The Village of Lawrence closed out the summer last Sunday night with music, food, fireworks and a strong sense of community, with over 5,000 people gathering at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club for the village’s first Summer Concert Spectacular.
The celebration featured a performance by musician Joey Newcomb, of Far Rockaway, a complimentary kosher barbecue and a fireworks display over the water. But for village officials, the evening was about more than entertainment. It was an opportunity to bring neighbors together and celebrate the community as summer drew to a close.
“What a tremendous sight it is to see all of you here tonight for something truly special, the first-ever Lawrence concert and fireworks show,” Mayor Samuel Nahmias said.
The event brought together residents and elected officials from across the Five Towns, with families crowding the country club grounds to eat, listen to music and enjoy the waterfront setting.
Nahmias said the event was part of his administration’s effort to create opportunities for residents to come together. “This inaugural celebration is all about bringing our families and neighbors together to celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community,” he said. “We are thrilled to welcome Joey Newcomb to the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.”
From the stage, the mayor thanked village employees and others who helped organize the event. “Tonight would not have been possible without the tremendous work that went on behind the scenes,” he said. “I want to specially thank our dedicated village staff.”
Nahmias recognized Village Administrator Gerry Castro, Treasurer Lina Fusco and Facilities Director John Morrison for their work on the event. “It’s hard work and commitment that helped us make today happen,” he said.
He also thanked the Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct for providing security, and members of the village board for helping carry out his vision for the village.
Among the officials in attendance was County Legislator Howard Kopel, the Legislature’s presiding officer, who has been a Lawrence resident since 1987. Kopel praised Nahmias and the trustees for organizing the celebration.
“It’s really great to be here tonight,” he said. “I mean, this is a beautiful village, with a beautiful golf course.”
Kopel added that he has enjoyed living in Lawrence for decades and described the community as a special place. “I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” he said. “Lawrence is the place to be.”
For Newcomb, 36, performing at the inaugural event carried particular meaning because of his connection to the area. “I live here, and I feel connected,” the singer and guitarist said. “How often do I get to have Lawrence as my audience?”
Newcomb said he has been singing professionally for eight years. He recalled being invited to perform at a gathering, which led to another invitation and then another. Word of mouth helped build his career.
“Eventually I started putting out albums and songs,” Newcomb said. “I just built it from there.”
His music, he said, is rooted in messages of peace, love and togetherness — themes he felt were particularly appropriate for the Lawrence celebration. “Nobody cares about what the guy next to him looks like,” he said. “It doesn’t matter. We’re all here together. We’re all getting together, loving each other.”
With Rosh Hashana approaching, Newcomb said the timing of the event made the message even more meaningful. “What a better way to get ready for Rosh Hashana?” he said. “No other way than to come together. Like the Beatles used to say, ‘Come together.’”
He added that being selected to perform at the first Lawrence concert was an honor. “This is awesome,” he said. “My picture’s going to be up there, the first-ever Lawrence concert that we did. This is awesome. It’s really an honor. It’s history. It’s a pleasure.”
For Nahmias, the success of the inaugural event showed what can happen when residents, village officials and the broader Five Towns community come together.
“This event reflects our administration’s commitment to enhancing village life,” he said, “bringing residents together and ending the summer season on a joyful note.”
