ACES MAGAZINE MARCH 2024

Cover Artist: Jim Darcy

I’m so excited withe the idea of spring being just around the corner. We are in that weird transitional period when the weather is a little funky and in flux, but it is time to bid the cold temperatures a fine farewell. Regardless of the mild winter we had, I am more than ready for the spring and summer seasons ahead. Oh how I have missed the warmth of the sun’s kisses!

The season of hope- it symbolizes the resurgence of life after the inevitable challenges of winter, starting fresh, transformation new beginnings and starting over. The rising in energy at this time of year generally causes us to feel more optimistic and driven to make the most out of our days. The sun finally shines, the light triggering the happiness hormone (serotonin) our spirits come alive again. We become supercharged, energetic and ready to conquer the world. The natural world comes alive with color, sound and energy from the first bloom to the return of migrating birds. Spring is truly a season of beauty and wonder! If you stop and take a moment or two you can experience it all happening around you in the natural world just outside your door underfoot and up toward the sky. while you’re at it have a look inward you may be pleasantly surprised to find how in sync you actually are with this magical season.

Keeping in tune with the season of growth and change I am ready with an open mind and heart at this place and time of my journey. A time where after serious consideration of time and unexpected family commitments I will be putting off monthly publications of ACES Magazine. I thank each and every one of you for your continued love and support for ACES and our mission. Our island’s landscape will soon be vibrant and flourishing creating an even more beautiful backdrop for all he wonderful outdoor activities it has to offer through the next two or three seasons. So, I do hope you get out there and enjoy our beautiful island. I look forward to running into one another and sharing some fish tales, stories about our adventures and our passions!!

Cheers,

Always a pleasure and an honor! Amy xo

Wishing both my Mom & Dad a very Happy Birthday!! You are both two of the best gifts to this world and my life! Thank you for the gift of this life, all that you a have taught me and your unconditional love and support throughout it all! I love you both very much! XO

“I feel there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”

Vincent Van Gogh

Co Conspirator Johnny Bond

Publisher Amy Oliver

the BILLBOARD

A rts

8 meet our cover artIst Jim Darcy

13 savor the flavor Catrina Faren

12 the gIrl next door

Culture

20 long Island our home When was the last time you...

25 great events

31 the haYmaKers

A rts

The arts are a very wide range of human practices of creative expression, storytelling, and cultural participation. They encompass multiple diverse and plural modes of thinking, doing, and being, in an extremely broad range of media .

MAKEYOUR RESERVATIONS FOREASTER!

GALLERIEs/MUsEUMs

CHS W HA ling M USEUM

301 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor

CO nklin FA r MHOUSE M USEUM

2 High Street, Huntington

C UTCHO g UE g r EE n Hi STO ri C B U ilding S Main Road and Cases Lane, Cutchogue

gA ll E ry nO r T H

90 North Country Rd, Setauket

gU ild H A ll

158 Main St, East Hampton

H EC k SCHE r M USEUM OF Ar T

2 Prime Ave, Huntington

iS lip Ar TS COU n C il, i n C.

50 Irish Lane, East Islip

iS lip Ar T M USEUM

50 Irish Ln, East Islip

lO ng iS l A nd C H ildr E n’S M USEUM

11 Davis Avenue, Garden City

THE lO ng iS l A nd M USEUM

1200 NY-25A, Stony Brook

lO ngH OUSE rESE rv E

133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton

lO ng iS l A nd M A ri T i ME M USEUM

88 West Avenue, West Sayville

nASSAU COU n T y M USEUM OF Ar T

One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

p r ESE rvAT i O n lO ng iS l A nd

161 Main St, Cold Spring Harbor

S E l F -TAU g HT gE ni US gA ll E ry

47-29 32nd Pl, Long Island City

T HE Big dUC k

1012 Flanders Road, Flanders

William Floyd Estat E

245 Park Drive, Mastic Beach

ThEATRE for ThE PERfoRMInG ARTs

AdElpHi UnivErSiTy pErFOrMing ArTS CEnTEr

1 South Ave, Garden City

A ME ri CA n dA n CE T HEAT r E OF lO ng iS l A n d 587 Middle Country Road, Bay Port

THE A rgyl E THEATE r AT BABylO n vill Ag E

34 W Main St, Babylon

B r OA d HO llOW THEAT r E CO.

