STONY BROOK, NY– November 28, 2022: The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) is proud to announce the Grand Opening of the nonprofit’s first physical facility, and Long Island’s first Hall of Fame, on November 25th, 2022, at 97 Main Street, Stony Brook Village, NY. It is located near other LI cultural centers including The Long Island Museum, The Jazz Loft and The Reboli Center.
“We are very pleased that our organization has found a permanent home in such a beautiful location” said Ernie Canadeo, Chair, LIMEHOF. “We are delighted to be capable to share our world-class displays and unique collection of memorabilia that showcase Long Island’s rich and varied history of music and entertainment in new and thrilling ways. We feature different and thrilling exhibitions, displays, videos and educational offerings that make the center a dynamic place for people to visit regularly.
First Visitor
North Babylon resident Cliff Schlesinger is the first public visitor to the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame when it opens Nov. 25th at 12 noon.
Schlesinger said he was excited to see the first exhibition “Legendary Long Island Club Scene – 1960s-1980s” which was designed to be a “club walk” through the legendary club scene of the 60s, 70s and 80s on Long Island.
“We used to go anywhere from Speaks at Island Park to The Mad Hatter at Stony Brook,” says Schlesinger. “We used to go all over the place… Twisted Sister and Zebra and all those bands, so I couldn’t wait to see the show.”
More than 500 public visitors turned out to see LIMEHOF on its opening weekend. Also, LIMEHOF Inductee Richie Cannata appeared on stage together with Mark Newman and LIMEHOF Long Island Sound Award Winner Kerry Kearney.
Event Preview
Over 250 guests and inductees recently attended a special VIP preview event on 11/22 to see the first exhibition. Inductees in attendance included the founder 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 of EPMD, Granddaddy IU, and Twisted Sister (guitarists Jay Jay French and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza), Music Journalist Wayne Robins, John Gatto of 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 recipient Sam Taylor) and Lawrence Worrell, stage name LAW from Planet 12 (granddaughter of LIMEHOF recipient 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.
LIMEHOF hours and ticket details
The Hall of Fame and Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Admission prices are: Adults $19.50, Seniors (65+) and Veterans $17.00, Students (w/ID) $15.00. Children under 12 years free. Tickets can be purchased online at the LIMEHOF.org website and at the entrance.
The first exhibition featured a duplicate of the club, with videos of performing artists, advertisements, posters, instruments and a duplicate of a 1960s stage, with vintage equipment and sound system. There is also a permanent “Hall of Fame” with plaques and exhibits recognizing the more than 120 inductees, in addition to areas for a library, classrooms for educational programs and masterclasses, a surround-sound theater, and a gift shop with music and entertainment-themed memorabilia.
There are a wide range of interesting visual elements and rare artifacts on display throughout the building. Inducted artists who have contributed their memorabilia include Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Debbie Gibson, Blue Öyster Cult, Twisted Sister, and the families and estates of Harry Chapin, Guy Lombardo, John Coltrane, and lots of others. Donations in the form of varied musical instruments, performance clothing, antique cars and motorbikes, rare posters and photos, handwritten lyrics, and much more.
LIMEHOF has built strong associations and community support including Catholic Health which is a major sponsor and robust supporter.
For more information about Hall of Fame and Museums: www.limehof.org
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 heritage is a very important resource that should be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which includes Nassau State, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) New York State, was created as a community place to encourage and explore Long Island music in all its forms. To date, the organization has inducted more than 100 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers educational programs and scholarships, in addition to awards to Long Island students and educators.
