Port Jefferson to house Music Hall of Fame

At Port Jefferson's annual American Music Festival this September, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame will be welcomed to its new permanent home in the village's historic tax building.

"We're really looking forward to the Long Island Music Hall of Fame coming," said village Mayor Margot Garant. "And we really want to reinstate the music festival, to put us on the music map."

The free festival, in its ninth year, was not held last year due to the economy, said organizer James Faith.

The village's economic development council has contributed $5,000, with sponsors expected to fund the rest of the bill.

The schedule begins with a kickoff concert on Sept. 23 with Gary U.S. Bonds. Over the weekend, more than 25 performers will play three venues in the village. There will be vendors, activities for kids, and rides. The festival will showcase American music through rock, folk, jazz and country singers, Faith said.

Saturday night's headliner has not been announced, but Faith promised an "A-level performer" with an energetic set. "It's typically been a zydeco artist, something that's fun and danceable. In the past we've had Buckwheat Zydeco and C.J. Chenier," he said. There's also a booze cruise scheduled for Saturday night with the Kerry Kearney Band.

While the currently homeless Music Hall of Fame likely will not be installed by festival time, the festivities will bring plenty of attention to the project, Garant said.

After the hall moves in, she said she expects the organization would helm the American Music festival in the future. On June 23, Faith said he will present the music hall's move to Port Jefferson to the Brookhaven Town board for approval.