265 E Main St #160, East Islip

CM p E r FO r M ing A r TS CE n TE r 931 Montauk Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769

C U lTU r A l Ar TS p l AyHOUSE

625 Old Country Rd in Plainview

J OH n W. Eng EMA n THEATE r AT n O r TH p O r T 250 Main St, Northport

lA nd MA rk On M A in

232 Main St #1, Port Washington, NY 11050

M A di SO n T HEAT r E AT M O llOy CO ll E g E

1000 Hempstead Ave, Rockville Centre

pATCHO g UE T HEATE r 71 E Main St, Patchogue

SM i THTOW n CE n TE r p E r FO r M ing A r TS

2 E Main St, Smithtown

S TA ll E r C E n TE r FO 100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook

T HE vA il- lEAvi TT M

18 Peconic Ave, Riverhead

Meet our cover artist Jim Darcy

Born in Ipswich, MA, I grew up in Rockport and Gloucester, an area rich in the tradition of both fishing and art on the north shore of Massachusetts. The rugged coast and fishing industry would influence many of the topics I choose to capture in both my painting and printing.

As a young boy, I studied art in high school and worked at the Rockport Art Association, setting up shows and doing odd jobs. It was here that I was influenced by many of the local artists. I was privileged to learn and work with such artists as Stow Wengenroth, Don Stone and John Terelak.

The Firefly Artists was established in 2011 to create a gallery setting for local artists. The goal was to create a space where artists could meet, collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations. Over the past decade, The Firefly Artists has had the great privilege of displaying a stunning variety of work created by hundreds of Long Island artists through our Main Street locations and pop-up galleries in the community. We boast some extraordinary talent, while maintaining a very down to earth and supportive atmosphere that is unique to Long Island. We are eager to continue to be an outlet for local artists, offering a place to create, grow and connect to customers. Every time you shop at The Firefly Artists Gallery, you help ensure our future and our ability to serve the local art community.

With warm support from one of the best communities ever, the Firefly now inhabits the iconic 90 Main Street, which was once the home of both the historic Northport Hardware Company and Jones Drug. This bright beautiful space is housed in one of Northport’s most notable locations, and is the perfect backdrop for the Long Island Artists that display their work at Firefly.

Mission Statement

To provide a supportive space where artists can collaborate, learn, and develop. Artists can exhibit and sell their work in a professional gallery setting. We seek to promote visual arts in our community by contributing to local educational efforts and supporting regional artists.

Visit our Main Gallery

90 Main Street, 1st Floor

Northport, NY 11768

+1 631-651-5545

https://thefireflyartists.com

I worked in the commercial fishing industry as a young man and moved to New York in 1983. I began working in construction and settled in Northport to raise my family because of the similarities it had to my hometown. I worked as an Ironworker in NYC, then as a carpenter in both NYC as well as Long Island.

Due mainly to health issues I resumed my artwork in earnest several years ago, with concentration in watercolor, graphic art and etchings. The art of plate etching and stone lithography is becoming a lost art due to the increased use of computer imaging. It brings me joy and fulfillment to share my printmaking with others, and to keep the old ways and traditions alive.

Savor the Flavor!!

Little tapas of information on wine, food, beer, and experiences from one who has studied, tried, tasted, and spit!

A Different type of arts and Crafts

I think of March, I think of March Madness, I think sports, I think beer! CRAFT BEER!! We are so fortunate to have so many amazing microbreweries on Long Island. I have visited quite a few. And have enjoyed most of them.

I approach a well-crafted beer like any well-prepared meal, a good wine, or a classic movie. So, if you want to savor the beer, don’t drink it from a bottle or can, beer should be poured into a glass. The glass helps you with your first impression. A glass lets you see the color, texture and fragrance of the distinctive flavors.

