Good Times 1211

47 h t

COM PLI M ENTARY

I ssue1211 November29-December12,2016

®

I t ' sNotT heHol i da y sWi t hout

H A I R A M ANDYGRAMMER

Fr om TheSt adi um ToThePar amount

LISPOTLI GHT

Maur eenGr i f f i n

LI ' sBi kerGi r lGoesVi r al JI NGLEBELLBOTTOM BALL

Smoot hSoulI nWes t bur y Har ol dMel vi n' sBl ueNot es

I WANT TO BUY The Ukelele Headquarters YOUR USED GEAR! Hundreds Of Ukuleles Starting at

39

$

$50 down Layaway Deals peavey & blackstar custom guitar pack For The Holidays (Details at MonsterMusicNY.com)

package includes -peavey electric guitar -blackstar id:core 10-watt amp -gig bag, strap, cable, & picks

for only

acoustic guitars

$299!

-perfect for students -available in multiple colors

starting at only

$99!

5 Piece dixon Drum Set with free home delivery and setup -Complete 5 piece kit w/matching snare -cymbals, stands, pedal, sticks and throne -you read right! we will deliver this drum set to your home & set it up absolutely free!!

all this for only Store Hours: Monday - Friday 11-9 Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 12-5

$499!

Visit Our Levittown Location at 3068 Hempstead Turnpike • 516-735-3594

www.monstermusic.com - facebook.com/monstermusicstore

2 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

Hot Tips

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

346 Westbury Ave. Suite LL1 Carle Place, NY 11514

(516) 280-2100 FAX: (516) 280-2103 E-MAIL: gtmag@optonline.net goodtimesmag.com

Friend us at Facebook.com/ GoodtimesMagazine MySpace.com/ GoodtimesMagazine Follow us on Twitter @GoodtimesMag

Publisher Richard Branciforte Editorial Contributors Cody Bell Lloyd Carroll Jimi LaLumia Photography Randi Savron Wayne Herrschaft (headlampdigital.com) Graphics Craig Cardone Distribution Barry Oliver Paul Timmons Rick Catalano Mike Courtney

Good Times (ISSN 0191-4995) is published bi-weekly Good Times Magazine Ltd. 346 Westbury Ave., LL 1 Carle Place, NY 11514 (516) 280-2100 FAX: (516) 280-2103 All Contents © 2016 Good Times Magazine Ltd. Published Bi-Weekly In case of errors in an ad, advertisers must notify publisher in writing within 10 days of publication.

Rebate will be given in space credit and is limited to the amount of space occupied by the error.

We cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

Next Publication Dates:

December 13, 2016, December 27, 2016 Ad space reservations are due one week prior to publication date.

Good Times Magazine Now Available In A Digital Version For Your PC, Phone, iPad, or Tablet Log on to issuu.com/goodtimesmag

Photo: Chocolate Lover

by WixPhoto.com Cover: Mariah Carey courtesy Live Nation Photos with (CC): Creative Commons License

Hot Trains:

Model Railroad Displays In St. James The Smithtown Township Arts Council and The St. James Model Railroad Club present their annual holiday open house weekend on Friday, December 2 (6 to 9 pm), Saturday, December 3 (11 am to 5 pm), and Sunday, December 4 (11 am to 5 pm) at The Mills Pond House in St. James. The weekend will feature the annual open house of St. James Model Railroad club, a Members Fine Art Showcase, Holiday Market shopping, and more.

Information: (631) 862-657,5 or visit stacarts.org.

Hot Cans:

CanStruction Exhibit Helps LI’s Needy The 10th annual Canstruction Long Island design/build competition exhibit is open to the public through November; the event is housed at RXR Plaza (across from Nassau Coliseum) in Uniondale.

The public is invited to view the unique CANtastic structures that local architects, engineers, contractors, and students made entirely of canned food.

Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring canned food items that can be placed in voting bins outside each of the

Best Bets For Area Fun structures. The structure with the most cans in their bin will win the "People's Choice Award."

Hot Treats:

Chocolate Expo In Garden City

In the return of the one the most popular events last year, The Chocolate Expo, returns on Sunday, December 11 from 10 am to 7 pm at The Cradle Of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Each Chocolate Expo event combines chocolate and food with exhibits, performances, and celebrity appearances.

Online tickets are now available via thechocolateexpo.com.

Hot Talent:

Get 'Your Big Break' At Gold Coast There’s an open call for musicians aged 15 to 25 for the fifth annual "Your Big Break" showcase series returning to The Gold Coast Arts Center beginning January 28. Earlier this year, 19-year-old Matt Grabowski earned the 2016 award, with other finalists including Youth Be Told (pictured left), Katie Zimmer, Annika, SEE, and Zofolk.

Enter this unique talent event for youth by finding “Your Big Break” at the popular ReverbNation website.

Jorma Koukonen Suffolk Theater, Riverhead December 9 At 8 PM suffolktheater.com (631) 727-4343 From Jefferson Airplane to Hot Tuna to his own solo career, this guitar master remains one of the most influential guitarists of his time. Make your plans quickly – every time Koukenen appears in this area, it's a very big deal.

PAC TRACK

The Italian Chicks Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington December 3 at 7:45 PM landmarkonmainstreet.org • (516) 767-6444 This variety show features comedy, characters, music, song parodies, improv, and ItalianAmerican culture; the cast includes such stars as Maryann “Boom Boom” Maisano, Tara Cannistraci (pictured), Mary Dimino, Gina Scarda, and Regina DeCicco.

Anne Rice Madison Theatre, Rockville Centre November 29 at 6 PM madisontheatreny.org (516) 678-5000 Rice is known for her novels, The Vampire Chronicles, that revolve around the central character of Lestat. Rice will be in conversation with her editor, Victoria Wilson, and signing her latest novel at this event.the

Queens Hot Tips

The Biggest Events At Area Performing Arts Centers & Theaters

Eileen Ivers Eileen Ivers: An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas An Nollaig: Irish Christmas YMCA BoultonAn Center, Bay Shore YMCA Boulton Bay Shore December 3 at 8 PMCenter, • boultoncenter.org December 3 at (631) 8 PM 969-1101 boultoncenter.org (631) Ivers returns once again to the Boulton, and 969-1101 by Ivers popular returns demand: once again This virtuoso to the Boulton, fiddler and by interweaves age-old Wren Day fiddler songs,interbeloved popular demand.

Thisvirtuoso American weaves age-old carols, Wren and even Dayasongs, jiggingbeloved Bach in this holiday-themed show.

American carols, and even a jigging Bach in this holiday-themed show.

The Adelphi Jazz Ensemble AdelphiPerforming Jazz Ensemble Adelphi The University Arts Center December Adelphi 9 University at 7:30 PM adelphi.edu Performing Arts Center (516) December 877-4927 9 This heralded at 7:30 PM ensemble adelphi.edu returns an (516)for 877evening of 4927 This heraldhot jazz.

... & A Bit Of Brooklyn, Too

Global Cuisine Of Queens: Help Kids With Food Tastings

A unique culinary event, The Global Cuisine Of Queens, will benefit The Boys & Girls Club of metro Queens at its even on Wednesday, November 30 at 6 pm at Resorts World Casino in Jamaica; tickets and information are at rwnewyork.com. Guests will sample appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, signature dishes, and specialty drinks from more than 40 of the area's hottest restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and wineries (this event is for patrons 18 and older); VIP tickets are available, and include entrance one hour prior, a private VIP lounge, and a private bar. Among the famous restaurants and wineries participating are London Lennie's, Shake Shack, Villa Russo, Neir's Tavern, Dexter Wine & Spirits, and many more.

Learn more at metroqueens.org/global-cuisine.

The Piano Guys Tickle The Ivories At Colden

The self-made music stars The Piano Guys make their Queens debut on Friday, December 2 at 8 pm at The Colden Auditorium at The Kupferberg Center For The Arts at Queens College in Flushing; tickets are at kupferbergcenter.org. Beginning their career by making YouTube videos, their big hit was “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen. It’s the Guys’ original blend of classical music with pop that has been the cause of an Internet phenomenon and has led to more than 500 million YouTube views. To learn more about this unique act: thepianoguys.com.

4 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

Photos: London Lennie’s file photo

WinterCon: Comics Come Alive In Queens

Also at Resorts World in Jamaica: The two-day annual event WinterCon, which this year takes place on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4.

Heralded as one of New York City's biggest comic book and science fiction expos, WinterCon features a huge array of exhibits, cosplay events, actors from famous films and TV shows such as the Star Wars series of movies, The Outsiders, and “The Walking Dead”; appearances by a former James Bond, George Lazenby, “Star Trek's” Nichelle Nicols (pictured above right), actress Virginia Hey, and more stars, exhibits, seminars, vendors, and attractions. Cosplay is all the rage, so make your plans quickly; learn more and get tickets for what’s sure to be a packed event at wintercon.com.

Snowkus Pocus Staller Center for the Performing Arts, Stony Brook University December 4 at 4 pm (631) 632-ARTS stallercenter.com Bring the family: This winter-themed circus offers “a whimsical 'Winter Wonderland' of derring-do,” according to its press release; the show features magician and host Eric Walton.

Photos courtesy respective venues & artists; Adelphi Symphony Orchestra by Peter Frutkoff; Jorma Kaukonen by Scotty Hall, courtesy Red House Records

Hamptons Take 2 Documentary Film Festival Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor December 1 Through 4 baystreet.org (631) 725-9500 Four days of “all documentaries, all day” featuring such lauded films as Maya Angelou: And I Still Rise (pictured at left), Zero Days, and many more movies that have earned critical plaudits from around the globe, or are new features; log on for the full schedule of show times and films.

Irish Christmas In America Patchogue Theatre December 9 at 8 PM patchoguetheare.org (631) 207-1313 Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, the show features Irish music, song, and dance in an event featuring Niamh Farrell, Séamus Begley, Samantha Harvey, and more.

Cabaret At Club T: Rebecca Luker Tilles Center For The Performing Arts, Brookville December 2 at 7:30 and 9:30 PM tillescenter.org (516) 299-3100 This Broadway and TV star “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Good Wife”) offers a cabaretstyle show that reveals her musical side.

The Best Of Broadway Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center December 18 at 2 PM (631) 288-1500 whbpac.org Darren Ottati’s favorite Broadway musical numbers make up this revue, featuring Jenifer DeMeo, Amanda Kuchinski, Ralph D'Ambroses, Shannon DuPuis, performing with a five-piece band.

Good Times Magazine • November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 5

HEADLINERS

Make Your Plans Now For These Huge Events

America The Space At Westbury Theater December 2 At 8 PM • thespaceatwestbury.com • (800) 745-3000 This show has been a long time coming for America fans, as this is a make-up date from a postponed date earlier this year. We're sure the duo will make up for the long wait by performing its endless string of hits, including “Horse With No Name,” “Daisy Jane,” “Sister Golden Hair,” and more songs than we have room to list here.

Andy Grammer The Paramount, Huntington Dec 1. at 8 PM • (631) 673-7300 paramountny.com Yes, this is the same dance/pop sensation that performed at Citi Field in Flushing this past summer.

Grammer released his 2011 selftitled debut album and became the first male pop star in a decade, since John Mayer in 2002, to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio on his first two singles: “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine By Me.”

Kenny G NYCB Theatre At Westbury December 11 at 8 PM thetheatreatwestbury.com (516) 334-0800 Could you use a little “mellow” after the events of early November? Here's the last of the MOR survivors, who will perform his hits as well as songs of the holiday.

