LIVE Magazine - April 2014

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 1

W

elcome to our inaugural issue! Check here every month for some insight into the best live music events on Long Island. We all know how many popular musicians have hailed from Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the talent here continues to thrive in the many clubs, bars and entertainment venues that dot our landscape. This month we spotlight two of my favorite local groups.

That 70’s Band: New York’s leading 70’s DANCE/ DISCO/FUNK group is from Long Island! The band leader is Patchogue’s own Steve Interrante, along with his partner Erol Caypinar, and his high energy group performs to packed dance floors every week! The band has earned a loyal army of fans who crisscross the North and South Shores to catch their fix. When they’re not headlining, the band can be found opening for Gloria Gaynor, The Trammps, Tavares and other great acts from the 70’s.

Here’s a snapshot of That 70’s Band schedule for April: Saturday, April 5th, Painters in Brookhaven 9pm...

Friday, April 11th, Emporium in Patchogue 8pm...

Saturday, April 12th, Nutty Irishman in Farmingdale 9pm...Saturday, April 18th, Villa Lombardi’s Dinner/ Dance, Holbrook, 7 pm, open to the public; Sunday, April 19th, Blue, 9pm..

Another great group with a devoted following is Peter Mazzeo and the Hit Squad, who always pleases with their

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top 40’s dance hits from the 70’s, 80’s 90’s and now.

Mazzeo, an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist performs regularly with his tight ensemble featuring the sultry Tammi Wolf on vocals, Tom Flyntz on bass, Pete Lazos on drums and nimble fingered Mike Flyntz on lead guitar. On Wednesdays find Peter at the Wine Cellar in Northport with either George Cintron, Vance Brescia (Herman’s Hermits) or Danny Miranda (Meatloaf).

Thursdays, Peter Mazzeo and the Hit Squad play at Porto Vivo’s in Huntington. Every other Friday they’re at the Ritz in Northport, and every Saturday at Nicky’s in Centerport, and the beat goes on.

Catch Peter Mazzeo and the Hit Squad at BB Kings in NYC on April 9th with an 8 and 10 pm show! Uh oh, the greater world is discovering our local talent!

Shows are subject to change and add-ons frequently occur! Now go out and have fun kids.

And remember, if contentment is the theme, life’s melody is sweet…

Valerie is a Realtor® by day and a live music freak at night. She fancies herself an aficionado of quality live music of all genres, specializing in the Long Island club and bar scene. Got a gig you want her to attend? E-mail her at vvancleef@gmail.com. Cover bands and original music…it’s all good!

Summer Savings!

ATTENTION CAMPERS We Want to Welcome You Back for Another Exciting Summer

Young Artist Camp

Ages 3-8 years Experience all the performing arts that are the hallmark of Huntington Center: Music (Suzuki violin), Dance, Theater (Broadway songs), Art, Yoga & more...

Small intimate groups ensure personal attention

*this year camp sessions will have limited enrollment CAMP BEGINS JULY 7TH

July Ballet Intensive

Train, Create & Perform this Summer!

Make this summer special Experience the American Ballet Theater® National Training Curriculum, Ballet Technique, Pointe, Character Ballet, Conditioning, Classical Variations, Flamenco, Jazz, Choregraphy, Acting for Dancers, Music, Ballet History, Art and more SESSIONS BEGIN JULY 14th

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE! Deposits Received by April 15th, Will Receive a 10% Discount!

310 New York Avenue • Huntington Village • 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 3

D

ix Hills – Spring is in the air (finally!) as The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center presents the annual Spring Festival of Performances. The Center plans a wide variety of Popular Music, Theatrical, Jazz and Classical productions at reasonable prices close to home.

“We’ve scheduled something for just about everyone in the family,” says Sandy Hinden, executive director of the Center.

“From children’s theater to Jazz ensembles to Cabaret reviews and a Broadway-caliber musical production, there’s something exciting at the Center for people of all ages.”

The season kicks off on April 10th with the Five Towns College production of the beloved Broadway musical comedy masterpiece Kiss Me, Kate, winner of the first Tony award ever for Best Musical. Performances will run through April 13.

For younger audiences, the college will produce the Prince Street Players’ production of the classic children’s play Cinderella on May 3 & 4. This production, with book and lyrics by Jim Eiler and music by Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Both musical theater productions are directed by Marie Danvers.

