Blues Night returns to NFAC after sold-out debut
Walking bass lines and driving shuffle rhythms are on their way to the North Fork Arts Center.
After a successful debut last year, the 295-seat Sapan Greenport Theatre will host the second annual Blues Night on Saturday, Aug. 15, bringing world-class musicians back to the village.
“It was sold out last year; everybody had a very good time,” founder Jonathan Russo said. “It was a big success; the feedback was positive. This year’s talent is spectacular.”
The evening will commence at 8 p.m. with a lineup of some of the best-in-class musicians from New York City blues clubs. Vocalist Seydurah Avecmoi will join blues guitarist and vocalist Bobby Bryan on stage to kick off the night. Saron Crenshaw and his band will then take over.
The idea originated with Mr. Russo, a Shelter Islander, who brought it to the former executive director, Tony Spiridakis, and the former creative director, Shannon Goldman. Through his connections, he introduced the NFAC team to Mike Griot, a New Jersey-based veteran promoter and longtime bassist who has worked with countless musicians.
“There seemed to be a bit of a pent-up demand for this type of show, and we delivered,” Mr. Griot said. “The audience responded in kind; overwhelmingly positive.”
Mr. Griot will be serving as the MC of the night, shepherding the audience through the experience.
Although Mr. Russo isn’t a musician or a professional promoter himself, he has a lifelong passion for the blues.
That passion began when he was 10 years old, and he has been listening to blues music for the past 65 years. Before that, he spent four decades working as a talent agent in Hollywood and New York. He says his greatest skill has always been connecting people, and that’s exactly what he did again — bringing the right people together for the benefit of Greenport and in service of the music he loves.
“I was mesmerized at age 10. I cannot explain it, but I took all my paper route money, and I bought records,” Mr. Russo said. “The blues just struck me as a very powerful thing and resonated with my soul.”
Mr. Russo hopes the event can continue as an annual occurrence, grow each year, and potentially become a two-night arrangement.
Tickets can be purchased online and cost $60 before showtime. Day-of tickets cost $75.
Greenport is far from the only East End municipality to push for a blues resurgence. Longtime musician Larry McCray will headline The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead on the same day as NFAC’s offering, on Aug. 15.
“I believe some of this has to do with generational timing. The clubs don’t exist anymore, and the scene has changed,” Mr. Griot said. “We look forward to keeping this going and building on our past success.”