Mr. G has grafted elements of R&B, pop, and Latin to jazz to form his own style.ing

Long an area favorite, The John Pizzarelli Quartet returns on Friday, December 2 at 8 pm at The Jeanne Rimsky Theater at The Landmark On Main Street in Port Washington.

For tickets and information, log on to landmarkonmainstreet.org, or call (516) 767-6444.

A world-renowned guitarist and singer, Pizzarelli was hailed by The Boston Globe for "reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz." The Toronto Star pegged him as "the genial genius of the guitar." And The Seattle Times saluted him as "a rare entertainer of the old school."

Established as one of the prime contemporary interpreters of what the music

JOHN PIZZARELLI

An American Jazz Original At Landmark On Main Street

This holiday show that will touch down at world refers to as “The Great American The Landmark On Main Street will feature Songbook,” Pizzarelli has expanded that Pizzarelli's hits, as well as tunes from his latest repertoire by including the music of Joni album, Midnight McCartney (featuring songs Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio by the Beatles legend), and seasonal Carlos Jobim, and the duo of John Lennon selections as well. and Paul McCartney. Pizzarelli performs The Paul McCartney-themed album has annual engagements at The Café Carlyle with captured the imagination of fans of all genres Jessica Molaskey and at Birdland with his jazz of music since its release last year on Concord combo. He continues to tour throughout the Records. The challenge, Pizzarelli says, is United States, Europe, South America and lining up the lesser-known McCartney songs Japan, performing classic pop, jazz and alongside the works of Gershwin, Berlin, and swing, while setting the standard for stylish Rodgers. modern jazz.

6 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

“It’s not out of the realm to say, ‘Here are some excellent songs. What you just enjoyed and maybe thought was Johnny Mercer, is really Paul McCartney,’” said Pizzarelli. “I think they can all stand next to each other.”

Pizzarelli started playing guitar at age six, following in the tradition of his father, Bucky Pizzarelli. He turned to jazz in his late teens after playing in rock bands, and he received an education playing with his father and many jazz greats who would influence his work: Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry and Slam Stewart, among others.

S

he’s the biggest source of holiday cheer since Santa: Demand to see Long Island native Mariah Carey’s annual holiday shows at The Beacon Theatre in New York City on its initially announced four dates – December 5, 7, 13, and 14 – was so strong that four new dates have been added, making the beautiful superstar likely to be the most-viewed songstress this holiday season.

The new dates – December 10 and 11, and December 16 and 17 – are now on sale, but make plans quickly.

So what’s causing all the excitement? In the 22 years since Carey released her first

MARIAH CAREY Lighting Up New York For The Holidays

Christmas single, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” her collection of holiday music has become more than just a fan favorite, but also a classic catalog and a traditional holiday staple. The iconic “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is not only Carey’s biggest-selling song, but with more than 14 million copies sold and counting, it is one of the best-selling songs of all time — Christmas or otherwise.

Along with “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” the singer’s full holiday discography showcases her incomparable voice and fresh arrangements on holiday classics such as “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and “O Holy Night.” The Christmas concerts are

FILM Holiday Hits

Here's a compendium of what seems to be the hardest thing for the film world to do right: Produce enjoyable holiday season fare – yet...

Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them (Warner Bros, now in theaters): Well, the holiday season has been saved: Fantastic Beasts, in essence a Harry Potter spin-off, has arrived just in time to pick up box offices following one of the most mundane autumn seasons in recent memory. Just what a horrid post-election season has called for: Whimsy, action, and youth-oriented fun, as the newest concept by author J.K. Rowling (who wrote this new tale) is just the tonic after weeks of American teeth gashing and antacid popping.

Almost Christmas (now in theaters, Universal): Yeah, how Christmas brings a squabbling family together, yadda yadda – but this one features a

Bad Santa 2

quickly becoming a special annual homecoming for the multiple Grammy Award winner.

During the early autumn, Carey announced her return to the iconic Beacon Theatre for the third annual “All I Want For Christmas Is You” remarkable

Fantastic Beasts cast

including Mo'Nique, Omar Epps, Nicole Ari Parker, Gabrielle Union, and the always welcome J.B. Smoove.

More heartwarming than hilarious, but such is yuletide cinema – after you see this, you’ll think you already saw it before.

No Pay, Nudity (now in theaters, Monterey Media): The film that earned plaudits at The Stony Brook Film Festival and The Gold Coast Film Festival goes wide, as Nathan Lane, Gabriel Bryne, Ethan Sandler, Donna Murphy, and Frances Conroy prove a simple story can be moving as well as funny.

A Street Cat Named

concert series this holiday season. The concert series is sponsored for the second consecutive year by Hallmark Channel, home of the annual holiday programming event, Countdown to Christmas. Select VIP packages are also available for all dates, visit ticketmaster.com for more information.

At this point, there’s not much this worldwide star hasn’t done: In addition to acting in such theatrical films as Precious, and her voice work as Mayor Marion Grange in The Lego Batman Movie, Carey has regularly brought her talents to television audiences. The docu-series ”Mariah’s World,” following her international tour and personal life, will debut on E! on December 4. Carey also be toured Latin America from the end of October through November, taking her “Sweet Sweet Fantasy” tour to her Latin American fans for the first time in her career.

Previews and review by Cody Bell

Bob (now in theaters, Sony Pictures): How a stray cat changes the life of a homeless busker; perhaps this will turn out to be a Harry & Tonto for the modern era. This might have have a better chance to grab some eyeballs than some might expect – particularly if mallplex bookers sniff the catnip.

Bad Santa 2 (now in theaters, Broad Green Pictures): Billy Bob Thornton reprises his super slacker role … 13 years after the first Bad Santa film was a hit. Much of the original cast returns.

Moana (now in theaters, Walk Disney Pictures): An animated comedy film with tropical characters featuring the voice of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? At Thanksgiving? Cinema 12 better order extra cases of Everlasting Gobstoppers. This sort of thing is critic proof; bring the kids and hope the popcorn is fresh while you stare at your cell phone.

Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life (now

Almost Christmas

in theaters, James Patterson Entertainment): An adaptation of the popular kids' book becomes a film destined for every Bottom 10 list at the end of this year. If you love your children, don't let them near this noisy, witless mess.

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 7

When the 2016 season, ended New York Mets fans had ample reason to feel optimistic. The conventional wisdom was the off-season would provide the needed time for injured players to recuperate and be as good as new come spring

SportsBeat With Lloyd Carroll

training – but the early off-season hasn't delivered much in the way of positive news. The team's top slugger, Yoenis Cespedes, opted out of his contract to become a free agent, which means that the angst that fans experienced last winter will be repeated, but what wasn’t expected was that closer Jeurys Familia would be arrested on a domestic violence charge.

Sports league commissioners have taken tough stances on athletes who are associated with spouse or girlfriend assault even if they haven’t been convicted in a court of law. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred will no doubt suspend Familia for a significant number of games without pay. Ironically, Familia inherited the closer role when Jenrry Mejia was suspended for using illegal performance-enhancing drugs. Mejia has now been banned from MLB for life.

A third unpleasant jolt for the Flushing faithful was the departure of fan favorite starting pitcher Bartolo Colon, who signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves. It's hard to blame Colon for taking the money and leaving the Mets, where he was not just popular with fans but a leader in the clubhouse for many players. However, it’s hard to blame general manager Sandy Alderson for not wanting to match the Braves’ lucrative offer. While the 43-year-old Colon was the one Mets starting

Bowling With Bob Smith

The PBA's New Voice: The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and ESPN have announced that veteran play-by-play announcer Dave LaMont will join PBA's broadcast team at the start of the new ESPN-PBA telecast season that begins with the

Dave LaMont

live finals of The PBA World Championship during the GEICO World Series of Bowling VIII on Sunday, December 11 at 1 pm in Reno, Nevada. LaMont joins PBA Hall of Famer and 13-time Tour winner Randy Pedersen, who returns for his 16th season as color analyst, and former Miss USA Kimberly Pressler, who returns in her role as sideline reporter, as ESPN’s PBA broadcast team.

“I regularly went to PBA Tour tournaments when they came to South Florida and as a longtime bowling fan, it’s a dream come true,” LaMont said

pitcher who did not endure an injury in 2016, the Mets now have starting pitching depth thanks to the emergence of Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo.

The Braves seem determined to be the AARP’s favorite team next season: In addition to signing Colon, they signed another former Mets pitcher in 42-year-old knuckleball specialist R.A. Dickey.

There has been some off-season good news for Mets fans. One of baseball’s premier citizens, outfielder Curtis Granderson, received both the Roberto Clemente and Marvin Miller Man of the Year Awards for his off-field activities that benefit young people. Also, Mets' SNY broadcaster Gary Cohen could enter The National Baseball Hall of Fame in July, as he Curtis was named one Granderson of eight finalists for The Ford Frick Award.

Cohen has called Mets games since 1989, which makes a lot of us who remember when he began his career behind the mic feeling rather old.

Fox Sports lead voice Joe Buck has written a candid memoir, Lucky Bastard (Dutton). The book got a lot of advance buzz when it was revealed that Buck, who famously lost his voice for a prolonged period a few years ago, did not suffer from a virus or from vocal chord wear and tear

from the nature of Jeurys Familia broadcasting. It was due to an unfortunate side effect from anesthesia during one of his many hair transplant surgeries, which had been a secret until now. In the book, Joe Buck describes the ups and downs of being the son of beloved Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck. While it did get his foot in the door, the charges of nepotism did take a toll on him, as did fighting with his halfsiblings and the failure of his first marriage. He also details his flirtatious but nonetheless platonic friendship with actress Kate Hudson. Joe Buck also offers surprises he reveals that his father and Tim McCarver did not get along, although Joe Buck and McCarver have long been friends. I have never understood why so many sports fans have detested

of his new role. “Since I’ve been announcing bowling I’ve really gained a deeper appreciation for what the players do and quickly found that the sport has all the ingredients for great television.

It has athletes who have a passion for what they do and who can perform under intense pressure, all in an environment where you never know what’s going to happen.”

LaMont, a South Florida resident, has extensive experience in bowling with stints as United States Bowling Congress Queens, Women’s U.S. Open and Intercollegiate Championships play-by-play announcer since 2010. Learn more at pba.com.

Get Motiv-ated: Movtiv Bowling recently released a new medium oil pattern bowling ball, Chronic Paranoia, designed to be a versatile benchmark ball, according to the company. The colorful (as always) ball features Motiv's Obvliion core and the new Agitator solid reactive cover stock.

According to Motiv, the proprietary core gives the Chronic Paranoia easy length with a strong down lane motion and solid continuation.

The 15-pound model features a 2.53 RG and .047 differential.

This new ball hits stores on December 12; get all the information at motivbowling.com.

Herrill High Scores: Here's a fresh batch of high league scores from Herrill Lanes in New Hyde Park: Wednesday Early Mixed: Gregg De Angelo 745

Photo: Matt O’Grady courtesy LIGBT Tour

8 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

series; JoAnne Perry 224; Kathy Chernow 618 series; Jeanine Musacchio 202.

Chatterbox Mixed: Patrick Blaha 269.

8th Battalion: Karyn Deem 209.

Friday Early Rollers-Seniors: Sylvia Abanes 212.

Friday Mixed Nuts: Roe Gerhold 214.

