2011 'Happenings on Main Street' Kicks Off

If you are looking for a way to heat up the big holiday weekend, then look no further than the entrance to Northport Village Park, where Fred and Susan Richtberg will be ushering in the thirteenth season of 'Happenings on Main Street' tonight.

Nobody’s Fool, a group known for mixing it up with blues, funk and jazz, will be taking center stage at 7 p.m.

The Richtbergs, who have been producing the free summer series since 1999, came up with the concept to shine a spotlight on the wealth of musical talent on Long Island while stimulating the local economy.

“It’s music for the ‘ice cream’ crowd,’” Fred said of  the music  appropriate for all ages. The series showcases a cornucopia of genres — rock, country, folk, bluegrass, world music , Afro-beat, and more — to foster  appreciation of music in all its variety. The Richtbergs also choose performers who they feel have a talent for interacting with the public.

The fact that the artists perform in a sidewalk setting on the same level as the audience is key, Fred  indicated.

It’s a formula that has enabled Happenings on Main Street to “present more than 50 artists and musical groups on over 200 performance dates," over the years, Fred  said.

Although in 2009, lack of funding almost brought the series to a halt, Fred is happy to report that the musical program, which is presented by the , received a grant from the Huntington Arts Council, and is getting by with a little help from its friends, including local businesses, organizations and its audience.

Eventually a similar series will take place in the neighboring village of Kings Park.

The Richtbergs mentored Carol Kelly of the Kings Park Civic Association on setting  “Musical Moments in Kings Park” in motion.

They would like to see similar free musical programs spring up across Long Island, and would be glad to help interested villages, Fred said.

“There’s so much talent out there,” Fred indicated, adding that the series offers a platform for both experienced and amateur performers, and he has been gratified to witness firsthand the personal growth of artists who have been appearing  year after year.

“'Happenings' flows,” Fred said of the touch of the unexpected that invariably ensues when artists improvise or mix it up with different groups. “It’s called ‘Happenings’ because you never know what will happen.”

The series takes place weather permitting, and guests are advised to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

Look on Northport Patch's event calendar throughout the season for upcoming shows.