David Criblez

1 week ago | newsday.com | David Criblez

As Long Islanders entered Northwell at Jones Beach Theater for opening night of the 2025 summer season starring country star Luke Bryan, they were met with a party. DJ Beso of Patchogue spun tunes like Zac Brown Band’s "Chicken Fried" and Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie" as instructor Natalie Boyle of Port Jefferson Station led folks in some line dancing across a grassy floor. "This is a little extra perk," said Boyle while on a break. "The activity helps get them ready for the show.

2 weeks ago | newsday.com | David Criblez

For 35 years, James Maris worked as a general contractor in downtown Manhattan. But he had a secret passion for lavender. "I started growing it at home," says Maris, who resides in Rockland County. "I wanted to take it to the next stage and get a farm for my retirement." In 2018, he purchased Roanoke Lavender Farm in Riverhead where he runs a farm stand on the property featuring lavender plants and products. "Lavender has a nice scent to it and it’s very relaxing," says Maris.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | David Criblez

Local bluesman Kerry Kearney is gearing up for the launch of his new album, "The Kerry Kearney Band," which drops June 20. The guitarist from Breezy Point is celebrating with an in-store signing and performance at Looney Tunes Record Store in West Babylon on June 19 at 6 p.m."We're visiting our blues roots with a more natural approach to the sound on this album,"  Kearney said. "The inspiration came from playing out live and feeling what the audience responded to the best.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | David Criblez

Growing up in Wyandanch, Phil Johnson used to cook for his parents as a kid. Today, he’s still feeding people with his award-winning food truck Sammiches earning the nickname Phil the Grill due to his barbecuing talents. From June 13-15, Johnson is returning to his home turf competing at the National BBQ Festival, which comes to Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. "I will be in my own backyard and my first time competing in New York," says Johnson, 54.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | David Criblez

For 35 years, James Maris worked as a general contractor in downtown Manhattan. But he had a passion for lavender. "I started growing it at home," says Maris, who resides in Rockland County. "I wanted to take it to the next stage and get a farm for my retirement." In 2018, he purchased Roanoke Lavender Farm in Riverhead where he runs a farm stand on the property featuring lavender plants and products. "Lavender has a nice scent to it and it’s very relaxing," says Maris.