Thursday Early Mixed: Mike Gandarella 278 and 749, 720 series; Mike Crea 267 and 747, 727 series; Shane Robinson 268; Robert Camerino 299; Danny Marinaro Jr. 290 and 756 series; Jerry Dimitriou 290; Pamela Scholz 234; Annette Sequino 231; Pat Dimitriou 211; Mike Dimitriou 733 series.

Tip Of The Week #4: Do you wear a wrist brace – and if so, why? Is it used to prevent a wrist injury, or do you suffer arm strain? A good way to take away the feeling of the weight off the ball as you prepare to roll is to make sure you balance the ball in your free hand, which is something too many serious bowlers don't even consider. It's actually easy: Don't rest your free hand on the side of the ball; instead rest it below the ball. You'll be amazed at how much “lighter” the ball will feel when you go into your motion.

This technique works so well you might be tempted to get rid of that cumbersome (and in some cases, expensive) wrist brace once and for all. Don’t get us wrong: If you’ve suffered an injury, a brace may be vital – but if you use one as a preventative, you do have an option.

Photos: Curtis Granderson, Jeurys Familia by Bob Smith; Tiki Barber by David Shankbone (CC)

Joe Buck. I have always enjoyed his selfdeprecating sense of humor, as well as his way of seamlessly meshing pop culture into his broadcasts. On a personal note, I have met Joe

Buck several times and he has never big-leagued me, which is more than I can say for a lot of lesser-known sports air personalities.

In my opinion, Bill Simmons is the most overrated sports columnist in America (sorry, Mike Lupica). The native Bostonian has long been

praised for his hip and humorous take on sports and was rewarded by ESPN with a lucrative broadcasting as well as a web platform for his sports creation, Grantland (named after pioneer sports columnist Grantland Rice). Yet, ESPN pulled the plug on Grantland because it drew few eyeballs and was bleeding money. Despite being fired, Simmons remained a hot media property and inked a multi-deal with HBO, which in June debuted his half-hour weekly show, “Any Given Wednesday,” in which he got to pontificate on topics and interview big name sports personalities. It was a good cure for insomnia; HBO cancelled the program earlier this month.

Sports television has been thought to be immune to economic problems; even in a DVR world, live sports remains the one exception, and that has made it golden for advertisers.

That may be changing: Disney stock recently took a hit because of sagging revenues at ESPN, as more people are dropping cable television and finding alternatives. It is not a coincidence that longtime ESPN personalities Chris Broussard, Skip Bayless, and Colin Cowherd have split for Fox Sports 1.

In another cost-cutting move, ESPN New York did not renew the contract of longtime area sports writer and broacaster Wally Matthews.

ESPN is now facing more credible competition from rival cable networks. While FS1 has attracted the most buzz from sports media columnists, The NBC Sports Network has quietly become a serious player by televising NASCAR, The English Premier League (soccer), the NHL, and The Breeders Cup. NBCSN beat ESPN in the August ratings because of its coverage of

the Rio Olympics.

Even the invincible NFL has proven not to be immune to TV woes as its ratings have been down this year. Some have blamed the Colin Kaepernick-national anthem brouhaha for turning off viewers, but the actual problem seems to be a surplus of nationally televised games. Fans can now watch the NFL practically all day Sunday because of the many morning games that are being played in London, as well as on Monday and Thursday nights. It all might be too much of a good thing.

Among the celebrities who ran in this year’s NYC Marathon were Tiki Barber, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, “American Idol” finalist Jax, and MTV’s Nev Schulman.

Tiki Barber

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 9

New Year's Eve N'Yuks: Hot on the heels of this year's successful traveling Long Island Comedy Festival and its new Long Island Comedy 50+ Tour, Paul Anthony and his Long Island Comedy compadres are going to usher out 2016 with a bang: Not one but five shows as part of this year's New

Compiled by Bob Smith, I’m warnin’ you guys.

Comedy

Year's Laughin' Eve Comedy Showcases on December 31.

"We're excited to have expanded our big New Year's Eve show to four incredible venues across Long Island this year, with five performances," said Paul

Rich Walker

Peter Bales Anthony, the founder of this unique comedy organization.

"Our New Year's Eve comedy shows have really become popular. People want to laugh more, and our shows help them achieve that goal. Research shows that laughter has many health benefits. Our goal is to bring more laughter and fun to Long Islanders We're featuring all-new lineups of top comedians

at each show. There is no better Rob way to celebrate New Year's than to Falcone laugh in the New Year. And the best part is our shows are all early, so people can still go to dinner, parties, or go home and watch the ball drop.

Personally, I like to go to bed after the shows.”

The self-depreciating Anthony may jest, but these lineups may be the most stacked that Long Island Comedy has ever offered, including

national headliners such as Peter Bales and Maria Walsh, who join area favorites Rich Walker, Keith Anthony, Richie Byrne, Eric Haft, and many more standup stars.

Here's your official lineup of loonies for New Year's Eve (tickets for all shows are at longislandcomedy.com): Theatre Three, Port Jefferson (631-928-9100, theatrethree.com): 6 pm “Early Bird” show: Host Paul Richie Anthony, Rich Walker, and Keith Byrne Anthony; 8 pm “Prime Time” show: Host Paul Anthony, Rich Walker, and Keith Anthony.

Suffolk Theatre, Riverhead (631-727-4343, suffolktheatre.com) 8 pm: Richie Byrne, Maria Walsh, and Bryan McKenna.

Madison Theatre at Molloy College, Rockville Centre (516-323-4444, madisontheatreny.org), 8 pm: Eric Haft, Tina Giorgi, and Rob Falcone.

Cultural Arts Playhouse, Syosset (516-694-3330, culturalartsplayhouse.com), 8 pm: Peter Bales, Steve Lazarus, Carie Karavas.

Most of these stars have performed at the annual holiday Carie shows in the past; this is your Karavas chance to ring in 2017 right.

10 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

Calendar

Tuesday, November 29

Nassau Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): J.D Leonard & Frank Stainkamp K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Original Music Showcase: The John Byrnes Band / Eddie Trap / Black Suit Youth Madison Theatre At Molloy College (Rockville Centre): Anne Rice Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): Justin Bobby / Graz / Phil Firetog Nutty Irishman (Farmingale): Country Night Paddy's Loft (Massapequa): JDL Reel (East Rockaway): Honor The Shield Tropix (Freeport): Country Night Suffolk 50 Yard Line (West Babylon): Acoustic Open Mic Night hosted

by David Jon Paisley BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Vinyl Night With Jordan Miller Dek's American Restaurant (Rocky Point): Open Mic & Jam hosted by The Johnny Mac Band Grasso's (Cold Spring Harbor): Richie Iacona Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): The People's Open Mic Katie's Of Smithtown: Tuesday Night Live: George Cintron & Bobby Rondinelli House Of Brews (Port Jefferson): Open Jam With Jeff Regan Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Karaoke O Solo Mio (Stony Brook): Phyllis Tagg Revolution (Amityville): The Word Alive / Volumes / Islander / Invent Animate / Basilisk Shandon Court (East Islip): Ward Cloughen NYC/Queens/Brooklyn B.B. King's Blues Club (NYC): The B.B. King Blues Club All-Stars / Tribute: The Music Of Marvin Gaye & Bill Withers Blue Note (NYC): Ron Carter Quartet Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Sam Roberts Band Brookyn Bowl: Tobacco

Wednesday, November 30 Nassau Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): Terrence Blue Parrot Lounge (Massapequa): Karaoke With DJ Chris Of Songbird Entertainment BLVD (Massapequa Park): Sal The Singer Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Karaoke Night With DJ Greg Front Street Pub (Massapequa Park): Open Mic & Jam hosted by The Johnny Mac Band K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Wonderous Stories Landmark On Main Street

Your Guide To Local Events (Port Washington): Marcie Passley Madison Theatre At Molloy College (Rockville Centre): Wally Lamb NYCB Theatre At Westbury: Ralphie May Suite 1828 (Merrick): Open Jam With Mike & The Outlaws Sunset Grill (Seaford): Blues At Sunset: Open Jam With The Sunset Boyz Suffolk Beau's Bar (Greenlawn): Open Mic Hosted By Steve Urban BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Kyle Fitzpatrick's Open Mic Night Grasso's (Cold Spring Harbor): Heather Little / Wayne Sabella Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Holiday Arthouse Katie's Of Smithtown: Open Mic Hosted by Michael Perlmutter Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): Whiskey Road Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Open Mic Quogue East Pub (East Quogue): Open Mic hosted by Johnny B. Red River Inn (Yaphank): Karaoke Revolution (Amityville): The Word Alive / Volumes / Islander / Invent Animate / Basilisk Sea Cove (Center Moriches): Open Mic Night Spirit Of Huntington Art Center: Original Open Mic With Toby Tobias Stephen Talkhouse (Amagansett): Karaoke Treme (Islip): Tru Doty NYC/Queens B.B. King Blues Club (NYC): Mary Bridget Davies / Felix Cabrera Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Fruit Bats Brooklyn Bowl: The Hold Steady Resorts World Casino (Jamaica): Thunder Road (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)

Thursday, December 1

Nassau Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): Ace Duo Blue Parrot (Massapequa): Karaoke With DJ Chris From Songbird Entertainment Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Trivia Night With DJ Greg Eleanor Rigby's (Mineola): Acoustic Open Mic With Frank Walker Hendrick's Tavern (Roslyn): Kim Sozzi / DJ Nicky G Hub (Island Park): Open Mic With Benoir Hudson's Mill (Massapequa): Brian McGeough Kacey's Rooftop (Rockville Centre): Country Night K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Ladies Night & Live Band Karaoke / Sailin' Shoes (Little Feat Tribute) Lounge At The Space At Westbury: The Bobby Sexton Trio / My Brother's Band Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): Open Mic NYCB Theatre At Westbury:

Calendar John Edward Still Partners (Sea Cliff): The Russ Seeger Band Tilles Center (Greenvale): Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Tocolo Cantina (Garden City): Thursday Night Music Club Featuring Bryce Larsen Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): Fundraiser For Diana Waters: Stagecoach / Decadia / Anybody's Guess / Dancemasters Bar Louie (Commack): Live Music Milk & Sugar Café (Bay Shore): Jazz Night Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Americano Band Niesen 347 (Saint James): Nisen 347 Thursdays Paramount (Huntington): Andy Grammer Tasting Notes Jazz Club at Harmony Vineyards (Head Of The Harbor): Live Jazz NYC/Queens B.B. King Blues Club (NYC): Band Of Merrymakers Blue Note (NYC): Music Of Return To Forever Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Lizzo Brooklyn Bowl: The Hold Steady Jazz Standard (NYC): The Power Quintet

Your Guide To Local Events Terminal 5 (NYC): Kip Moore

Friday, December 2

Nassau Althouse 1828 (East Rockaway): Live Music Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): The 52nd Street Band Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Juke Box Bob D.F. Meadows (East Meadow): Confessions Garden Stage At Unitarian Universalist Congregation Of Central Nassau (Garden City): Brother Sun K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Black Country Beatnix (Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath Tribute) / Streetfighter (Rolling Stones Tribute) Landmark On Main Street (Port Washington: John Pizzarelli Quartet Lounge At The Space At Westbury: Mark Newman Madison Theater At Molloy College (Rockville Centre): The Nutcracker Ballet Memories 2 (Williston Park): Live Music Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): The Bobbies / Exit Veronica / Alter Ego Mulcahy's Pub & Music Hall (Wantagh): The Allmost Brothers Band (Allman Brothers Band Tribute) / Wannabe (Spice Girls

