On Saturday, September 21, the main events of the 9th annual Harbor Jazz Festival were held on the Stony Brook Village green and the lawn of the Jazz Loft. The Jazz Loft organized this festival, which featured a continuous stream of music from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Through the work of management and local volunteers, this festival brought our community together with jazz and music. I had the pleasure of interviewing a few individuals who were present and involved at the festival.
Isabel De Bei: Hi, could you introduce yourself?
Tom Manuel: Hello! Yes, my name is Tom Manuel, and I am the president and founder of the Jazz Loft.
IDB: What do you think the Jazz Loft contributes to our community?
TM: Well, music is a very healing force and jazz especially has some really important themes and characteristics of acceptance and patience. It is a very democratic music that brings people together, so I believe all those things and many more are what it offers to our community at large.
IDB: Why do you do this festival every year?
TM: Well it’s a ton of work, but is it so beautiful and is just a really perfect fit for our community. When you look at the stage and see the harbor in the background and all of the wonderful restaurants and stores we have in the village center… It’s just a beautiful celebratory day that celebrates not only the music and the Jazz Loft but also everything we have here in our community, our museum, our art galleries, our restaurants, our shops and our stores. Overall, it is really a wonderful day to put the spotlight on Stony Brook Village.
IDB: Thank you so much. We appreciate everything the Jazz Loft does for our community, thank you again!
TOM: You’re welcome, thank you!
Isabel De Bei: Hello, could you introduce yourself?
Lauren Gitelson: Hello, my name is Lauren Gitelson. I am a volunteer for the Jazz Loft organization.
IDB: How long have you been a volunteer?
LG: About two years.
IDB: Amazing, and why are you here? Specifically on this date?
LG: Well, the Jazz Loft Harbor Fest is one of the best events of the year. It’s always amazing to hear live music outside and just get everyone together as a community to enjoy the music. It’s such a fun event for families. Overall, everyone just has a great time.
IDB: What does the Jazz Loft mean to you?
LG: It’s my happy place! And I tell that to everyone. It’s the place where I feel joyful and excited. I love being with all the people, and I love the music.
IDB: Thank you so much for everything!
LG: No problem!
Isabel De Bei: Hello, could you introduce yourself and what you do here?
Mala Waldron: Hello, my name is Mala Waldron. I was performing in the jazz festival today with my band Soulful Sound. This is my first time performing at the festival and it went great! I loved it!
IDB: What does the Jazz Loft mean to you, and how are you connected to it?
MW: I’m not sure how long I’ve known Tom Manuel for, but I’m a big admirer of what he has done here at the loft. I’ve performed here many times with different projects and with different bands.
IDB: What does music mean to you?
MW: Music is life to me. Music is my passion, I love music. I was born to two musical parents, both were jazz pianists, so I really couldn’t escape it. Growing up, we all played an instrument.
IDB: That’s so cool! Thank you so much for your time, have a great night!
MW: Thank you!