For fans of the voice, the Center will present an evening of Barbershop with The Mostly Barbershop - A Cappella Show on May 6. This evening of incredible vocal harmonies will include performances by Five Towns College’s Men’s and Women’s A Cappella Groups and The Long Island Sound Chorus. The evening’s production will be directed by Marc Silverberg. Other shows include: May 7 - The Five Towns College Spring Concert I, featuring

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the FTC Concert Pops conducted by Professor Dean Karahalis and the FTC Chorus directed by Professor Jeffrey Lipton. The College’s brightest voices will come together for this annual spring event.

May 8 - Guitar Extravaganza ~ A Tribute to the Great Jazz Clubs and the Musicians Who Jammed There, featuring tributes to such luminaries as Django Reinhardt, Thelonius Monk, Johnny Smith, Wes Montgomery and “Symphony Sid” among others. The evening will be filled with surprise guests, jam session performances and a multi-media presentation of never-before-seen photographs. After the show there will be refreshments and a meet-theartists reception in the upbeat café as well as a seminar on guitar care and maintenance with Briggs Guitar Shop. Long Island jazz guitar icon, teacher and director Peter Rogine, humorously hoped that “Audience members can wear their berets.”

May 11 - Broadway Bound, “Who Am I Anyway?” a cabaret review with theater songs ranging from classic Broadway standards to tunes from recent hit shows. It offers the best of both contemporary and traditional Broadway music with great performances by the FTC award-winning theater department.

May 12 - Five Towns College Jazz Ensembles in concert.

The best FTC Jazz ensembles will present a broad repertoire from the blues, American Songbook standards, Jazz/Dixieland, BeBop, Fusion and Modern/Contemporary Jazz and Mainstream Jazz.

The concert will be under the direction of Five Towns College Professor and renowned Jazz trumpeter Greg Bobulinski.

May 13 - An Evening of Jazz with the Five Towns College Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Professor Steve Briody. The Jazz Orchestra is comprised of FTC’s budding Jazz musicians playing together as one.

May 14 - Spring Concert II featuring the Five Towns College String Orchestra conducted by Professor Mathew Pierce, the Five Towns College Choir directed by Professor Jeffrey Lipton and the extraordinary Five Towns College Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed

by Professor Stephen Gleason.

For show times and more information on these performances, readers can visit www.DHPAC.org or call the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center Box Office at (631) 656-2148.

2950 Middle Country Road Nesconset, NY 11767 (631) 265-8200 • Ragazzi-ny.com

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 5

Cover A Huntington - Nicole Franz Nicole Franz is a mixed-media collage artist, living and working in her home town of Huntington, Long Island. She holds a degree in Illustration and Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Masters Degree in Art Education. She has worked in the fashion industry, hip-hop music industry, and taught various art forms for over 10 years. Currently Nicole is a full-time artist working out of her Long Island studio. Her true passion is portraiture. Nicole is merging her fashion background and fine art skills together to create compelling portraits of women. These portraits are created using only recycled materials.

Most of the materials are collected from various towns on Long Island. She uses local publications, advertisements, magazines, napkins, menus, and any interesting scraps she can find. Nicole is also a member of the LI artist collective ‘Art That Matters’.

Her work has been exhibited in galleries from Brooklyn to the Hamptons. Upcoming shows include ‘Spring Awakenings” in May 2014 at Art That Matters in Huntington Station and she will be the featured artist of the month of September at the Book Revue in Huntington Village Smithtown - Irene Vitale Irene Vitale is a native Long Island painter. Painting for over twenty 20 years, her art celebrates life and our Long Island Shores.

The artist paints in her Smithtown Pines Studio and with The Painting Group of New York, founded and mentored by the late international caricaturist David Levine and presidential portrait artist Aaron Shikler. Ms Vitale began her art career as a pastelist, before turning to oil, studying at the Manhattan atelier of Daniel Bennett Schwartz. The artist has combined her classical figure training with the abstraction of water and sky. Irene Vitale

is on faculty at The Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, NY. www.artleagueli.org Three oil seascapes are presently on view at The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum in The Waves & Watercolors Exhibit thru Labor Day 2014 Art Representation The Bellemeade Gallery/Smithtown Picture Frame, 117 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787 •The Village Art & Frame Gallery, 31 Deer Park Ave, Babylon Village, NY 11702 • Casino Café, Davis Park, Fire Island, NY during the summer months.