Tribute) / The 90s Band Nutty Irishman (Farmingdale): DJ Rumer NYCB Theater At Westbury: Pooh Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square): Wonderous Stories Space At Westbury: America Still Partners (Sea Cliff): The Joni Project Sunset Grill (Seaford): Mr. GT Swing The Teapot (Floral Park): Marco Conelli & Friends Band Tilles Center (Greenvale): Rebecca Luker Trotter's (Franklin Square): Copperhill Junction Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): Decadia / Mean Machine Amityville Music Hall: Capsize / Tribute / Young Graves / ANAHATA / I Dreamt The Sea Backstage Pass (Ronkonkoma): Power Of Music's Holiday Rock Extravaganza Boulton Center (Bay Shore): Brother Joscephus & The Love Revolution BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Live Music Cinema Arts Centre (Huntington): Barr Sinister Jazz Group Emporium (Patchogue): Panic Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Noah's Arc Huntington Library: Costello's Flying

Circus (Elvis Costello Tribute) Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): Beer Nutz / DJ Epic Lily Flanagan's (Islip): Seatuck Environmental Fundraiser: The Suburban Brothers Band Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Ricky Byrd Pace's Steakhouse (Hauppauge): Danny Kean Paramount (Huntington): The New York Bee Gees / 45 RPM / Rainere Martin Revolution (Amityville): Rock Central / Klassic Rewind / O.P. Effect Sea Levels (Brightwaters): Brian McGeough Shandon Court (East Islip): Martini Garden Suffolk Theater (Riverhead): The Lords Of 52nd Street NYC/Queens B.B. King's (NYC): Peter White Blue Note (NYC): Music Of Return To Forever Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Low Cut Connie Brooklyn Bowl: The Hold Steady Colden Auditorium at Kupferberg Center at Queens College (Flushing): The Piano Guys Jazz Standard (NYC): The Power Quintet Terminal 5 (NYC): Turkauaz / The New Mastersounds

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 11

Calendar Saturday, December 3 Nassau Althouse 1848 (East Rockaway): Danny Kean Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): Redneck Romance D.F. Meadows (East Meadow): Live Music Eleanor Rigby's (Mineola): Live Music Jetty Bar & Grill (Long Beach): Live Deejays K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): The LPs / 45 RPM Landmark On Main Street (Port Washington): The Italian Chicks Lounge At The Space At Westbury: Bactrax Memories 2 (Williston Park): Live Music MP Taverna (Roslyn): Jazz Brunch With Jack Morelli Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): The Avoiders / Yum Yuckers / Jones Crusher / Bloody Sabbath Mulcahy's Pub & Music Hall (Wantagh): Big Shot (Billy Joel Tribute) NYCB Theater At Westbury: Jingle Bell Bottom Ball: Harold Melvin's Bluenotes / The Trammps / France Joli / Bonnie Pointer / Odyssey / Carl Carlton / Lime / MacHine / Disco Unlimited Nutty Irishman (Farmingdale): DJ Chris Kenny Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square): The Touch Still Partners (Sea Cliff): Chris Maloy & The Falcos Sunset Grill (Seaford): VOR Swing The Teapot (Floral Park): Kerry Kearney Trotter's (Franklin Square): ReWined Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): Billboard Live / New Life Crisis Amityville Music Hall: Cam'ron Bar Louie (Commack): Live Music Boulton Center (Bay Shore): Eileen Ivers BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): The Electrix Congregational Church Of Huntington (Centerport): John Gorka Emporium (Patchogue): Young Thug Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Eric Semo Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): Martin Flynn / DJ Epic Martha Clara Vineyards (Riverhead): Art Barre Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): The Brotherhood P & Q's Autobody (Huntington): Pete Mancini Paramount (Huntington): Daughtry Revolution (Amityville): Neon Knights (Dio Tribute) / SMF (Twisted Sister Tribute) / Cruecified (Motley Crue Tribute) / Victim Of Changes (Judas Priest Tribute) Shandon Court (East Islip): The Cara Band Suffolk Theater (Riverhead): Frank Sinatra Big Band Birthday Tasting Notes Jazz Club at Harmony Vineyards (Head Of The Harbor): Ray Anderson – Ray's Proteges Jazz NYC/Queens B.B. King's (NYC): Beatles Brunch / Reggae Fest / Break Point Live / A Decade Of Soul /

Your Guide To Local Events Jimmy Kenny & The Pirate Beach Band / Blue Note (NYC): Phony PPL / Music Of Return To Forever Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Rainbow Kitten Surprise Brooklyn Bowl: The Hold Steady Jazz Standard (NYC): The Power Quintet Kupferberg Center For The Arts (Flushing): State Ballet Theatre Of Russia: Cinderella Resorts World (Jamaica): WinterCon Queens Theatre (Flushing): Visuality Terminal 5 (NYC): Mo

Sunday, December 4

Nassau Big Daddy's (Massapequa): Blues Brunch With The Tommy T. Mudcat Blues Band City Cellar (Westbury): Live Jazz Brunch Connoly Station (Malverne) Live Irish Music Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Kenny Hendricks K.J. Farrell’s (Bellmore): Curt Arnel & Friends Sunday Jam Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): Brunch Time Jazz & Blues NYCB Theatre At Westbury: Max & Ruby Tilles Center (Greenvale): McGill/McHale Trio

Kim Sozzi

Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): Stony Brook Children's Hospital Toy Drive: The 60s Invasion / 45 RPM / Flashback Amityville Music Hall: Xavier Wulf / $quinted / Villain$ / Mob9 / Jay Six / Scotty Mac / Tev Dolla$ Carney's (Amityville): Brian McGeough Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Steve Mall Harmony Vineyards (Head Of The Harbor): Ray Anderson's Tasting Notes Jazz Club Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): Martin Flynn Paramount (Huntington): Flatbush Zombies Red River Inn (Yaphank): Jam With Jim Moran & Ed The Hat Revolution (Amityville): The Ataris Shandon Court (East Islip): Tommy Mulvihill Viking (Islip): Toy Drive: Joe Vicino / Frank Walker / Others NYC/Queens B.B. King's (NYC): Harlem Gospel Choir / Jazz Brunch Blue Note (NYC): Music Of Return To Forever Diving Bell (Sunnyside): Open Mic With Anthony Gibney Irish Whiskey Bar (Astoria): Bluegrass Jam Hosted By Dave McKeon & Mary Noecker

12 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

Of Moonshine Falls Jazz Standard (NYC): The Power Quintet Resorts World (Jamaica): WinterCon

Monday, December 5

Nassau Allegria Hotel (Long Beach): Industry Night K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Open Mic & Jam Hosted by Kenny Forgione Suffolk BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Acoustic Open Mic Cinque Terre Restaurant (Huntington Station): Monday Jazz Jam Dec. 1: Hosted The Hendrick's Gracenotes Trio Crooked Rail Tavern (Northport): Open (Roslyn) Mic Night Hosted

by Jerry Ramone La Scala Ristorante (Commack): Phyllis Tagg Revolution (Amityville): Blood On The Dance Floor / Tear Out The Heart / Vanity Strikes / Justin Symbol Shandon Court (East Islip): Musicians Night Hosted by Gil McLean Trifecta Lounge (Copiague): Swing Sessions Hosted

By Dud Music NYC/Queens B.B. King Blues Club (NYC): Jon Paris Jam

Blue Note (NYC): McCoy Tyner Quintet Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Bastille Brooklyn Bowl: Chief Keef Jazz Standard (NYC):Mingus Big Band Kitano New York Hotel (NYC):Live Jazz

Tuesday, December 6

Nassau Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): J.D. Leonard & Frank Stainkamp K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Original Music Showcase: Brothers / Gathering Time / Callooh Callay Nutty Irishman (Farmingale): Country Night Tropix (Freeport): Country Night Walk Street Tavern (New Hyde Park): Jazz Jam Session Suffolk BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Vinyl Night With Jordan Miller Comiskey Park Bar (Saint James): Open Mic Dek's American Restaurant (Rocky Point): Open Mic & Jam With The Johnny Mac Band House Of Brews (Port Jefferson): Open Jam With Jeff Regan Katie's of Smithtown: Open Jam With George Cintron & Rob DeMartino Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Malcolm Bruce O Solo Mio (Stony Brook): Phyllis Tagg Shandon Court (East Islip): Ward Cloughen Staller Center (Stony Brook University): Emerson String Quartet NYC/Queens B.B. King Blues Club (NYC): B.B. King Blues Club All-Stars Blue Note (NYC): McCoy Tyner Quintet Bowery Presents (NYC): Copeland / Rae Cassidy Jazz Standard (NYC): Gerald Clayton Trio

Calendar Wednesday, December 7 Nassau Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): Terrence Blue Parrot (Massapequa): Karaoke With DJ Chris Of Songbird Entertainment BLVD Bar & Grill (Massapequa Park): Sal The Singer Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Karaoke Night With DJ Greg Don Lorenzo's Restaurant & Lounge (Glen Cove): Jerry Costanzo & His Trio Front Street Pub (Massapequa Park): Open Mic With Robert Sloan Homestead (Oyster Bay): Open Mic With "Big Daddy" John Struck Jetty Bar & Grill (Long Beach): Country Music Originals Night K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Wonderous Stories Landmark On Main Street (Port Washington): Agatha Is Missing: Interactive Murder Mystery Madison Theatre At Molloy College (Rockville Centre): Alice Hoffman Mulcahy's Pub & Music Hall (Wantagh): Country Night Manning's (Carle Place): Phil Smith Mickey Malone's (Floral Park): Open Jam Suite 1828 (Merrick): Open Jam With Mike & The Outlaws

Your Guide To Local Events Eleanor Rigby's (Mineola): Acoustic Open Mic with Frank Walker Holiday Inn (Carle Place): Salsa Night Hub (Island Park): Open Mic With Benoir K.J. Farrell’s (Bellmore): Ladies Night & Live Band Karaoke / FM (Steely Dan Tribute) Lounge At The Space At Westbury: David Clark Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): Open Mic Spice's Restaurant (Baldwin): Open Mic Night Tilles Center (Greenvale): LIU Post Wind Bands Tocolo Cantina (Garden City): Thursday Night Music Club Featuring Bryce Larsen Suffolk Amityville Music Hall: Tiny Moving Parts / Microwave / A Will Away / Macsea Bar Louie (Commack): Live Music Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): The Irish Sessions Milk & Sugar Café (Bay Shore): Jazz Night Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Katie Pearlman & Richard Lanahan Niesen 347 (Saint James): Nisen 347 Thursdays Paramount (Huntington): Jon Bellion / Nick Tangorra Tasting Notes Jazz Club at Harmony Vineyards (Head Of The Harbor): Ray Anderson & Steve Salerno

Sailin' Shoes (Little Feat Tribute) December 1 K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore)

Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): Country Night: Charlie / Line Dancing With Leslie Beau's Bar (Greenlawn): Open Mic Hosted By Steve Urban Bobbique (Patchogue): BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Kyle Fitzpatrick's Open Mic Night Front Street Pub (Massapequa Park): Open Mic & Jam hosted by The Johnny Mac Band Katie's Of Smithtown: Open Mic Hosted By Michael Perlmutter Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): UnWind Quogue East Pub (East Quogue): Open Mic With Johnny B. Sea Cove (Center Moriches): Open Mic Night Spirit Of Huntington Art Center: Original Open Mic With Toby Tobias NYC/Queens Blue Note (NYC): Chick Corea & John McLauglin Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Ultimate Painting Jazz Standard (NYC): The Gerald Clayton Trio

