The iconic hip-hop group The Fat Boys was recently inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) at its newly opened museum in Stony Brook. Kool Rock-Ski (Damon Wimbley), the last surviving member of The Fat Boys, accepted the induction in person from hip-hop legend and LIMEHOF inductee Erick Sermon of EPMD. Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice (also a LIMEHOF inductee) was also on hand to show support and speak about the group.
“It’s definitely an honor on behalf of the group, two members who are no longer here,” Kool Rock-Ski said. “To accept this on their behalf is huge because they brought so much to the culture. Their legacy lives on with an award like this. We got to the pinnacle of our success—and we got there the hard way, by doing a lot of hard work. We did a lot of hard work.”
The Fat Boys rose to fame in the 1980s, when they pioneered their influential beatbox style of hip-hop music. The group was from East New York in Brooklyn and included “Prince Markie Dee” (Mark Morales), “Kool Rock-Ski” (Damon Wimbley), and “Buff Love” (Darin Robinson). They would heavily influence hip-hop culture through beatbox, comedic charisma, and rhymes. The trio released seven studio albums, four of which went gold by RIAA. In addition to their music, they went on to star in three feature films: Krush Groove, Knights of the City, and Disorderlies.
The Fat Boys had several successful singles which included “Stick ‘Em,” “Can You Feel It,” “The Fat Boys Are Back,” “Wipe Out,” “Fat Boys,” and “Jail House Rap,” to name a few. Throughout their career, they participated in several tours, one of which was Fresh Fest. Despite having eventually broken up as a group, each of the three members maintained a strong brotherhood. The Fat Boys is credited as having had a strong influence on the development and growing popularity of hip-hop.
“The Fat Boys introduced the beatbox, to the world and the song they made was funky to me,” said EPMD’s Erick Sermon, himself a LIMEHOF inductee, when he officially inducted The Fat Boys on stage. “I’m honored to do this because my memories of my kitchen on that ledge were playing The Fat Boys album.”
Kurtis Blow, another LIMEHOF inductee, has a personal connection to The Fat Boys, as he produced their first two albums.
“The Fat Boys being inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is so well deserved,” Blow said in a written statement that congratulated the group on this honor.
“These young men were talented and passionate about their craft at a very young age. Producing The Fat Boys was one of the highlights of my career. Rest in peace, Buffy (the Human Beatbox Master) and Prince Markie Dee (Mark Morales). I will never forget you, and you are greatly missed. Continue to carry the torch, Kool Rock-Ski!”
LIMEHOF has long recognized the unique talent and contributions that Long Island artists brought to the hip-hop genre. Notable hip-hop inductees include LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD. Earlier this year, LIMEHOF held an event to honor the 50th anniversary of hip-hop which had a strong participation and turnout from Long Island artists.
“This historic induction—coupled with our recent 50thAnniversary of Hip-Hop Concert—cements Long Island’s legacy as one of the most important regions in the country for contributing to hip-hop’s long-term success,” said Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman.
“Inducting The Fat Boys into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a tribute to their enduring influence—recognizing their role in shaping the genre and inspiring generations,” said Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film” radio show, and who organized the induction event.
At the induction ceremony, Kool Rock-Ski announced that he is working on a documentary film about The Fat Boys and intends to hold the premiere at LIMEHOF when it’s released.
For more information about events and future inductions, please visit the LIMEHOF website.
About LIMEHOF
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms.
In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives and also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.
The Allman Betts Family Revival announced its 2023 dates and all-star lineup. The tour kicks off on Nov. 25 in Saint Louis, MO and will be making three stops in New York.
The Allman Family Revival initially began as a one-off concert in 2017 at The Fillmore in San Francisco to celebrate the late Gregg Allman’s life on what would have been his 70th birthday. Now entering its seventh year, the tour announced their rebrand from The Allman Family Revival to the Allman Betts Family Revival.
Gregg Allman’s son Devon and Dickey Betts’ son Duane spearhead the tour and hand-picked an array of guests who will perform two sets. One will feature songs by Gregg Allman and the other will feature songs by Dickey Betts. The performances will also include deep cuts from their legendary Allman Brothers Band catalog.
Performers include Anders Osborne, Luther Dickinson & Cody Dickenson (North Mississippi Allstars), Jimmy Hall (Jeff Beck, Wet Willie), Jackie Greene, Larry McCray, Orbi Orbison, Ally Venable, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, and the Allman Betts Band featuring the Tal Wilkenfeld on Bass (Jeff Beck). There will also be additional artists that will join in select cities including Sierra Hull & G Love, with more to be added.
The tour will also welcome back The Brotherhood of Light for the otherworldly visuals Allman Brothers fans experienced at the height of their career.
Tickets and up-to-date information are available here.
The Allman Betts Family Revival Tour Dates
November 25 @ The Factory | Saint Louis, MO
November 26 @ Brown County Music Center | Nashville, IN
November 27 @ The Arcada Theater | St. Charles, IL
November 29 @ Kleinhans Music Hall | Buffalo, NY
w/ special guest Sierra Hull
November 30 @ Santander Performing Arts Center | Reading, PA
w/ special guest Sierra Hull
December 1 @ Orpheum Theater | Boston, MA
w/ special guests Greg Koch, Sierra Hull
December 2 @ Beacon Theatre | New York, NY
w/ special guests Greg Koch, Sierra Hull
December 3 @ The Paramount | Huntington, NY
w/ special guests Greg Koch, Sierra Hull
December 5 @ Capital One Hall | Tysons, VA
December 7 @ Macon City Auditorium | Macon, GA
w/ special guests Chuck Leavell, Vaylor Trucks, Melody Trucks
December 8 @ Gaillard Center | Charleston, SC
December 10 @ Sunrise Theatre | Fort Pierce, FL
w/ special guests J.D. Simo, Melody Trucks and Frank Hannon
December 12 @ Van Wezel PAC | Sarasota, FL
w/ special guests J.D. Simo, Melody Trucks and Frank Hannon
December 13 @ Florida Theatre | Jacksonville, FL
w/ special guests J.D. Simo, Melody Trucks and Frank Hannon
December 14 @ Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium | Spartanburg, SC
w/ special guests J.D. Simo
December 15 @ Ryman Auditorium | Nashville, TN
w/ special guest G. Love
December 16 @ Mobile Civic Center | Mobile, AL
December 17 @ ACL Live at The Moody Theater | Austin, TX
Known for his work as lead vocalist for the alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms and guest lead singer for The Smithereens, Robin Wilson will now be an inductee into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Aug. 25. As a part of LIMEHOF’s August-September induction schedule, Wilson joins the Fat Boys as the newest members of the prestigious organization.
