Welcome to the DHPAC Creative Community blog!
Welcome to the DHPAC Creative Community BLOG!
At the Dix Hills Center you’ll find Jazz Masters, Rock & Pop, Classical Music, Broadway the Easyway, Classic Drama, New Theatrical Comedy, Film, Hilarious Comedians and Amazing Magic!
We welcome your comments and suggestions in this online creative community. Let us know what you think! Sign up to be on the mailing list and receive the seasonal brochure.
Thank you for enjoying our shows and for your support! Be a Friend of the Dix Hills Center by telling and bringing a friend!
See you soon at the Center,
Sandy Hinden, Executive Director
September 19th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Every seat is great in this theater!
September 25th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Best of luck with the new season!
November 19th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Addding my compliments to those above also - I thoroughly enjoyed the tribute to Ray Alexander and the previous evening - Brazilian Jazz - the community has been enrichred by these performnces - Looking forward to many more! Arnold Winters
November 19th, 2007 at 10:05 am
My husband and I also attended the Brazilian Jazz and tribute to Ray Alexander performances as well as the annual guitar show which my husband and I attend every year! Your staff and students are great - looking forward to many more!
November 20th, 2007 at 4:09 pm
This was my first time at DHPAC & I also enjoyed the tribute to Ray Alexander immensely (I am a big Milt Jackson fan.)! The concert hall was also a nice size to hear some great music in……..I look forward to attending some more great jazz concerts there & I will spread the word.
December 2nd, 2007 at 2:52 pm
really enjoyed Bernard Perdy, however, the lead guitarist who played with him was really fantastic. I don’t think he got the recognition that he deserved. I will look forward to future concerts there.
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Thanks for bringing first rate jazz to LI. We’ve attended numerous concerts–going back several years and have never been disappointed by the quality of the performers or the selection of music. Especially enjoyed Steve Briody and Dave Valentin. Will be joining you on Dec. 12 and 13 as well.
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:35 pm
My husband and I very much enjoy the diverse and high quality entertainment found at Five Towns College. We feel very fortunate to have such class entertainment in our own backyard.
December 4th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
My son and I enjoyed the Bernard Purdy - especially the anecdotes like the evolution of the Purdy Shuffle and the “Rock Steady” with Aretha Franklin event that put Mr. Purdy on the map. We like the interaction with the guitarist /staff member ( only complaint was the feedback from his equipment ) and the young student bass player.
We’re coming back!
December 7th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
On Saturday November 2 my husband and I attended the Dave Valentin concert. What a fantastic performance from Valentin as well as the New York Jazz All Stars. Thanks for a great night of Jazz! We look forward to a new season of entertainment.
December 9th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
My wife and I attended the Bernard Purdie clinic on November 30th. Being a drummer myself, seeing such a talented musician up close and personal was a great experience. He is just as interesting to listen to speak as he is playing the drums, at which is he truly a master.
This was our first time at the DHPAC and we will undoubtedly be back again. It’s nice to know there is such a great venue for the arts right in our own backyard.
December 9th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
My wife and I attended the Bernard Purdie clinic on November 30th. Being a drummer myself, seeing such a talented musician up close and personal was a great experience. He is just as interesting to listen to speak as he is playing the drums, at which is he truly a master.
This was our first time at the DHPAC and we will undoubtedly be back again. It’s nice to know there is such a great venue for the arts so close to us.
December 13th, 2007 at 10:35 am
It’s always a great show at the Dix Hills Center for the Performing Arts!
February 1st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Just got home from the Elvis Songbook performance. The musicians were extraordnarily talented. We enjoyed our Elvis sighting.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I found tonight’s show to exceed my expectations.First Class musicianship at L.I. prices and a fine venue.I will be back.Keep it comming!
February 1st, 2008 at 11:15 pm
This was my first time at the DHPAC. What a pleasant surprise! A sort of intimate venue that’s not a nightclub. And on top of that, the treat of the evening, Cyrus Chestnut playing the Elvis Songbook. A superior talent at the piano and great songs to hear in a way I’m sure the King would applaud. I especially liked Mr Chestnut’s arrangement of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. I’m sure I’ll be back for more good music. Keep the music alive.
