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Larrin Gerard/Live in the Lobby at the Patchogue
Theatre
Larrin Gerard has that gift of straightforward
songwriting that makes you feel like she knows
everything in the shadows of your heart. Sometimes
it’s sweet, and sometimes it’s agonizing, but you
still come away from it feeling a little better, a
little more like you know who you are.
Larrin, like many Long Island musicians, has
transplanted herself to New York City—and like many
transplants, she still feels like an Islander at
heart. Despite the trek, she is at home in the
Patchogue music scene that has sprouted up over the
last few years.
 “The
town of Patchogue has become like this music
hotspot, there’s no way to ignore it. Patchogue when
I was growing up was very different than it is now;
it was like this forgotten little township.” One of
Larrin’s first performances in the area was at
Live in the Lobby at the Patchogue Theatre. She
was invited to play by the concert series’ curator
Christopher Capobianco after he’d heard her at one
of the local open mic nights. It was an excellent
match, because Larrin has always been a major
supporter of the local scene, and the Lobby has
become a central hub for the scene itself.
The Live in the Lobby concert series
features local original musicians in (you guessed
it) the Patchogue Theatre’s lobby—which itself seats
50, with plenty of standing room. It is currently in
its fifth season and is consistently well attended.
The showcase, like the theater itself, is run
entirely by volunteers, and has given local original
musicians a space where they can be a real, visible
part of Long Island culture.
More information about Larrin Gerard can be found
at
myspace.com/larringerard and
youtube.com/justlarrin. More information about
Live in the Lobby can be found at
liveinthelobby.org.
Jessie Haynes/The Vail Leavitt Music Hall
Jessie Haynes has spent her life playing music
across the east and west coasts, and occasionally
internationally as well. Lately she’s made a home
for herself on the east end, heading up a concert
series at a beautiful old restored theater in
Riverhead. The Vail Leavitt Music Hall is an antique
theater run entirely by volunteers, which may just
have a ghost or two amongst its velvet curtains and
balconies. Jessie feels like her involvement with
the Vail has a measure of fate in it.
 “For
years The Vail was just this really cool and kind of
mysterious place that was always looming in the back
of my mind. There was a little voice that would
remind me that sooner or later I should try to get
involved there. I don’t think I really had a
choice.”
Jessie’s concert series, Original Voices at
the Vail, is a monthly showcase featuring Long
Island songwriters. There’s an intimate open mic
before and after, and the Vail’s two stages and
decadent atmosphere tend to leave both performers
and audiences feeling a little awed. The proceeds go
to the not-for-profit organization that runs the
Vail, which also presents the Riverhead Blues &
Music Festival.
In person, Jessie exudes the unmistakable air of
someone who is accustomed to taking journeys, both
physically and spiritually. Her enigmatic lyrics and
expressive vocals add to that feeling—but you
haven’t gotten the full story until you’ve watched
her grab a Les Paul and make it wail in the middle
of a set. Jessie’s music will grab you by the sleeve
and take you for a journey of your own if you let
it.
Jessie’s new cd, Vampire Kiss, is due to
come out in the next few months. Find out more about
her and the Vail at
jessiehaynes.com and
vail-leavitt.org.
Angela Quiles/The Pisces and the Cup
Angela Quiles is the girl you knew in high school
who dressed in black and was kind of quiet, and
turned out to have notebooks full of the most moving
art, poetry and lyrics. Angela’s dark, moody songs
have been dubbed by friends with the genre “funeral
pop,” and their themes range from relationships to
biographical portraits to religious allegory.
Simple, hooky guitar playing accompanies a vocal
style that is both raw and theatrical.
Angela got her start in the recently-closed
Pisces Cafe, which was an itty bitty Mecca of art
and music in the heart of Babylon Village. “Pisces
was like my niche, my place, my comfort zone… Jeff
[one of the cafe’s owners] always encouraged
artists, and he encouraged me too.”
