“Sleep Walk” first hit the airwaves in 1959, introducing Rock & Roll to a brand-new sound: the steel guitar as a lead instrument—something previously heard only in country and Hawaiian music. The song soared to #1 on the charts, earning a Gold Record and bringing Santo & Johnny to stages across Brooklyn with Alan Freed, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, and The Perry Como Show.

Over the decades, “Sleep Walk” has appeared in more than 28 movies, including La Bamba, Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, and Sofia Coppola’s acclaimed 2023 film Priscilla.

Celebrating 43 years Buddy Merriam & Back Roads, are one of the North East’s longest performing bluegrass bands. They have released 7 CD’s and Buddy has produced 2 books of his original mandolin compositions. Over the years the group has entertained at the Grand Ole Opry, World of Bluegrass for the IBMA in Owensboro & Louisville KY and Nashville TN. BM&BR have played at most of the large bluegrass festivals in the NE and 2 tours of Ireland, Scotland & England. Buddy is the long time host of the popular Blue Grass Time radio program on WUSB 90.1fm every Wed. 6-8 pm since 1991.

Buddy is a founding member of the 501 (c)(3).  Mandolin Heritage Association and currently working on a 200 tune transcription/video  project that is the beginning of an Archive of his music. He is a proud recipient of a Long Island Sound Award from the L.I. Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Featuring a performance by Blue Oyster Cult former members Albert and Joe Bouchard (who performed on the record), and current members Danny Miranda, and Jules Radino. Also including a Q&A, Multimedia Presentation, Meet & Greet, Photo Ops, and more!

George Barry is a musician/songwriter from Long Island.  He started out on Guitar at 13 and has never stopped. Fascinated by the Beatles, then ELO and later prog Rock, he  has always put the song first. He began doing his own studies of songwriting as a teen, and quickly realized that his heroes used the studio itself to focus a songs message. George pursues Rock and pop genres in the same way.  His interest in other genres is apparent, but  He always sees the song as the ultimate arbiter of what is needed, or not. He has played in numerous bands, done music for TV, Motion Pictures, 3 music videos (so far),Horse Ballet (orchestral) and  his original music. He was the frontperson and driving force behind CODEBLUEny a critically acclaimed Rock Band on Long Island 1990-1999.ny. Their final release was “That Train has Sailed: 1990-1999 The Best and the rest of CODE BLUE”.

A Two-Day Academic Conference
Presented by the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Stony Brook, NY
June 6-7th, 2026

Devoted to the music, lyrics, themes, and cultural impact of Billy Joel. As one of America’s most influential songwriters and performers — and Long Island’s own — Joel’s body of work offers a unique lens through which to explore popular music, regional identity, and American culture. This symposium will gather scholars, critics, musicians, and students to engage in critical analysis of Joel’s artistry, life, and legacy.

Includes access to all LIMEHOF exhibits.

Saturday, June 6th

Dennis Arfa has been Billy Joel’s agent for over 50 years. As the Chairman of the Music Divisioin of Independent Artist Group, Arfa has guided Joel’s career, including his record-breaking Madison Square Garden residency.