Is the beer clear? Is it dark? Is there a foamy head? What do you smell? You should swirl it like you would wine and stick your nose in and have a good sniff. But different than wine, you can start with a big gulp! Now for my favorite part. Let the craft beer warm up a little bit. Serving beer really cold is very refreshing, but you miss all the flavor and its all the flavors of craft beer that make them so good! As your craft beer comes to room temperature, the flavors become more enhanced and change.

And with the seasons we have on the island, we have the beers to go along with them. Beers styled in Belgian white are good for spring, aged barrel stouts for winter, and let’s not forget pumpkin beer!

Some of my faves~

Crooked Ladder – Riverhead – which is now the Trade Wind Brewing Company Sand City Brewing Company – Northport – I really enjoyed their Midnight Rendezvous, but bring a DD –it’s 12% ABV

Squarehead Holbrook – also has a stout.. I loved this stout… they found me sleeping in my car after two of them…All Joking Aside *SPECIAL* ESPRESSO MARTINI CHOCOLATE STOUT WITH LOCAL SPIRITS + CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE + SEA SALT RIM.

Six Harbors Huntington – I do like a good fruited beer.

Blindbat Centerport – it is small, only 16 seats inside, but I have drank outside many a night.

Moriches Field Brewing Company – Center Moriches – This is by far my favorite. The care that Rich puts into his work is clearly noted in his beers, his tap room, and the community focused events.

Town of Huntington Launches “Project Prom” to Support Local Youth –

A Charitable Initiative for Prom Attire Donations

Huntington, NY, February 23, 2024 – The Town of Huntington announces the return of “Project Prom,” an impactful community event dedicated to making prom night memorable for every high school student. Headed by Supervisor Ed Smyth, in collaboration with Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Councilwoman Theresa Mari, and in partnership with the SCPD 2nd Precinct, Project Prom invites the community to partake in a noble cause by donating gently used prom attire.

Project Prom Donation Drive Information:

Drop-off Location: John J. Flanagan Center

423 Park Avenue, Huntington (Use the red awning entrance)

Donation Period: Now until March 28th, 2024

Drop-off Times: 9AM - 5PM, Monday to Friday

Project Prom embodies the belief that the joy of prom night should be accessible to every student, transcending financial barriers. This initiative extends an invitation to the community to contribute by donating new or gently used formal attire. By delving into their wardrobes for formal dresses, suits, and accessories, residents can play a pivotal role in enriching a young individual’s prom experience.

The event will feature a boutique experience where students can select from a wide range of donated dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories, allowing them to choose their perfect prom outfit at no cost.

Project Prom Event Details:

Date: April 4th, 2024

Time: 4PM to 8PM

Location: John J. Flanagan Center

423 Park Avenue, Huntington

(Use the red awning entrance)

Event Flyer Attached

Join us in making a difference in the lives of Huntington’s youth. Your contribution can turn a night into a lifetime of memories.

For questions or more information about Project Prom, please contact Michelle Wright at 631.351.3173.

Culture

A system of learned and shared beliefs, language, norms, values, and symbols that groups use to identify themselves and provide a framework within which to live and work

The Companions in Courage Foundation was originally founded by NHL Hall of Famer, Pat LaFontaine in 1997. We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and eligible to receive donations. In just the last five years our efforts have gone to raising funds to build interactive playrooms in hospitals throughout North America. Through innovative communications tools, these playrooms replace the isolation of a hospital with a connection to family, friends and celebrities during each hospital stay

By virtue of their location (primarily in major metropolitan areas), children’s hospitals tend to be safety nets to the most vulnerable in our society. On average, these facilities devote almost half of their care to children of low-income families.

Our “Lion’s Den” rooms were designed by Edwin Schlossberg and his renowned ESI Design team in New York City. We are supported by generous individuals and corporations that include Microsoft Corporation, Google and Cisco Systems.

Our mission is quite simple. No child in the fight for life or health should ever have to go through it alone. At Companions in Courage Foundation, we are here to give courage, friendship, compassion and support to those children and families who are overcoming illness and life-threatening obstacles.