For more information visit www.irenevitalefineart.com Questions or comments subscribe to the artist blog or call 631.680.1406.

Great South Bay - Jim Sabiston An award winning freelance photographer based on Long Island, Jim Sabiston began his visual arts career as a painter of fantasy art, vans and custom motorcycles in the ‘70’s. With the advent of the digital camera, he left painting behind and committed himself to the art of photography. A highly motivated, independent and creative self-taught artist, Jim Sabiston approaches his photographic subjects with a painter’s eye, producing work that does not always lend itself to easy categorization, spanning subjects as diverse as classic landscapes, remote mountains, deep

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Artists forests, seashores and other traditional subjects, to hard edged modern concrete architecture and spaces in New York City, to perceptive abstracts and revealing portraits.

With a style rooted in a Zen influenced photographic realism, every subject is approached as unique to itself. His work can please with a simple curve of line or dig deep with the sharp eye of the sensitive observer. Recent work has centered on a printing process of his own creation that combines aspects of

photography and watercolor painting, using well-known and familiar Long Island features seen in an entirely new light as subjects. The resulting unique limited edition series prints have been exhibited in recent shows at the Alex Ferrone Photography Gallery, the Long Island Photo Gallery, the Islip Town Hall Rotunda and Islip MacArthur Airport’s Central Terminal. Jim’s photographs have received awards from National Geographic Explorer Magazine, the Adirondack Mountain Club, the Sayville Chamber of Commerce and the Islip Arts Council. He has been published in Sail and Nature Photographer magazines, exhibits frequently in a number of Long Island galleries and his prints are part of numerous private collections nationally. Jim Sabiston’s work is available for purchase in Village Art & Frame, Babylon, Long Island Photo Gallery, Islip, and the Alex Ferrone Photography Gallery in Cutchogue. He may be contacted via his website at www.essentiallightphotography.com

York Times, Studio and Esthetica. John’s work has graced the cover of Newsday and showcased in Modern and American Salon Magazines and National Geographic Traveler. Each season John can be seen shooting the runway and behind-the-scenes at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

John’s eye for beauty led him to open Spa Adriana, an award-winning Aveda lifestyle salon and spa in with his wife Adriana, where he is a master colorist. Nestled in the heart of Long Island’s Huntington Village, Spa Adriana has been providing both beauty and esthetic services for 30 years. The state-of-the-art salon and spa exclusively uses Aveda’s organic and naturally derived products.

John is an avid outdoorsman and environmentalist; his passion for green living led the Vaters to establish Ceviche Tours, an ecotourism travel agency that provides sustainable ecotourism services to travelers visiting the Yucatan and Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Each year he works with environmental leaders to produce The Whale Shark Festival in Isla Mujeres, an event supporting the preservation of this marine ecosystem.

While taking guests on excursions where they swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, John captures the beauty of these majestic creatures and of the blue waters of the Isla with his camera.

His unique perspective on beauty, nature and preservation is continually reflected in his work at Spa Adriana as well as behind the lens.

Gold Coast - John Vater John S. Vater has been photographing fashion and beauty for more than 35 years. He began his career shooting for local Long Island press, then made his way to New York City where he captured the fashion elite on film for top modeling agencies.

His work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, The New

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A musician’s art / an artist’s music.

James Miceli is a graphic artist and musician living in Huntington Village.

He has been a featured cover artist with Village Connection many times over the past eight years. Pictured below are some of his past covers where music and musicians play an important role.

By day James creates websites, logos, packaging and more at his art and graphic design studio. You can see some of his work at www.urgecreative.com.

By night James is a freelance jazz and funk saxophone player. He plays with Richard Rabatin’s Whiskey Rebellion and is a member of SwingTime, an authentic 30s and 40s style swing band. In Huntington, you’ll find James playing once a month at Porto Vivo with his trio and singer Freddy Martin.

Check them out on Friday, December 13th.

James Miceli

Published art for Village Connection: First cover in 2005, Summer Guide, last month’s cover - Billy Joel, Saxophone art, Elvis Costello at the Paramount editorial, Electrified Guitar, BBKing, Dizzy Gillespie.

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Champ is a Long Island based hard rock/post-hardcore band with Rich Damm(Vocals), Keith Ginex(Guitar), JJ Hickey(Guitar), Alex Blanc (Bass), and Tyler Rowe(Drums) all working to make a lifestyle out of their music endeavors.