 Since
the cafe’s closure in December 2009, Angela says she
felt lost for a while. She’s gravitated recently to
The Cup in Wantagh, which has been featuring
original Long Island musicians and artists for
years.
The Cup is that rare venue that manages to keep
its doors open and thrive while still supporting
local art, music and alternative culture. Live
acoustic music can be heard nearly for free ($1 per
person, which goes to the artists) on weekend nights
and the walls of the cafe serve as a gallery for
local artists. It’s also worth noting that the Cup
is one of the only places on the Island that folks
under 21 can go to hang out and listen to live music
on a Saturday night.
More information about Angela Quiles can be found
at
myspace.com/theinfamouspapercup. More
information about The Cup can be found at
thecupcoffeehouse.com.
Jay Scott/The Sage Cafe
It’s really hard not to like Jay Scott. His songs
are simple and passionate and sneak into your heart
without asking for permission. Jay’s vocals are raw
and soulful and soaring. He gets compared to Joe
Cocker sometimes. Here’s the similarity—even if
you’re not always 100% positive what he’s saying,
you know for sure he means it.
 And
as you’re listening, you find that you mean it, too.
Jay’s main focus in songwriting is honesty. “I
have never had a problem with saying what’s on my
mind even if it sometimes gets me in trouble… I
began writing songs because I felt like I needed to
get something off my chest.” Jay’s a family man and
a lot of his recent songs focus on his kids.
Patchogue is Jay’s hometown and as he’s quick to
point out, “You don’t always have to go to the city
for good music.” He recorded his live album,
Homegrown, in the lobby of the Patchogue
Theatre, has been playing at the Brickhouse with
various other musicians since 2002, and recently has
been doing a lot of gigging at the Sage Cafe in
nearby Blue Point.
The Sage Cafe is a homey pub and eatery with Blue
Point beer on tap and lots of music and events
throughout the week. They focus pretty exclusively
on local, original music. On Saturday nights, music
gets going around 10pm and has been known to carry
on into the wee hours of the morning.
More information about Jay Scott can be found at
jayscottlive.com. More information about The
Sage Cafe can be found at
sagecafebluepointliny.com.
Author: Rorie Kelly
Rorie Kelly is a singer/songwriter from various
parts of Long Island. She and her band play
regularly in NYC and on the island, and are
releasing a CD called Wish Upon a Bottlecap
any minute now. Please visit
roriekelly.com for more information and
pretty songs.
An intimate evening of local music at the Sage Cafe in Blue Point
On Saturday, April 24th, local
singer-songwriters Jay Scott and Jessie Haynes
will be teaming up for a live performance at the
Sage Café in Blue Point. These two accomplished
local artists have estsablished themselves in
the music industry and are sure to give
extra-special performances before a home crowd.
Patchogue-based singer-songwriter Jay Scott has
been performing across the country for the past
ten years, sharing his music with fans from
Amagansett to San Diego. In 2008, he released
his first solo album Homegrown on Paradiddle
Records, which was recorded live before a packed
audience at the Patchogue Theatre. In between
taking care of a family and working hard, Jay
continues to write and perform new music. He’s
recently begun working on his second album at
Suffolk Recording Studios in Patchogue, an EP
featuring a distinctive remake of the Bob Dylan
classic, “Knockin on Heaven’s Door.” Jay’s band
includes Chris P. Cauley on drums, Dan Boltze on
bass, and Sean Virgo on lead guitar.
Jessie Haynes is a multi-talented artist,
writing and performing songs, and plays the
guitar. She’s toured the world with Blackmore’s
Night, a band headed by former Deep Purple
guitarist Richie Blackmore. She began her solo
career soon after. Her most recent CD release
was her self-produced “The Secret Life of
Cinderella.” Her music can be characterized as
mesmerizing, with unique perspectives on life,
death, and other issues.