Gin Blossoms at the Huntington Beach Food Art & Music Festival 2014
Wilson has had a lengthy career in the music industry, first joining the Gin Blossoms in 1988 as a guitarist, eventually changing places with Jesse Venezuela, the original vocalist at the time. Releasing two major label albums with the band, New Miserable Experience and Congratulations, I’m Sorry, the success flooded in with RIAA Platinum certifications, sold-out tours, and overall support for Wilson and the rest of the group.
In 1997, the Gin Blossoms would break up until 2002, but his career in between stayed moving, becoming the lead singer and songwriter for Gas Giants during the time away.
Currently residing in Long Island, Robin’s induction ceremony into the LIMEHOF begins Friday, August 25th at 7 pm and will include a performance with special guests on the Exhibit Hall stage.
Tickets can be found online at www.limusichalloffame.org, by calling 631-689-5888, or take a visit to the Hall of Fame. Prices are $40 for the general public and $35 for LIMEHOF members.
LIMEHOF’s full August and September schedule, including the Fat Boys induction information, is complete and can be found below.
August-September LIMEHOF Schedule
8/6 1-2 pm Induction: The Fat Boys
8/6 3-4 pm – HooDoo Loungers
8/13 3-4 pm – Who Are Those Guys
8/20 2-3 pm – Pamela Betti Band
8/25 7-10 pm Induction Ceremony: Robin Wilson (from Gin Blossoms and Smithereens)
There are several recording studios on Long Island where aspiring musicians can make their dream a reality. Outside of New York City, Long Island has the second most amount of recording studios in the state of New York. A variety of significant names in the music industry have recorded at Long Island recording studios, including Jennifer Lopez and Alicia Keys.
On Long Island, in Deer Park, artists can achieve all their recording needs at New Royalty Records. Founded in 2010, New Royalty Records offers professional quality studio services to artists locally and beyond. The studio features limitless capabilities, with expansive gear and plugin collections to shape the unique vision of its clientele. New Royalty offers several recording, mixing, mastering, and production services. The control room features a custom-designed audio workstation, complete with an ultra-wide curved display, digital console with motorized faders, Universal Audio Twin-Finity 710 Preamp, 8 Class A Presonus Preamps, LA-3A cloned analog compressor, TK AUDIO Bus Compressor for mastering, and a multiple output professional monitoring station to toggle between the various speakers throughout the studio. The vocal booth is acoustically treated from floor to ceiling (including floated floor construction) for optimal isolation and flawless sound.
Founder and lead engineer Nick Gardino brings years of experience in the recording industry, along with a passion for helping artists reach their full potential. With a keen ear for detail and extensive knowledge of audio techniques, Gardino ensures every project at New Royalty Records meets the highest standards of quality. When you’re in Gardino’s care, you can be sure you’re about to make quality music with a team of producers baking him, helping each artist achieve their respective goals.
A producer mixing and mastering at New Royalty Records in Deer Park.
Dare Studios in Deer Park offers audio recording services, rehearsal studio rentals, equipment rentals, video production services, and live stream services for meetings and events. Owner/audio engineer Mike Epstein graduated from LIU Post in 1986 with a focus on finance and economics, never realizing the role it would play in his musical endeavors. He has been a professional performing musician since 1980 and has played internationally and shared the stage with many famous bands and musicians.
Epstein also started recording bands in the 80’s Originally working in analog where you had to have true knowledge of how audio gear functions. Through the years Epstein has worked alongside many of the world’s top musicians and engineers. Studio manager/audio engineer Peter Ippolito has spent the last more than 25 years working at Dare. He first began his audio career in the 90s, as a roadie for local bands and eventually began doing sound for them. Ippolito has recorded for over 900 different artists during his time at Dare Studios and also does many live sound events for the studio at major venues such as The Nassau Coliseum, The Aviation Museum, White Post Farms, and The Jones Beach Bandshell, plus countless town and county events with crowds of people in the thousands. He has worked with countless bands in rehearsal at Dare Studios, including Winger and Krokus. On top of all that, Ippolito also is a main force in Dares Live streams and video production services.
Dare Studios has three recording studios, A, B, and C, a recording room, and a sound stage. All studios plus the sound stage and recording room are equipped with a PA system, Guitar amps and cabinets, a bass amp, and a drum set. Guitar, bass, keyboard, and cymbals are available for rent, all subject to availability.
The 368-square-foot Studio A at Dare Studios in Deer Park. The 360 square-foot Studio B at Dare Studios in Deer Park. The 320-square-foot Studio C at Dare Studios in Deer Park. The 391 square foot recording room at Dare Studios in Deer Park.The 700 square-foot sound stage at Dare Studios in Deer Park.
Deer Park has been the home of EKO Productions for over 30 years. EKO’s studio provides a centrally located, extremely private site for all of your audio and video needs, containing two large climate-controlled sound stages with enough room for artists, personnel, and crew to work comfortably and efficiently. From audio recording and rehearsals to video production and more, EKO can cover all of your production needs.
Westfall Recording Company in Farmingdale has been in the audio production business for over 15 years. The studio has recorded for artists ranging from all genres of music, be it rock, pop, metal, hip-hop, progressive, and more. EKO takes pride in providing affordable budgets for projects of any size. From basic tracking to full production singles, EPs, LPs, composition services, mixing & mastering, music development, music consulting, and voice-overs, EKO’s audio capabilities are endless. EKO provides artists with three studios to choose from, A, B, and C.
