Jazz on the Half Shell is an ensemble that performs all music forms from Bebop to Motown and includes vocalist and Long Islander Ahmad Ali, who has been working with various local groups, as well as co-hosting the show “In The Moment” at WBAI 99.5 FM in NY. Bob Hovey on trombone has appeared locally as well with The Sunnyland Jazz Band, The Isotope Stompers, King Scallop, Park Ave Blues Band, Gordon Hurley Big Band, The Golden Fists of Fury as well as The Temptations, Rich Little, and The Great American Circus Band among many others in the USA and Europe.

James Benard, percussionist, studied with Jack DeJohnette and Tony Williams and Neil Ralph has been seen in many local bands throughout New York, playing keyboards, guitar and bass with equal proficiency and has been referred to by Roland Parker as “NYC’s best kept secret”.

And last but not least, Kim Tetrault, who plays electric and acoustic bass, has a background with various local groups including the Nuclear Hillbillies, Half Life, King Scallop and the Oysterettes, and the original Golden Fists. Kim is perhaps best known locally by his day job at the Southold Project in Aquaculture Training (SPAT)— which is doing what it can to restock our waters with oysters, clams, and scallops. A Cornell Cooperative Extension program, S.P.A.T. teaches volunteers how to grow shellfish in containers, away from predators, until they reach adult size, when they are released into local creeks and bays.

S.P.A.T. has partnered with Jamesport Vineyards, which donates 10% of the proceeds from all of their East End Series wines  to S.P.A.T. It was there that Jazz on the Half Shell played during the 2008 Festival. You can see the half shell motif on their East End Series wine labels. Are you getting the flavor of the local culture yet?

This year,  Jamesport Vineyards host performances by other musicians on March 8th and 14th as part of the Jazz on the Vine series, then Jazz on the Half Shell will be playing there on March 21st at 1pm. For the full list of Jazz Venues, check the Long Island Winterfest website.

mattituck movie theater – click here for current schedule

greenport movie theater – click here for current schedule (summer season only)

movies by the bay at the old field vineyards - back by popular demand! On thursday nights in August, classic movies will be screened outdoors under the stars in a magical waterfront location, that is the private vineyard estate. Bring chairs, picnic rug, snacks and soft drinks to spread out on the grass, but no alcohol please. Wines available by the glass and bottle throughout the evening. Nominal charge per car. The Old Field Vineyards is located 1 mile east of the traffic lights in Southold Town. Click here for directions.