The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is one step closer to its opening act in downtown Port Jefferson village.
Local musicians and leaders of the nonprofit museum joined village and Brookhaven town officials Thursday outside the town-owned First National Bank Building, a state and national historic landmark, to sign a $10, 15-year lease that finally gives the five-year-old hall of fame a home on East Main Street.
“The many talented artists, musicians and music industry professionals that have helped to create the music history of Long Island, will finally have a home to preserve their legacies,” said Jim Faith, chairman and co-founding board member of the hall of fame. “It’s about time Long Island, this is it.”
Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko said the museum will add a new touch to the village.
Pictures from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame event
“It is a great day for the town of Brookhaven and a great day for the village of Port Jefferson,” Lesko said. “We call them cool downtown because it doesn’t get any cooler than Port Jefferson—and this is going to add to that.”
Carol Demas and Paula Janis, who were on the 1970s childrens’ television show, ‘The Magic Garden’, praised Faith and the hall of fame.
“We are happy to be here today to support this wonderful organization that from here on in, is just going to grow and grow, and grow,” said Demas.
Although the museum still has a lot of fundraising and work ahead of it to make the hall of fame a reality, village officials said it will be eligible for funds.
Faith was just happy to see his dream becoming a reality. “They could have put a restaurant here or another clothes store,” he said.
Seventy three local artists have been inducted into the hall of fame, including Billy Joel, Cindi Lauper, LL Cool J, Mariah Carey and The Ramones.