The band was formed in 2011, and since then they've recorded an EP, replaced a guitarist, and formed a new sound. A sound that is a unique "hybrid" sound of pop-driven chorus', rock inspired riffs, southern twang, electronic interludes, hardcore breakdowns, and Damm's stellar blend of singing and screaming. While the new sound closely relates to some, Champ has took the time to find their sound and message. Screaming has always been a part of their sound, and each member wants to make a better reputation than the one that has stained many genres.

The band's lyrics are written to inspire and evoke a feeling of hope in any situation. To make each and every fan feel like they have an outlet to go to in each member of the band. Even through anger there is always an underlying meaning of hope. Every chance they get,

Champ puts 110% in everything they do. Each show is treated like a brand new experience, and the energy given and received is truly remarkable. The passion for the music comes not only from their large ambitions,

but from the support of their fans who the band regards as not just "fans" but "friends". Champ stands for overcoming the impossible, for making a life out of what they love and take pride in. Take the courage and energy that you see in Champ and use it to achieve what you believe in and have passion for.

In January of 2014, Champ recorded their sophomore EP titled "Decide" with Greg Parker of Amped Studios in Baltimore, MD. We will soon be announcing the release of the new EP titled "Decide" with plans for recording a music video soon.

We will also be playing a tour down the east coast as well as a few other tours starting in June, 2014.

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 9

by Rich Rivkin

B

ob Schmitz’s father was a commercial artist whose influence motivated him to pursue art as a career.

This career, however, did not start until later in life.

Bob’s love of art and the transformation of his present style, transformed over many years while he was running one of his other business ventures. He has now put his other business activities aside to do what he loves to do most, paint and sculpt.

Sculpture was Bob’s first love of art. He was trained by Elaine Braun, a well known Florida sculptress; Greg Johnson, also a noted sculptor in Atlanta; as well as LT Cherokee, a master sculptor from Long Island. He studied drawing and painting under the tutelage of accomplished artists and teachers. Bob’s love for scuba diving and the exotic colors of the beautiful coral reefs of the tropical islands strongly influence his paintings. Many of his original works were of coral reefs and tropical islands.

Even today, his modern impressionistic and abstract styles are influenced by the reefs and the bright colors found there.

Bob allows texture, color, and shape all come from the feelings that the artist is expressing in the moment. His work has been shown in galleries in Atlanta, Ga., Stuart, Fl., WilkesBarre and Scranton, Pa., and numerous locations in New York.

He has been featured in a number of art and culture magazines and he has many works in private collections, and on display in offices and restaurants. His artwork can presently be seen in NY at the “Spirit of Huntington Art Center” gallery at 2 Melville Rd., Huntinton, NY, 11746. and at the Biblioteca of Boquete, Panama.

Recently Bob moved from Huntington to Boquete, Panama to pursue his dream of living in a physical paradise. He is producing new art there and is being featured at the world famous Boquete Blues and Jazz Festival which takes place February every year.

You can see Bob’s other work at www.bobschmitz.com.

V

incent Osmers is a Queens based artist. He received his BFA from Long Island University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Art Education at Queens College. Growing up, Vincent was interested in exploring nature, learning about ancient times and evolution, watching science fiction movies, collecting comics, and graffiti art. He has always been inspired to create art. At the beginning, he was drawn to creating his own imagery and graffiti

style lettering. Subsequently, while studying and exploring many different mediums, Vincent discovered clay and developed a very passionate relationship with this ancient material. Focusing on ceramic work, he began to create his fantasy-like figures, bringing them into the three-dimensional world. Along with ceramic sculpture, pottery and utilitarian objects have also been a part of Vincent’s work. While perfecting his ceramic skills, he continues to draw, paint, and explore an array of mediums to enhance his artistic creations. Large scale murals, portrait painting,

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personalized pottery, and sculpture are among the various commissions Vincent has done. Being passionate about education, he also offers art lessons and volunteers teaching of ceramic and painting for student or novice artists. Currently Vincent continues to create his futuristic landscapes, and figurative creatures while participating in group shows and working on his Masterís degree. You can view Vincent’s work on Facebook at facebook.com/ vincentosmersart.