Thursday, December 8

Nassau Allegria Hotel (Long Beach): Jazz & Sushi Night Bacaro Italian Tavern (Massapequa Park): Ace Duo Blue Parrot (Massapequa): Karaoke With DJ Chris From Songbird Entertainment Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Trivia Night With DJ Greg E.B. Elliot's (Freeport): A Witch's Brew

NYC/Queens Blue Note (NYC): Return To Forever Meets Mahavishnu Bowery Ballroom (NYC): The Main Squeeze Jazz Standard (NYC): The Peter Bernstein Quartet

Friday, December 9

Nassau Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (Garden City): The Adelphi Jazz Ensemble Althouse 1848 (East Rockaway): Live Music Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Stevie Cochran D.F. Meadows (East Meadow): Cavemollies Eleanor Rigby's (Mineola): Live Music K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): The Legendary Murphys / The Sting Tribute Show Featuring David Clark Jetty Bar & Grill (Long Beach): Live Music Memories 2 (Williston Park): Live Music Michael's Porthole (Oceanside): Live Music Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): Bad Mary / Crisis Crayons / Samurai Pizza Cats / Flak Jacket Mulcahy's Pub & Music Hall (Wantagh): ZBTB (Zac Brown Tribute Band) Nutty Irishman (Farmingdale): DJ Rumer Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square): Bon Journey (Bon Jovi & Journey Tribute) Sunset Grill (Seaford): Uppercut Swing The Teapot (Floral Park): Chris Brown Tilles Center (Greenvale): The Mavericks Trotter's (Franklin Square): Generations Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): A Beautiful Mess / O El Amor

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 13

Snow Season Is Back: A Guide To Ski Resorts

By Erica Finocchio

With winter upon us, there are many things to plan with family and friends. Vermont and upstate New York have ski resorts for first timers or advanced skiing, or snowboarding for even more winter thrills: Catamount Ski Resort (78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY) has 36 ski trails and seven lifts which bring you to higher skiing points on the resort. There is a 1,000’ vertical drop, five different terrain parks, and a specifically designed area for skiing and snowboarding that allows for different type of tricks. Of course, skiing is the most popular sport at Catamount, but if you are in the mood to relax there is a lodge available there.

Ski rentals are $48 for adults, $42 for juniors aged seven to 13, and $30 for children six and younger; all rentals include helmets.

There are also private, group, and first-timer lessons if you’re interested in learning the art of skiing or snowboarding.

Catamount also makes Its own snow on 32 of the ski trails. Thomas Gilbert is the owner; the co-owner and marketing director is Rich Edwards.

“Catamount makes winter happen with over 400 snow guns covering 32 trails from beginner to expert,” said Edwards. “Combined with expert grooming and friendly hospitality, Catamount

Sugarbush Ski Resort

continues to be a family favorite real close to home.”

For more information, call Catamount at (518) 325-3200.

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center (181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY) was voted #1 in New York by Skiing Magazine for best snow and grooming, as well as #1 by Ski East Magazine as classic resort in the east.

Snowboarding and cross country skiing are offered for advanced skiers in this Catskill Mountain destination spot featuring 171 acres of land. There are 50 trails, two terrain parks, and an X-course. Belleayre currently offers a “Parallel From the Start,” a beginner skier program that guarantees skiers will get to the top of the mountain in three days.

“Belleayre is truly a family fun ski resort and there is something for everyone in the entire family,” said general manger Tim Maxwell.

For more information, call Belleayre Mountain Ski Center at (845) 254-5600.

Killington Ski Resort (4763 Killington Road,

Catamount Ski Resort

Killington, V) has won The NSAA Conversion Cup for its beginners programs. Attractions include cross country skiing and snowboarding; there are also activities available off of the mountain that includes snowmobiling, snow shoeing (which a winter hike) and ice skating.

Maple Ski Ridge

If you’re not in the mood for snowboarding or skiing, there is a tubing park, where visitors sit on top of an inner tube and ride on the snow.

Each tubing session is 90 minutes and is located at The Clubhouse across from Killington Grand Resort Hotel. You can also take a snowcat-drawn 30 minute sleigh ride around the trails. The Peak Lodge is also available there, serving every type of fine food from pasta to sirloin steaks.

Contact Killington Ski Resort at (802) 422-6200.

Sugarbush Resort (102 Forest Dr, Warren, VT) opened on Christmas day on 1958. Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen were two of the mountains available to ski or snowboard, which were joined together during in the 1970s.

There are 111 ski trails and 28 wooded areas for skiing. Terrains here are from beginner to advanced; a popular advanced terrain is called The Slide Brook Basin, a 2000-acre wilderness area for groups of three or more people.

Sugarbush has programs for people who

14 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

want to learn to ski in the back country or wilderness, and offers a “First Timer To Life Timer” program that introduces beginners at the resort to either skiing or snowboarding. It’s a three-lesson group program that comes with a lift ticket and equipment, all for $280.

Once the program is completed, you will be rewarded with a season pass to the resort.

Chief Recreation Office John Egan is a skiing instructor at Sugarbush, and was deemed as one of the Top 40 best skiers in the world

by Powder Magazine.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has a winter base in Mount Ellin Base Lodge that offers people with disablilites a chance to learn how to ski, snowboard, or snow shoe, a winter sport where people wear specially designed footwear that allows them to walk on top of snow without actually stepping through it.

“At Sugarbush, you’re going to get a real authentic Vermont experience with both skiing and the town,” said Candice White, VP of communications. “New Yorkers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

should come here.”

To contact Sugarbush, call them at (802) 583-6300.

Maple Ski Ridge (2725 Mariaville Road, Schenectady) is an upstate favorite for skiing.

The facility offers a daytime lodge with a concession stand, with daily walk-in group lessons available at $25 an hour. Ski rentals are $30 for the day, and $40 for snowboards. Walkin group beginner lessons are available as well.

If you are already an advanced skier or snowboarder, you can take an advanced private lesson upon request.

“Maple Ski Ridge is proud to be able to continue to offer high quality and affordable ski and snowboard lessons and winter family fun in the Capital District for over 53 years,” said general manager Karen A. Doyle.

If you prefer learning in a group setting, you can take a six-week lesson program after school on the weekdays, or a seven-week lesson in skiing or snowboarding on the weekends. More information: (518) 381-4700.

Calendar Amityville Music Hall: Wax / The Palmer Squares / Odd Thomas / Nick Dillinger / Timbo & Jake Furia / D.K. / Quis / Mike ADHD BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Live Music Carney's (Amityville): Brian McGeough Emporium (Patchogue): 45 RPM Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Free Grass Union Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): DJ Epic Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Bohemian Summer Northport High School: Northport Chorale Holiday Concert Featuring The Northport Community Band Pace's Steakhouse (Hauppauge): Danny Kean Patchogue Theatre: Irish Christmas In America Shandon Court (East Islip): Paterson Project & B-Side Band / Gil McLean (Happy Hour) Suffolk Theater (Riverhead): Jorma Kaukonen NYC/Queens B.B. King Blues Club (NYC): Los Van Van Blue Note (NYC): Return To Forever Meets Mahavishnu Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Emancipator Jazz Standard (NYC): The Peter Bernstein Quartet Terminal 5 (NYC): Thievery Corporation

Saturday, December 10

Nassau Althouse 1828 (East Rockaway): Live Music D.F. Meadows (East Meadow): Live Music Eleanor Rigby's (Mineola): Live Music Jetty Bar & Grill (Long Beach): Live DJs K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): The Electrix / Half Step / Music For Mittens Fundraiser Memories 2 (Williston Park): Live Music MP Taverna (Roslyn): Brunch With Jack Morelli Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): The Black Of Space / The Proletarians / Dead Day Rising / Sharp Violet

CLUBBING

Your Guide To Local Events Mulcahy's Pub & Music Hall (Wantagh): Blink 180-True (Blink-182 Tribute) / Disco Unlimited NYCB Theatre At Westbury: Dick Fox's Doo Wop Extravaganza: Charlie Thomas & The Drifters / Danny & The Juniors / The Legendary Teenagers / The Original Chantels / Randy & The Rainbows / The Capris / Emil Stucchio & The Classics Nutty Irishman (Farmingdale): DJ Chris Kenny Plattduetsche Park (Franklin Square): The Legendary Murphys Space At Westbury Theater: Alive '75 (Kiss Tribute) / Schism (Tool Tribute) / Live After Death (Iron Maiden Tribute) Still Partners (Sea Cliff): Christine Cherry Sunset Grill (Seaford): Thunder Road (Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band Tribute) Swing The Teapot (Floral Park): The Kingston-Small Band Tilles Center (Greenvale): China Philharmonic Orchestra Trotter's (Franklin Square): The Rockinghams Suffolk 89 North Music Venue (Patchogue): Rock Of Ages (Def Leppard Tribute) / Completely Unchained (Van Halen Tribute) / Afternoon Show: Arctic Lights Tour Amityville Music Hall: Emo Night Brooklyn Arden (Port Jefferson): Milo Z Bar Louie (Commack): Christine Sweeney & The Dirty Stay-Outs Bistro 72 (Riverhead): Danny Kean Boulton Center (Bay Shore): Suzy Boggus BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Live Music Emporium (Patchogue): Walshy Fire Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Melanie Morin Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): Martin Flynn / DJ Epic Mouse Trap Café (Amityville): Edwin Vasquez Revolution (Amityville): Logan's Room / The Hard Way / 40 Below Summer Shandon Court (East Islip): The Cara Band Staller Center (Stony Brook University): Kelli O'Hara

NYC/Queens B.B. King's (NYC): Gloria Gaynor Blue Note (NYC): Return To Forever Meets Mahavishnu Bowery Ballroom (NYC): Jessie Malin Hammerstein Ballroom (NYC): Bon Iver Jazz Standard (NYC): The Peter Bernstein Quartet Terminal 5 (NYC): Jai Wolf

Sunday, December 11

Nassau Big Daddy's (Massapequa): Live Jazz City Cellar (Westbury): Live Jazz Brunch Corner Galley Restaurant (Massapequa): Kenny Hendricks K.J. Farrell’s (Bellmore): Curt Arnel & Friends Open Jam Landmark On Main Street (Port Washington): Darlene Love Mr. Beery's (Bethpage): Brunch Time Jazz & Blues NYCB Theatre At Westbury: Kenny G Tilles Center (Greenvale): A Christmas Carol Suffolk Cinque Terre Restaurant (Huntington Station): Monday Jazz Jam Hosted By The Gracenotes Trio

Comiskey Park Bar (Saint James): Open Mic Grey Horse Tavern (Bayport): Cassandra House Harmony Vineyards (Head Of The Harbor): Ray Anderson's Tasting Notes Jazz Club Lily Flanagan's (Babylon): Martin Flynn Revolution (Amityville): Fundraiser For Jessica Faiella: Edward J.J. Jones / Sarkazm Shandon Court (East Islip): Tommy Mulvihill Village Idiot Pub (Patchogue): Live Breakfast Music

Monday, December 12

Nassau K.J. Farrell's (Bellmore): Open Mic & Jam Hosted

By Kenny Forgione Suffolk BrickHouse Brewery (Patchogue): Vinyl Night Cinque Terre Restaurant (Huntington Station) Jazz Jam With The Gracenotes Trio Shandon Court (East Islip): Musicians Night Hosted By Gil McLean Trifecta Lounge (Copiague): The Swing Sessions Hosted By Dud Music

Original Music Showcase: The John Byrnes Band Black Suit Youth / Eddie Trap K.J. Farrell's, Bellmore November 29 beginning at 7:30 PM • kjfarrells.com • (516) 804-9925 This popular Bellmore club is one of the few area venues that continues to present live, original music for artists who are willing to stick their necks out and be creative at all costs. This stacked triple bill includes the veterans Black Suit Youth, the East Meadow rockers that made their mark national with a string of critically acclaimed album releases.