The two artists have worked together many
times, and Haynes even sang harmony on Scott’s
“Sometimes”, which has been characterized a
simple song “having a deep sense of sincere
passion.”
The performance begins at 10PM at the Sage
Café, 4 Montauk Highway in Blue Point. The Sage
Café is a long standing pub/eatery in this South
Shore region, with friendly service, delicious
noshes, and a warm, cozy atmosphere. It’s a
perfect setting for an evening of good times and
great music. The cover charge for the event is
$5.oo and includes a copy of Jay Scott’s CD
“Homegrown.”
Sources:
http://www.jayscottlive.com/
http://www.paradiddlerecords.com/
http://www.sagecafebluepointliny.com/www.sagecafebluepointliny.com/Home.html
Special thanks to Christopher Capobianco.
Publication: The East
Hampton Press & The Southampton Press
By Jennett Meriden
Russell
There is only one thing John
Brzoza and Jessie Haynes love more than playing their original music:
That would be using their talent to help kids in need during the
holidays.
“Who doesn’t want to do
something to give back at Christmas time?” Ms. Haynes, a professional
guitarist from East Quogue, said in a recent interview.
On Thursday, December 10, Ms.
Haynes and Mr. Brzoza, who also hails from East Quogue, will be
headlining a special holiday edition of the Patchogue Theatre’s “Live in
the Lobby” series.
The “Live in the Lobby”
concerts, which feature original music of local songwriters and
performers, have been running since 2005 in the theater’s palatial
lobby. The December 10 performance is being dubbed “Love in the Lobby,”
and is a fund-raiser for the U.S. Marine Corps sponsored “Toys For Tots”
program. The national, benevolent program has collected roughly $500
million in toys for nearly 200 million underprivileged children across
the country since its inception in 1947.
Fellow original Long Island
artists Jordan Hope and the band Satchel Boogie are also on the “Love in
the Lobby” bill. Mr. Brzoza and Ms. Haynes are hoping people will not
only attend the concert, but also bring toys for Long Island children
who otherwise might not be getting any presents this year.
“It’s Christmas time and it’s
about kids,” Ms. Haynes said. “That’s all.”
“For a kid not to open a gift
on Christmas is terrible,” added Mr. Brzoza.
Six years ago, Ms. Haynes
created a local fund-raising concert for Toys For Tots, featuring local
songwriters and performers. The concert was previously presented at the
Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead.
Mr. Brzoza said Patchogue
Theatre officials offered him the December 10 gig, and he decided to
incorporate the Toys For Tots drive into the pre-Christmas concert.
“We just thought it was a
good way to help out the kids and at the same time promote local,
original artists,” he said.
Patchogue Theatre Director of
Communications Christopher Capobianco said that “Love in the Lobby” is a
welcome addition to the “Live in the Lobby” repertoire. This past
October, the series presented “Lennon in the Lobby,” which featured
local musicians playing John Lennon tunes.
Mr. Capobianco said that the
“Live in the Lobby” concert series has gained a “well-earned” reputation
among local musicians and music fans as one of the best venues for
original music on Long Island. He also touts the talents of Ms. Haynes
and Mr. Brzoza and their songwriting skills.
“Jessie Haynes is a
beautiful, talented and generous musician, who writes fantastic songs,
sings like an angel and is an excellent guitarist,” Mr. Capobianco said.
“I have become a big fan of her recordings, but she very rarely performs
live, so to have her appear at a Live in the Lobby is a big thrill.”
Mr. Capobianco also praised
Ms. Haynes for her benevolent spirit, noting that he and the Patchogue
Theatre board of directors hope the Toys For Tots concert will become an
annual event at the theater.
He extolled Mr. Brzoza’s
generosity and his talents as a guitarist, singer and songwriter, adding
that the local musician is always championing Long Island songwriters
and performers.
“John has worked with all of
the performers on the Love in the Lobby bill,” Mr. Capobianco said. “So
in addition to doing his songs, he and his band will back up Jessie,
Jordan Hope and Satchel Boogie, so this will be a fantastic night of
music.”