P

atty Schwarz is absolutely passionate about painting in vibrant colors. A native of Philadelphia, she came from a family of talented artists in both painting and music. She is a water media artist and studied in Manhattan under the guidance of the great water-colorist Eleanor Segur as well as through workshops on Long Island. After having lived in New York for over 30 years, she has the City in her blood and could not resist expressing her impressions of Manhattan and the waters and sky surrounding it. She continually experiments with new paper and vibrant paints to stimulate her imagination and keep her passion for painting alive. Patty has a keen eye

for detail and strives to create long lasting impressions with her art, which is represented in private collections throughout the United States and Europe. Find out more about Patty by visiting her website, www.pattyschwarzstudio.com Rich Rivkin produces ongoing Art/Music events on Long Island, including Live Art Fusion, ArtMOSPHERE, and the 2013 Summer Arts Festival Series (40 Bands + 100 Artists), featuring the bands and artists listed in this month’s Spotlight. www.limusicfestivals.com

VIOLIN SHOP • RENTALS • LESSONS • REPAIRS

FREE

ITAR C GU I T S U ACO 139 Valueepaid $ r nth p 3-mo ns o With s s le guitar

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 11

Dining elegance and Japanese artistry **** NEWSDAY – Peter Gianotti 400 Broadhollow Road • Melville (located with Jewel Restaurant in the Rubie Corporate Plaza)

631-755-0555 • www.bejusushi.com

Come Join Us for Happy Hour Monday-Friday 5-7pm Complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres & drink specials!

Live Music Thursday & Friday!

400 Broadhollow Road (Route 110) Melville 631.755.5777 jewelrestaurantli.com

12 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

Come Join Us for Happy Hour Monday-Friday 5-7pm, complimentary

GOOD EATS A Taste of the Good Life

“The Argyle Grill is a snap, crackle and pop kind of place that looks like yesterday but is very much today” JOANNE STARKEY

La Villini

La Villini Family Style Italian Restaurant welcomes you and your family to an enjoyable meal of regional Italian Cuisine. The spacious restaurant in nestled in the heart of East Northport.

286 Larkfield Rd, East Northport • 631 261-6344

Clubhouse

An acclaimed piece of Huntington's rich culinary history, The Clubhouse has offered a thoroughly delightful and memorable dining experience for over fifty years and has been labeled as one of Long Island's finest steakhouses.

320 Jericho Tpke, Huntington • 631 423-1155

Storyville Staying true to Huntington's diverse food choices, Storyville American Table offers plenty of what is considered standard New Orleans food, such as jambalaya, barbecue shrimp and veal grillades.

43 Green St. Huntington • 631 351-3446

Argyle

The Argyle Grill has established itself as an oldtime family run business catering to the locals with fine food and spirits. In keeping with the tradition of Babylon, The Argyle Grill & Tavern was created as a tribute to the once grand Argyle Hotel.

Lunch • Dinner • Sunday Bruch • Specialty Martinis • Catering 90 Deer Park Ave, Babylon • 631 321-4900

90 Deer Park Ave • Babylon • (631) 321-4900 www.theargylegrill.com

Samurai

Samurai features the classic hibachi cooking tables with private party rooms. Their skilled hibachi chefs freshly prepare your meal right before your eyes. Samurai is dedicated to serve you with the utmost freshness and an entertaining Japanese hibachi experience.

46a Gerard St, Unit 6. Huntington • 631 271-2588

Post Office Cafe For over 30 years the Post Office Cafe has been at the center of Babylon Village. Excellent service and outstanding food keep the doors open, as well as a few late night get-together among friends.

130 W Main St, Babylon • 631 669-9224

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 13

When Scott Wojcik stepped into a restaurant kitchen for the first time it was for the simple need of extra cash while attending college. But it wasn’t long before he was hooked on the adrenaline rush of running a kitchen. After graduating from Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, the aspiring chef enrolled in a culinary program at the Philadelphia Restaurant School. In 2005, a chef friend whom Wojcik greatly respected brought him along to oversee some plans for a new Mexican eatery opening in Huntington – Besito Mexican. “I was very impressed by the concept,” Wojcik recalls. “Though, at the time, I had never cooked Mexican cuisine, I quickly fell in love with it all.” Nine years later, as the Executive Chef at Besito Mexican Restaurant, Wojcik has been very involved in ensuring guests an authentic Mexican culinary experience. “Mexican is not a pretentious food, but it has distinct flavors and it’s fun to eat,” Wojcki said. “We strive for delicious food, great drinks and warm, attentive service.”