The live room in Studio A at Westfall Recording Company in Farmingdale.
All three studios are equipped with a live room and control room. The state-of-the-art live room is the perfect environment to capture crystal-clear audio and authentic live performances. The control room serves as both a tracking room and a mixing/mastering facility. With state-of-the-art outboard gear and industry-topping plugin suites, the control room is equipped to provide you with endless sonic options so the boundaries of your art are limitless. The control room is a spacious area to properly accommodate our clients and promote a relaxed work environment.
The control room in Studio A at Westfall Recording Company in Farmingdale.
Studio C is a great creative nook to help bring your starting ideas to reality. The Studio is equipped with a case of four preamps, Eqs, and compressing for vocals. Studio C is also the one room in the building that has a vocal booth, and it’s a great size booth built to have complete isolation to help capture the best vocals or voice-over work.
The equipment at Next Phase Sound Studios in East Farmingdale.
The Mix Palace in West Hempstead, formerly called The Music Palace, has been in business for over 40 years, first opening in 1977. The studio is owned by chief mixing and mastering engineer MicAngelo, who has over 50 Gold and Platinum records to his name, including Public Enemy’s biggest seller apocalypse 91, Redman, Turnback, Mariah Carey, Seal, etc. With over 30 years of experience, he still remains extremely passionate about his craft.
The Mix Palace has two recording studios, A and B, for artists to use for their recording needs. Studio A is equipped with the industry’s most coveted and replicated vintage gear with a vintage Solid State Logic E-channel Mixing Console at the forefront of every mix your music will only sound better from the moment you track and rise in quality all the way to the mastering process. Studio B is the latest addition at the mix palace, equipped with the vintage SSL and NEVE Mic pres this room takes a modern approach to making music by incorporating in-the-box mixing alongside awesome vintage outboard gear.
The Mix Palace is the perfect place for artists’ recording, mixing, mastering, and production needs. Live Room A is designed by the famous Tom Hidley, and with its unparalleled walls and controlled acoustics, you’re guaranteed optimal quality in capturing everything from live instruments to just a singular voice. All of their mixes are called “hybrid mixes” combining in-the-box processing with analog gear to get high-end sound quality. One of the things that make Mix Palace’s mastering process unique is they pass your 2-track file through their highly modified SSL console, analog outboard gear, and tape machines to bring more warmth, tone, and depth to their clients’ sound, which also removes a lot of the harshness associated with ITB mixes. Whether it’s songwriting, production, beat making, arranging, editing, mixing, or mastering, Mix Palace’s music producers can take your idea, song, demo, and or album to the next level.
Studio A at the Mix Palace in West Hempstead.Studio B at the Mix Palace in West Hempstead.
Mantra Recording Studio has two locations in New York State, one in Long Island and one in New York City. Studio A is located in Island Park, a village in the Town of Hempstead, near the ocean on the South Shore. Studio B is near Hell’s Kitchen, in the Heart of New York City in Midtown. Mantra Recording Studio works with state-of-the-art technology including Dante, AVB/Thunderbolt 2-3 which is a Mac/Pc friendly environment. The studios offer mixing and vocal tracking, small mixing projects, and instruments like electronic Drums, percussion, and solo instruments are available for artists’ use.
The 1927 Steinway B piano in Studio A at Mantra Recording Studio.
At Trap Studios in South Huntington, recording artists have the chance to work with professionals for their various needs through engineer and producer sessions, artist sessions, podcast sessions, and mixing and mastering. In podcast sessions, artists can record audio and/or video, phone calls, video reactions, and game capturing, with up to four microphones and two camera angles.
Credit: Trap Studios
Young Street Studios in Holbrook has a variety of equipment available for recording artists to use to meet their unique needs. Tube mics, guitar amps and pedals, instruments, and more are available for use by artists at Young Street Studios. For tube mics, artists can use the Rode NTK studio microphone, and for instruments, the Fender Rhodes Piano, Kimball Baby Grand Piano, and much more are available. For guitar amps, artists can choose from the Fender Super Reverb Combo, Marshall JCM 800 Lead Series Combo, and more. For guitar pedals, artists can choose from the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (Black Russian), Electro-Harmonix Micro POG, and others.
A guitar set at Young Street Studios in Holbrook.Otari MKII 24 Track 2″ Tape Machine.
Musiq Touch Recording Studio in West Hills, a hamlet in the Town of Huntington, is a one-of-a-kind destination for audio production. The studio specializes in technologically advanced hybrid mixing techniques to process audio. The staff at Musiq Touch will oversee all aspects of audio production and will work tirelessly to translate your vision from an idea, into its final product. Their services include music production, mixing, and mastering, as well as live sound recording. Owner/CEO Charles Stewart has tremendous experience producing music for Pop, Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Indie Rock, Gospel, and EDM. The advent of digital technology allows engineers the liberty to approach music production in a revolutionary fashion. From drums to keyboards, guitars, and vocals, Musiq Touch prides itself on being on the cutting edge of audio technology. The studio offers a hybrid approach to music production that is truly unique in its ability to offer you the artist unlimited possibilities.Musiq Touch combines decades of industry experience with the latest in cutting-edge audio technology to offer clients unmatched quality mixing services. A mastering session at Musiq Touch typically consists of subtle audio processes including stereo enhancement, compression, equalization, and limiting. Music Touch additionally offers live recording, with state-of-the-art recording technology enabling seamless Live Recording capabilities for artists and bands.Musiq Touch offers premium songwriting services, whether it be to create a song from scratch, or to improve an existing concept. The studio also offers a slew of production services such as seeking the perfect beat for your next single, producing a podcast and seeking the perfect theme music to hook your listeners, and more. Further, Musiq Touch offers acoustic services. The staff at Musiq Touch boasts years of studying the science behind acoustics and is ready to help bring your studio to the next, professional-grade level. Lastly, Musiq Touch offers a vast array of post-production services and is the perfect destination for ADR and foley for your film, TV, or web series.
The mixing room at Musiq Touch Studio.