Jessie Haynes burst on the
Long Island music scene in the 1990s as lead guitarist and singer for
the all-female band Sweet Little Sister. Her searing guitar licks and
sultry voice caught the attention of Richie Blackmore, founder of the
1960s and ’70s rock band Deep Purple.
He asked her to join his
latest partnership, Blackmore’s Night, a band that also features his
wife, singer Candice Night. In addition to touring with the band, Ms.
Haynes also played guitar and sang backup vocals on Mr. Blackmore’s
albums.
But Ms. Haynes said she
eventually tired of enduring long, grueling road tours and putting up
with the attitudes of temperamental artists.
The mother of two settled in
East Quogue in the early part of the new century and quickly started up
a family as well as a solo musical career.
“I’ve been a hired gun for
different bands over the years,” she said. “But now I just like to do my
own thing, on my own terms, and I don’t have to be at the mercy of
someone on a tour bus.”
Ms. Haynes met Mr. Brzoza in
2005, while he was hosting an open mic at a local watering hole. The two
found their musical styles complemented one another and they went on to
collaborate on several songs and headlined various live performances,
including Patchogue Jam 2 at the Patchogue Theatre in 2006.
Ms. Haynes said that Mr.
Brzoza has an uncanny knack for accompanying, and
bringing the best out of, any musician. For nearly two
decades, Mr. Brzoza has played host for open mic nights
across Long Island, providing many local artists their
first opportunity to gain wide exposure in the region.
He is widely recognized by
fellow musicians and music critics as one of the premier
musical talents on Long Island. Michael Lucci of Island
Voice magazine described Mr. Brzoza’s musical style as
“fluid and textural.”
“Mr. Brzoza’s playing is
wholly expressive,” Mr. Lucci wrote, “in his use of both
traditional techniques and innovative effects, creating
mesmerizing aural soundscapes.”
Mr. Brzoza has recorded two
solo albums and is currently working on a third as yet
untitled release. He has also been featured with various
other Long Island bands and recently played at two
separate birthday parties for pop legends Prince and Sly
Stone.
“It was a real thrill to
play with Music Hall of Fame players like Vic Wooten and
Steve Jordan,” Mr. Brzoza said. “There were just some
killer players up there.”
Mr. Brzoza’s open mic band
will be backing up Ms. Haynes, as well as accompanying
Jordan Hope of Medford, billed as an “experimental”
guitarist, and Arkansas native Steven Meadors. Both Ms.
Hope and Mr. Meadors also met Mr. Brzoza at local open
mics he was hosting.
Mr. Brzoza is currently
working in four bands that include his own band mates,
Long Island musicians Keyth Strauss on keyboards,
guitarist Phil “Killer Philler” Bland, bassist Paul Cruz
and drummer Rodney Harris.
He has also performed with
such Long Island bands as The Love Junkies, Crayon
Harmony, Folk Fiction, Shredds, Europa and The John
Brzoza Band.
Mr. Strauss noted that he
and other musicians scheduled for next Thursday’s
performance are not drawn to the event solely out of
altruism. He explained that there are dozens of
songwriters on Long Island who are itching to have Mr.
Brzoza back up their original tunes.
“John is one of the few guys
that can actually command a following of musicians,” Mr.
Strauss said. “We’ll even play with John for free—which
we often do—because he’s that dynamic a musician to play
with.”
“Love in The Lobby,”
featuring Jessie Haynes and John Brzoza, begins at 7:30
p.m. on Thursday, December 10, at the Patchogue Theatre
at 71 East Main Street in Patchogue. Tickets are $10
each. Each audience member who brings an unwrapped toy
will receive a $5 beverage voucher that can be used that
night at the Patchogue Theatre bar, located in the
lobby. For more information, call 207-1313 or visit
www.PatchogueTheatre.com.
|
REVIEW:
WITCHES & PAGANS MAGAZINE, Sept. 2009 Issue
Mysterious,
beautiful, fey, elusive—all of these words describe
poet-musician Jessie Haynes' new CD, The Secret Life of Cinderella.
