Oyster Bay Hamlet Makes Tuesdays and Thursdays a Destination Magnet
The hamlet of Oyster Bay is getting some streetscape improvements. “An old-fashioned high wheel bike will be diplayed at Buckingham’s Variety store. I actually found it online but bought it through the Visentin Bike Shop on Pine Hollow Road. I wanted to keep it local,” said Walter Imperatore of Renaissance Properties. “I ordered it and picked it up on Wednesday, June 10, and put it in Buckingham’s. It will be displayed outside on Audrey Avenue.”
And more: A lovely new area is being created behind Chrison & Bellina. He said, “Catherine Drabin did some plantings in the patio behind her store and the fountain is flowing now,” said Mr. Imperatore.
Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce President Alex Gallego added, “Catherine Drabin, Dottie Simons, and Walter Imperatore have done a wonderful job with the patio next to Chrison & Bellina on Audrey Avenue!
“This is an uplifting story about what community can do and accomplish together. They took an underused patio walkway and made it a beautiful fountain garden, that folks visiting our town and our community can enjoy,” said Mr. Gallego.
Adding to the streetscape, Mr. Gallego said bike racks are coming. “The bike racks are ordered and the first one will be installed over the next several weeks. It is an old-fashioned rack that looks like a vintage bicycle. It may also encourage people to ride their bikes to the hamlet.”
Free Open-Air Concerts
Besides the streetscape improvements to the town, including the flowering baskets and planters filled with greenery, the longstanding Neighborhood Nights have been transformed by the Main Street Association into Oyster Bay Sundown concert series. Originally created to bring local residents to visit those sites in the hamlet that are tourist destinations and might not have been visited by locals, they included free concerts to entertain guests as they enjoyed their “bring your own picnic” evenings.
The new concept adds free concerts at the Derby-Hall Bandstand at the intersection of Shore Avenue, Spring Street and Audrey Avenue, opposite the Oyster Bay post office, as its venue – again bringing people to the hamlet and it adds an evening destination in town to continue the fun.
The Sundown concert/events were kicked off at the Friends of the Bay Gallery by the Bay exhibition opening on May 21, where Steve Walker amazed listeners with his virtuosity. On June 4, Lost Time played top 40s favorites from the ’50s to ’80s, at the Derby-Hall Bandstand – where dogs and children were welcome. The Main Street Association promotion says: “Historic Oyster Bay will be your musical destination this summer. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and a bottle of wine (soda or coffee) to enjoy live concerts. These events are free and family-friendly. While here, why not stay for dinner – take a walk along our lovely waterfront and see what Oyster Bay has to offer for the entire family.”
June 11, Ian Blake, songwriter and singer, will give a concert at the Derby-Hall Bandstand, with an Afterglow invitation to continue the fun at Wild Honey.
June 18 is the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum’s Summer Solstice Celebration, a fundraiser to aid in the work of furthering the museum’s plans. On June 25, Chris Gotzenberg, guitarist and singer, will offer a downtown concert at the Derby-Hall Bandstand, followed by the Afterglow at Wild Honey.
July 2 The Blaggards, a rockabilly/swing band will entertain on Shore Road and Audrey Avenue at the bandstand. On July 9, Janine DiNatalie performs a retrospective of popular songs at the bandstand.
July 16 there will be Sea Shanties by Stout! at the Earle-Wightman House at 20 Summit Street with the Afterglow at Fiddleheads. On July 30, Strike the Bell will perform Sea Shanties at Raynham Hall Museum at 20 West Main Street. Harriet Clark, Raynham Hall Museum director said, “Great minds think alike,” of the decision of the two historic sites for welcoming sea shantey music to their historic grounds.
July 23 the Oyster Bay Community Band will play at Sagamore Hill Historic State Park. The life and music of Judy Garland will be featured on Aug. 6 at a Judy Garland Revue at the bandstand on Audrey Avenue with an Afterglow invitation to Il Piatto’s restaurant. Strummin’ and Drummin’, a fun kids music show, will be offered at Planting Fields Arboretum Historic Park on Aug. 13. The series winds up the summer fun on Aug. 16 with a Sing-A-Long at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center at 134 Cove Road.
The free events at the historic sites take place on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. In the event of rain call 922-6982 or call the host site.
The hamlet has even more to offer with its Cruise Nights on Tuesdays on Audrey Avenue – that includes live music. Il Piatto offers live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. And Fiddleheads American Fish House & Grill offers complimentary Pine Island Oysters on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Come on down and be part of the fun in this new – old town.