The chef has come a long way in familiarizing himself not only with traditional Mexican cuisine, but the history behind it.

The authenticity of each dish at Besito is essential to Wojcik. Tacos al Besito de Res is a top-selling dish at all of the Besito locations, according to Wojcik. “It has all the flavors and techniques that are indigenous to Mexico. In Mexico, you can find it being sold on a side street, in a restaurant, or even smell it coming from the windows of someone’s home.” Besito’s version of tacos de res is distinct because chef doesn’t take any shortcuts to create it. For example, technically brown sugar could be used to avoid sourcing out Mexican piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar), but Besito wants you to feel as though you are in Mexico with every bite.

And let’s not forget the chef recommended cocktail pairing with this dish, which of course involves tequila. “The Besito Patron Margarita is the best way to go,” Wojcik said.

Below you will find the recipe for Wojcik’s Tacos al Besito de Res so you can recreate the experience at home!

Tacos al Besito de Res Ancho adobo marinade • 5 ounces whole guajillo chile • 7 ounces whole ancho chile • 10 ounces garlic • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme • 6 ounces white vinegar • 1 stick of canela • 4 quarts water

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Remove all the seeds from the dried chilies and toast under the broiler. You can see them start to turn darker and release a fragrant aroma. The chilies will toast very fast. You might have to turn them over to get the other side. Do the same with the garlic. Once everything is toasted put all the ingredients in a blender. Use the water to help blend the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Cover the skirt steak in the marinade overnight.

Salsa Cascabel 6 ounces of whole cascabel chili • 2 ounces garlic • 1 ounce jalapeno • Salt to taste Toast all 3 ingredients the same way as the marinade. When blending you can leave it a little chunky for texture. Use water if you need to get it moving in the blender.

Tomato Jalapeno 3 lbs of large tomatoes • 2 ounces garlic • 1 ounce jalapeno • salt to taste Toast all 3 ingredients the same way as above. You might need to do the tomatoes separately from the garlic and jalapeno.

The tomatoes could take longer.

Pico de Gallo 2 pounds large tomatoes • 12 ounces white onion • 2 ounces jalapeno • 1 bunch cilantro • 2 ounces lime juice • salt to taste Small dice the tomatoes and onions and place in a bowl.

Mince the jalapeno and add that to the bowl. Coarse chop the cilantro and add that with the tomato mixture. Use the fresh limejuice and salt to taste.

Garnish 1 head romaine sliced thin • ½ cabbage sliced thin • 6 radishes sliced thin Presentation Cook the meat on a grill to your desired temperature. When finished place on a skillet with cheese and top with the pico de gallo. Add the two salsa on the side with the lettuce, cabbage, and radish.

Heather Girgenti is a foodie and a writer. She enjoys writing about her food adventures from Manhattan to Montauk.

She is connected to the Long Island restaurant scene and enjoys learning more about the behind the scenes action and sharing it with readers.She can be reached at heathag@gmail.com

Yesterdays Restaurant and Pub

Warwick NY’s finest food and spirits Since 1984 29 Main St • Warwick, NY 10990 (845) 986-1904 • yesterdays@warwick.net • yesterdaysnet.com

Sleepy Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast

117 Sleepy Valley Road Warwick, New York 10990 sleepvalleyinn.com • 845.986.7829 www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 15

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55B W all S t, Huntingto n - ( 6 3 1 ) 4 2 1 - 4 1 2 2 387 S Oyster B ay R d, P lainv ie w - ( 5 1 6 ) 6 5 3 - 0 0 9 0 136 2 Old Nor the r n B lv d, R o s l yn - ( 5 1 6 ) 4 0 3 - 4 4 0 0 23 W all S t, Huntingto n - ( 6 3 1 ) 6 0 3 - 3 6 0 0 294 Main S t, P o r t W as hingt o n - ( 5 1 6 ) 7 6 7 - 7 1 6 4

16 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

RESTAURANT WEEK!