This lovely CD is a work of art from start to finish—from the
magickal collage liner art, to the poetic power of Haynes' lyrics,
to the
delicacy and artistry of the instrumentation. In fact, this
musical "fairytale"—I think back in the 70s they would have called
this a "concept album"—is a fully conceived and lovingly executed
multimedia work about the power of imagination as the true source of
magic.
It's no surprise that her songwriting and vocals are reminiscent of
Suzanne Vega, while some songs have the same trippy Renaissance
flavor as very early Pink Floyd.
Jessie Haynes brings her considerable skills and talents as a
musician, singer and poet to a project that must obviously have been
a labor of love: it is so richly drawn and emotionally diverse.
Haynes sings, and plays guitars, bass, keyboards, recorder and
percussion. "The Secret Life of Cinderella" ranges from gentle
acoustic folk to heartfelt, gritty blues. Her sweet soprano is
deceptively delicate on songs like "Beyond the Wishing Well" and
"Sister", where the interplay of her voice, soft guitar and powerful
lyrics is nothing less than heartbreaking. "The Rowan Tree" is a
dark-toned instrumental, redolent of autumn fires and rising mists,
and "You and Eye" is a stunning evocation of the Dark Goddess ("She
can take us through the Dark") that just gives me goose bumps each
time I listen to it. Things heat up a bit on "Fortune Surfer," a
sexy, bluesy stomp which expertly pairs Jessie's fey vocals with a
restrained but evocative guitar and bass line. Here more of a
driving rock edge comes forward and Haynes performs with passion and
swagger.
Haynes' The Secret Life of Cinderella is a beautifully conceived,
produced and performed CD, a lush work of art. Highly
recommended.
Leni Hester
WITCHES AND PAGANS MAGAZINE, 2009
Publication: The East
Hampton Press & The Southampton Press
REVIEW: SOUTHAMPTON PRESS, 2008
 The
Secret Life of Cinderella marks a milestone in the evolution of a
singer-songwriter and guitar player who has claimed a style of music all
her own.
Her sweet voice sweeps through the
speakers. Supporting her musically are pleasing female harmonies and
lilting melodies that curve with emotion. Sometimes the music drips
a ballad or struts a funky blues that makes snapping fingers seem
like the right thing to do. The lyrics can break your heart of send
it soaring with happiness.
At the forefront of each song is
accomplished musicianship that doesn't trip over itself. What the
ear hears is lush music that conjures stories, even if no one is
seeing. The recording is a personal way for Ms. Haynes to serve up
music that's representative of where she is now as a musician and as
a person.
-Pat Rogers, The Southampton Press
By Pat Rogers Oct 21, 08 3:24 PM
Organizer John Brzoza will play with
serveral bands at the Musicians Masquerade in Riverhead on
October 31.
Looking for something different to do this
Halloween? Then garb up as your favorite monster, ghoul or temptress and
get ready for a full night of live music and horror movies. It all
happens when the Musicians Masquerade takes over the entire Vail-Leavitt
Music Hall in Riverhead on Halloween.
The doors open at 7 p.m. and close when the
last ghoul goes home. There will be continuous live music from Long
Island bands in the upstairs theater. Monster movies and cult favorites
like Rocky Horror Picture Show will be screened starting at 8 p.m. in
the first floor cabaret room.
There will be a cash bar and prizes for best
costumes. The event is for 21 and over since
there will be a cash bar. All in all, event organizer John Brzoza
believes there will be enough zaniness and music to make for a great
night worth remembering.
“There will be stories to tell, when it’s all
over,” Mr. Brzoza said. “With all the bands playing and all the
characters who are bound to show up, it’s guaranteed to be a fun time.”