The Sound Cellar in Huntington offers rehearsal, recording, and music lesson services for musicians. The Sound Cellar has three hourly rooms for rehearsal: the Jam Room, Stage Room, and Studio. The 22′ x 16.5′ Jam Room is equipped with a 600-watt PA system, premier drums (+ hi-hat, ride & crash), a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 60w tube combo, an upright piano, and more. The 36′ x 25′ Stage Room comes with a 1200-watt PA system, pearl drums, and more. The Studio has a 600-watt PA system, Vintage Ludwig drums (+ hi-hat, ride, crash), a Vintage Ampeg Reverbrocket 2-tube combo, a Vintage Fender Twin Reverb tube combo, and more.
The Jam Room at the Sound Cellar in Huntington.
For over 40 years, Cove City Sound Studio in Glen Cove has produced music for artists such as Celine Dion and New York City native Jennifer Lopez. Cove City Sound Studios is the total package of professionalism, talent, and support in an environment that encourages creativity without compromising quality or service. Dion recorded her 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 19th studio albums, Falling into You (1996), Let’s Talk About Love (1997), These Are Special Times (1998), A New Day Has Come (2002), and One Heart (2003) at Cove City. Lopez recorded her fourth studio album, 2005’s Rebirth, and her 7th studio album, 2011’s Love? at Cove City. Additionally, Justin Bieber recorded his song “Holy” the lead single from his sixth studio album, Justice (2021) at Cove City.
Cove City Sound Studios consists of two studios, A and B, and a live room. Studio A is based around the legendary Neve 8068 and SSL 4000G+ consoles and includes a Pro Tools HD system with Apogee Symphony I/Os, along with a wide selection of outboard gear and plugins. The studio includes a production area with couches as well as access to our main lounge with a kitchen and cable TV.
Studio A at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove.
Studio B at Cove City is a modern production suite featuring some of the best analog and digital gear in the industry. The room houses a 24-channel Avid ICON D-Command console, Pro Tools HD and Ableton systems, a full assortment of vintage outboard gear, as well as an abundance of classic synths, MIDI gear, and plugins. Many award-winning recordings have come out of this room since Cove City first opened its doors, including Jennifer Lopez, who recorded two albums there as well as the music video for “On the Floor” from her 2011 seventh studio album Love.
Studio B at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove.
The live room is a big, beautiful sounding, 3-way modular tracking room with 2 isolation booths and a third sound lock area for additional isolation. It’s approximately 38 feet wide by 42 feet long with 35-foot ceilings and features a gorgeous-sounding Yamaha C6 grand piano. This room is equipped with a Private Q independent monitoring headphone system and is ideal for full band sessions and large tracking setups.
The Live Room at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove.
Pie Recording Studio in Glen Cove is owned by Perry Margoulef, a guitar player, songwriter, engineer, record producer, and car collector. The studio offers a variety of production, engineering, and mixing services for musical artists. Pie Recording Studios has been home to New York-based singers Alicia Keys, who recorded her fourth studio album, The Elements of Freedom (2009), and Jennifer Lopez, who recorded her fourth studio album, Rebirth (2005) in the facility.
Perry Margoulef, owner of Pie Recording Studio in Glen Cove.
Sink or Swim Recording Studios in East Northport is owned by Long Island-based music-producing collective MarlinBeats. With a brand new location and upgraded facilities, Sink or Swim Recording Studio offers top-of-the-line services, including, but not limited to, production, recording, mix/master, media packages, and content creation. For those artists looking to give their fans total access, Sink or Swim Recording Studio offers a one-of-a-kind experience. At the artist’s request, Sink or Swim Recording Studio will live-stream their recording session straight from the booth, allowing for unparalleled fan interaction. Sink or Swim Recording Studio will also create podcasts for artists, producers, and all other creators in order to maximize their reach and promote the products and services of their choosing.
The recording studio at Sink or Swim consists of a control room (8×7 feet), a vocal booth with sound treatment/acoustics (7×7 feet booth), a window connecting the booth and control room, and a complete lounge with a TV, couch, Xbox, and surround sound (32×18 feet.) The equipment at Sink or Swim includes a 2020 iMac 27-Inch with a 3.6 GHz 10-Core Intel Core i9 Processor, with a 64 GB 2667 MHz DDR4, a Neumann TLM 102, a Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Heritage Edition 10×6 Thunderbolt Audio Interface with UAD DSP, and SSL 2+ Audio Interface, and Adam Audio 8 Studio Monitors.
Robbie, Henry, and Chris are the three members of the music collective MarlinBeats, who run Sink or Swim Recording Studios in East Northport. The 8×7 control room at Sink or Swim Recording Studios in East Northport. The 32×18 complete lounge at Sink or Swim Recording Studios in East Northport.
Studio631 Recordings in Islandia is a professional recording studio working to provide an exceptional experience for artists in a creative environment. The studio is co-owned and primarily run by music engineers Matt Echo and Niko, who also serve as musical engineers. Matt combines his extensive knowledge of music with his certified comprehension of audio engineering to provide the best sound to the artists he works with. He is consistently building a diverse portfolio of artists, celebrities, and musicians he likes to work with. At an early age, Nico’s innate talent and dedication to music were evident, and he began playing drums and joined a heavy metal band at the age of 15.
Studio631 has three studios, A, B, and C available for use by recording artists. Studio A was the first studio designed for 631 and has been renovated many times since 2017. Studio B is designed for workflow, and with a very crisp and clean sound, this room is best for vocals or production. Studio C is the studio’s best-sounding room, stocked with the best analog gear for recording and mixing. It is aesthetically pleasing for videos and even photo shoots.
Matt Echo, co-owner, head engineer, and record producer at Studio631 Recordings in Islandia. Niko, co-owner and head engineer at Studio631 Recordings in Islandia.
