Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame's concert honoring Billy Joel canceled
The June 7 concert at Tilles Center honoring Billy Joel has been canceled, say Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame officials. Credit: Myrna Suarez
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s 20th anniversary concert honoring Billy Joel at LIU Post’s Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, scheduled for June 7, has been canceled after the Piano Man said he would be unable to attend the sold-out show.
“Family commitments have prevented Billy Joel from attending,” said LIMEHOF chairman Ernie Canadeo. “We apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause and thank you for your understanding.”
Founding LIMEHOF board member Jim Faith added, “Our best wishes go out to Billy and his family.”
When asked for comment, Joel’s publicist Claire Mercuri referred to the Hall of Fame's statement.
The organization, which is currently running the “Billy Joel: My Life — A Piano Man’s Journey” exhibit at its Stony Brook museum, was planning to put on a show similar to the Kennedy Center Honors where other Hall of Fame inductees would pay tribute to Joel. Each artist was set to perform one of their own songs as well as one of Joel’s hits.
The lineup would have consisted of Debbie Gibson, Jimmy Webb, Mike DelGuidice, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels of Run-D.M.C., Zebra, Albert and Joe Bouchard (formerly of Blue Öyster Cult), plus Joel’s daughter Alexa Ray backed by a house band under the direction of saxophonist John Scarpulla and keyboardist Billy Heller.
Although Joel was not going to perform, he was scheduled to induct his longtime agent, Dennis Arfa, into the Hall of Fame that evening. Tilles Center was also going to be inducted.
All tickets will be refunded at the place of purchase and the event will not be rescheduled. Joel’s June 8 sold-out show at Madison Square Garden, the second-to-last of his record-breaking 10-year residency, will go on as scheduled.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