The musical lineup is a cross section of the
Long Island music scene. There will be hard rock, country rock, rock,
alternative, music with a gothic penchant, punk, and Latin jazz fusion
with a lot of jamming. Taking the stage (in no particular order) will be
Blue Wild Angel from Hampton Bays, Europa from Sag Harbor, Jessie Haynes
and the Aqua Girls from East Quogue and Tom Hood & The Trailmen of
Eastport.
Hailing from farther afield are Folk Fiction,
Jordan Hope, Steve Meaders, Seanamole, Frank Dimino, Stevenmark and Lisa
Rose. Each band will play for 15 minutes before the next band
immediately takes the stage.
Mr. Brzoza, who hails from East Quogue, will
play with several bands. He will appear with The John Brzoza Band, which
has multiple recordings, and the group Noisy Boy. Mr. Brzoza is also a
member of Plan B, who will perform at 75 Main in Southampton on
Saturday, November 1.
When Mr. Brzoza’s not gigging with one the
bands, he hosts open mic nights on Thursdays at Molly’s Irish Pub in
Brookhaven and at the Brickhouse Brewery in Patchogue on Tuesday nights.
Many of the bands in the Halloween lineup have played at his open mic
nights. Mr. Brzoza said the Musicians Masquerade wouldn’t be possible if
it weren’t for many of the musicians pitching in to make the night
possible.
In the end, the evening is a great opportunity
for Long Island bands to perform on a historic stage in front of a large
crowd of people who are interested in original music and being part of
the live music scene.
“We are out there doing our music,” Mr. Brzoza
said. “We’re trying to make an impact, trying to make a scene. This is
one of those opportunities.”
Mr. Brzoza has staged similar musical
gatherings in the past. Two years ago, he organized Jambalaya at the
Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. He’s also one of the co-hosts with Ms. Haynes
of Original Voices at the Vail, which is held the third Thursday of
every month. The Vail-Leavitt is a historic theater for rent run by a
non-profit organization.
Musicians Masquerade will be held on Halloween
at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall, Peconic Avenue, Riverhead. The doors
open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 in advance. Tickets
can be purchased at East Enders Coffee House and the East End Arts
Council in Riverhead, as well as at Vail-Leavitt. A 50/50 raffle
Publication:
The East Hampton Press & The Southampton Press
Article & Photos
By Pat Rogers
Fans of live music,
take heart: original tunes can still be found on stage. Once a
month, music lovers and musicians can hear what their peers are up
to and even play a few songs of their own during “A Night of
Original Voices at the Vail.” It all happens at the Vail-Leavitt
Music Hall in Riverhead on the third Thursday of every month.
The format is similar
to open mic nights in bars or coffeehouses: walk-in musicians can
sign-up to perform when the doors open at 7 p.m. Groups are
announced by the hosts, who also play a song or two or three. A
featured guest takes the stage for 30 minutes, sandwiched between
performances by walk-ins.
What differs about
Original Voices is that only original music is welcome on the stage.
Unlike many venues, there is no bar or food service, so audience
attention is placed front and center on the musicians performing.
“This is more of an
original music-friendly place,” said Eva Adalai of East Moriches, a
guitarist and singer/songwriter who performed last week. “There’s no
clinking of glasses or screams about football in the bar. People are
here for the music.”
Original Voices takes
place in the black box theater on the first floor of the
Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. The room is cozy and has space to seat 50
people. Microphones, a drum kit, electronic equipment, technical
assistance and even sound checks are provided by the hosts. If a
solo musician wants an instant back-up band, most likely one will
materialize on the spot.
The effort is led by
Original Voices founder Jessie Haynes, an East Quogue musician. The
singer/songwriter/guitarist has led open mic nights in venues across
Long Island. Her co-hosts are all musicians as well. They include
Chris Bruschi of Hampton Bays, who is a Vail-Leavitt board member.
