Stepping Out

In tune with the Long Beach Jazz Festival

The beat goes on throughout the weekend

Posted

Seaside Sounds

Long Beach Jazz Festival
The City by the Sea gets ready to welcome fall with a lively weekend of tunes. An eclectic mix of renowned musicians will have everyone groovin’ along as the festival celebrates its 14th year of free performances. Scheduled to appear are Columbian harp sensation Edmar Castaneda, blues legend Kerry Kearney, legendary band Special EFX with founding member Chieli Minucci, and guitar virtuoso Charlie Hunter, jazz icon Bucky Pizzarelli, Paul Simon’s legendary bassist Bakithi Kumalo, and local Long Beach legend Dean Brown. Also in the lineup, former Peter Gabriel pianist Rachel Z appears with her band The Unicorns. Innovative bassist Alex Blake and Venezuelan cuatro player Jorge Glem also participate, making their LBJF debut.
Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 15-18. At varied venues, including the Long Beach Public Library, Long Beach Historical Society and local restaurants. Long Beach Public Library, 111 West Park Ave., Long Beach. Schedule available at www.longbeachjazzfest.com.


Musical Delights

Poetica Musica
Old Westbury Gardens embraces the season with an uplifting musical program, at Westbury House, featuring artists-in-residence Poetica Musica. The concert, entitled “Vive La France,” is performed by cellist Caroline Stinson and pianist Molly Morkoski. They’ll present works by Chopin, Poulenc, and Debussy, including Poulenc’s Cello Sonata, FP 143, Debussy’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in d minor by and Chopin’s Cello Sonata in g minor, Opus 65. A pre-concert talk is offered at 7:30 p.m., with a reception on the West Porch following the concert.
Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m.; with a guided tour of Westbury House at 6:45 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is required. $30, $25 seniors, and students. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.

Seasonal Adventures

Italian Experience
Embrace the new season with a visit to that popular local festival, Hofstra University’s annual Italian Experience, returning for a 24th year. One of the largest outdoor events of its kind, it offers visitors a full slate of folkloric music and dance, children’s activities, craft exhibitions, and, of course, culinary delights. The festival’s entertainment lineup features tenor Alfio, singer-percussionist-dancer Alessandra Belloni and Italian singer and actress Simona Rodano. Returning performers include the San Remo Duo, the Bronx Opera Company and the Long Island Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $6, $5 seniors, children under 12 free. Hofstra University’s South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6582 or visit www.hofstra.edu/festivals.