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 am
Hello! We had a exhilirating experience when we took on Cyrus Chestnut’s trio on Feb 1st. A superb pianist with drum and bass accompiments. Exciting, yet soothing listening which offered a very relaxing experience for the evening. The time flew by as we remained awed by Cyrus’ wizardry skills and sound. Bring him back soon! John and Athena Papayani
PS By offering our review of last night’s Cyrus concert we were told by the evening’s host that we would be entitled to two free tickets of our choice. Please send on 2 tickets for the Celebrationof 50 years of Bosa Nova on 2/29 to PO box 593, Great river, NY 11739. Thanks
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
Last night we attended the Cyrus Chestnut concert and thought it was stupendous. Congratulations and looking forward to attending more of your concerts.
The community is fortunate to have FTC . Thanks.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Cyrus Chestnut was great! keep up the blues and jazz!
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Cyrus great, keep up the pazz and blues.
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
The Cyrus Chestnut concert last night was just wonderful. We are most privilaged to be able to see and hear such a world class jazz man. We will be looking forward to more great jazz performances . Thank you DHPAC.
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Cyrus Chestnut was fabulous Friday night. I look forward to attending the many diversified performances that Five Towns College sponsors. Keep up the great work.
February 2nd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Loved Cyrus Chestnut and his band. Although I have seen him on TV before, this was my first time seeing him in person and it was a thrill! (The next show I would like to see is March 14, Charlie Parker-please send my complimentary tickets to my address above,thank you)
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
I purchased two tickets to Cyrus Chestnut and his band and loved the show. He is great. It was a very entertaining evening and look forward to seeing many more of your concerts. I was told that if we posted our comments we would receive two tickets to another show. I would appreciate tickets to 50 years of Bossa Nova on 2/29/08 at 7:30 p.m. Please send them to John Massaro at 508 Cody Dr in Melville, NY 11747. Thank You. Your shows are so entaining.
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
My first visit to the DHCPA for the performance of Cyrus Chestnut was sensational. I couldn’t believe that without a trip to Manhattan, I could enjoy great jazz piano performed by such a highly acclaimed artist so close to home. Keep up the good work.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Went to see pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Amazing talent! Great night!
February 4th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
My husband and I loved seeing Cyrus Chestnut. I am so glad Newsday wrote the article about his upcoming performance. Now that we are aware of your facility and programs, we plan to join you many times.
February 8th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Randy Brecker–and next month Teddy Charles and Cecil Bridgewater. It’s a dream come true for jazz fans here on Long Island. The Brecker concert was sensational–great sound, beautiful staging..If you love jazz, you must–must–support the efforts of the Five Towns College to bring great music to Long Island (without the hassle of getting into and out of NYC.)
February 8th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
The Randy Brecker Show was a combination of world class and local tallent. The result was excellent! You would never know they never had practiced together as a group.True pros!Where would you find this quality on L.I.?
February 9th, 2008 at 9:21 am
My husband and I very much enjoy the diverse and high quality entertainment found at Five Towns College.
February 9th, 2008 at 10:43 am
My husband and I attended the Randy Brecker concert last night. We had a great time. The hall, the stage and the seating is perfect for this type of concert. I had never been to the theatre before but we brought home the schedule and plan to attend many future performance. It’s great to find something like this so close to home. Thank you for wonderful evening.
February 9th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
My husband and I really enjoyed the Dave Valentin concert. Great place to see a concert. Would like to see more concerts like his. Saw Randy Brecker last night. Was good but not as good as Dave Valentin.
February 10th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I was transfixed by the mesmerizing musical mastery displayed at the Randy Brecker with Steve Briody and the NY Jazz All Stars concert. The virtuosity, diversity, economy and proximity, your programs provide is unparalleled. I eagerly anticipate continued support, via attendance and endorsement, of these exciting entertainment events.
February 10th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Randy Brecker with NY Jazz and Steve Briody on Guitar were great. Female vocalist in the first set was terrific, Art Blakley and the Jazz Messinger tune as well as the funky last tune were my favorites, as well as the ability to shake hands with the performers after the concert was a nice treat and cap to great evening. You can’t even get this good in NYC to cap it off with free tickets I feel like I’m sitting on top of the world. DHPAC is the best music venue period. Keep this stuff up and the great music will never die.
February 10th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
We just saw Randy Brecker on Friday night and the concert was amazing! My son is just starting to play jazz trumpet so it was a real treat for him. He was really inspired. Loved the percussion as well. We will tell all our friends about this wonderful local venue and we’ll certainly be back!