Photo: Allmost Brothers Band by Patrick McMullen

Black Suit Youth

Decadia Mean Machine 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue December 2 beginning at 8 PM 89northmusic.com (631) 780-8992 Two of the hottest cover and party bands in the region converge on this spacious music area for a night of rocking sounds. Take your pick: Decadia merges the biggest hits of the 80s with its own style and sex appeal (and three lead singers), while Mean Machine hits you with everything from funk to soul, hard rock to hip hop, line dance to slam dance, and everything in between. Get on your dancing shoes and get in line.

The Allmost Brothers Band

Tasting Notes Jazz Club at Harmony Vineyards (Head Of The Harbor): Live Jazz

Decadia

The Allmost Brothers Band (Allman Brothers Band Tribute) Mulcahy's Pub & Music Hall, Wantagh December 2 at 8 PM • muls.com • (516) 783-7500 We have to admit: This is one of our favorite area tribute band names, one that really sticks to our Macon-style baby back ribs. Expect the long string of ABB classics, so don't be a “Ramblin' Man” and get your seat for an early evening of southern rock sounds. At 10 pm, the oldies keep coming with both Wannabe (a Spice Girls tribute) and The 90s Band.

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 15

STUDIO NEWS

S uu bbm S m ii tt rr ee cc oo rr dd ii nn gg ss tt uu dd ii oo nn ee w w ss tt oo ggtt m maa gg@ @ oo pp tt oo nn ll ii nn ee .. nn ee tt i

Freelance Vandals

We'll start off this edition with a look at some new releases by regional artists: Americana artists Greg Cornell & The Cornell Brothers, recently released a new indie album, Come On Home. The lavishly packaged new effort was produced by Adam Box and recorded at Brooklyn Recording; appearing on the disc are some well-known area contributors such as organist Marco Benvento and guitiarist Grant Gordy.

Here's a tip: The Cornell Brothers describe themselves as “siblings in music (but not in fact)”; other band members include Amanda Homi, Adam Moss, Dave Speranza, and Jason Nazary. More info: cornellbrothers.com.

Longtime area rock mavens take heed: Mind Smoke Records recently released Vandalogy: Demos & Studio Tracks 1976 – 1981 from The Freelance Vandals, one of the area’s legendary

bands of that era. The anthology contains remastered versions of many of the band's most popular original tunes from the 1970s and 1980s. Mind Smoke issued the album in celebration of The Freelance Vandals' 40th anniversary as a group. Famililar names who appears in the band during this glory period are Johnny Pierre, Garry Pritchett, “Diamond” Ray Finch, Jack Finch, Mike Adams, and Chuck Ciany. For more information, check out freelance-vandals.com; visit the Freelance Vandals store at johnnypierre.com.

One of the top area music professionals, Tom Stiegler of BlokHed Studios, recently gave his

16 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

website a spiffy new update, and it does a great job detailing all the services that musicians can avail themselves of. A top area drummer himself, Stiegler utilizes his keen ear, great new and vintage equipment, and passion for recording to deliver major league results every time.

“Whether you are a singer/ songwriter or a full orchestra, I have the gear and experience to make you sound great,” said Stiegler on the new front page of his site, blokhed studios.com.

“I can produce your entire recording, shoot video of your band, and help you get the best vocal sound as well.”

Recently working at BlokHed were the fast-rising Killers & Saints, as well as one of the most popular area blues singers, Sweet Suzi.

Learn more by logging on, or by calling Stiegler at (631)586-4111; check out their Facebook page as well.

If you're a guitarist or other stringed-

Greg Cornell

Lenny Lapinta, Mick James, & Steve Henry

instrument player, you should be aware of Bayside's Scalcione Instruments, which offers exemplary quality setups, repairs, modifications, and remarkable custom builds. One of the area's few luthiers who has been serving the area music community since 1980, Michael Scalcione is a veteran musician as well as a recording and mixing engineer and producer and who began working on instruments while he was still a teenager. During his years in the studio working with top national artists, Scalcione deepened his technical knowledge, expertise and craft by continuing to work on instruments while expanding his repertoire in the fields of analog/digital electronics, computer hardware/software design and

Scalcione Instruments

networking, and began a career as an Information Systems Specialist. In 2015, he travelled to Cremona, Italy to attend John Monteleone's Master Classes in Guitar Making, reawakening his passion in the craft and art as a luthier.

Our meager words can't describe the quality, beauty, and skill of Scalcione's craftsmanship; log on to scalcione.us and get a glimpse of his guitar work, as well as his custom builds and other projects.

Remember: You don't have to own a $5,000 guitar or stringed instrument to take advantage of this master craftsman's work. Call Scalcione Instruments at (718) 310-3096.

Port Jefferson's cutting edge VuDu Studios continues to be an alt-rock haven

and a mecca for emerging artists, but Mike Watts and his team are capable of producing all kinds of sounds; the team at the state-of-the-art studio recently posted a new video of the facility at vudustudios.com. The team at VuDu recently worked on such nationally released works as the new album, Nobody Likes A Quitter, by All Get Out on Bad Timing Records; The Dear Hunter Act V, which was produced by Watts; and a new song, “Blood Moon,” by Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, which features members of The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, and The Mars Volta.

Become the next act to go national after working with these music pros by calling (631) 403-4550.

Paradiddle Studios, Bill Herman's label and studio that focuses on Long Island-based talented like few others, has been making news on a national level with the summer release of Bob Dylan Uncovered Volume 2. It's the

label's second VuDu Studios release featuring an all-star cast of albums peforming Dylan compositions; performing on the disc are Butchers Blind, Jenna Silverman, Hank Stone, Claudia Jacobs, Miles To Dayton, Caroline Doctorow, Jack Licitra, Pat Wictor, and many more area folk, rock, and roots performers. Get your copy or learn more by logging on to paradiddlerecords.com.

The busy Beneath The Sun Recording Studios in Hicksville, where musicians of all stripes gather for not only recording sessions but rehearsals, has been a hotbed of activity in recent weeks. Bands and artists passing through to work with Mick James and the team there have been the red-hot Barry Rock, who has brought in a slew of top session and touring musicians to work on his latest songs; Jim Sabella playing on tracks

Photo: Carolyn Doctorow by Robin Spidman

have been guitarist Billy Fridrich, horn players Lenny LaPinta and Steve Henry, keyboardist Matthew Friedman, and many more top artists. Check out this beautiful new facility by finding them on Facebook, or call them at (631) 882-1327.

Sabella Studios in Roslyn Heights continues to highlight the music of its clients on its website; Sabella Studios owner Jim Sabella – who also is an accomplished guitarist who provides amp and repair services through his studio – recently posted on his website (sabellastudios.com) that the team at the nationally renowed recording haven will feature all artists who have worked there on the site. All musicians need to to is send a blurb, link, MP3s recorded there, photos, or YouTube videos to caviris@ gmail.com. To learn how you can become the next artist to utilize Sabella's keen ear, new and vintage equipment, and time-tested knowhow, or call them at (516) 484-0862.

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 17

PLEASE NOTE: Classifieds are for individuals only (looking for a musician, etc), not commercial businesses. Display ads showcase your business, get results – and they're cheap!

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Huge Amp Blowout – amps by Vox, Marshall, Randall and more. All reduced to ridiculously low prices!

Call Murphy’s Music today!

(631) 549-4510. (TFN).

Panasonic PTAE Series projector; ETLA 4000 rich red lamp. Amazing picture quality. Too many features to list. Motorized 10 ft. diagonal screen; remote control. $1,250 negotiable.

(516) 884-3800; (516) 587-2222.

(1195) INSTRUCTION

Guitar Teacher wanted. College music major preferred. Mineola; (516) 742-3961. (1208) Drummers – Rise To The Next Level. Be your best! Pro level master class lessons for the serious student.

State of the art studio, $50 per hour.

Take a virtual tour: PeterGreco.com.

(516) 241-9260. (1192) HELP WANTED

Double Reed/woodwind teacher, oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet preferred. Call (631) 549-4510 or email resume to murphysmusicny@aol.com (TFN) Ticket Agency in Melville on 100 is looking to hire someone whose passion is music. Part time; could be full time. Computer skills a requirement; willing to train. (516) 802-0529. (1193) HELP WANTED: BARS & RESTAURANTS

Line Cook needed. 40-hour work week; must have at least five years experience. Hourly wage based on experience. Must be able to read and speak English. Must have clean appearance. Please forward resume

with references. No drunks, addicts, or dealers need apply. Job duties include purchasing, food prepping, cooking, managing kitchen, cleaning, checking inventory, helping the staff, and assorted miscellaneous duties.

Phat Daddy’s Pub, 316 South Long Beach Road, Oceanside NY 11572.

Call Mike at (516) 551-0171. (1186) Mulcahy’s Pub & Music Hall seeks bartenders, barmaids, kitchen help, and security personnel for Long Island’s top club. Stop by at 3232 Railroad Avenue in Wantagh to fill out an application. (1183) The Bench in Stony Brook is now hiring ALL front of house positions!

Call (631) 675-1474 or stop in to 1095 Route 25A Stony Brook. (1183) Churchill’s Restaurant & Bar is currently looking to add to their staff and are in need of: Wait staff, line cooks, bus boys, bar backs, and hostess.

Call (516) 766-2500 or stop in at 18 S. Park Avenue in Rockville Centre to find out more information. (1183) The Homestead is currently seeking waiters, waitresses, and a bus boy.

Please stop by 107 South Street in Oyster Bay, or call (516) 922-9293 to fill out an application. (1183) MUSICIANS AVAILABLE

Drummer Looking to join today’s country music band, originals, will audition. Bobby (631) 821-2581.

(1194) MUSICIANS WANTED

Guitar Seeks bass and drums.

Weekend blues and rock.

(631) 462-5987. (1212) Blues For Three. Studio weekends; bass, drums sought. (631) 462-5787. (1207)

18 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

Bassist & Drummer seek flashy and very technical guitarist and vocalist for a very fun and challenging project.

We are assembling players for a band performing a tribute to the guitar bands of the 80s. We will start with the band Extreme or Mr. Big and change up the act to keep things from getting stale. We hope to "attack" a new band every few months. Venues are waiting. Contact Ray at thedarknight1@optonline.net. (1183) SOUND & LIGHTING

Professional Lighting and concert sound house mix engineer looking for concert, audio mix, or club stage lighting job on a regular, weekly full-time basis. Please call Ken at (516) 5872222. Need a piano player? (1193) VIDEO SERVICES

Attention Bands and singers: Nowadays you need music video to take your music to the next level. Do an HD music video for $300 to $400.

Call (516) 642-6174 between 4 pm to 8 pm Mondays through Saturdays.

(1204)

We’re Everywhere!

