Port Jefferson hosts the 34th annual Cedar Beach Blues Festival

By Katherine Kelton

Doc Blues, the stage name of Mount Sinai doctor, Mark Gresser, along with The Port Jefferson Arts Council, the Long Island Blues Society, and WUSB 90.1 FM presented the 34th annual Cedar Beach Blues on the Harbor festival in Port Jefferson on Sept. 21 and 22.

The two-day event at Harborfront Park showcased 18 blues artists across two stages, drawing in crowds eager to enjoy the soulful sounds. Sunday saw an increase in foot traffic thanks to the nearby Port Jeff Farmers Market, where attendees swayed to the music while holding bags of fresh produce.

Despite being mid-September, the weather was unexpectedly warm, with families gathering in folding chairs, enjoying food, and soaking in one of the last hot days before autumn officially arrives.

While the festival primarily catered to older residents of Port Jefferson and the surrounding areas, many young children accompanied their parents. Admission was free, and attendees could purchase food and drinks from local restaurants just minutes from the venue.

The event was sponsored by The Long Island Blues Society. Ronnie Shapiro, vice president of the society, told TBR, “I love blues because it’s one of the few truly American music styles. It was born in America. It encompasses everything from dance music to sad tunes.

“Even the Rolling Stones played the blues. It’s a truly American art form,” he continued.

When asked about community turnout, Shapiro added, “Unfortunately, we don’t get as big of one as we would like. We’d like to see more. I don’t think people know what to expect when they come to a blues show. They might think of an old man with a corn cob pipe and banjo sitting on the porch.”

“But it’s so much more—there’s a little country mixed in. Rock and country both came out of the blues, [and there is really something for everyone to enjoy.]”