February 10th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Heard a Fantastic Guitar Player “Steven Briody”
When is He playing as a Solo Artist or any other time.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Great concert friday. Randy brecker brought it all and the band was a driving force behind him, Look forward to more great things at your venue
February 10th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
My husband and I enjoyed the Randy Brecker concert on Friday evening and hope you continue to feature jazz artists in your future programing. It is wonderful to have a place in our community which offers a venue for performing artists, both student and professional, to exhibit their talents and is easy to access.
In the row in front of us at the Brecker concert sat a father and his 10 yr. old son who is learning to play trumpet. The boy was very attentive, and in 10 years, he too, may be on your stage.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:03 am
What a terrific show the dhpac put on friday nite. Randy Brecker and Steve Briody were superb. The All Stars were a true tour de force of talent. I had a great time and look foward to attending future performances.
-Vinny Gavigan
February 14th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I ATTENDED YOUR FRIDAY NIGHT RANDY BRECKER SHOW.
I THOUGHT THE SHOW WAS EXCELLENT AND EVERY SEAT
IN THE HOUSE WAS TERRIFIC. LOOKING FORWARD TO
COMING BACK AGAIN.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:04 am
My wife and I took our three teenagers to the Randy Brecker concert last week and we all had a blast. The only negative comment I heard from my boys was that they wished the show had gone on longer. Randy also graciously signed autographs for each of them so it was a special thrill to meet him too.
Wonderful entertainment at a reasonably affordable price — even for a family of five. It’s a great way to enjoy an evening out without breaking open the piggybank, or your retirement fund!
February 27th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
My wife and I enjoyed the Randy Brecker show very much. The music was great and I also enjoyed the woman/girl who sang Corcovado- she had a terrific voice. The one thing that could use some improvement is the MC- a course in public speaking would help or hire a DJ- maybe someone from CD101.9…… Otherwise, the evening was very enjoyable!
February 27th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Our first trip to DHPAC was for the Randy Brecker / Steve Briody concert and we enjoyed it very much. We are very happy to learn of the DHPAC as it is truly a great place on Long Island for first rate jazz entertainment.
March 1st, 2008 at 10:38 am
My husband and I attended last night’s concert, “Fifty Years of Bassa Nova”, and have to tell all of you at FTC what a great concert it was! Felipe Salles and his group, all talented musicians in their own right,and when performing togther, just great! Maucha Adneta a wonderful singer completed the picture, her voice is perfect for her choice of Brazillian jazz and the selections and her interpretations were lovely. We enjoyed every minute. Many thanks.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I want to thank everyone for their sincere comments, without you there would be no community. Thanks for your continued support of jazz in all of its beautiful variations.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Stealin Dan- was great.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
keep up the rock venues they are great.
March 7th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
enjoyed the old days of classic rock tonight ..
March 7th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
My wife and I just got home from the Stealin Dan show and thought it was great. We had never been to the Center before I must say that it is a well-kept secret. Not a bad seat in the house and the band was great. Keep up the good work. We’ll be back!
March 7th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Just left the Steelin Dan show! What a great show and what a fabulous setting!. We didnt know you had these shows and we cant wait to go to another there!!keep bringing those hsows to us!!!
March 7th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Great SHow! Great venue! Cant wait to see another there! Steelin Dan was outstanding!!
March 7th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
It was my first time at DHPAC, but will definately not be my last. What a great evening & Steelin Dan is amazing. A friend of mine had some extra tickets they had purchased for another couple, who couldn’t make it. Their lose my gain, and at such a great price where else can you be so wonderfully entertained.
March 8th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Last night saw Steelen Dan …Great Show. Our first time attending the DHPAC and we were very pleased with the whole experience …..price, parking,size of theater and it took us 10 minutes to get home.we look forward to many future nights of entertainment at there.
March 8th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I really enjoyed Stealin’ Dan performance. It was a great show at a great price and didn’t have to drive into New York City.
March 8th, 2008 at 8:56 am
My wife and I attended the Steelin Dan show last night and we loved it! The John Lennon Theater is a very comfortable venue to listen to top quality music. We are looking forward to attending future shows this season. We never realized that this gem was right in our backyard!
March 8th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Stealin Dan Steely Dan.
