Fireworks and Music a Hit for Holiday Celebration

Two time-tested antidotes to the heat of an early July scorcher were administered in succession Sunday evening with the first concert of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival, followed by the annual Fourth of July fireworks show overlooking Hempstead Harbor. 

If the large crowd of visitors to the free concert and fireworks show were feeling the lingering effects of the oven-hot, bone-dry day, those effects were dissipating in the endless amounts of soft ice cream cranking out of the Mister Softee trucks and the bottles of iced water selling. Patch also spotted the joyous laughter of children, draping colorful glow sticks around their waists, limbs and even their foreheads.   

Camped under a giant oak and taking in the orchestral pieces, played by the Northwinds Symphonic Band was Michael Epstein, a man who knows a thing or two about music and its presentation.

The former owner of My Father's Place in nearby Roslyn, Epstein played a significant role in establishing Long Island as a serious music venue during the 1970s. Performers like Bruce Springsteen, The Police, Aerosmith, Patti Smith and Talking Heads were showcased at his cabaret.   

"[Mayor] Ralph Suozzi is doing a great job with music here in Glen Cove," Epstein said. "And this is one of the most beautiful places to see a concert on the entire East Coast."   

Given the expectations of an audience on America's 234th birthday, the band's repertoire of patriotic songs, show tunes and other orchestral pieces fit the bill perfectly.   

"Despite the fact that it's a hot night, we are having a lot of fun," said resident Helen Bauer, the band's conductor. "We are so fortunate to be playing here. This is our third time performing here and this is such a beautiful setting. We look forward to coming back next year."  

With the bright blue of daylight continuing to give way to the orange and red of evening, people began drifting down the hillside from in front of the band shell toward the sandy beach along the shore.

Pleasure boats clustered outside the safety zone protecting the barge with the fireworks, the area patrolled by security vessels. As fireworks from distant shows began lighting the blackening sky in a half dozen locations on the other side of the water, a sense of anticipation fluttered through the Morgan Park audience. When the bombs began bursting in air, it was the cries of delight from the children, their "oohs" and "aahs" that took command of the night.  

"Look at that," one little boy said, "That was a big one."    

Fans of reds and yellows, circles of blues and greens, showers of bright whites rained down from the sky and then it was over. And America moved on into its 235th year.   

The musical festival continues on July 10 with the winners of the Young Performers in Concert competition. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the park, which sits between Landing Road and Germaine Street.

Residents are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Alcoholic beverages, however, are not permitted. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will be held at St. Patrick's Parish Hall on Pearsall Avenue. For more information, visit morganparkmusic.org.