Stepping Out

Al Jolson's enduring legacy

Fans gather to honor the iconic entertainer at annual festival

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Al Jolson once said, “After I die, I’ll be forgotten.” As any one of the hundreds of fans who come from near and far to celebrate the iconic performer at the yearly Long Island Jolson Festivals can attest, nothing could be further from the truth. Jolson, who was a pioneer in music, in film, and on Broadway throughout the early 20th century, undeniably made an indelible stamp on entertainment — one that continues to resonate. The festival’s 21st edition, next Saturday, Aug. 12, features favorite aspects from previous years, as well as new treats that are sure to make it memorable for attendees.
Master impressionist George Bettinger, whose specialties include Jolson, Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Jack Benny, Joe Franklin, George Burns and W.C. Fields, will be joining the celebration of the artist known as the “World’s Greatest Entertainer.”
“What makes [Bettinger] exciting is he does such great impressions of people from the old days,” says Jan Hernstat, the president of the Al Jolson Society, who organizes the yearly gathering. Comedian Bob Greenberg will also be on hand to do fun impressions of people such as Oliver Hardy, Curly from the “Three Stooges”, and Ralph Kramden. Impressions aside, attendees will also be treated to an appearance by Joyce Randolph, who played Trixie on “The Honeymooners.” Hernstat plans to interview the actress, who is the show’s only surviving cast member, about her experience working with Jackie Gleason, and what it was like to be a part of the iconic TV series.
Returning favorites include, of course, Tony Babino performing “The Heart of Jolson,” a concert featuring Jolson’s standards.
“Tony B. doing his thing is one of the main reasons that we can continue to do events like this,” says Hernstat. “He is so talented and sounds so much like Jolson, so it’s a joy to have him. Nobody else can do what he does like he does it — not anymore!”

Brian Gari, the grandson of Jolson contemporary and legendary comedian/singer Eddie Cantor, will also participate, as will Ed Greenbaum, a Jolson aficionado who will offer some insight into Jolson’s performance style.
“He was the first major superstar,” says Hernstat on why it is important to continue to remember Jolson in such a special way.
“When he was a ‘superstar,’ that word wasn’t even coined yet. He was the first. If you think about the long line of superstars, there was Jolson, Bing Crosby, Sinatra, Elvis, the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson (who only wore one white glove — Jolson wore two!)... But he was the first true superstar, the lead in the first talking movie [“The Jazz Singer”], the first person to take a show on the road, to become a Hollywood and Broadway star. The problem is that he doesn’t get much exposure, and a lot of people don’t remember what he did.”
That’s where the Al Jolson Society steps in. Hernstat explains that it’s the organization’s mission to keep Jolson’s name alive and to preserve his legacy. For this reason, Hernstat has been running the Long Island festival for every one of its 21 years.
Those folks who attend the Long Island gathering are getting the best components of a national three-day festival that takes place across the country every May (the month of Jolson’s birthday), according to Hernstat. This includes a Society auction, video presentation and special performances.
“People that come get a kick out of it,” says Hernstat. “They call me in March to find out the August date because they don’t want to miss it. [At that time] I haven’t even booked the date yet!”
“With the older people who remember Jolson leaving this earth, it’s harder and harder to find those people out there who are true Jolson fans. I always tell people, ‘We’re not looking to convert you to become a Jolson fan; we just want to find the fans who are already out there and let them know that they have this outlet for their enjoyment.”
The 21st Annual Long Island Al Jolson Festival will be held on Aug. 12, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Oceanside Knights of Columbus, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside. Tickets are $43.95, which includes entertainment and meals. Tickets for Tony Babino’s performance only are $23 each. For more information, call (516) 678-3524 or visit www.Jolson.org.