Good Times’ Digital Edition: issuu.com/goodtimesmag

FOR SALE

MARK Z DRUMS

Harmon Kardon Citation 16 amplifier, excellent condition, $500 alone. Rackmounted Citation 11 pre-amp, Citation 15 tuner, $700. All cables, manuals.

Monster amp will knock your socks off. (631) 737-6286. (1185) Treadmill, not used much, LED lighting, $125. Nice big Ab Chair, $25.

Bicyle exercise machine, $25.

Women’s Universal machine, just like in high school, does everything: leg press, bench press, much more, $150. Chris (631) 496-6139. (1183) For Sale: Vintage 70s Budweiser clock; domed light; working condition. $99. Rich (516) 233-9916. (TFN) For Sale: Miller High Life clock; 1970s. Light working. $99. Rich (516) 233-9916. (TFN) For Sale: Vintage movie posters.

Scrooge Collectibles (516) 442-0703.

(TFN) For Sale: Atlas Acoustic guitar, ’70s Fender Mexican Strats, Avon collectibles, board games, harmonicas.

(718) 894-8245. (1198)

Private lessons in your home

NYSSMA Prep Reading, All Styles, All Ages, All Levels No Drums Necessary

631-987-5112

It's the return of an NYCB Theatre At Westbury holiday tradition as The Jingle Bell Bottom Ball returns on Saturday, December 3 at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale now; log on to thetheatreatwestbury.com or livenation.com.

This show's promoters, Brian Rosenberg and Goodrich & Licata Entertainment, should be quite proud as their baby has turned three; these shows are a rare opportiuntiy to see many of the giants of R&B on the same stage at the same night. Hosted by Joe Causi and Al Magliano, the stacked lineup for this special show includes Harold Melvin's Bluenotes, The Trammps, France Joli, Bonnie Pointer, Odyssey, Carl Carlton, Lime, MacHine, and Disco Unlimited.

THE JINGLE BELL BOTTOM BALL:

Legends Bring Holiday Joy To NYCB Theatre At Westbury Here's a look at the hitmakers: Harold Melvin's Bluenotes: Melvin and longtime lead singer Teddy Pendergrass are no longer with us, but the spirit of the original group lives on through the current lineup: Anthony Brooks, John Morris, Rufus Thorne, and Donnell Gillespie. The hits: “If You Don't Know Me By Now,” “Wake Up Everybody,” “Bad Luck,” and many more.

The Trammps: What more needs be noted? Although they

savage sounds Recording Studio 343 Hempstead Turnpike West Hempstead, NY 11552 (516) 405-0049 www.savagesoundsinc.com info@savagesoundsinc.com "Join our mailing list at

www.savagesoundsinc.com for special deals and VIP event invitations"

Photo : Odyssey by Steven Callazo

Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes

had huge hits before the disco era took hold (“Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart,” “Hold Back The Night”), the inclusion of their song “Disco Inferno” on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack has become on of the most-played songs in the history of pop music.

France Joli: This longtime area favorite – she's performed at many of the top venues in the region during recent years – is still a powerful live performer, as audiences clamor to hear “Come To Me” and “Feel Like Dancing.”

Bonnie Pointer: Best known as one of The Pointer

Sisters (“Yes We Can Can,” “Slow Hand”), the singing star has also scored hit singles on her own such as “Heaven Must Have Sent You.” The other hitmakers: Carl Carlton ("Everlasting Love," "She's a Bad Mama Jama"; Disco Unlimited (just name your favorites; the area band will perform in support as well); Odyssey (“Native New Yorker,” “Inside Odyssey Out”); Lime (“The Break,” “Your Love”); MacHine (“There But For The Grace Of God Go I”).

ADVERTISE YOUR STUDIO OR MUSIC SERVICE ~ Business Card Size Ad ~ 1X $165 JUST GIVE US A CALL 3X $155/Issue Good Times Magazine 7X $135/Issue 13X $115/Issue 26X $ 99/Issue Email: gtmag@optonline.net

516-280-2100

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 19

Arts Announcements The Nutcracker

Ballet The Nutcracker Madison Theatre at Molloy College, Rockville Centre December 2 through 4; (516) 323-4444; madisontheatreny.org Artistic director Joan Hope MacNaughton brings worldrenowned ballet stars joined by The Leggz Ltd Ballet Company and The South Shore Symphony to present the only production of this ballet that will feature a live orchestra in Long Island. A best bet for this edition.

Books Sebastian Bach Book Revue, Huntington December 5 at 7 pm; (631) 271-1442; bookrevue.com The rock star and author will speak and sign copies of his new book, 18 And Life On Skid Row.

Hobbies Long Island Auto Replica Society Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center, Centereach Third Thursday of every month at 7 pm; (516) 884-2270; (631) 946-6335 The L.I.A.R.S. monthly meetings are open to anyone with an interest in building scale models of automobiles. Call for more information and meeting dates.

Comedy Friday Night Face-Off Theatre Three, Port Jefferson Most Fridays at 10:30 pm; theatrethree.org; (631) 928-9202 Long Island's longest-running improv show rolls on with new laughs each week.

Concerts Good Old Dance Band St. Sylvester's Parish Center, Medford Check website for show dates; (631) 730-3333; goodolddanceband.com The regular monthly show of Mike Virostko and his 17-piece swing band. Dancing, raffles, and more.

Log on for the next show dates.

Photos provided by area arts groups and organizations

East End Special Players

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical Smithtown Center For The Performing Arts Through December 18; smithtownpac.org; (631) 724-3700 As trashy as one of those soldon-TV wristwatches, this kitschy musical is a hot property. For mature audiences.

Photography Photography Exhibitions Nassau County Museum Of Art, Roslyn Harbor Through March 5; (516) 484-9337; nassaumuseum.org Three exhibits are running concurrently: Ansel Adams: Sight and Feeling ; Light Works: 100 Years of Photos; and New Photos: Long Island Collects.

Theater Irving Berlin's White Christmas: The Musical Noel S. Ruiz Theatre At CM Peforming Arts Center, Oakdale Through December 18; (631) 218-2100; cmpac.com Some of the best-loved American holiday classics are performed in this popular musical.

Sebastian Bach

Through December 3; broadhollow.org; (516) 7754420; (631) 581-2700 BroadHollow Theatre: An adaptation of the Roald Dahl adventure.

Send arts notices to gtmag@optonline.net oo nn ee m m oo nn tt hh before your first event.

The Wiz Cultural Arts Playhouse, Syosset December 2 through January 8; (516) 694-3330; culturalartsplayhouse.com The soulful Broadway musical is revived.

Sister Act BayWay Arts Center, East Islip November 30 through December 11; broadhollow.org; (516) 775-4420; (631) 581-2700 BroadHollow Theatre: The feel-good musical comedy based on the 1992 film.

James & The Giant Peach Jr. BroadHollow Theatre At Elmont Library 20 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

arenaplayers.org Arena Players: The first major area theater group to present a holiday production this season.

East End Special Players: Trouble In Jamaica Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor December 10 at 7 pm; baystreet.org; (631) 725-9500 The beloved East End Special Players return with their selfdescribed “dirty, stinking musical” about some ribald characters who live in a downbeat apartment building in Queens.

A Christmas Carol Queens Theatre, Flushing Dec. 9 through 22; queenstheatre.org; (718) 760-0064 Titan Theatre Company returns to Queens Theatre.

Annie Junior Studio Theatre, Lindenhurst Through December 31; studiotheatreli.com; (631)226-8400 The sun will come out tomorrow in Lindenhurst with this family show.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol Carriage House Theater, Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport Through December 4; (516) 557-1207; (516) 293-0674;

A Chrismas Carol Theatre Three, Port Jefferson Through December 30; (631) 928-9100; theatrethree.com The Theatre Three tradition.

Schoolhouse Rock Five Towns College Performing Arts Center, Dix Hills December 3 & 4; (631) 656-2110; ftc.edu What more needs be said?

The beloved children's educational films come to life.

A Christmas Carol (Queens Theatre)

WHEELS & DEALS

Hot Artists & Events Rocking The Area Scene Mark Bacino: He's 'Not That Guy' Mark Bacino, a pop/rock singer/songwriter and producer based in Queens, recently released a new single, “Not That Guy,” released on the DreamCrush label. The new effort has gone national, and is available wherever music is sold, including iTunes and Amazon.com; find Bacino at SoundCloud to hear the song as well.

After devoting the last few years to producing and mixing for music artists, and composing for television, film, and advertising – as well as writing for publications such as Songwriter’s Market and Guitar World – Bacino returns to power pop with the release of the

Photos provided by the artists or their representatives and area venues; Mark Bacino by Jason Hare

Brother Sun To Shine On Garden Stage

The Garden Stage at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Central Nassau (UUCCN) in Garden City will present the multi-genre trio Brother Sun on Friday, December 2 at 8:30 pm; an open mic event precedes the concert at 7:30 pm. Admission is $20 in advance or $22 at the door; for reservations, write to reservations@gardenstage.com, or call (516) 248-8891.

Area musicians Greg Greenway, Pat Wictor and Joe Jencks each toured as solo singer/songwriters for more than a decade before forming Brother Sun. Their collective musical experience encompasses folk, roots, blues, pop, jazz, rock, and a cappella singing. The group has toured extensively in suuport of its third album, Weights & Wings.

Coming soon to The Garden Stage are concerts featuring Christine Lavin and Don White; Lara Herscovitch and Kristen Graves; and more. Info: gardenstage.com.

Discover Long Island: More To Learn & Love

The Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau & Sports Commission, the longstanding area promotions organization, has rebranded and is getting off to a fresh start: It's the first time the organization has shifted from its LICVB&SC designation since its inception in 1979.

“We’re excited to modernize our brand identity to meet the expectations of today’s consumer,” said Steve Bate, Chairman of Discover Long Island, “Our new look and feel reflects what Long Island is really about: sophisticated but unpretentious, refreshing but not flashy. We look forward to introducing the nation and the

world to our truly special destination in a completely new way."

There are financial facts about the area that, since we live here, we might not realize: Long Island tourism is a $5.5 billion industry supporting more than 100,000 jobs in the region, and generating nearly $700 million in state and local taxes each year.

“The numbers are a powerful indicator of the potency and additional potential for the tourism industry on Long Island and the region deserves a tourism organization representative of that influence to continue positive momentum and growth,” said Kristen Jarnagin, President & CEO, “The launch of our new brand is one component of our fresh approach to promoting Long Island.”

Even though we live here, this area features attractions and events that many not know about; learn more at discoverlongisland.com.

new single.

“Given my schedule as producer, composer, mixer, and sometimes hack music journalist, I’ve found myself a bit time-challenged of late when it comes to recording music for myself as an artist,” said Bacino, noting it was prudent to issue a single instead of a full album. For more info on the artist, visit markbacino.com.

PERFORMANCE

Toni Braxton • NYCB Theatre At Westbury

This intimate theater in the round, complete with its rotating stage, was the perform forum for Toni Braxton, making a stop on her current “Hits Tour” to provide her unique brand of magic. Fans were certainly ready; during the opening song, the audience sing-along started and continued throughout the event. With her sweet, sultry voice rising above the sounds of her five-piece backing band, Braxton set the mood for a memorable evening. Dressed in a stunning outfit, Braxton, a true American beauty, paraded around the stage with grace, bantering with the audience while displaying command and intensity with her performance.

