The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (97 Main St., Stony Brook) has announced its October event line up. Unless indicated, most events are free with general admission. For more information, visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/museum/
10/7 7 pm-10 pm Induction of “The Illusion” *ticketed event
During a time when it was considered inconceivable for record executives (and concert promoters alike) to give a band from Long Island the time of day,
The Illusion came onto the scene. A force to be reckoned with, wowing crowds with outrageous stage shows, custom-made clothes, seemingly untouchable musicianship, and five-part harmonies. Captivating audiences, The Illusion would draw thousands of fans to every show.
In time, The Illusion would get the attention of hit writing producer Jeff Barry, who signed them to his label Steed Records, and penned their first hit “Did You See Her Eyes?”, which shot up the charts reaching number one in 15 cities. The Illusion would go on to release a total of three albums for Barry’s label; the first of which would sell over 200,000 copies!
The Illusion would go on to share the stage with such acts as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Allman Brothers Band, Chicago, The Temptations, Richie Havens, Blood Sweat and Tears, Alice Cooper, The McCoys, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Young Rascals, Ted Nugent and The Amboy Dukes, Little Richard, BB King, The Hassles (w/ Billy Joel), the J. Geils Band, Vanilla Fudge, Iggy Pop, Mountain, Cactus and countless others. Acts and artists like Kiss, Aerosmith, The New York Dolls and Billy Joel, not only followed the Illusion, but would go on to cite the band as one of their major influences.
10/8 3-4 pm Arizona Lindsey
25-year-old pop-country recording artist, actress, and mental health advocate Arizona Lindsey has most recently released her highly anticipated new album “The Process”.
“The Process” takes listeners through the journey of someone who is struggling with the lasting imprints of complex trauma (also known as chronic trauma) and then through the journey of entering into the trauma recovery process. Now available on all music streaming platforms, “The Process” tackles topics ranging from suicide ideation, disordered eating, and domestic abuse to suicide prevention, self-acceptance, and the rebuilding of self-esteem and hope. The concept album leaves the listener with a wholesome, emotional, and cathartic experience.
“The Process’s” bonus track “Worth the Fight” features legendary artist and Long Island Music & Entertainment inductee Darryl McDaniels of RunDMC; a song Ari wrote dedicated to National Suicide Prevention Month.
10/8 7 pm JJ French book signing, discussion, and performance with Joe Rock and many LI musicians
A Celebration of the Long Island Club Scene: Book Signing by Twisted Sister’s Jay Jay French with Q&A Featuring Members of Twisted Sister, Zebra, The Good Rats, and the Stanton Anderson Band. Plus, a LIVE music performance to follow.
Twisted Sister’s Jay Jay French will be on hand to sign his book, “Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock ‘n Roll” in addition to participating in a related Q&A event at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook Village (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, ) on Oct. 8 starting at 7 pm. This is a ticketed event.
Also expected to attend will be Ken Neil and Mark “The Animal” Mendoza, who are, respectively, the original and current bassists of Twisted Sister. Rounding out the list of guests will be John Gatto and Joe Franco (both of whom were original members of The Good Rats), Randy Jackson and Felix Hanneman of Zebra, and Mark Fowler of the Stanton Anderson Band.
For tickets, please visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/tickets-and-gift-cards/
About Twisted Business
In addition to founding Twisted Sister, a world-famous heavy metal band that has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, Jay Jay French is one of the top entrepreneurs in entertainment. After taking over as manager in the ‘70s, French developed Twisted Sister into the most heavily licensed heavy metal band in history, leading the group to perform more than 9,000 shows in forty countries.
Part business book, part memoir, Twisted Business is an unexpected, inspiring, whirlwind story of transformation and redemption. Twisted Business follows French’s adventure-filled life—from growing up in New York City in the sixties, to working as a drug dealer and struggling as an addict before quitting cold-turkey, and finally, to creating and cultivating Twisted Sister and turning it into one of the most successful brands in the world.
