Fifteen-year-old Merrick musician Justin Gusmano filled the North Bellmore Public Library with the rich tones of his Hammond organ on Oct. 18, performing his first-ever concert at the venue before an enthusiastic crowd.
The afternoon marked another milestone for the young performer, whose blend of classic rock, jazz, and blues continues to capture attention both locally and abroad.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” Gusmano said of the show. “Everybody at the North Bellmore Public Library was amazing. Just everybody all around really extended their hospitality. It was a rocking afternoon. I played a lot of my original stuff from my new record “Forever Alive,” and a bunch of classic hits that I think people really enjoyed.”
The hourlong set featured songs from “Forever Alive,” which was released on March 1, along with covers that spanned decades of musical influence. Gusmano moved seamlessly through Beatles’ favorites, soulful ballads, and prog-blues standards that reflected both his versatility and his respect for musical history.
In addition to his album tracks, Gusmano played some instrumental covers, including “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, “White Room” by Cream, “I’ll Be Over You” by Toto,” and the Elvis classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
The concert was also a family affair. Gusmano’s father — a multi-instrumentalist himself — helped him set up and continues to collaborate with him in the studio. The two have been working together since Justin began writing music in his early teens.
“My dad’s also a musician,” he said. “He’s a guitarist, bassist, and drummer for his project, and it’s been great just to be writing and producing by his side all these years. We did my record together starting in April of 2024, and it’s been super magical alongside the support of my family, my mom, my friends and everybody. Writing songs with my dad — it’s the biggest blessing in the world.”
“Forever Alive” was recorded in collaboration with musicians from around the world, including Tony Franklin of The Firm. The album has earned radio play in the United Kingdom and showcases Gusmano’s passion for keyboard-driven rock.
“It’s gotten a lot of air play in the United Kingdom on some blues stations,” Gusmano said. “The whole record has just been amazing and I’m really glad that people have enjoyed it because my passion is playing keyboards in terms of progressive rock, jazz, fusion and blues in general.”
When he’s not performing or recording, Gusmano brings his music to senior living facilities across Long Island — something he calls the most rewarding part of being a musician. He’s also raised funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation through sales of his album, merging his musical career with community service.
“Playing for the seniors is just the most rewarding thing,” he said. “When I’m packing up my stuff at the end of the show and they come up to me and say, ‘Hey, I had a wonderful time’ — that’s the most rewarding aspect of it all.”
