Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the 2009 “Music Under the Stars” concert series will kick off on Monday, July 6, with a performance by Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops of Long Island with a program entitled “Best of the Pops.” The show will be held at Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale, beginning at 8 p.m.
“Everyone who has had the pleasure of watching director/conductor Dean Karahalis is well aware of his vivacious style,” Venditto stated. “Instead of fans simply watching a show, Mr. Karahalis and the Concert Pops encase audiences in the music. This performance will feature tunes from Broadway, pops, Hollywood and more played by some of the finest musicians in our area.”
On Tuesday, July 7, the annual “Salute to America” with this year’s featured performer Lee Greenwood will take place at John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa. The program will start at 7:45 p.m. with a special salute to our veterans and will be capped off with a fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci. The program is being co-sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings Bank and State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.
“Lee Greenwood is often identified as the ultimate name that comes to mind when patriotism is mentioned in the entertainment industry,” Venditto said. “The song with which he is most identified, God Bless the U.S.A., earned him the Country Music Association’s ‘Song of the Year’ Award and a special niche in country music and pop culture. With his distinctive voice, insightful songwriting, unparalleled showmanship and a long string of hits, including I.O.U, Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands, It Turns Me Inside Out, Somebody’s Gonna Love You, I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose) and Dixie Road, he still inspires audiences around the world, especially our troops overseas.”
On Wednesday, July 8, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, will rock with the high-energy, crowd-pleasing Body Heat beginning at 8 p.m.
“Since 1981, Body Heat has been at the top of their game, entertaining audiences across Long Island and New York,” Venditto said. “Performing songs from the 1950s to the present, by such artists as Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Barry White, ABBA, Michael Jackson, Pink and Black-Eyed Peas, Body Heat keeps audiences moving to the beat.”
Friday, July 10, brings Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach, Larrabee Avenue, Oyster Bay, beginning at 8 p.m. The program is being co-sponsored by state Senator Carl L. Marcellino.
“More in demand today than ever, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge has a repertoire of music guaranteed to turn the clock back to those bitter-sweet teenage years when souped-up cars and long flowing hair were all that mattered,” Venditto said. “When the first three bars of Worst That Could Happen kick in, eyes instantly widen in recognition and memories flood back. Welcome Me Love, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Blessed Is the Rain are only a few of this group’s fantastic, history-making recordings, and they sing them with the same intensity and heartfelt emotion that created the original hits.”
The 2009 “Music Under the Stars” summer concert series takes place over 26 nights during July and August at various locations throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. Shows are free to town residents and begin at 8 p.m. on most evenings. For more information about the “Music Under the Stars” program, visit the Town of Oyster Bay Web site at www.oysterbaytown.com or call the Department of Community and Youth Services at 797-7900.
“The Department of Community and Youth Services, Cultural and Performing Arts Division (CAPA), has outdone itself this year, assembling a lineup of talent for this summer’s ‘Music Under the Stars’ concert series that is nothing short of exceptional,” Venditto stated. “As in years past, there is such a variety of shows available that everybody will be able to find something they will enjoy. So, just bring along a lawn chair or blanket and prepare to have a great time.”