House Recording Studios in Plainview is run by owner and chief engineer Marc Bauman, who has esteemed accomplishments in sound engineering, music production, DJ entertainment, and live/studio percussion. Bauman graduated from Five Towns College, and during his college career, he began interning at prestigious recording facilities Electric Lady Studios (Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band) and Cove City Sound Studios (Billy Joel, Jennifer Lopez, Beach Boys). By observing these acclaimed artists and songwriters, he honed his craft and took his engineering and production level to new elevations.
The vocal session room at House Recording Studios in Plainview.The control room at House Recording Studios in Plainview.Marc Bauman, owner, and chief engineer of House Recording Studios in Plainview.
Applehead Recording and Production in Saugerties, just over one mile east of the center of Woodstock, is a residential recording facility that boosts both classic and modern gear, beautiful architecture and acoustics, and a big, accurate, and comfortable control room. The studio’s 700 square feet comfortable control room is (de)coupled from a 30,000 cubic foot timber frame and stone live room, (30x40x32 feet high.) Applehead has various isolated spaces that are both tied together and acoustically diverse. The console is a 32 i/o custom Neve desk (3503), with 32 “33” series mic pre/equalizers and 32 transformer balanced direct outs.
The cockeyed desk in Applehead Recording Studio and Production in Saugherties.
Area 52 Studios in Saugerties, founded by veteran musical engineer Dave Cook, is a full-service recording studio/audio facility. It is also the home of the Woodstock Recording Workshop and Hudson Valley Audio. Between the three divisions, artists can learn how to record their music in workshops, mix and master it for you in the studio, then the studio will sell and install a state-of-the-art Audio/Video system so artists can enjoy listening to their new record, then support the production for their tour.
Area 52 owner and engineer Dave Cook has worked in the recording industry for over 25 years. He has album credits with artists such as The B-52’s, 10,000 Maniacs, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Juliana Hatfield, Graham Parker, Nick Cave, And The Bad Seeds, among others. He has mixed live, radio concert broadcasts for artists including David Bowie, Alanis Morissette, Bare Naked Ladies, Goo Goo Dolls, and Radiohead. In his time as chief engineer for several studios, Cook also worked in audio for video post-production, studio construction and design, team management, and staff training and development. Live concert sound has become a large part of Cook’s career lately, touring with artists such as Laurie Anderson, Carly Simon, Natalie Merchant, and Medeski; Martin and Wood, Ethel, Maya Beiser, and Marc Cohn.
Cook grew up in Brooklyn and Staten Island and now lives in Saugerties with his wife, Julie, and daughter Lola. He has been a musician (guitar player) since the age of eight years old and played his first gig when he was nine. In 1985, he moved to Woodstock while continuing to work in Manhattan three-four days a week for a few months. Shortly after moving to the Catskills, Cook became the Chief Engineer at Dreamland Studios, working there for 10 years. Both during the time Cook was on staff at Dreamland and after he left, he worked on a freelance basis in studios in New, California, Boston, and Louisiana.
Area 52 is a fully equipped Pro Tools HD studio that offers recording services with a comfortable atmosphere, easy access to everything, and ground-level load-in. They can take your project from start to finish including, tracking, mixing, editing, and mastering. The studio also offers podcast services and will edit their clients’ unedited, raw audio so it’ll sound just like a professionally produced podcast. Lastly, Area 52 offers live sound services and can support live events of up to approximately 500 people with our sound reinforcement services. They have a highly efficient system with excellent coverage and plenty of power, and anything that may be needed for a particular event can be acquired as well including lighting and video production.
Area 52 Studios in Saugerties.
MonkMusic Studios in Northwest Harbor, a hamlet in the town of East Hampton, was opened by Cynthia Daniels, who also serves as chief engineer, in August 2011. Most recently, Beyonce recorded her seventh studio album, Renaissance, at MonkMusic Studios, which was her first studio release since 2016’s Lemonade. Daniels has also worked extensively in television and film contributing to thousands of projects and working with many renowned actors such as Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Blythe Danner, Liev Schreiber, Chris Bauer, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Daniels produced the music and mixed for Ted Turner’s mini-series “Avoiding Armageddon” a 4 part documentary on PBS; she’s recorded and mixed major themes for television including World News Tonight, 20/20, and a remix of ABC Wide World of Sports, and supervised/mixed the post-production for countless feature film promos for VH1 and MTV. Daniels now splits her time between East Hampton, and Manhattan, where orchestras come together for live large-studio work in Broadway and film.
MonkMusic Studiosoffers two acoustically perfect and isolated live recording rooms, an extra large control room for comfort with ADR and ISDN, and remote recording services. The studio offers 5.1 recordings and mixing for all of your post-production requirements. They also have extensive sound effects and sample libraries and offer composition and arrangement/production services for any commercial or personal artistic venture.
The studio is 650 square feet separated into three recording rooms, all acoustically isolated on concrete slabs. The studio design is based on a combination of optimal room proportion, membrane absorbers used for critical low-frequency room response, and specifically placed diffusers (in some instances transparent) for high-frequency reflection control. Video monitors are in every room for scoring or ADR. The equipment consists of a hybrid AVID C-24 console, multiple cue systems, a fully digital monitoring system, and more. Their microphone selection ranges from vintage favorites like NeumannU47 to some of the newest and clearest sounding tube mics from Telefunken (AK47) and Royer 122 Tube. The mic collection also features the UM 25 and UM 17 handbuilt TAB Funkenwerk microphones with a historic ElaM251 circuit.
Cynthia Daniels, the owner and chief engineer of MonkMusic Studios.
The Loft Sound Studio in Syosset was founded by Donnie Klang and Matthew LaPorte in 2011. Their credits include Jason Derulo, Sky Katz, Conor Maynard, Raquel Castro (The Voice / Songland), Anne Winters (13 Reasons Why), Why Don’t We, and more. The facility has coached, developed, and produced for thousands of up-and-coming recording artists through innovative vocal lessons full song creation from beginning to end, instrument lessons, and more, one of the first being Long Island-born singer Madison Beer. A then-unknown aspiring singer, The Loft helped coach, mentor, and develop her toward her first management deal with Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun. Newsday referred to The Loft as “A dream launchpad for singers, songwriters or producers; they help with artist development and the quest to be discovered.”
