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Arts & Entertainment

Richie Cannata Brings a World Class Band to Downtown Sounds

Glen Covers are expected to gather for a free concert at the Village Square Saturday night.

Having a major star like Richie Cannata, who is based here in Glen Cove, headline this Saturday's special add-on concert at the Downtown Sounds series, generates a whole new level of excitement for the event. 

As the founder of Cove City Sound Studios on Pratt Boulevard, saxophonist extraordinaire, musical director of important bands, etc., etc., Cannata could be expected to put together a show that will include musicians with amazing creds.

Ergo, joining him on stage will be Joel Rosenblatt (Spiro Gyra) on drums, Gene Perez (Willie Colon) on bass, John Harris (Tower of Power) on trumpet, Chieli Minucci (Special Efx) on guitar, Chris Clark (Bernie Williams Band) on keyboards, Fred Walcott (Levon Helm Band) on percussion, Eren Cannata (Bernie Williams Band) on vocals.

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Eren is Cannata's son, a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in his own right. By no means simply the beneficiary of a "stage father," Eren has performed with the Bernie Williams Band at major venues like Mohegan Sun and has recently released his album, "Blame It on the City." Nonetheless, he is truly the apple of his father's eye.

"Playing with my son is the greatest experience God can give to a man," Cannata said.

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"Playing with the best musicians ever to walk onto a stage is a treat in and of itself," Eren said. "When your father is one of the best musicians ever, you can imagine how I feel. It's very special indeed."

Cannata has been the featured saxophonist in fellow Long Islander Billy Joel's band since the mid-'70s and had a decade-long relationship with the Beach Boys. His Cove City Sound Studios boasts clients ranging from Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion to Ashanti, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. Cannata has produced albums for the likes of Phoebe Snow, Corey Hart, and Tommy Shaw. He created the ongoing Monday Night Jam at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village.

Although he has performed at some of the world's most important venues, playing before the hometown crowd has a special place for Cannata.

"I want to make my hometown proud," he said. "That's very important to me, because I'm here long after the gig is over. This performance is for those neighbors I may meet the next day at the deli."

Also appearing are Sonic and Bliss, the duet of Dan Berrios and Jessie Colasante, who have appeared with Richie Havens, Joan Jett, Blue Oyster Cult, and others. Their sound is driven by acoustic and electric guitar, extensive vocal harmonies, and melodic pop-rock songs.

The free concerts are held every Friday, and select Saturdays, between Glen and Bridge Streets at 7:30 p.m. until Aug. 27. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. There is free parking in the nearby municipal garages.

Visitors can also take advantage of the $15 Music Box Special, a fixed price dinner program being offered by a number of local restaurants as part of their participation in the concert series. Choices include entrées that range from chicken wraps to chicken parmesan, shrimp tempura to monster ribs.

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