Braxton reminded the audience of her early career – performing songs such as “Another Sad Love Song” – and of being influenced by Baby Face, Anita Baker, and even her sister, Tamar Braxton.

Engaging the audience was a major part of Braxton’s show; she actually invited fans onto the stage to sing and dance with her.

A real highlight was the audience member who proposed to his girlfriend on stage, with Braxton serenading them with “Breathe Again” to the delight of the audience. Later, Braxton shed a few tears as she spoke about the many medical challenges she faced just before starting this tour. Now a veteran of the game, Braxton is a superstar who sings like an angel, plays the piano like a master, and dances like no one is watching. – Barry Oliver

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 21

Photos Provided By Artists & Venues Or Their Representatives

Rhythm Tracking With Jimi LaLumia

An In-Depth Look At The Hottest Area Artists

Maureen Griffin

LI’s ‘Biker Girl’ Goes Viral

Who: Singer and songwriter Maureen Griffin is the prototypical late bloomer: She took up biking at the age of 52, and earlier this year released her first album, Biker Girl, which is filled with songs about motorcycling and faith (and would be a great holiday gift for the biker in your life). No gimmick here: Griffin is backed by a crack band of seasoned musicians, and the quality of the album has led to the release of two music videos. Recently making their debuts on YouTube are “Biker Food” and “Shepherd's Christmas.”

The Artist & Her Sound: From her official bio: “Maureen Griffin began her performance career on the New York Stage, singing and tap dancing Off-Broadway with Light Opera of Manhattan, as well as acting with several theatre companies, including Abingdon, Wings, and Love Creek. She is also a member of Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, and performed an original one-woman show, 'Conversations With My Daughter,' at Don't Tell Mama.

“In 2007, she met her husband Curtis Damone, an avid motorcyclist. It took a lot of persuading, but eventually he charmed her onto the back of his Indian, and once she got brave enough to open her eyes, she soon became addicted to two wheels. A few months later, she bought her own bike and rode from Long Island to Daytona, 'angels guarding [me] the entire way,' a sentiment which often resonates in her songs. Curtis soon dubbed her 'Biker Mo,' hence the name of her website. By 2013, she combined her two passions -- singing and biking -- and began writing songs about the joy of riding a motorcycle. Her many travels with her husband, including across the country on their honeymoon in 2015, have provided most of the material for her songs.

“Her first CD, Biker Girl, was released in April 2016, and her band included Jason Green on lead guitar, Yanko Valdes on bass guitar, and Tom Papadatos on drums.

Her longtime friend and musical director, Paul L. Johnson, also lent a hand with some arrangements … Maureen also writes the occasional non-biker song, as in Shepherd’s Christmas, which is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and is, like all of her songs, based on an actual event in her life.

“Maureen is currently working on her second and third CDs, in which she continues to explore different genres, including rockabilly, Irish drinking songs, jazz, calypso, and even operetta. "He Just Bought A New Bike," set to a melody from Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, is a lighthearted look at all of the accessories people add to their brand new bikes.

“Passionate about her faith in God and her dependence upon angels, Maureen states, 'You don't ride a motorcycle without a lot of prayer and spiritual intervention.' Quite active at her local Catholic church, she has been a leader of song for many years. When asked about her message, she says, 'Riding is like life itself: it's all about the journey. God bless and ride safe.'”

To Learn More About The Artist: Log on to bikermo.com, and find her videos on YouTube. The new album, Biker Girl, is now available wherever music is sold, in both CD and download form; it can be found at Amazon.com, CDBaby, iTunes, Looney Tunes in West Babylon, and most other music retailers.

22 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

ness. I watched him perform at George Harrison's “Concert For Bangladesh,” which I got to see as a guest of Capitol Records at Madison Square Garden. As with Cohen, Russell continued through the decades as an artist, live perfomer, studio musician, writer of brilliant songs such as "Superstar," and even a record label honcho for a period of time.

The 1960s and 1970s were truly uncharted territory that was wide open to multi-talents such as Cohen and Russell, and they contributed to one of the most exciting, feverish, and unpredictable periods in contemporary music history.

Thanks to social media, people who have never heard of them until their deaths will now, with virtual ease, be able to explore their incredible work and careers.

RIP to both of these distinguished gentlemen.

Speaking of the “good old days” (and references to Harrison) comes the DVD release of All Things Must Pass, which documents the rise and fall of the Tower Records chain and the subsequent fall of the record industry.

The early segment is the most enjoyable: 45 RPM singles, the birth of teen culture, and the rise of Russ Solomon's dream, the first real record store of note on the West Coast. The story of Tower runs parallel to the

Photos: File photos – Leon Russell (Bowery Presents), Leonard Cohen (Sony/Legacy)

Huge Losses: We now seem to be in a period where the music makers and biggest names from the most fertile era of pop music are dropping like flies. I'm not going to run down the list of high-profile music biz deaths in the past two years; you must know Leon Russell

them by now. The pace and growth of that list, sadly, seems to be picking up steam.

While Leonard Cohen was not Prince or David Bowie, he was a name that I ran into constantly since the late 1960s. He emerged from the “Bob Dylan into early James Taylor'” period, singing songs about breakups with his most recent girlfriends, the Taylor Swift of his generation.

"Suzanne" was a great one; it would receive constant airplay on WNEW FM, New York's album rock station, thanks to deejays sush as Scott Muni.

Cohen remained a constant in music for the next four decades, even though he never had a Top 40 radio hit that everyone knew. Recently, and just before he died – in his eighties – he scored a #1 album.

They don't make them like that anymore, as the clichéd statement goes.

Leon Russell, as with Cohen, seemed to be around forever if you grew up in the 1960s. Russell first came to my attention as a member of Joe Cocker's legendary backing band Mad Dogs & Englishmen when Cocker became the “next big thing” in rock & roll; it was at time when there always seemed to be a “next big thing:” on the horizon. It wasn't until years later when I became more involved in the business as a writer/radio person/Sam Goody manager that I found out about all the 1960s Top 40 hits that Russell played on or actually had written and how totally involved he was in the busi-

Leonard Cohen

birth of major album sales, FM album radio, hippies, punks, MTV in the 80s, the CD boom and bust, and the advent of Napster and no one wanting to pay for music anymore or even owning physical record collections. The one part missing from this stunning documentary is the return of vinyl, both new, and old, with the old records flourishing on collector sites such as Discogs, which has become a worldwide phenomena. Whether you lived through the changes or simply want a heart-wrenching tale of passions and greed, rent, buy, or stream this new release from MVD Visual.

Join

Jimi LaLumia

On Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn!

BITS & PIECES Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler:

New Song Hard To ‘Miss’

Bridgit Mendler, a singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, is rising up the charts with a new single, “Do You Miss Me At All.” The new song's release preceded the street date of her new EP, Nemesis, now available everywhere.

A snapshot of a tumultuous time in Mendler's life, her Nemesis EP is a collection of four relationship songs that entwine pop, soul, and R&B. In October, Mendler debuted “Atlantis” – also from the EP – which went on to reach #2 on Spotify’s Viral Chart, and #1 on HypeMachine, garnering more than four million combined streams. Supporting the new EP, Mendler recently tore the roof off of PopShop NYC in New York City.

JoJo

JoJo:

From Teen Popster To Adult Superstar

Mad Love. – the new album from Atlantic recording artist JoJo – has made a spectacular chart debut following its first week in release.

The album entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #6 while also coming in at #2 on “Digital Albums” and #4 on “Top Current Albums.”

This album marks JoJo’s first full-length collection in 10 years.

After nearly years of legal issues (which prevented her from releasing new music) and a public lawsuit filed against her former label, JoJo was finally released from her original recording contract. Despite the problems, Mad Love. marks JoJo’s third consecutive release to debut in the Top 10. The collection is highlighted by the lead single, “F*** Apologies (Feat.

Wiz Khalifa),” as well as “FAB (Feat. Remy Ma),” “Mad Love.,” “Music.” and "I Can Only. (Feat. Alessia Cara)."

For more news and information, visit iamjojoofficial.com, or find her all over social media and YouTube.

SS aa m m RR oo bb ee rr tt ss ::

you miss it, you can still get new Janet sounds from the influential Canadian star with his new album, Devlin TerraForm, now available everywhere.

The album takes flight with the title track TerraForm, a story of escape from the ashes of a dying world: “Terraforming is the idea of going to another planet and making it viable for humans. For this record, I saw it as planting the seeds for that same sort of renewal in your own life – that regardless of how much you have broken the parts of your life along the way, there is always a chance to start over... for yourself and the people you care about,” said Roberts. "Most of these songs are love songs, but love songs that grapple with its many faces – mellow venture into this special beautiful and ugly, healing and time of year,” said Devlin. “I wantdestructive." ed to acknowledge that it’s not always eggnog, tinsel, and Sam wrapping paper, and that there Roberts are other emotions evoked by Band Christmas time.”

Photos: JoJo by Brooke Nipar; Sam Roberts Band by Paul Labonté

Little Mix:

Another Big Hit

Janet Devlin:

In A Holiday Mood

Irish singer/songwriter Janet Devlin has released a Christmas EP, Little Lights, now available via OK! Good Records. The rising star captures the somber feelings and emotions associated with the holidays.

“It’s a slightly darker, more

UK pop group Little Mix is on the charts again with “You Gotta Not,” the new single.

The track is written by global pop diva Meghan Trainer alongside Johan Carlsson and Ross Golan, who have also written hits for Ariana Grande and Flo Rida. The group’s new album is now available everywhere.

There have already been hits: “Shout Out To My Ex” entered the UK chart at #1 upon its release. Little Mix will join fellow superstar Ariana Grande on her upcoming North American Dangerous Woman Tour in 2017. The 36-city tour kicks off on February 2, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona, and includes stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many more American cities.

Little Mix

Canadian Star Returns

The Sam Roberts Band has returned to the U.S., and if you hustle, you can catch them at Bowery Ballroom in New York City tonight (November 29) – but if

Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016 • 23

Long Island’s

ONLY

Indoor Skate Park

Skateboarding • BMX • Inline Skating

www.oilcitysk8.com Email: oilcitysk8@optonline.net

your Skateboard & Scooter Headquarters

New from DGK, chapman, creature

Havoc Jai Walker Maple

AO Stealth 4 blue

Creature Hitz Pro

Real Dripstick

DGK Blazin Raisins

AO Lambda 2.1

Chapman Anna Nicole

AO Forged 'A' Fork

Phoenix Ion

private Lessons one On one

Creature Partanen Pro

Creature Good Times Pro

scooters

phoenix, havoc, proto, MGP, District, TSI, river, ethic, Elyts, tilt, AO, lucky, revolution root industries, urban artt

DGK Yogi Boo

Creature Gravette Strait To Hell Pro

1/2 HOUR $35/1 HOUR $55 (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)

Helmets required at all times

packages 10 Sessions $100 20 Sessions $175 (use any time)

Monthly Package

$155

unlimited skating

must use in 30 days

24 • Good Times Magazine - November 29 - December 12, 2016

DAILY Fees/Rules You must have a insurance waiver on file to skate. One time waiver fee is $15, and a waiver form must be filled out. All waivers must be signed by child’s parent in person or If you are under 19 years of age you need to have your parent or guardian sign the waiver form and attach photo ID if not present

reserve now!

Group Lessons saturdays 9:30AM - 11AM

Skateboardszz

sundays 9:30am-11am skateboards & Scooters

book birthday parties now!!