This is a great band I have seen them many times and it is a fitting way to expand the theater’s scope of musical performance into “Classic Rock”. My wife and I had a great time and would gladly do it again. In all musical endeavors their are caveats and in the case of Classic rock it is this: the audio and mixing needs are far different from those of classic jazz and Broadway vocals it needs to be more balanced so that the full richness of the music can be experienced.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Stealin Dan’s performance was great. We had 2 extra tickets and decided to bring my 11-year old and her friend…they even liked it. Thank you for bringing them there. We only discovered DHPAC a couple of months ago when we came to the Beatles show…we love it. Thank you again.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:58 am
My husband and I really enjoyed the Stealing dan concert on Fri. We also enjoyed the uncle floyd show in March. It’s great that you have these shows so close to home for us. Lookin forward to going to more shows in the future. Thanks
March 8th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
The Srealin Dan was excellent The venue is a superior place to watch anything> I will be seeing alot of Dix Hills campus for entyertainment> Keep it going> If you have the ability have The Fab Faux a Beatles tribute band play. Ken Glass
March 8th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I Was at the Theater for the first time Friday night to see Stealin Dan. I have seen them dozens of times but enjoyed seeing them in your beautiful theater.
Not a bad seat tin the house! I look forward to seeing many more shows in the future.
Ralph
March 8th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Attended Stealin’ Dan Concert & Tribuite to Jazz Piano this weekend. Both concerts were excellent. We look forward to your future concerts. Your students and faculty are amazing talents.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:21 am
My wife and I attended the ‘Stealin’ Dan’ concert on Friday. The band was fantastic, very entertaining. I thought however, that the sound was twice as loud as it should have been considering the size of the auditorium. I must say that the second half was better acoustically, but perhaps, my ears adjusted to the volume level!
March 9th, 2008 at 10:29 am
My husband and I went to see “Stealin” Dan at FTC the other night. What a wonderful tribute to Steely Dan! They played some of the lesser known songs and were really extraordinary! I will definitely be back!
March 9th, 2008 at 11:37 am
My wife and I were treated to a wonderful performance on March 8; A Tribute to Oscar Peterson. We must commend you on the talent presented, not only were the students and faculty performers talented, they showed an authentic enthusiasm and joy in presenting their works.
We have attended other performances and are associated with one of your faculty, vibraphonist Mr Brian Carrot, who suggested we see what Five Towns has to offer with respect to artisic venues.
We look forward to attending other performances, especially the upcoming Tribute to Charlie Parker.
Long Live Jazz!! Long Live The Arts!!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I attended the concert on Saturday, March 8th, and it was excellent. This was the first time I have been here and I was thoroughly impressed. I plan on attending future concerts. Definitely will tell my friends and family. Keep up the great work.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Attended the jazz show on 03/08. Very nciely done. I offer the following comments.
1) Teach the performers how to take a bow.
2) The auditorium is too formal for a jazz show. Perhaps you should set up a more club like venue elsewhere on campus. A smoky club is better than a concert hall when it comes to jazz.
3) What would Miles say… more improvisation, less replication. These are talented musicians… let them run. It’s nice to pay tribute, but; jazz is about testing boundaries. Test them!
Hope you’ll accept these suggestions in the spirit in which they are given. I hope to be able to see more great performances at your venue.
…………
March 11th, 2008 at 8:38 am
My first visit to dhpac was a great experience! Was totally impressed with the sound and comfort of the theatre. I live 5 minutes from the center and never knew that great music was that close!
I am hooked
Nick
Huntingtion Station
March 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
The Steelin’ Dan concert this past Friday was well worth coming to see. The 13-piece band brought a sound like the “real thing”! I enjoyed every moment and wished they would have played for another 2+ hours. The venue is also superb-every seat. Please send me the 2 free tickets the emcee mentioned at the concert. Thank you.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
we recently saw stealin dan, what a show. great theatre. we’re coming back.
March 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Attended the Stealin Dan concert it was great . In the beginning the audio was bad but it was fixed in the second half. The Tribute to Jazz Piano was unbleviable espically the last where the instruments were passed from artist to artist.
Thank you for presenting this program.
March 12th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Stealin’ Dan Tribute Friday night was like watching the real thing. The saxaphones & trumpet playing, as well as others, were fantastic. Can’t wait to attend some of the upcoming classic rock concerts. It’s a great idea!
March 14th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Charlie “Bird” Parker Tribute: Man these cats don’t need the pajamas they stolem’;I haven’t heard anyone beat the skins the way George Hooks did tonight in a long time. This was a real fix for the Jazz addict in me.Sophia has what it takes, Birdland was way cool haven’t heard anyone scat like that either in way too long a time.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Hello Bloggers,
Thanks for all your input with your help we are growing and learning too! We value your comments and sense of community.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Thank you!
