By Michael V. Cusenza
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) have partnered with the Brady & Bader law firm and Exit Realty Central to bring Big Band music back to Howard Beach.
Weather permitting, this year’s free Arnie Mig Memorial Big Band Concert is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church parking lot on the corner of 157th Avenue and 84th Street. The performance is open to the public; however, should meteorological conditions not comply, it will be relocated to Father Dooley Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato and Sen. Addabbo speak to music lovers between sets.
Addabbo noted that the annual event honors Arnold “Arnie Mig” Migliaccio, the leader of the Serenaders in Blue Orchestra, who initiated the first annual swing concert for Howard Beach residents nearly 30 years ago, featuring Big Band-era jazz from the 1940s.
After Migliaccio’s passing on June 7, 2009, the senator said he sought to preserve Mig’s legacy by launching an annual summer tradition in his name.
“I’m delighted to bring this cherished event back to our community this year,” Addabbo added. “Arnie Mig filled Howard Beach with music and joy through his concerts, and it’s an honor to uphold the tradition he started so many years ago. I extend my gratitude to Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, Brady & Bader law firm, and Exit Realty Central for their invaluable partnership in making this concert possible.”
