Library’s Media Crew Moonlights at Recent LI Music Hall of Fame Gala

I was one of three members of the  media services staff who was either directing, running scripts, or serving as production assistants at Oheka Castle during the recent Long Island Music Hall of Fame's Third Induction Gala and Fundraiser.

As a Hall of Fame board member, I co-wrote and directed the live event. My fellow board members and I form an amazing team. But, as things were coming together, and the night of the organization's big event was approaching, I knew that I wanted my own assistants – a crew that I could trust to be calm and cool when the insanity that goes with a live show began. So, I called upon my co-workers from my full-time job as media librarian at the library.

Jeffrey Zeh, a technician at the library for nearly seven years, joined me for the second time as my main assistant.  I always know that if something should happen to me half way through the show that Jeff can simply take the headphones off my head, and keep things rolling. Hey, the show must go on!

Evan Rosone, a senior who began working at the library this past summer, was also brought onboard.  Evan is a "doer" who knows music and really has it all together, especially for someone so young. I knew that he could handle whatever we needed to toss his way.

With 18 inductees brought into the Hall during the evening – all of which called for various video clips, musical performances, tributes and acceptances – the event was a hectic one. As expected, it was affected by the usual share of production issues that go with any live event of this magnitude. But it all ran smoothly for the audience and the artists. As Zeh said to me after the event, "These people have Grammy's, BET Awards, and other honors, but they were delighted to be receive a tribute from their home town. It was an exciting thing to see."

And now, my "team" can be found back at the library, where they're generally ready for anything. And considering the major productions we have at the library these days, they need to be! But when the next gala comes, they'll be back on our production staff.

With the exception of the sound, lighting and video crews, the production was driven mainly by Hall of Fame board members and other volunteers, including my long-time girlfriend Winifred Boyd, who led the team that 'wrangled' the luminaries. Together, we brought the likes of Joan Jett, Lou Reed, Oscar Brand, Denis McNamara, Al Kooper, Stanley Drucker and many more Long Island musical luminaries to the stage at Oheka Castle.

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that Long Island's musical heritage is an important resource to celebrate and preserve for future generations. This year's gala begins the next round of the group's pursuit of its mission statement, as the Board pursues scholarships, plans unique seminars, programs and lectures, and develops future exhibits while planning for a permanent home. Long Islanders interested in finding out more about the Hall are encouraged to visit the group's website at limusichalloffame.org.