BEST MAN

A struggling actor circling the drain of a failed dream takes one last shot at greatness. Screening followed by Q&A with the Director.

Guitarist Bob Westcott is no stranger to Long Island audiences. His career began as a teenager playing guitar in the streets and basket houses of Greenwich Village, and, more auspiciously, as one of the very first members of the Wes Houston Band. Onetime owner of Folk City and famed Greenwich Village scene author Robbie Woliver has called Bob “the real deal”, and for good reason: Bob has been perfecting his elegant finger-style guitar work many years. During the 60’s, Bob played in the basket houses of Greenwich Village, then moved to Manchester, England to explore the British folk scene, then traveled throughout Canada and the US in the 70’s, living in the Midwest, California and upstate New York before settling on eastern Long Island.

Bob has opened for several nationally-known performers, including John Hammond, Merle Haggard, Richie Havens, Tom Paxton, The Nields, and most recently, Richard Shindell.  He is much in demand as a session player, showcasing his breathtaking skill as a fingerpicker and multi-instrumentalist.

Doors open at 7:00 PM. Kerry Kearney Band’s 30th Anniversary Gala at the Long Island Hall of Fame on Friday, May 1st. Limited to 100 Tickets and there will be complementary refreshments for everyone. There will be many of the musicians that played with them through the years and many friends sharing memories. It’s gonna be some night!

By Combining Rhythm, Soul, Motown & Blues, Singer/ Songwriter & Guitarist Joe Louis (26) from Farmingdale NY will always have you at the edge of your seat stomping your feet to an emotional electrifying performance. Joe has received teachings from some of the greatest Blues Players in New York & The Long Island Area. In 2023, he won the Long Island Blues Challenge & released his first studio album, “First Time I Saw You,” Available on all platforms. Keep an eye out for his next upcoming project in 2026! His soulful vocals are incredibly inspired from greats like Wilson Pickett, Little Buster, & BB King, to name a few. His bright fierce guitar playing will touch your heart with each and every note. Seeing the band LIVE is always and unforgettable experience!

Phil Kennelty is a genre-hopping songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Long Beach, NY, whose musical journey stretches from the shores of the Atlantic to the heart of New York City.

A gifted pianist, guitarist, and keyboard player, Phil has been a staple of the Long Island and NYC music scenes, performing in bands that span Country, R&B, Folk, Americana, Classic Rock—and everything in between. His sound is rooted in classic influences but always leans forward, finding fresh expression in timeless forms.

A dynamic musical duo who will take you on a journey through love and laughter. There will be sing-a-longs, old favorites, and originals, bringing their love and joy to you in song.

TAKE 2 features Candice Baranello and James O’Malley, two talented artists who have each been part of the acoustic music scene for a number of years.

Candice Baranello is a founding member of the acclaimed traditional folk trio, the Mountain Maidens, and is known for her powerful, expressive voice. She plays multiple instruments including the ukulele, banjo, guitar, and dulcimer.

James O’Malley is a singer-songwriter whose music has been played on radio stations across the country. He has a smooth tenor voice and a subtle, intricate guitar style, having learned fingerpicking early in his career from Erik Darling of The Weavers.

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.