Tulips on display

The tulips are back. Those colorful blooms will bring many visitors (actually thousands) to Hofstra University for one the area’s favorite springtime traditions, Hofstra’s Dutch Festival. The festival celebrates its 29th year on Sunday with the glorious tulips that honor the Dutch heritage of founder William S. Hofstra (who traced his roots to the Dutch province of Friesland).
Hofstra embraces spring on its South Campus with a day filled with jazzy tunes, kids activities, and authentic Dutch food and beverages. And, of course, those many thousands – the number is actually around 10,000 – of tulips at the peak of perfection.
“The campus as always at this time of year, never disappoints,” said Bob Spiotto, executive producer of Hofstra Entertainment, who is the festival’s Entertainment Producer. “This has become very much a spring musical festival, in addition to paying homage to the university’s Dutch heritage,” Spiotto said. “We have a lot of wonderful music to share with visitors, along with the tulips to enjoy.”
Sharing the festival stage along with popular returning acts, Shotgun Wedding makes its area debut featuring an “upscale country city sound.” “I am most excited about the Long Island premiere of this band,” said Spiotto. “This talented group includes Wade Preston, who appeared as the Piano Man in the Broadway show “Movin’ Out;” Hofstra alum Dennis DelGaudio, the lead guitarist in “Movin’ Out” and later a member of Billy Joel’s band; bassist Andy Cichon, who also toured with Billy Joel; and Chuck Burgi, the original drummer in “Movin’ Out” and a member of Billy Joel’s band; with vocalist Hilary Gardner. Their music is hard to describe. It’s listenable, feel-good music that brings the collective elements of this band together in a fabulous way. They are a tremendous addition to the festival and the wide variety of music everyone will hear on Sunday.”
The always-appealing 19-piece New York’s Most Dangerous Big Band, composed of many active and retired police officers, returns with their dynamic sounds. “They are just fabulous,” Spiotto said. “We are always delighted to have them here.” Other performers include the East End Trio, with percussionist and Hofstra faculty member Doug Morrow (who teaches in the Department of Radio, Television, Film); the Hofstra Jazz Ensemble; and Bob Cantwell and the Saturday Night Stompers.

The East End Trio offers the swinging tunes of the big band era, with their interpretations of sounds from the ‘40s to ‘80s. Bob Cantwell and the Stompers contribute their distinctive approach to jazz, swing and Dixieland. “Musically there’s always something for everyone,” Spiotto said, noting that the Jazz Ensemble “holds the Hofstra musical banner high.”
For the kids – and kids at heart – Gary Ferrar, aka Gary the Great, another Hofstra alum, makes his first appearance at Hofstra with his high-energy magic show.” He’s been busy pounding the presto pavement,” said Spiotto, “ and we are proud to have him back on campus.”
The festival also includes Hofstra Arboretum’s annual plant sale, and visitors can browse among Dutch-related items and crafts for sale, as well as sample Dutch cuisine. ‘It’s always a terrific day,” said Spiotto.

Hofstra University Dutch Festival
When: Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $6 per person, $4 seniors, children under 12 free.
Where: Hofstra University, South Campus, Hempstead. For more information, call the Dutch Festival Hotline at (516) 463-6582 or visit www.hofstra.edu/Festivals.