Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Free Uniondale Summer Jazz 2025 series ended on a high note on Aug. 26, closing out three evenings of live Jazz music at the John J. Byrne Community Center, with Artistic Director Napoleon Revels-Bey leading – celebrating the rich spirit of jazz.
The first concert of the three-part series featured the band Liquid Jazz, who played renditions of tunes such as “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Canadian Sunset”, drawing applause and delight from the audience.
Percussionist and band member Fred Berryhill has spent decades behind the drums — first as a band director in New York City schools, and now as a retired music educator still performing.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” Berryhill said, “ Percussion has always been my voice.”
Berryhill said his drums are more than an instrument, they’re his way of bringing the energy on stage.
“I’m always trying to set a mood, when my eyes are closed, I’m listening to the other musicians, just trying to be creative,” he said. “That’s why I like jazz — I never play the same thing twice.”
Berryhill also brought along a cajón, a wooden box-shaped drum that produces snare and bass-like tones when struck, adding a different texture to his performance.
Napoleon Revels-Bey, the artistic director and organizer of the Jazz Bone series, said his goal is to bring more traditional jazz into local communities while fostering connection across cultures.
“I’d like to see a real festival out here that brings different nationalities together. That’s my focus.” Revels-Bey stated.
A percussionist and music educator hailing from Hempstead, Revels-Bey has a greater vision for what can be accomplished with the series.
He hopes the series can spark a renewed appreciation for live jazz in local neighborhoods.
“The love of “quote, unquote” traditional jazz — at some point they’ll be able to have more of this in communities. I’m hoping. “