Pat LaFontaine

As part of the NHL’s Centennial celebration in 2017, LaFontaine was recognized as one of the Top-100 players in the history of the game. He currently is in 15th place All-Time in Points-per-Game (1.171) and 17th All-Time in Goals-Per-Game (0.541). A perennial All-Star in the National Hockey League, Pat LaFontaine was not only a great player, but also a great humanitarian in whatever city he represented. That combination was recognized in 2003 when it was announced that LaFontaine would be the first player inducted into both the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota in the same year.

The evolution of this Foundation began during Pat’s years with the Buffalo Sabres. Dedicating much of his off-ice time at Buffalo Children’s Hospital, Pat began to appreciate the power of another person’s strengths. “Being with these kids – knowing their smiles, their pain and their courage – changed my life. They taught me about life and death. These children left me with a simple reality: We don’t always have much control over what happens to us, but we do have a choice in how we respond.” And that he did.

In 1998, after 15 years in the NHL, Pat retired prematurely as a result of a series of head traumas and concussions suffered through his career. With support and inspiration from family, friends and most of all, the kids in those hospitals, competing not for goals, but for life, Pat drew upon their courage and got through the most difficult time of his life. From that point on, Pat’s fight for children took on new meaning and clearly defined where all his time and energy were going to be focused: helping kids through this Foundation.

How You Can Help

If you want to make a direct monetary contribution, all checks should be made payable to the Companions in Courage Foundation and sent to our address at:

Companions in Courage Foundation attn: Pat LaFontaine, P.O. Box 768 Huntington, NY 11743 (914) 325-4870

Other ways to donate, including sponsorship opportunities, can be found on our website; just click on the “Donate Now” button

Culture

bEAchEs

C E dar B E aCH

Suffolk County,

Cor E y B E aCH

Blue Point

Cra B mE ado W B E aCH

Fort Salonga

gold star B E aCH

Huntingtton

Har B or i sl E B E aCH

Harbor Isle

isli P BE aCH

Islip

Jon E s B E aCH s tat E Park

Nassau County

long BE aCH

St. James

k ings Park Blu FF kings Park

P H ili P B. H E al E y B E aCH massapequa

r aynor B E aCH County Park Lake Ronkonkoma

PARks

B E lmont l ak E s tat E Park

Suffolk County

Caums E tt s tat E Histori C Park Pr E s E rv E

Lloyd Harbor

Cold sP ring Har B or s tat E Park

Cold Spring Harbor

H EC ks CHE r s tat E Park

East Islip

H E m P st E ad l ak E s tat E Park

West Hempstead

r o BE rt m os E s s tat E Park

Fire Island

s unk E n mE ado W s tat E Park

Kings Park

t rail v i EW s tat E Park

Woodbury

vall E y s tr E am s tat E Park

north valley stream

W E st Hills County Park

West Hills

links F or mor E in F o

https://www.bucketlistli.com/post/parks (great Blog and list of best parks on Long Island

Https://dec.ny.gov (great site to find info inluding maps)

Https://Nassaucountyny.gov

https://parks.suffolkcountyny.gov/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ (Lists 10 best Long Island State Parks)

When was the last time you threw out a line, if ever?

Long Island offers ample opportunities for the fresh water or salt water angler. Whether you are a newbie or an old pro it’s easy to find a spot to throw out or drop a line here on the island. Long Island is 118 miles long by 20 miles wide and is the largest island adjoined to the continental U.S. Surrounded by water on all sides, the island has over 400 miles of coastline which adds up to a lot of spectacular shoreline and a wide variety of fishing experiences.

Due to the region’s geographic diversity, fishing charters offer a variety of saltwater fishing adventures from calm bay fishing to exciting deep-sea fishing. Both northern and southern fish species frequent our waters, including Atlantic cod, winter flounder and mackerel in the spring, or bluefish, summer flounder and Spanish mackerel in the fall. Other species of fish include blackfish, porgies, and fluke, in addition to shark, tuna, and striped bass. There are private fishing charters available to both the serious and the novice fisherman in addition to party boat fishing or “rent your own” boating.

