The Islip Arts Council will be hosting their annual free benefit concert at Heckscher Park, East Islip on Saturday July 13th, starting at 8 p.m. This year’s Recovery Through the Arts – Play it Forward concert will be dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, with all proceeds going to help those still in need. The concert is funded with contributions and grants from private and public sources and will feature classical music from the Atlantic Wind Symphony, as well as 50’s and 60’s swing music courtesy of the Swingtime Big Band.
The Islip Arts Council was created in 1974 by a resolution passed by the Islip Town Board. In 1976, the Islip Arts Council was incorporated as a not-for-profit Arts Council. The incorporation status made it possible for the Arts Council to apply for county, state, and federal grants. With these funds and continued support of town government, the Arts Council expanded an existing series of free concerts to over 70 free programs annually in 2011.
Last year’s Recovery Through the Arts event paid homage to veterans and troops still in service. The music provided by the Long Island Philharmonic was patriotic in theme and the event was attended by over 30,000 guests.
As has become tradition, this summer’s event will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show provided by premier pyrotechnic firm, Fireworks by Grucci.
For more information visit www.islipartscouncil.org.