Splish Splash

The Cedar Beach Blues Fest (Mt. Sinai) was about as good as it gets September 23rd-24th. Although rain fell just as the last notes from Jacks O’Diamonds pealed out towards CT, the blues fold wafted into the field for a dose of the best blues music available anywhere. More than 100 musicians told the true tales of American music on 2 stages and kept the tradition through year 16. The tribe gathered for exultation, exhortation and booty shake-elation, just as it always does. We’ll gather again for another. www.liblues.org.

Young musicians NRG with Nicole Hart Kerry Kearney

The 2006 Master Builder Award Gala Honored John Kanas of North Fork Bank at Planting Fields Arboretum (Oyster Bay) on Friday, September 29th. The event benefits Long Island State Parks. Kanas was recognized as an environmentalist and philanthropist as well as a leader in the banking industry. Eliot Spitzer, Donald Trump, Steve Carl, Herbert Balin, Katherine Heaviside, Peter King, Kirk Kordeleski and of course, the imitable Bernadette Castro were all on hand. Proceeds help support the enhancement of parks and activities for patrons across Long Island. The black-tie award gala was hosted by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Foundation for Long Island State Parks. www.nysparks.state.ny.us.

Left to right: John Kanas, Monsignor Thomas Hartman Left to right: Donald Trump, John Kanas, Attorney General Eliott Spitzer, NYS Parks Commissioner Bernadette Catsro. John Kanas receives the 2006 Master Builder Award from NYS Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro.

The screening of Groomsmen was followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Ed Burns on Thursday, September 28th at the Cinema Arts Centre (Huntington Village). www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Ed Burns, Karen Hurd, Andrew Raia   Pete Bune, Jacob Stebel, Ed Bunrs, Phendryx & Sean King recreate the Groomsmen poster

“An Evening at El Morocco” was put on at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum (Centerport) on Thursday, September 28 to benefit the educational and public programs of the museum. Long Island Pulse was proud to sponsor the special celebration of famed Gold Coast 1940’s heydays. www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

On Wednesday, October 4th, Long Island Pulse Publisher and Creative Director were invited to a private concert—we’re talking about 100 people—with Sarah McLachlan. Citibank arranged for the show at an undisclosed location as a kick off for their new “Traveling Through Life” concert series: Similar concerts with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige and Tony Bennett will be available to Citi/AAdvantage card members. 4 Cities. 4 Concerts. 4 Journeys. 1 Card. Visit www.privatepass.citi.com for more information.

The Famed longisland.com Pizza Contest at Adventureland (Farmingdale) on Saturday, October 7th was as big a success as ever. Joining JACK FM, Cablevision, Long Island Pulse and other sponsors were half a dozen pizzerias from across the Twin Counties. Who won? Visit www.longisland.com.

The Zere Family party (Smithtown) in honor of Soldier Ride on Saturday, October 7th honored the men and women veterans who cycled, and handcycled, from Montauk to San Diego for two months to raise money for fellow veterans coming home in need of help. To help, or find out more, call David Zere at (631) 467-4300 or email dzere@zere.com.

Soldier Ride Heros: Joshua Magura, Sandy Kiegiel, Neil Duncan, Reggie Cornelia and Peter Honerkamp Larry the Legend with David Zere Marie and Michelle Zere

FINALLY! The Long Island Music Hall of Fame held its inaugural induction ceremony. You heard: Sunday, September 15th at the Patchogue Theater brought out rock ‘n’ roll royalty, music heroes and hangers on. The Hall and Museum are coming soon. Visit www.limusichalloffame.org. Join Long Island Pulse in sponsoring LIMHOF initiatives.

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri with Jackie "The Jokeman" Martling LIMHOF Founders Charlie McKenna and Mark "Doc Blues" Gressier Twister Mr. Dee Snider

Opening Night Party of the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) is always at Gurneys (Montauk) and always a place to see favorite old faces and new. This year’s event, held on Wednesday, October 18th, was attended by the biggest celebrity of all: Mother Nature was present to match a perfect fall night with the perfect venue. www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

JJ Fondrisi and Eric Striffler Hamptons Polo Fanatic Filmmaker and Comedian Jeff Nichols

The Long Island Pulse 1st Anniversary at Carlyle Bash on the Green (Bethpage) on October 12featuring DJ Diamond, Fun Factory & Ovations Dance Repertory.