July 11th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
We really Enjoyed tonights performance by the Gathering Time’s it brought back lots of wonderful memories. They are a great group we enjoy going to alot of the shows and concerts at the Dix Hills Performing Arts Center. We are looking forward to attending other shows and concerts at the DHPAC. We are always telling others about your center and have encouraged others to attend perforomances there as well. Keep up the wonderful shows and concerts.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:01 am
we saw gathering time last night. the show was terrific! we felt the sound could have been betrter-perhaps if the performers microphones were louder it would have enhanced the performance. aside from that, we really really enjoyed it!
July 12th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I recently saw the group the gathering times this friday. They sounded great! The only thing is that I wish the group would have been more organized and professional. They would frequently talk to each other about what song they should sing next and then would go find the music sheets that go along with it. I like when the performers are more cohesive. Overall, the show was enjoyable.
I wish the DHPAC would have some oldies concerts, and motown music! I would love to see those events in the upcoming seasons! I think there would be a really big turnout!
July 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Gathering Times. Been to several shows at Dix Hills and enjoyed them all,
but this show was a real treat.Excellent job.Looking forward to future shows.Does anybody do the music of Carly Simon?
July 12th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
My wife and I, along with three other couples, attended the “Gathering Time” tribute to the folk-rock groups of the 60’s and 70’s. The venue is close to our home on the Island and the seating was great as every seat had a good view of the stage. It was the first time that we attended the DHPAC and we were very pleased with the price of the tickets and the convenient parking as well. We plan on attending many more performances in the future.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
This was our first time at a DHPAC performance - Tribute to Song Writers of the 60’s. The show was terrific, the singers were excellent, the songs were terrific and we really enjoyed it. The facility was comfortable, and nice and cool. We will definitely begin attending more performances.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:58 am
We were lucky enough to attend the show Friday night. Our seats were great and the performance by Gathering Time was wonderful, as good or not better than any other we have seen
July 13th, 2008 at 10:15 am
THe Gathering Time band playing songs from the 60’s and 70’s was really good and put on a great show.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:55 am
The July 11 performance by Gathering Time was outstanding. The audience loved the song selection and great 3-part harmony interpretations of some of our favorite folk-rock classics. The standing ovation and audience insistence on 2 encores virtually guarantees that we’ll see (and hear) a lot more of Gathering Time on Long Island and beyond. Great entertainment.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Just attended Gathering Times Concert–fabulous, they really captured the folk spirit of the 60s. Great acoustic guitar and vocals. The theater is terrific, not a bad seat in the house. This is my second concert and I am looking forward to many others, I have tickets for Project Floyd, Warchild, and Stealin Dan. I also attended Fiddler on the Roof and an awesome magic show. This is better than the real thing, inexpensive and close to home. Highly recommended!!
July 15th, 2008 at 7:01 am
I really enjoyed the performance on July 11th tribute to Singer-Songwriters, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. If you planning to attend any shows, bring a sweater. The air works great.
Enjoy the summer, Richiepi
July 15th, 2008 at 11:47 am
The show ,seating, and acoustics were all great. Gathering Times music was inspirational and the entire audiance walked out of the theatre humming and happy.
Martyguitar
July 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
The concert by Gathering Time was so enjoyable! I’m still tapping my foot. Our seats were great and if you closed your eyes you would think it was the real deal. These performers were first rate and the bass player was fantastic! Thanks for an enjoyable evening.
July 20th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I attended the Gathering Times concert with my wife Ellen and two of our friends. The concert was great. I would definitely go to see them again. We attended the John Lennon Tribute last year, which was our first experience with your Center. We liked that so much that we are going again this year and bringing our friends. Please continue presenting artists who play muscic of the 60’s and 70’s. The play bill for the concert listed your web site incorrectly, which led me to a spam site, instead of this site.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Hey Everyone…thanks for your posts! We’re delighted to hear all the positive comments and it’s good to know there are people out there that are fans of classic rock..we are too!! We’ll keep these shows coming to you.
July 26th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Friday, July 25, 2008
Great Pink Floyd Show.
The young lady who sang great gig in the sky, sang it so beautifully it made me cry. She sang the part exactly as on the original album, but; also added a wonderful range of emotion that really struck home
The sound man made me cry also, but, because the volume was WAY TOO HIGH and OBSCENELY LOUD more than once. It distracted from an otherwise pretty dang good show.
Hope these folks will be back!
P.S. —- How about tryign to book DAVE MARTONE for a show or two????!!!!!!?????
August 11th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
i saw gathering time last month and i really enjoyed it. they were terrific and i will definately attend another concert at dhpac!