54.0°,
Partly Cloudy Celebrating Al Jolson in Oceanside
A tribute to the great entertainer at the Long Island Al Jolson Festival
Al Jolson, known as the “World’s Greatest Entertainer” will always live on – in the hearts and minds of his fans. Once again, those Jolson enthusiasts will convene at the annual festival devoted to his music – and memories – on Saturday.
This year’s festival, held on Aug. 20, in Oceanside, marks the 61st anniversary of the International Al Jolson Society, which hosts the event.
“Jolson said at the end of his life ‘When I die, nobody will remember me.’ Here it is 61 years later and we have thousands of members worldwide who keep his memories and music alive,” said International Al Jolson Society President Jan Hernstat. “And there are so many more people who are ‘closet Jolson fans’ who enjoy his music.”
Although many view Jolson as that blackface singer of long ago, those who continue to be enthralled by his music and keep his legacy alive know him to have been a complex man of many talents.
“After all these years Jolson still has a magical impact on people,” said Hernstat. “His dynamic way of singing, with so much emotion, has a mesmerizing effect those who listen to his music. I’ve been doing this for 15 years and it is an amazing thing that people still remember this guy who’s been gone for 61 years. Each year we have record numbers who come to our festival. People still want to hear those songs and relive that era gone by. Jolson’s talent is timeless. It just transcends.”
Many of the festival regulars are once again participating, including Jolson authorities Ed Greenbaum and Joe Ciolino, who will give a multi-media presentation about the man and his music. Special guest Richard Halperin, “Mr. Tin Pan Alley,” will perform songs from the 1920s and 1930s, including his interpretation of early Jolson songs.
A new segment this year features comedians Bob Greenberg and Jonathan Smith, who recreate Laurel and Hardy routines. “We decided to pay homage to Laurel and Hardy, Jolson’s contemporaries, for some comic relief,” Hernstat said.
Of course, the highlight of the festival, is vocalist Tony Babino, who is returns year after year with his Jolson revue, The Heart of Al Jolson. Babino performs the Jolson standards: “Mammy,” “California Here I Come,” “Avalon,” “You Made Me Love You,” “Swanee,” “Caroline In The Morning,” and “Sonny Boy,” during his 90-minute show. He always opens up his show to requests, to the delight of those in the audience. “You know people may not remember what they ate for breakfast yesterday, but they remember the words to every Jolson song,” Hernstat said.
“People come back every year to hear Tony B sing. His Jolson impression is uncanny, it’s like no one else. You close your eyes and hear him sing, you think Jolson came back to life.”
As always, the day features an auction of Jolson memorabilia, including such items as records, CDs, sheet music, and videos. It’s always a popular part of the event and guests are encouraged to bring items. As Hernstat explained, “When you’re a Jolson fan you’re a collector. Everybody has something they want to show off or something they want to obtain.”
Tony Babino offers his interpretation of Al Jolson after the lunch buffet, following the “Laurel and Hardy” performance. Hernstat encourages everyone who has interest in Jolson to attend his festival. “You don’t have to be a member of the society to come. We always love to welcome any and all Jolson fans out there.”
“A Tribute To Al Jolson”
The International Al Jolson Society’s 2011 Long Island Jolson Festival
Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $39.95 per person, including meals and entertainment. Show tickets only are $22. “The Heart of Al Jolson” performance begins at 1 p.m. Seating is limited.
For more information, call Jan Hernstat, President, International Al Jolson Society, at Oceanside Knights of Columbus, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside.
(516) 678-3524.