Donnie Klang and Matthew LaPorte, founders of The Loft Sound Studio in Syosset.
Rapture Sound Studio in Syosset was created “for musicians, by musicians” and first opened in June 2015. The studio now happily provides a place where you can jam out and express your artistic skills, for an affordable price. Since its grand opening, Rapture Sound Studio has managed to create a Showcase Room, expand our musician network, and most importantly create really sick music. Rapture Sound Studio has four studios, A, B, C, and D, a showcase room, and a studio lounge available for use by musicians. Each room is equipped with the basics of speakers and a drum kit. Other equipment such as higher-end speaker systems, fuller drum kits, microphones, and mic stands, are found within the different studios offered. Studio A is equipped with 2 15″ electro-voice live speakers and paladin maple drums. Studio B is great for jamming out with our 2500 power amplifiers and 15″ JBL speakers. Studio C is perfect for practicing before a gig or just jamming out with a few friends. Studio D is our only room with 2 top of the line Fender super-sonic speaker cabinets. The brand-new showcase room is equipped with Yamaha drums and a large selection of amps. The lounge includes a 55″ LED smart TV with Netflix and video games.
Studio A at Rapture Sound Studio in Syosset.Studio B at Rapture Sound Studio in Syosset. Studio C at Rapture Sound Studio in Syosset.Studio D at Rapture Sound Studio in Syosset.The Showcase Room at Rapture Sound Studios in Syosset.The Lounge at Rapture Sound Studio in Syosset.
The A Room Studio in Hicksville has been servicing Long Island’s local bands for over 25 years. With friendly and courteous service provided by knowledgeable engineers, spacious parking, and camera surveillance you can practice with no worries. They have some of the largest rooms on Long Island. The A Room has five studios available for artists’ use, A, 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Room A at The A Room Studio in Hicksville.Room 1 at The A Room Studio in Hicksville.Room 2 at The A Room Studio in Hicksville.Room 3 at The A Room Studio in Hicksville.Room 4 at The A Room Studios in Hicksville.
PMA Recording Studios in Medford, which is temporarily closed, has had glowing reviews from the Long Island Press and fellow Long Island News Publisher Good Times Magazine. Patrick Nestor of the Long Island Press said, “Top Notch Studio Here Folks! Great Place, Great Engineer!” Good Times Magazine wrote, “The recording and production at PMA is superb, on par with major label recordings.”
PMA Recording Studios in Medford.Bakithi Kumalo (bassist for Paul Simon) at PMA Recording Studios in Medford.Mike from Music Palace lending his skills at PMA.Paul Andrejack, owner, engineer, and producer at PMA Studios in Medford. NY Tenor Christopher D. Macchio at PMA Studios in Medord.VIG and Dirty (Joey Badass recording artist) at PMA Studios in Medford.
Sabella Recording Studio in Roslyn Heights has been recording music on Long Island since 1980 after being built by owner Jim Sabella. The studio offers a variety of recording, editing, mixing, mastering, production, composition, post, and film services. Sabella has been in the music industry for over 40 years, and his professional career started in the mid-70s with guitar session work at various studios as well as club performances. He was signed to RCA Records and MCA Records as an artist in the early 80s. After building Sabella Recording Studio, he received independent and major label recognition with such platinum records as Public Enemy’s album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back in 1988 and Marcy Playground’s self-titled debut release in 1997.
Sabella Recording Studio in Roslynn Heights.Jim Sabella, owner of Sabella Recording Studio in Roslyn Heights.
There are several recording studios on Long Island where aspiring musicians can make a name for themselves in the industry, some of which gave today’s biggest names in music their big breaks. Long Island is second only to New York City in having the most amount of recording studios in New York State.
With over-the-top costumes, a bleeding drum set, and some drawn-on abs, the heavy metal band GWAR performed for the National Public Radio’s (NPR) Tiny Desk Concert video series. The band is also to play in Syracuse on Aug. 1 as a part of “The Psychotherapy Sessions” tour.
GWAR was originally founded in 1984, but has featured a rotating cast of musicians since then. The band orbits around their own mythos as barbaric interstellar warriors, each member wearing a costume and taking on a character. Their shows are known for violent and sexual humor, complete with displays of graphic violence with fake bodily fluids.
Their performance at NPR and their upcoming tour coincide with the release of The New Dark Ages, the band’s latest album. GWAR’s Tiny Desk Concert featured “Sex Cow,” “I’ll Be Your Monster,” “Phantom Limb,” and “Ratcatcher,” the latter of which being a part of The New Dark Ages.
We learned a lot from those goody-goodys at NPR. For instance, how to say…”Your support right now is vital to GWAR’s ability to bring you quality cultural and educational programming that leaves you soaked in bodily fluids and shame.” NPR can give you coffee cups and satin totes, but we can give your souls eternal torment, so give to GWAR today.
Blothar the Beserker
The upcoming shows for 2023 have been broken down into normal tour dates, headlining shows, and festival appearances. GWAR will be playing aside either Nonpoint, Crobot, or 200 Stab Wounds for their headlining shows, dependent on location. The band will make two stops in NYS, one in Wantagh on July 28, and the other in Syracuse on Aug. 1.
The Great South Bay Music Festival came to a spectacular conclusion on its 4th and final day with the legendary Gov’t Mule headlining the event. The festival had been fantastic with three days of great music, but the final day was going to be extraordinary. Gov’t Mule was going to perform a special set called Dark Side of the Mule, promising a unique and unforgettable experience for the crowd.
As the sun began to set on the Great South Bay, the set by Gov’t Mule began, opening with two Mule classics, “Game Face” and “Time to Confess.” The roaring crowd welcomed the band led by the immensely talented Warren Haynes. After that they launched into the mesmerizing rendition of “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” a classic Pink Floyd anthem that instantly captivated the audience. Haynes’ soulful vocals and extraordinary guitar skills set the tone for an unforgettable show.
