Mozart, Edison And Clapton

The Vail Leavitt Has And Always Will Be A Space For Joy And Music

By Jessica Gould

The North Fork is so chock full of history. George Washington is known to have slept in a few local inns. Battles were fought in Fort Salonga and whalers launched their ships from the ports of Greenport.

Located in the heart of the town of Riverhead exists a theater that lives, breathes and knows Long Island history. To say that you-were going to the theater-was an event that featured your finest dress. Top hats and tails for men, long gowns for women. Sitting in the intimate Vail-Leavitt, you can’t help but imagine the elegance of the theatergoers and the energized feeling of a night at a show.-The Vail-Leavitt has existed for many generations and has quite a tale to tell.

The-Vail-Leavitt Music Hall was created in the late 1800s,-David F. Vail, a local lumber jack who, along with his son George M., decided to take on the task of creating a place for social gatherings and music. They were quite an ambitious duo and worked many back breaking hours planning and completing the task. When the doors finally opened, the music hall attracted attention and some fine entertainment.-

The Mozart Orchestra, directed by-Professor Arthur M. Tyte,-was a consistent entertainer at Riverhead’s Music Hall. Tyte’s works, including many operas, are still around today. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s-famous play entitled “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” was the Music Hall’s first-Broadway-type play. The music hall played host to a fundraiser to benefit what is now known as the “Statue of Liberty” and was the sight of political conventions. The music hall changed names over time and was joined in ownership by the Leavitt family. The hall hosted meetings and Vaudeville and was one of the first to debut Edison’s experiment of talking pictures.

The theater had a short tenure as a restaurant and a pool hall and an even briefer time as a betting hall. Fire and conflict closed the theater for a time. 2003 marked a turning point in the theater’s history, as this historic complex once again became host to quality live theater. If its walls could talk, I’m sure that they’d have quite a bit to say.

Today the theater is host to many dynamic performers who make you glad you went to their show and leave you wanting more. To say that they performed at Vail-Leavitt is to truly say that they are part of history in the making. On May 5th, Vail-Leavitt will open its doors and feature the music of Eric Clapton performed by the Jamie Lee Band with special guest Celestial. Sit back and enjoy classics such as “Change the World” and “Wonderful Tonight”.

May 12th will showcase Frankie Latorre and the Kingbeez so you can enjoy a performance by the “Harmonica Virtuoso” and the talented band. On Saturday May 19th, head down and purchase tickets for the Tommy Keys and Company concert,-which will feature an evening of Americana Blues-to benefit The Grace Peshkur Foundation. Grace is a 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed shortly after birth with a rare-debilitating condition that requires constant care.

Through it all, Grace holds true to her name and exemplifies “grace.” If you like the smooth cool tones of a jazz concert, then purchase tickets-for the May 26th concert of Shenole Lattimer. Watch Shenole as he makes his Saxophone sing some sweet music. Get ready to laugh on June 2nd when the Long Island Comedy Fest brings some stand-up comedians and some great comedy to Vail-Leavitt. July-21st and 22nd will feature the Riverhead Blues Festival. If you have a reason to sing the blues, or just like hearing the blues come on down and enjoy some great entertainment.

After a night of fine theater, why not head out for some fine dining. Located in close proximity to the theater are Michael’s on Board, Tweeds, Pardos, Diggers and East Enders to name a few. Stop in for dinner before the show and some coffee and drinks after. We are fortunate as North Forkers to still have classic theaters like the Vail-Leavitt in existence today; still offering us the opportunity for a relaxing night and professional performances.

For more information on performance times and prices call the box office at 631-727-5782.