Charters and party boats offer different types of excursions depending on the season. Most provide reels, bait, and tackle with captains and crew who are more than happy to show up-and-coming sea anglers how to use the gear. Reservations are recommended for most trips. The big fall run starts in September it’s when island locals and dedicated fishermen know there are rewards to be had as the fish bulk up before they migrate for the winter. Embark on an unforgettable deep sea fishing charter from Montauk, Orient or any of the other local marinas .

Montauk Point and Orient Point. The two points offer distinct sport fishing experiences for everything from striped bass to shark fishing. In fact, Montauk Point on Long Island is often called the “sport fishing capital of the northeast. You can also head to the waters of the Great South Bay or Moriches Bay from marinas such as Captree, Point Lookout, Smith Point and Freeport. Bay fishing offers calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The unique bay water has a variety of fish such as black and blue fish, summer and winter flounder, striped bass, cobia, sea bass, and many other species. Choose from half or full-day excursions. There are also marinas located at Port Jefferson Harbor, Greenport, Howard Beach, Huntington, Oceanside, Port Washington, Southold, Glen Cove and Shinnecock Bay in Hampton Bays.

Shoreline fishing is also permitted at several state park beaches, along with many other opportunities to put your hook in the water. Permit may be required. Fish right off the beach at parks such as Sunken Meadow, Crab Meadow, Centerport Beach, Wildwood, Montauk Point or Orient Point.

Fishing Permits

The New York State legislature established a no-fee recreational marine fishing registry through 2013. There is no fee for the permit, but you must register and carry the permit if you are planning to fish. You need to register at a local bait & tackle store, or at the state website here: www.dec. ny.gov/permits/6091.html

Also find current salt water ‘Open Season’ and other information here: www.dec.ny.gov/ outdoor/7894.html

Island Our home

If the salt and and ocean aren’t your thing!!

Although the island is often recognized for its excellent saltwater fishing, Long Island also provides anglers with outstanding freshwater fishing opportunities in more than 500 lakes and ponds and over 30 miles of streams. For the freshwater fans it can sometimes require a bit more work as there are no party boats or charters and it’s not always a clear path but speaking from experience it is well worth it. Standing along a river or floating in a bass boat on a lake is quite peaceful and the view is breathtaking and it can feel as if you are a thousand miles from civilization. Freshwater fishing is a totally different experience from salt water fishing and I assure you it is packed with fun!

Most long island freshwater fish species consist of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, trout (brook rainbow and brown), yellow perch, catfish, pumpkinseed, carp. bluegill, black crappie, goldfish, brown bullhead white perch, walleye, and eels. I almost forgot to mention the snapping turtles and sliders you may encounter along the way as well.

There are some real lunkers out there do you dare to try your luck!! Here are a few great fishing holes to get you started.

NASSAU COUNTY

Hempstead Lake

South Pond

Smith Pond

Freeport Reservoir

Wantagh Mill Pond

Lower Twin Pond

Upper Twin Pond

Massapequa Reservoir

Massapequa Lake

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Belmont Lake

Southards Pond

Argyle Lake

Millers Pond

Lake Ronkonkoma

Canaan Lake

Patchogue Lake (Lace Mill)

Swan Lake

Artist Lake

Upper Yaphank Lake

Forge Pond

Upper Mills Pond

Marratooka Pond

Great Pond

Agawam Lake

Watermill Pond

Fresh Pond

Trout Pond

FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE:

Most people fishing in New York need a New York State Fishing License. There are three ways to get a fishing license in New York. You can visit an official License Issuing Agent, order over the phone, or order online.

Phone: 518-402-8843

https://dec.ny.gov/ fw.information@dec.ny.gov

Important thing to remember: “It’s called fishing not catching.”

(Thank you Dad)

Take it in your stride

What matters is that you are here. Feed your body and your soul.

Slow down so that the sunrises and the sunsets can talk to you. Make space for yourself away from the noise to remember the simple way again.

Listen to your heart beat every now and again. Feel your lungs exhale. You are alive. You are so alive. Let nothing take you away from that this week.

