fare will be available for purchase. Kids can explore activities just for them, or take the whole family on a nature walk.
The festival is a fun opportunity to get some fresh air and explore new types of music you might not hear all the time, Tuttle said.
“The Fiddle and Folk Festival celebrates Americana in a number of forms, from very traditional old time sounds to contemporary songwriters putting their own spin on traditional instruments, or even Americana interpreted by people from other parts of the world. It’s all different, depending on how the artist approaches the music. You’re not going to be listening to six hours of the same thing,” she explained. “The performers care so deeply about the community and come out to intermingle and talk to people. There’s no ‘wall’ between the audience and the performers.”
As the day draws to a close and the sun begins to set, Benner said there’s nothing like listening to the music play on as the sun filters through the trees, filling the Back Porch area with amber light.
“It’s such a treat for me to do this every year, right here in my own backyard,” he said.
The 12th Annual Fiddle & Folk Festival will be held at Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets in advance are $22 adults, $18 seniors and $10 for children; tickets at the door are $25 adults, $22 seniors and $12 for children. Bring seating. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit fiddleandfolk.com or call 631 689-8172.
Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown will present “Sir Elton — Featuring Lance Millard,” the quintessential homage to the incomparable Elton John, on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.With over 25 years of dedication, Lance Millard embodies the spirit of Elton with unmatched precision and passion, enthralling audiences night after night.
From the iconic costumes to the spot-on vocals, Lance’s portrayal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the artistry of Elton John. Accompanied by a hand-selected ensemble of the region’s most talented musicians, “Sir Elton” delivers a spellbinding performance that ignites the stage and fills theaters with an electric atmosphere.
Elton’s legacy is nothing short of legendary, boasting a staggering array of accomplishments including over 50 Top 40 hits and sales of more than 300 million records worldwide. His impact on music and culture is indelible, drawing fans from every corner of the globe to revel in his timeless melodies.
Prepare to be captivated by “Sir Elton – Featuring Lance Millard,” a tribute spectacle that honors the legacy of a music icon while delivering an unforgettable live experience.
Tickets are $42 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.
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