All around town, concert stages are packed, and chair space is limited as concert series are turned up to full volume. Whether the concerts are put on by volunteers or through grant money procured by Smithtown’s two county legislators, Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga), concert-goers can expect a variety of free, quality performances.
Nearly every day of the week for the remainder of summer, concert enthusiasts can attend concerts at the Smithtown Library, Nesconset Gazebo, the Frank Brush Barn at the Smithtown Historical Society, Long Beach – with a new stage, and at Hoyt Farm.
That means your Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings can all include outdoor concerts, barring any stray thunderstorms. And if that’s not enough music for you, neighboring townships also have concerts galore to make a seven-day concert gauntlet.
“I love when the community comes together to enjoy music, music is such a big part of my life,” said Amanda Swerdlow.
“Concerts are important, now more than ever, because they remind you big gatherings can be a very beautiful thing and not something to just run away from because of the news,” said one Hauppauge native. “With summer among us and years missed due to the pandemic, it’s time to make up for lost time and sing along with all your favorite bands in the fun of the sun.”
The Omnibus Grant that legislators Kennedy and Trotta procure provides the funding necessary for the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce and the Smithtown Library to hold their two respective concert series. The grant is available to all legislators and is why many such concert series exist throughout the county.
Aside from the sheer artistic value, these concerts are a great source of local economic activity. Neighboring shopping centers all notice upticks in sales, particularly restaurants. While concerts may include some traffic congestion, it is well worth the delay. And in today’s high-paced world, a traffic jam might just be an opportunity for quiet reflection.
Many children who grew up listening to these concerts, taken by parents and grandparents, are now old enough to drive themselves. And some even play an instrument or two, continuing one of the many traditions Smithtown has.