-S.c. Lourie-

Some great events that may help you get in touch with nature, fall a little more in love with our island and some of what it holds ~

MAR 1

Igloos By The Sea

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa

Jan 1, 2024 - Mar 31, 2024

Upon booking, a $50 per reservation fee will be donated to local charities. A min food & beverage commitment is required. Recurrence:Recurring daily

MAR 2

Forest Therapy Walk

Bayard Cutting Arboretum Great River

10:30 AM

MAR 9

4-Leaf Clover 5K Trail Run/Walk & FREE Kiddie Clover Fun Run

at Bethpage Polo at the Park

Contact Name: Brendan Dagan

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Try your luck on this beautiful trail and earn a good luck clover shirt!. Reward yourself after the run with some delicious goodies from All Round Foods!Legend has it, this may be the luckiest race of the year!

Rain or Shine

10AM 5K Start / 9:30AM FREE Kiddie Clover Fun Run Start

MAR 1

Long Island Skies

Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium

Recurring weekly on Friday info@vanderbiltmuseum.org

MAR 3

Just A Hike (Center Section)

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve Huntington 11:00 AM

This 5 mile, moderately paced walk affords walkers the opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the park’s beauty. Please call for Reservations: (631) 423- 1770.

MAR 16

Spring Festival and Egg Hunt

at Sweetbriar Nature Center Smithtown

11:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Join us at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for a day filled with events, fun, and many wonderful animals. There will be games, an egg hunt, animal presentations, crafts, face painting,

Entertainment Scene

A form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience or gives pleasure and delight.

It can be an idea or a task, but it is more likely to be one of the activities or events that have developed over thousands of years specifically for the purpose of keeping an audience’s attention.

Photo by Neil Zlozower

Entertainment Scene

hoT sPoTs

LIvE MUsIc & MoRE

indUSTry

344 New Yourk Ave, Huntington

3/1 MEDUSAS DISCO With Special Guest MJT!

3/2 Tongue & Groove Sundays: “The Wheel Of Jam” An Interactive Music Experience / Open Jam

3/15 Hunter Root w/ Mr. Rooster Duo!

3/22 An Evening With HEDONISTAS w/ WHALEY

MU lCHAHy’S p UB & CO n CE r T HA ll

3232 Railroad Ave, Wantagh

3/1 Completely Unchained and Bon Journey

3/7 Drew Baldridge

3/13 Tour: Feat. Mick Thomas & Sean Finnerty

3/15 Disco Unlimited

STErEO gArdEn

9 Railroad Ave, Patchogue

3/3 Noche de Comedia con Liss Pereira

3/8 ListenUp! Music, Comedy and Arts Festival

THE WArEHOUSE

203 Broadway, Amityville

3/1 That 70’s Band & Code Bleu

3/7 BanGos

3/8 Battle of The Bands

3/16 St. Paddy’s Day Party w/ the Lengendary Murphys

3/16 St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour w/ The Byrne Unit

3/27 Wonderous Stories

MoRE hoT sPoTs To chEck oUT

AMiTyvillE MUSiC HAll

198 Broadway, Amityville

BArTini

124 N Carll Ave, Babylon

kATiES

145 W Main St, Smithtown

lA villini

286 Larkfield Rd, East Northport

MU lCAHyS p UB A nd CO n CE r T HA l l

3232 Railroad Ave, Wantagh

rUvO

63 Broadway, Greenlawn

pAinTErS

416 S Country Rd, Brookhaven

STErEO gArdEn

9 Railroad Ave, Patchogue

THE inn

943 W Beech St, Long Beach

THE STE p HE n TA lk HOUSE

161 Main St, Amagansett

THE WOO d SHE d

86 Roslyn Ave, Sea Cliff

ACES Magazine was created to inspire people & introduce you (the reader) to Long Island’s wealth of talent and great places. It’s a unique streamlined publication designed to bridge the gap between the talent, the public and vice versa by featuring some of the vast talents we’ve been exposed to, the places we’ve ventured into, and then some.

ACES is all about promoting and supporting Long Island’s Arts, Culture & Entertainment Scene along with the wonderful establishments and great people that cater to our personal and professional needs.