- 5/4/2014

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and D e s s e r t B i s t ro Cassis - B is tr o C as s is . c o m B ra sse rie Ca s s is - B r as s e r ie C a ssi s. c o m B i s t ro Citr o n - B is tr o C itr o n. c o m Ca fe Bue no s Air e s - C af e B ue n o sA i re s. n e t L a P’tite F r am bo is e - L aP tite Fra mb o i se . c o m

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 17

By Mark Levine

In Photos:

Ciao Baby in Commack

Italian cuisine, Frank Sinatra on the sound system and way oversized portions are the hallmark of both of the Ciao Baby locations on the island. While Massapequa, on the south shore, is home to one location, we hit their north shore Commack location to be treated to some of their interesting menu items.

If anything makes an impression at Ciao Baby, it’s the portions.

Family-style, and over-the-top, this is not the place to go if you (and your table) are not extremely hungry. Our favorite appetizers, the baked clams and the calamari were of course present, and the short-rib ragu pasta dish sealed the deal for us. Next time we’re looking to feed a party of 12 quite easily, we’ll be heading back to do so.

Ciao Baby 204 Jericho Turnpike Commack, NY 11725 631-543-1400

Property of Mark Brandon Photography 18 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

A Romantic Night Out For Your Ears Sixteen Big Band Originals and Standards From the Kings of 21st Century Swing

Available on

y Mother ’s Da th 11 y Ma

is

631-367-8544 blackroseproductions.com

“Hey Now” written by Paul Val • valmusic.com

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 19

Rookies Leanne Wulforst Rookies featured bartender is Huntington native Leanne Wulforst. Leanne has a bachelors degree in communications from SUNY Cortland and is currently seeking employment in that field. She has been working at Rookies for the past 5 years. You can catch Leanne at Rookies on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and on Saturday nights.

Our featured drink is the bloody bacon; house made Bloody Mary mix rimmed with buffalo salt and garnished with a strip of candied bacon. Sweet, salty, and savory all in one sip.

Pick up your freshly filled 64 ounce Growler from Shoreline Beverage!

20 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

Portraits 2014 Main Street Petite Gallery Opening Reception April 11th 6-8pm

9 East Carver St., Huntington 631-662-9459

372 New York Ave., Huntington 631-549-0448 www.fotofotogallery.com

South Huntington Public Library 145 Pidgeon Hill Rd., Huntington Station 631-549-4411 www.shpl.info/about_gallery.asp

2 Prime Ave., Huntington 631-351-3250 www.heckscher.org

107 East Deer Park Rd., Melville 631-462-5400 www.artleagueli.org

127 Main St., Northport 631-754-8414 www.lamantiagallery.com

25 Melville Park Rd., Melville 631-271-8423 www.huntingtonarts.org

213 Main St., Huntington 631-271-8423 www.huntingtonarts.org

299 Main St., Huntington 631-549-5106 www.bjspokegallery.com

67a Broadway, Greenlawn 631-239-1805 www.ripeartgal.com

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 21

The 7th Annual Sound Success For ALS Benefit Show

By Mick Du Russel- The Showbiz Wizard

S

ometimes a tragedy triggers emotions that give birth to something new and rewarding.

That was the case for myself when a long lost half-brother contacted my family and said he was dying of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He passed away many years ago and that left me with a burning desire to help find a cure. I decided to have a musical benefit each year for this purpose.

Sound Success For ALS was created seven years ago with proceeds from admission and raffles going to the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Research Center at Columbia University in NYC. My benefit shows each year has included many famous bands and celebrities including Billy J. Kramer, Barnaby Bye, actress Sean Young, Martin Briley, Roger Earl from Foghat, Godfrey

22 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

Townsend, John Ford from the Strawbs, Sid Bernstein, Ian Lloyd and Stories, etc…

This year, the 7th Annual Sound Success For ALS Benefit Show will take place at Richie B’s Diamond Club in Ronkonkoma (33 Railroad Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779). Doors open at 3:00pm. Music starts at 3:30pm and will go on into the night! Six world famous bands will be playing including The Raves (featuring members of Randy and the Rainbows), Minute By Minute- Long Island’s best Doobie Brothers tribute band, The Red White and Blues Band (featuring members of Cyndi Lauper’s original band and Ric Zivic and Teddy Wender of 80s band 3d), Stevie Marshall and His DeputiesNYC’s wildest party band featuring Lex Marchesi from Fotomaker and an all-star lineup), The Jimmy Mack Attack featuring guitar virtuoso Jimmy McElligott, drummer Kevin Ellman from Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Shannon MacDonald- the world’s most famous Beatles artist, and another all-star lineup. Wrapping up this stellar lineup is New Jersey’s The Cryers featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Terry Sylvester from the Hollies.