The Dark Side of the Mule set continued with a thrilling rendition of “Have a Cigar,” followed by the ethereal and atmospheric “Breathe.” The crowd was taken on a journey through Pink Floyd’s iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon, as Gov’t Mule flawlessly performed “On The Run,” “Time,” and “Money.”
The audience was treated to the expansive and transcendent “Echoes,” which created an almost otherworldly experience for those in attendance. Gov’t Mule closed their set with an epic performance of “Comfortably Numb.” The combination of Haynes’ emotive vocals and soul-stirring guitar solo left the crowd in a state of pure euphoria, making it a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable night of music.
Prior to Gov’t Mule’s headline set, the audience was treated to a mix of talented artists throughout the day. The lineup for the show featured Tauk, Brandon Taz Niederauer, Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel, Jason Bonhamâs Led Zeppelin Evening, and Gov’t Mule.
Duane Betts’ set showcased his own artistry and paid tribute to the legacy of the Allman Brothers with renditions of classics like “Blue Sky” and “Oh Well,” a Fleetwood Mac cover. The crowd embraced the familiar tunes and appreciate the chance to experience the magic of the Allman Brothers once again.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the timeless classics of the iconic rock band. Hits like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Ramble On” had the crowd singing along and reminiscing about the golden era of rock music.
Young guitar prodigy Brandon Taz Niederauer wowed the audience with his virtuoso performance. The energy and skill he brought to the stage were beyond his years, leaving everyone in awe.
The festival had a great mix of different artists and music styles, showing how music can bring people together, no matter where they come from. It went beyond differences and made everyone feel happy and connected. The event truly celebrated the special feeling of experiencing live music that touches people deeply inside.
Check out more from Day 1 and Day 3 of Great South Bay Music Festival.
Setlists
Gov’t Mule: Game Face, Time To Confess, Shine On You Crazy Diamond (PartsI-V), Have A Cigar, Breathe, On The Run, Time, Breathe (Reprise), The Great Gig in the Sky, Money, Echos, Comfortably Numb
Duane Betts: Saints to Sinners, Evergreen, Shinin, Oh Well, Cold Dark World, Colors Fade, Waiting on a Song, Stare at the Sun, Blue Sky
Jason Bonham: Good Times, Bad Times, The Ocean, Ramble On, Over the Hills, Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Immigrant Song, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll
The third day of the Great South Bay Music Festival was one of the most anticipated and unforgettable days of the event. With the legendary Phil Lesh and Friends headlining the show, the ecstatic crowd was treated to an unforgettable three-and-a-half-hour set filled with Grateful Dead classics.
Phil Lesh, the founding member of the Grateful Dead, brought together a group of exceptionally talented musicians to join him on stage for an unforgettable performance. The lineup included Eric Krasno on guitar and vocals, Jason Crosby on keys and vocals, John Molo on drums, James Casey on sax and vocals, Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet and vocals, and Grahame Lesh on guitar and vocals.
The setlist kicked off with the classic “Shakedown Street,” setting the tone for a night of euphoric melodies. The band members really clicked well and it was obvious to see, as they effortlessly fed off each other’s energy. With Eric Krasno’s mesmerizing guitar solos, Jennifer Hartswick’s soulful singing, and Phil Lesh’s iconic bass lines, the audience was treated to an immersive musical experience.
The band didn’t hold back in delivering Grateful Dead favorites, and “Friend of the Devil” had the entire crowd singing along. The musicians felt like close friends as they played together, sharing melodies and harmonies that showed how well they understood each other’s music.
Earlier in the day, before the Phil Lesh and Friends set, the Eric Krasno Trio took the stage. Eric Krasno, already dazzling the audience as part of the headliner, showcased his versatility and talent in this earlier performance. The trio delivered a captivating set, drawing from various genres and captivating the audience with their musical finesse.
Aside from the headliners, the day also featured a diverse lineup of acts, each adding their unique flavor to the festival. Acts like Neighbor, Cassandra House, and Baked Shrimp contributed to the day’s eclectic vibe, ensuring that there was something for every music enthusiast.
As the festival’s last notes filled the air, everyone felt incredibly happy. Day 3 of the Great South Bay Music Festival was an exciting celebration of music and togetherness. With the weather being perfect, Phil Lesh and Friends’ performance was truly amazing and left a deep impression on everyone present. With a fantastic lineup and a beautiful waterfront setting, this event will be treasured by music lovers for a long time. Check out more from Day 1 and Day 4 of Great South Bay Music Festival.
Phil Lesh Setlist: Shakedown Street, Friend of the Devil, Ramble On Rose, Cassidy, Deal, I Second That Emotion, St Stephen, Bridsong, Mason’s Children, Sugaree, Stella Blue, West L.A. Fadeaway, One More Saturday Night.
The anticipation had been building for months, and finally, the 2023 Great South Bay Music Festival kicked off its grand celebration of music and culture at Shorefront Park in Patchogue. From July 20 through July 23, this picturesque waterfront location became a haven for music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike, promising four days of pure musical bliss. Day 1, in particular, set the bar high with an impressive lineup that left the crowd yearning for more.
The festivities commenced with a soulful blues performance by Kerry Kearney & the Kings of the Psychedelta. Kearney’s mastery of the guitar and the band’s raw energy created an atmosphere that was both electrifying and calming. Their music served as the perfect opener, drawing people in and setting the tone for a night of unforgettable performances.
Next up was the legendary band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Known for their fusion of rock, blues, and soul, the band wasted no time in getting the audience on their feet. Kim Wilson’s dynamic presence and the band’s energy proved why they have been a crowd favorite for decades. With classic hits like “Tuff Enough” and “Rock With Me,” The Fabulous Thunderbirds delighted old fans and won over new ones, turning the festival grounds into one giant dance floor.
As the night progressed, the stage was graced by the presence of the iconic Dave Mason. The audience was taken on a nostalgic journey through Mason’s illustrious career, with hits from his time with Traffic and his successful solo career. His smooth vocals and masterful guitar work on “Can’t Find My Way Home” resonated through the crowd, creating a serene ambiance that had everyone swaying to the music. Dave Mason’s performance was a reminder of the timeless quality of great music and its ability to transcend generations.