We endeavor to capture your imagination & encourage you to embrace & celebrate the beauty of expression

March 10th 1pm-4pm

J&R’s Steak House

St. Paddy’s Day Celebration

Rocky Point March 15th Twisted Cow Distillery

Formed during all the craziness of 2021, Chris James (guitars & vocals), Tom Hopkins (upright bass & vocals) and Mark Pohl (drums & vocals) joined forces after crossing musical paths for many years while playing in some of Long Island’s best bands. And together as The Haymakers, they’ll be taking the ever-growing Long Island music scene by storm in 2024 and beyond!

The Haymakers combine some of music’s most undeniable elements and vintage vibes to capture the spark of America’s greatest artists and music. And while we draw our inspiration from the best of rock, country, blues, rockabilly, swing and jazz

influences, we combine it with a contemporary style to deliver something familiar yet fresh; a high-octane, crowd-pleasing, foot-stomping gumbo of good ol’ rock & roll!

Chris James

In late 1979, Chris was already a guitar-obsessed Jimi Hendrix fan when he decided to take up the instrument. A few months later, upon hearing The Clash’s London Calling LP, Chris was spellbound. The first song he ever learned to play was “Death or Glory”.

In the early 1980’s Chris was bitten by the Blues-bug and proceeded to spend his teenage years mostly locked in his room with guitar and turntable, woodshedding and trying to steal every lick he could.

From 1988-1997 Chris fronted a blues trio called the Smokin’ Kings. After some life changing events, Chris dropped out of sight for a few years to recalibrate his life.

Chris re-surfaced in 2005 with a new band called The Hideaways. This band incorporated a mix of traditional blues with everything that influenced him over the years. This gumbo-like concoction produced a sound that mixed blues with punk rock energy and tight live performance execution of classic soul bands. The Hideaways remain active to this day.

Tom Hopkins

With limited talent, the four strings of the upright bass seemed like a good fit for Tom. Always loving the bigger-than-life sound and energy of the slap bass style of the 40’s and 50’s, there was never any question which instrument was for him. The only problem was there was no one to teach him how to play such a style in 1982.

So, he took organ lessons at the local mall instead where he ended up playing Journey songs at a concert in the food court. Quite a disparity in levels of coolness for sure, but he eventually got that upright and redeemed himself. His self-integrity was restored when he formed NY Rockabilly combo Rhythm Bound!

From 1996-present, Rhythm Bound has shared the stage with some of music’ biggest stars, including Dick Dale, Imelda May, Ray Condo, Robert Gordon, Rosie Flores, Big Sandy, Jittery Jack, Lee Rocker, among others. Their original music has been featured on the HBO series ‘The Cathouse.’

In 1997, Tom recorded and toured with North Carolina’s hard hitting rockabilly band; The Belmont Playboys.

Tom has also played bass for Grammy winner Brian Setzer (who exclaimed - “Listen to this cat!”) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson, who called Tom handsome and even let him hold Elvis’ ring that she still wears around her neck.

Mark Pohl

Hailing from the tiny town of Sound Beach on Long Island, Mark spent a huge portion of his early musical years locked in his room listening to his Beatles records and trying his best to bang out their songs on the guitar. But by the time he turned 15, it became obvious that he didn’t have the chops of a Harrison, Lennon or a McCartney and his attention quickly shifted to the incredible rhythmic patterns of Ringo.

Delivering the swinging rhythms for The Haymakers has been the culmination of over 30 years on the drum kit, playing for and with such musical luminaries as; The Pop-O-Matics, Frank Barajas & the Shakedowns, The Corsican Brothers, Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks, The Buzzards, The Bobby Volkman Trio, EverBlue, Big Daddy Deluxe, The Mary Lamont Band, among others. Mark’s style is chiefly influenced by most of his drumming idols; Ringo, Keith Moon, Jim Keltner, Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich, Ginger Baker, Ian Paice, Dave Grohl, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, DJ Fontana, Charlie Watts, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jerry Allison and Ronnie Tutt, to name just a few.

The Haymakers

HaymakersMusicNY@gmail.com

https://www.haymakersmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheHaymakers

https://www.instagram.com/thehaymakers_ny/ (805) 340-2405 - cell

“The most important seed you can plant is kindness; the most important crop it yields is joy.”

~ Matshona Dhliwayo