The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame hosted a grand opening for the non-profit organization’s first physical facility, and Long Island’s very first Hall of Fame, on November 25, at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook Village. The location is near other cultural centers including The Long Island Museum, The Jazz Loft, and The Reboli Center.
“We are thrilled our organization has found a permanent home in such a wonderful location,” said Ernie Canadeo, Chairman, LIMEHOF. “We’re excited to be able to share our world-class displays and unique memorabilia collection that showcases Long Island’s rich and diverse musical and entertainment history in new and exciting ways. We feature different and exciting exhibits, displays, videos and education offerings that make the center a dynamic place for people to visit on a regular basis.”
North Babylon resident Cliff Schlesinger was the first public visitor to the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame when it opened on November 25 at noon.
Schlesinger said he was most excited to see the first exhibit “Long Island’s Legendary Club Scene – 1960s-1980s,” which is designed to be “a club crawl” through Long Island’s legendary ’60s, ’70s and ’80s club scene.
“We used to go everywhere from Speaks in Island Park to The Mad Hatter in Stony Brook,” Schlesinger said. “We used to go everywhere to see Twisted Sister and Zebra and all those bands so I can’t wait to see that exhibit.”
Over 500 public visitors came out to see LIMEHOF on its opening weekend. Also, LIMEHOF Inductee Richie Cannata performed on stage along with Mark Newman and LIMEHOF Long Island Sound Award Winner Kerry Kearney.
Over 250 guests and inductees attended a special VIP preview event on November 22 to kick off the first exhibit. Inductees in attendance included founding and current members of Blue Öyster Cult (bassist Joe Bouchard, Albert Bouchard, and drummer Jules Radino), Zebra (guitarist Randy Jackson, bassist Felix Hanemann and drummer Guy Gelso), The Brooklyn Bridge (Jimmy Rosica), Parrish Smith from EPMD, Granddaddy IU, and Twisted Sister (guitarist Jay Jay French and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza), Music Journalist Wayne Robins, John Gatto from The Good Rats, singer/songwriter Jen Chapin, Paula Janis and Carole Demas of “The Magic Garden”, singer/songwriter Elliott Murphy, Ira Maltz, CSS Security, Stanton Anderson (Mark Fowler), LIMEHOF board member Sandra Taylor (daughter of LIMEHOF inductee Sam Taylor) and Lawrence Worrell, stage name L.A.W. from Planet 12 (grandson of LIMEHOF inductee Sam Taylor) and more. There were also live performances by Zebra, The Blue Öyster Cult, Jen Chapin, Paula Janis and Carole Demas of “The Magic Garden” and other inductees. Music Journalist Wayne Robins was also officially inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame and Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5 PM. Admission prices are $19.50 for adults, seniors (65+) and veterans are $17, and students with ID are $15. Children under 12 are free.
The first exhibit features replicas of clubs, with videos of artists performing, ads, posters, instruments, and an exact replica of a typical 1960’s stage, with vintage equipment and sound system. There is also a permanent “Hall of Fame” with plaques and exhibits recognizing over 120 inductees, as well as areas for a library, classrooms for educational programs and master classes, a surround-sound theater and a gift shop with music and entertainment themed memorabilia.
There are a wide range of compelling visual elements and rare artifacts on display throughout the building. Inducted artists who have donated their memorabilia include Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Debbie Gibson, Blue Öyster Cult, Twisted Sister, and families and estates of Harry Chapin, Guy Lombardo, John Coltrane, and so many more. Donations include various musical instruments, performance outfits, vintage automobiles and motorcycles, rare posters and photos, handwritten lyrics, and much more.
For more information about the Hall of Fame and Museum, visit limehof.org.