Many other famous musicians will be joining in and numerous celebrities are coming too. They include Geri Reischl - Jan from the Brady Bunch!, Cathy St. George- Playboy centerfold!, Linda Ruth Tosetti- Babe Ruth's granddaughter!, Julia Arnaz Massey- Lucy and Desi Arnaz’s granddaughter, etc…

There will be many unique raffle items to bid on.

Tickets are only $20! Please make checks payable to: Columbia Univ. ALS Gift Fund.

For more information, please contact Mick Du Russel at: 631-335-8886 or theshowbizwizard@yahoo.com Please come and support a great cause and have a great time doing it!!

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www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 23

An ‘Alternative Top 40’ selection* *This record is #1 in a select chronological list of 500 albums that never made the top 40 album charts (released 1964-present), yet considered among the best and/or most important albums ever released. “An Alternative Top 40” is a work in progress, to be published in 2017.

In 1964, Blues music fulfilled just about any definition of ‘Alternative’ music. In that year, blues as a genre was so unpopular that it could possibly even classify as ‘Outsider’ music. For example, Blues was considered to be such anathema that even identifying with the label ‘Blues’ was considered commercial suicide. The once reliable Black audience now saw the blues as ‘Grampa music’ while the white audience that would eventually embrace the genre had not yet coalesced. So, people like Muddy Waters, and his label, Chess Records - a label that made a living from selling blues-related music - had a problem. How do you present a blues artist to a market that is not interested in your product?

As a ‘solution’, Chess took a crass commercial idea and ran with it. In 1963, ‘Folk’ music was all the rage. Lots of crappy three-part harmony-singing college dudes in sweaters were selling records by the millions, while real artists like Bob Dylan and Fred Neil were legitimizing the new trend. To make Muddy Waters more saleable, they simply stopped calling him a blues singer and, through the title of this album, re-invented him as a “Folk Singer.’ Problem solved!

The truth, though, is that Muddy Waters didn’t change his style one bit in some crass attempt to appeal to the neo-folkies.

He stayed true to himself, and what happened? The faux-folk movement faded away as listeners grew more discerning, and tried to find ‘real’ folk music with roots. This led to an era of re-discovery and re-birth. For some, tracing the history of the blues became a full-blown passion and a lifelong obsession. This fascination would eventually lead to the rebirth of the blues as a popular music form. Much of the credit for that rebirth lies with Muddy Waters and the music on this record.

An interesting result of Waters’ recording process on “Folk Singer” is how it allows us to hear blues music differently than we were used to. Until now, electric blues records were (usually accidentally) claustrophobic in their sound palette. The distorted harmonica would melt into the overdriven sound of the vocal track. A blues record was like a burning car – it wasn’t made up of different pieces that come together to create a whole, but was instead a flaming amalgamation of sound that couldn’t be broken

24 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

down to constituent pieces. Much like the early acoustic 78 RPM blues records that were recorded poorly and full of surface noise, the indecipherability of the sound provided mystery. On “Folk Music”, Chess Records suddenly started acting as if they were a Jazz label like Verve, providing space between the instruments, where the room is a virtual instrument. For better or worse, the blues sounded ‘respectable’ on “Folk Singer”. It is the only allacoustic album Waters ever made.

The single most important thing to recognize while listening to “Folk Singer” is that by 1964, the entire American music industry treated Muddy Waters as a has-been while in actuality, he was pointing the way to the future. The electric blues movement, which Muddy Waters himself was largely responsible for, had changed the entire dynamic of the genre, generating sparks of interest among a younger white audience that would eventually burst into flame, particularly in England. This album is a gorgeous oddity, as it captures Waters deliberately avoiding his electric sound, playing much as he did before his Chicago relocation.

Tom Ryan has written several books, including “American Hit Radio” and ”The Jimmy Buffett Trivia Book.” He hosts a pair of Radio Shows (“American Hit Radio” (again) and “How Music Changed”), and is a founder and principal of the New York Roots Music Association (aka NYRMA). He also plays drums with the Last Hombres and runs a Long Island manufacturing firm.

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www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 25

26 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

www.villageconnectionmagazine.com • 27

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28 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

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30 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014

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shorelinebeverage.com 645 New York Ave • Huntington 32 • LIVE Magazine • April 2014