Stepping Out

Beltin' out the blues in Long Beach

Annual festival is a summer staple

Posted

Summer Sounds

Barrier Beach Blues and Arts Festival
The ninth edition of the Barrier Beach Blues and Arts Festival gets the holiday weekend off to a swinging start in the City by the Sea. An acclaimed lineup of musicians and vocalists will be at the Long Beach Public Library and at local restaurants, with this year’s festival featuring a special tribute to local blues legend Michael Barnett. On Friday evening, Long Beach’s Steve Adelson, the acclaimed Chapman Stick player, performs with Kerry Kearney and Eileen Murphy as the Elecletic Blues Trio; on Saturday the blues are back with guitarist-singer Solomon Hicks — known by fans in Harlem as “King Solomon,” and ‘Lil B.B. King” — and his quartet, among other noted musicians throughout the weekend.
Thursday through Sunday, June 29-July 2. All events are free at Long Beach Public Library, but seating is limited. The schedule is subject to change. For more information, visit www.aip-arts.org.

Fourth of July Fun

Old-Fashioned Independence Day
While fireworks receive most of the attention during Fourth of July festivities, there’s much more to an Independence Day celebration than the pyrotechnics. For those who want something else besides the light show, try enjoying the holiday the way 19th century Long Islanders did. Step back in time for a rousing Fourth of July from an earlier era at Old Bethpage Village. The celebration marks the departure of Union soldiers at the start of the Civil War in 1861, with a traditional Independence Day parade, at 2:30 p.m. The soldiers will drill and fire a patriotic salute, followed by a ceremony. Activities throughout the day include patriotic speeches, musket firing, brass band concerts, storytelling, and children’s games, along with historic craft demonstrations. Bring a picnic and relax with the sounds of some patriotic tunes in the background.
Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12, $8 children 5-12 and seniors. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400 or www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.