Mr. Bruschi typically mans the theater during the event and makes
sure the $5 door donations and tips for the musicians get where they
need to go.
John Brzoza handles
the sound and is there to lend a hand when an extra guitarist is
needed. Robb Patterson of Riverhead emcees the evening and Gregg
Gennari records all the music and brings CDs to the next session,
held the following month. Volunteers are always sought to help the
event run more smoothly.
Volunteers may also
help the open mic night to grow so the musicians might be able to
use the main theater upstairs. This shared hope was echoed by nearly
all the musicians interviewed last week. So was the hope that
getting the word out will bring musicians out in droves. A typical
evening features about 10 to 15 soloists or groups that want to
play. When the crowd outgrows the 50-person room, a request can be
placed to the board of the Vail-Leavitt to use the main theater.
“I hope that a lot of
people spread the word about the scene there,” said Ms. Adalai. “It
would be a great experience for people starting out to play a big
stage like those in the city. It would be amazing.”
Mr. Patterson was
optimistic that Original Voices will take off and that Riverhead is
on the cusp of burgeoning musical scene. The open mic night began in
March and has been held once a month ever since. Photos, feedback
and future events are posted at
www.myspace.com/orginialvoicesatthevail .
“There’s really no
reason why it can’t grow,” said Mr. Patterson. “There’s no shortage
of talent and there’s a lot going on in Riverhead right now. The
East End Arts Council has a new recording studio and they’re trying
to get things going. East Enders Coffee House has live music a few
times a week. There’s a little scene here in Riverhead.”
Greg Gennari plays
with his band, Celestial, during Original Voices at the Vail-Leavitt
on September 18. PAT ROGERS
For now, there are
plenty of accolades for the scene already playing out. Each month
draws a new crop of musicians plus some returning ones. A broad
range of music has been taking the black box stage. Among other
acts, there has been an experimental jam set to a backdrop of
projected surf images, an a cappella group, gospel singers and lots
of singer-songwriters who appear solo or with a band.
Acoustic and electric
are equally welcome. So are all ages. Performers range from the
occasional teenager to those in their 20s right up to those in their
50s. New music by established performers is encouraged.
“No one is going to
judge you here,” Ms. Haynes said to the crowd that gathered last
week. “You’ve got a supportive group of musicians who want to hear
what you want to play. Use this place as a way to try out new
material and take chances.”
Some of the players
did exactly that last Thursday, while others performed songs from
upcoming releases. Some of the musicians took the stage solo for the
first time in many years, because they are now playing with bands.
Others don’t play professionally but enjoy performing a song or two
at this open mic night and others on Long Island.
In all cases, playing for
an audience offered a welcome opportunity to hone their chops and
experience the joy of playing their original music. Return performers
have the chance to apply to be the featured act of the night. Last week
featured John Brzoza & Friends. Next month puts Jeremy Sears center
stage. November’s headliner is Last Charge of the Light Horse. December
has the fifth annual Toys for Tots benefit that brings a slew of talent
together for a good cause.
Tom Hood and The Trailmen
of Eastport took the stage as a walk-in last week but the band has been
the featured act before. After performing, Mr. Hood passed around copies
of his latest recording, “Riding Into Town.” Musicians are encouraged to
bring their cds along. Their website or myspace accounts are announced
by the emcee so more of their music can be heard. All in all, Original
Voices at the Vail is a special combination, Mr. Hood said.
“This is a venue totally
devoted to music,” he said. “After a few times, you have the chance to
become the featured performer. It’s a real showcase for musicians. Plus,
people are here because they want to hear the music. There’s really not
another place like this on Long Island.”
Separately, Ms. Adalai
agreed. “There’s really no place like this where original music is
welcomed at open mics. At other open mics there’s a lot of covers
because that’s what the audience likes to hear.”