Together with his mentor, Steve Farber, a best-selling author and one of the world’s top leadership and management experts, French offers unique, hard-earned tips and advice from his nearly 50 years as a musician, music business manager, and entrepreneur. French shows how, through tenacity, grit, and dedication, anyone can create their own brand, grow a successful business, re-invent themselves, or simply find success in what they love to do. Entertaining, provocative, funny, and informative, this book is the trip of a lifetime and a treasured guide for entrepreneurs, business people, and music fans alike.
10/14 6 pm Dee Snider Frats Book Signing Event
Dee Snider from Twisted Sister will be on hand to sign his new book “Frats”, Oct. 14 at 6pm. Regular admission prices apply; meet Dee as part of your admission. Enjoy viewing the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame throughout the day. The book will be on sale at the event.
About Frats
Dee Snider, the iconic American singer, songwriter, radio personality, writer, and actor, has announced the launch of his first novel, Frats. Set for release on June 2, 2023, Frats is an honest, daring story that examines the pressures of toxic masculinity in high school hallways. With a retail price of $26.99, Frats is sure to become a must-read for fans of Dee Snider’s work and anyone looking for a thought-provoking novel that tackles difficult subject matter.
Dee Snider is no stranger to exploring controversial topics through his music and writing. As the frontman for Twisted Sister, he wrote some of the most iconic and provocative songs in rock history, including “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” He has been an outspoken advocate for free speech and individualism throughout his career.
In Frats, Snider uses his unique voice and perspective to examine the ways in which toxic masculinity can harm young men and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The novel is a call to action for all young people to reject harmful societal norms and embrace individuality and self-expression.
The launch of Frats comes at an important time in our cultural conversation about gender and masculinity and is a timely exploration of the pressures that young men face in a society that often rewards aggression and conformity.
Fans of Dee Snider’s music and writing will not want to miss this powerful and thought-provoking novel. Frats is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of gender and identity in the modern world. With its honest and unflinching portrayal of the harrows faced by young men in high school, Frats is sure to become a classic of contemporary literature.
10/15 10:30 am-12 pm Teach Rock 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Teacher Workshop
The first ever series of free TeachRock workshops at Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. This second workshop focuses on the theme of Hip Hop music and will feature Hip Hop artist Half-Pint from Son of Bazerk.
Ms. Arnell is a veteran Freeport Public Schools educator who has helped her district embrace arts integration and had fun doing it! She’s excited to share her tips and the free TeachRock lesson plans she uses with local educators. All attendees are granted free access to the museum following the event and are eligible for NY CTLE credits through TeachRock. This event is for teachers only and requires registration https://teachrock.org/LIMEHOF/
10/15 3-4 pm Mike Meehan & The Lucky Ones
”Songs inspired by traditional and alternative country, punk, folk, literature, and other influences.” MCL Media/Arts
Mike Meehan is an accomplished songwriter and musician. He has been a recording artist for Koch Records, Paradiddle and Louisiana Red Hot. Hehas released multiple albums as a founding member of roots rock group the Last Hombres (at one time recording and touring with drummer Levon Helm) as well as his own imprint the Lucky Ones. Meehan has appeared on the main stages at the Paramount Huntington, Harry Chapin Theater in Heckscher Park and the Great South Bay Fest. The Lucky Ones latest release is Angel Midnight and was released on Paradiddle Records in 2022.
Meehan grew up on Long Island attending many shows at Stony Brook University, My Father’s Place and numerous local clubs now immortalized in the LIMEHOF.
LIMEHOF Hours and ticket details
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is open Wednesdays-Sundays from 12 noon through 5pm. Admission prices are: Adult $22.50, Seniors (65+) and Veterans $20.00, Students (w/ID) $15.00. Children under 12 are free. Tickets and now gift cards can be purchased online at the LIMEHOF.org website and at the door.
The first exhibit features replicas of clubs, with videos of artists performing, ads, posters, instruments, and an exact replica of a typical 1970’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, rare posters and photos, handwritten lyrics, and much more.
For more information about the Hall of Fame please visit https://www.limusichalloffame.org/museum/
