19th Annual Long Island AL JOLSON Festival Featuring Singer TONY BABINO Set for Today

When Al Jolson died in October 1950 at the age of 64, the world lost the man who was arguably the first pop superstar of the 20th century and the Broadway musical theater actor and singing sensation who had been acknowledged as "The World's Greatest Entertainer." A few months before Jolson died, a passionate Jolson fan named Dolores Kontowicz from Wisconsin founded the "Al Jolson Society." Sixty-five years later, the 1,000-plus member "International Al Jolson Society" is not only still going strong, the organization holds an annual May "Festival" at various venues around America and the world. In addition, the Society's current President Jan Hernstat has for the past 18 years produced a "Mini" Jolson Festival in Long Island, which attracts Society members and local residents who want to revel in the memory of The Great Jolson. This year's 19th Annual event will be held today, August 15, 9:30-4:00 pm, in Oceanside, New York (see complete info at end of this story).

Highlights of the 2015 Long Island Al Jolson Festival will include a Society auction, featuring a variety of historic memorabilia, videos, and tapes, a special presentation of never before seen color video of Jolson entertaining American troops overseas during the Korean war, and a performance from Brian Gari, the grandson of Jolson contemporary and legendary comedian/singer Eddie Cantor. But as always, the featured guest performer will be singer Tony Babino, who will offer his two-hour show "The Heart of Al Jolson" (with Dave Gross on piano). Babino, who will be making his solo debut at the Manhattan nightclub 54 Below on November 3, sings all the Jolson classics as if delivered by the legend himself.

"I keep bringing back the Long Island Jolson Festival because it helps keep the name of Al Jolson alive during a day and age when it could easily be forgotten," Hernstat says. "And with a talent like Tony B. singing all those Jolson songs, it's very easy to do."

Here's a video of Tony Babino singing a Jolson classic at the 2012 Long Island Jolson Festival:

"I have been a fan of the great Al Jolson since I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn and watched the film The Jolson Story on TV," adds Babino. "Throughout my life, I've always tried to pay tribute to Jolson whenever I've had the chance. However, as a performer, there is no greater honor than to be able to sing Jolson songs for Jolson fans and that's what makes singing at the Jolson Festivals truly special."

For 2015, the 19th Annual Long Island Al Jolson Festival will be held on Saturday, August 15 from 9:30 am-4:00 pm at the Oceanside Knights of Columbus, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside, NY 11572. Tickets are $43.95, including great entertainment, a continental breakfast, and a lunch buffet. For those who only want to attend the Tony Babino show, the cost is $23 (lunch not included) and you can be admitted after 12:30 pm. Seating is limited so book reservations as soon as possible. [For information on registering and reservations, contact Jan Hernstat at jolsonvp@optonline.net or call 516-678-3524 or register online at: www.jolson.org].

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