Original Voices at the
Vail is held the third Thursday of every month at the Vail-Leavitt Music
Hall, 18 Peconic Avenue in Riverhead. Doors open and sign-up begins at 7
p.m. The evening runs through 10 p.m. For information, visit
www.myspace.com/originalvoicesatthevail . Basic information can be
found at
www.vail-leavitt.org.
The people who help
make Original Voices at the Vail work each month relax for a moment
while performers claimed audience attention on September 18. Clockwise
from top left are John Brzoza, Gregg Gennari, Robb Patterson and Jessie
Haynes. PAT ROGERS
Issue #18 - July 25, 2008
Back Beat
Hot Music Scene Develops in Riverhead - Yes, Riverhead
By Tiffany Razzano
Nestled between the North and South Forks, on the Peconic Bay
waterfront, downtown Riverhead is poised to become a new music and arts
center for the East End.
Sure, there are a number of empty storefronts - including the abandoned
900-seat Suffolk Theatre - giving the area a semi-rundown vibe, but
there are clear signs of a burgeoning original music scene that's
struggling to grow. Eastenders Coffee House schedules an original music
act - covering all genres, from blues to indie folk - every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday. And though they recently cancelled their weekly
open mic night, owner Diane Reeve has hinted that it might come back in
the fall.
Across the street from Eastenders is the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall, an
intimate and historic 220-seat theater, which also has a smaller, black
box theater - the home of the new open mic series, "Original Voices at
the Vail." It's held the third Thursday of every month and includes a
different featured performer each time. "We're really looking to create
a scene," said Jessie Haynes, a singer-songwriter and one of the
organizers of the series. "We're not cliquey. This isn't a club house."
She said they're always looking for new musicians - of all genres - to
join the open mic. Though it just began five months ago, the series
usually attracts between 30 and 35 musicians and listeners from east of
Patchogue, predominantly coming from the two forks.
The waterfront is also home of the annual Riverhead Blues Festival, and
the East End Arts Council, though it focuses mainly on visual arts,
holds occasional music programs, including a weekly outdoor drumming
class, and the Mosaic Street Painting Festival, which melds together all
of the arts and features performances by local musicians.
Riverhead was an artistic powerhouse as little as 10 to 15 years ago. In
fact, at a point, Town legislation maintained that the apartments above
the shops that lined Main Street were for artists and musicians only.
This legislation was altered about eight years ago, when the artistic
population began to dwindle, said Vincent Tria, who sits on Vail's Board
of Directors.
Reeve thinks the main reason for the lack of a cohesive arts scene in
recent years is because of the development of the Tanger Outlet Center
and other big box stores along County Road 58, which forced the mom and
pop shops in downtown Riverhead to shut down because they couldn't
compete. In order for there to be a vibrant music and arts scene, most
of the storefronts need to be occupied. "There's a tremendous,
tremendous amount of potential," Reeve said. "I've been waiting for
Riverhead to come to life and I think it will in its own time. There's a
whole lot of potential here."
"I really feel like it's going to happen. It has that artsy in the
making kind of vibe," Haynes added.
And a lot of things are scheduled that will transform Riverhead -
Riverhead Resorts will be built on the old Grumman site, Atlantis Marine
World is planning a hotel of its own and, next week, a local developer
will raze a dilapidated building on Peconic Avenue to make way for brand
new shops and a restaurant facing the waterfront. The Town also recently
took over control of the Suffolk Theatre - which Tria, Haynes and Reeve
think could become a Stephen Talkhouse for the area.
These changes could bring in the foot traffic needed to transform the
downtown from merely a handful of single destination attractions into a
destination unto itself, much like Port Jefferson or Greenport Village.
"Riverhead will eventually become a tourist attraction," Tria said. "In
not too many years, we'll be able to offer people a lot."
And when this happens, the local music scene will be in a place where it
has everything it needs to grow.
For more information about what's going on at the Vail or Eastenders, go
to vail-leavitt.org and eastenderscoffeehouse.com.
If you're a band or musician interested in being featured in our new
music column, email
tiffany@danspapers.com.
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