Island Park resident Steve Adelson, a renowned local musician, and master of the unique Chapman Stick, will be performing at the Island Park Library on Oct.29 at 6 pm. in what promises to be a special hometown show.
Adelson will be joined by his trio and playing alongside him will be renowned vibraphonist Bryan Carrott, whose mastery of the vibraphone—a percussion instrument similar to the xylophone but with resonating tubes that create a rich, vibrating tone—has drawn comparisons to legends like Lionel Hampton. Frank Bellucci, a drummer and a protege of the iconic Buddy Rich, will round out the group.
Adelson, who recently moved to Island Park in May 2023, is no stranger to the Long Island music scene, having lived in Long Beach for 40 years before a brief stint in Arizona.
Known for his deep roots in the local community, Adelson’s return to the Island Park area has reignited his connection to local audiences.
With a background that spans decades, Adelson’s journey as a musician is as interesting as the music he plays. Initially pursuing a career in chemical engineering, Adelson’s life took a dramatic turn when he embraced the counterculture of the 1960s.
“I went to City College and I was a hippie,” Adelson said. “I was at Woodstock, and I said, Who wants to be an engineer? So I switched my major to music and I was a guitar player first for 15 years.”
He began as a guitarist, playing in styles influenced by rock and jazz legends such as The Allman Brothers and Frank Zappa, before transitioning into jazz guitar.
However, his career took a new direction when he discovered the Chapman Stick, a unique instrument that has since defined his musical career.
The Chapman Stick is a rare and distinctive instrument featuring 12 strings—six bass and six guitar strings—that are played simultaneously using a tapping technique. This dual functionality allows Adelson to craft a complex, layered sound, where he plays both bass lines and melodies at once.
It’s this innovative and challenging instrument that has earned him recognition across the globe, with performances not only locally but also in Europe, where he was interviewed and played in the Czech Republic before the pandemic.
Adelson’s local impact extends beyond performances.
While living in Long Beach, he developed a strong relationship with the Long Beach Library, where he produced a jazz festival for 16 years.
The festival became a significant cultural event, drawing major figures in the jazz world such as Stanley Jordan, Omar Hakim (a drummer for Sting), and Will Lee (from the Late Show with David Letterman band).
Adelson’s upcoming performance at the Island Park Library marks a continuation of his deep involvement with libraries as community spaces for live music.
Jessica Koenig, the director of the Island Park Library, embraced the idea of Adelson performing at the venue, telling him, “Of course, you’re gonna have a gig. You’re a star.”
In addition to his upcoming library show, Adelson continues to perform regularly, including weekly gigs at local venues like Gran Paradiso in Island Park, where he plays background dinner music.
While his restaurant performances may be more relaxed, his library show is expected to highlight his extraordinary talent and unique musical style.
“It’s going be a jazz concert,but I might throw in a Led Zeppelin song,” Adelson said. “I’ll feel and see what the crowd is like.”