The climax of Day 1 was the highly anticipated performance of Hot Tuna, a band renowned for its fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds. Adding to the significance of the night, it was announced that this would be Electric Hot Tuna’s final performance on Long Island, making it an emotional and bittersweet moment for both the band and their loyal fans.
Throughout the performance, fans were treated to a range of classics that showcased the band’s unparalleled talent and chemistry. Whether it was Jorma Kaukonen’s mesmerizing guitar prowess on “Hesitation Blues” or Jack Casady’s magnetic bass lines on “Trial by Fire,” each moment was a testament to the enduring legacy of Hot Tuna.
As the final chords rang out, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, expressing their gratitude for the band’s many years of musical brilliance. It was an emotional farewell, and both the band and the fans shared in the sentiment of this remarkable final performance at the Great South Bay Music Festival.
Check out more from Day 3 and Day 4 of Great South Bay Music Festival.
Setlists
Dave Mason: Only You and I Know, Pearly Queen, Forty Thousand Headmen, World in Changes, We Just Disagree, The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Can’t Find My Way Home, Look at You Look at Me, Dear Mr. Fantasy, Feelin Alright?
Hot Tuna: Been So Long, Hesitation Blues, Great Divide: Revisited, Ode for Billy Dean, Bowlegged Woman, Knock Kneed Man, Trial By Fire, Sleep Song. Good Shepherd, Come Back Baby, Funky #7
Nick Balzano of the LI Jam Scene has announced his new venture Watkins Jam, taking place July 28-30 at various places in the state, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famous Watkins Glen Summer Jam.
Nick Balzano has performed in many bands over the years, with his love for music starting at a young age with drums and piano. For the past ten years, he has been the vocalist and performed multiple instruments in LI Jam Scene. He has also put on many events over the years with companies and venues like Liquid Shadows Entertainment, 89 North, and more, and has always strived to give artists the fair shake and audience they deserve. His newest project, Pine Barrens Jam, hopes to showcase Long Island’s creative talent for years to come.
Now, Balzano is celebrating the anniversary of the Watkins Glen Summer Jam, which featured The Band, Grateful Dead, and The Allman Brothers Band. On creating the tribute shows, he said “[they] have been some of my biggest inspirations and I’m sure the rest of the members of this project can say the same. The songs, drumming styles, and even the communities they’ve created have had a huge influence on the path I’ve chosen as a musician.” When putting together the lineup, he specifically chose bands and artists who were also inspired by the three legendary acts.
The tribute shows take place on July 28 at Deep Dive in Ithaca, July 29 at Courtyard in Rosecoe, and July 30 at LI Glass in Holtsville. The lineup is comprised of various supergroups taking on each band’s eclectic catalog. Whaley will be presenting a set of The Band with the help of Damien Pagan of Funkin A’/Albums We Love on Long Island. The Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead sets will feature John & Rob from Ernie & The Band, as well as Damien & other guests. The original drummer from Balzano’s time in A Band In Ship, Ryan McCloskey, will be joining for The Allman Brothers set for the Upstate dates and Jager Soss of Baked Shrimp will be holding down the second kit on Long Island.
The original Summer Jam.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
The Huntington Arts Council (HAC) is bringing live music to Long Island during the entire month of July with the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. The festival is now in its 48th season and features performances from July 1- 30. Concerts will take place at the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Heckscher Park.
Free to attendees, the Huntington Summer Arts Festival aims to celebrate established acts while also highlighting up-and-coming artists. This year’s celebration features festival regulars Huntington Community Band, who perform each Wednesday of the month. Concertgoers still have the chance to see Huntington favorites North Shore Pops Concert Band.
Red Baraat
This summer’s roster of musicians come from a diverse set of musical backgrounds. Genres like swing jazz, latin, R&B/Soul, rock, and classical are all represented at the festival. In addition to music, the Huntington Summer Arts Festival also includes dance and theatrical performances. The group Sol Y Sombra Spanish Dance Company performed earlier this month. Attendees however will still have the opportunity to catch the L.I. Dance Consortium is set to take the stage on July 23.
Created in 1963, The Huntington Arts Council has been a pillar in the Long Island arts scene. The organization looks to celebrate and nourish the cultural diversity of Long Island through different avenues. HAC is involved with constructing and sponsoring a multitude of activities, programs, and events. The Council maintains that “the arts create a vibrant, energized, and culturally rich environment”.
Sol y Sombra Spanish Dance Co.
Along with the Huntington Summer Arts Festival, HAC has also collaborated with the Folk Music Society of Huntington to bring back the Huntington Folk Festival on July 22. Co-headliners Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt take the stage at 8, with the festival getting underway at 12:30.
Below is the upcoming schedule for the Summer Arts Festival. Sunday performances start at 7:00PM, all others performances start at 8:00PM, unless noted. Here for a full list of the lineup and more details about the festival.
Remaining Schedule
Wednesday, July 19 – Huntington Community Band, “Una Celebracion de la Musica Latina”- 7:00PM Jazz Band start time, 8:00 PM Concert Band start time
Thursday, July 20 – North Shore Pops Concert Band– Northport Community Band- 8:30PM NPT Park
Friday, July 21 – Huntington Latin Night: Tito Rodriguez Jr. Orchestra- 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 22 – 16th Huntington Folk Festival, Cliff Eberhardt & Lucy Kaplansky- Festival at 12:30PM, headliners at 8:00PM
Sunday, July 23 – L.I. Dance Consortium, “Long Island Dances!- 7:00PM
Wednesday, July 26 – Huntington Community Band,”…and Home Again!”- 8:00PM
Thursday, July 27 – Swing Sessions with Dudley Music & Guests- 7:30PM
Thursday, July 27 – Northport Community Band- 8:30PM NPT Park
Saturday, July 29 – Jazz Loft Big Band, Tom Manuel Conductor, and Nicole Zuraitis- 8:00PM
Sunday, July 30 – Orchestra L.I., David Stewart Wiley, Conductor “In Concert With Nature”- 7:00PM