The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) marked its 20th anniversary with a special Holiday Celebration over the weekend of November 30th and December 1st. This two-day event brought together an incredible mix of local and legendary talent, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Day 1: A Rich Tapestry of Sounds
The festivities kicked off on November 30th, featuring an eclectic mix of performances. Casey Adams opened the night with his soulful energy, followed by Mark Newman’s smooth rock stylings. The Kerry Kearney Band brought their signature blend of blues and rock, while the Stanton Anderson Band closed out the evening with an electrifying set that kept the crowd on their feet.
Day 2: A Star-Studded Celebration
The second day, December 1st, was a true celebration of music, featuring a lineup that spanned genres and generations. One of the highlights of the day was the performance by Ernie and the Band, who took the stage with a setlist that included Tangled Up in Blue, No Rest, Summertime, and Dead Man Walking. The band’s dynamic sound was a testament to their organic, genre-blending approach to music, which has earned them a devoted following.
I had the chance to talk with Ernie and the Band after their performance, where they shared insights into their musical journey. Founders John and Rob, best friends since childhood, were joined by Nick and Brady, who completed the band’s lineup. Their songwriting process is fluid, beginning with a simple melody, lyric, or progression that grows into a full song. The band cited standout performances at the Great South Bay Music Festival and their recent two-night run at Industry in Huntington as major highlights of their career.
Next up was the legendary DMC (Daryl McDaniels), who took the stage with Johnny Juice and Richard Barone. Before his performance, I had the chance to speak with DMC, where he shared how his passion for storytelling has expanded beyond music. He began by talking about how his college lectures evolved into speaking engagements at high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, where he adapted his message for younger audiences. His love for storytelling led him to write a children’s book about his childhood experience with bullying, offering kids a relatable narrative that connects with his career in hip-hop.
DMC also reflected on his early influences, revealing how his love for comic books sparked his creativity before he found music through the diverse sounds of 1970s New York radio. When I asked about today’s hip-hop scene, DMC rejected the notion that hip-hop is only for the young, asserting that veteran artists like himself continue to carry the torch for future generations.
In a conversation with DJ Johnny Juice, renowned turntablist and producer for Public Enemy, he emphasized the importance of authenticity for aspiring DJs and producers, advising them to “do it for yourself” and trust that the right audience will follow. Juice distinguished between DJ culture and turntablism, praising the technical advancements but cautioning against losing the human touch, urging DJs to “inject your personality into the cut.” Reflecting on his roots as a Latin percussionist, he explained how his rhythmic style of scratching was influenced by playing bongos and congas as a child. His move from the Bronx to Long Island allowed him to blend diverse influences, creating a unique, genre-defying sound that set Long Island hip-hop apart.
A major highlight of DMC’s set was his tribute to Billy Joel, where he shared his excitement about a collaboration that blends Billy Joel’s You May Be Right with hip-hop. DMC jokingly revealed his dream of getting Billy Joel involved in writing original songs for his Broadway musical, which is based on DMC’s life story. “I think Billy Joel needs to be a part of this. We’re gonna make history, baby!” DMC laughed.
Following the tribute, DMC performed several Run-D.M.C. classics, including It’s Tricky, Walk This Way, and Christmas in Hollis. The crowd was energized as he seamlessly blended his iconic hip-hop sound with rock influences, paying homage to the roots of both genres. DMC’s son, Dson McDaniels, also performed his new song Pray, showing the next generation of McDaniels talent.
He also praised the LIMEHOF as a “holy place” where diverse genres come together to create a rich cultural tapestry—a “gumbo” that nourishes the heart, mind, body, and soul. Reflecting on his journey from a fan listening to rock legends on the radio to sharing stages with icons like David Lee Roth, Dave Navarro, and Aerosmith, DMC highlighted the surreal honor of standing among those he once admired. He emphasized the unity of genres—rock, hip-hop, blues, and jazz—and reminded the audience that while disco may have faded, the music and its spirit live on. With heartfelt gratitude, DMC concluded by urging everyone to keep dancing and supporting live music, leaving the audience energized and inspired.
After DMC’s electrifying performance, comedian Paul Anthony took the stage for a killer stand-up routine that had the audience laughing from start to finish.
The festivities continued with Firetog & Co, who performed tracks like How a Heart Breaks and Ball and Chain, followed by American Idol’s Christiaan Padavan, who captivated the crowd with his renditions of Vienna by Billy Joel, Just the Two of Us, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, and Please Come Home for Christmas.
The celebration at the LIMEHOF concluded with a high-energy performance from The Original Gossip Band, who closed out the weekend with their songs Above Water, Front Liners, Megan, and Driving to the End.
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