Comeback Kid:
Marie Knight

M.C. Records – the Northport-based record label that now ranks as one of the top national blues indies – recently released gospel legend Marie Knight's first recording in 20 years, Let Us Get Together. The world is noticing; Knight has been scheduled for print interviews in No Depression, Living Blues, and Singout. In addition, Knight and her producer and friend, Larry Campbell will perform a showcase at the famed Joe's Pub in New York City on August 10.

Let Us Get Together is a tribute to the Reverend Gary Davis' gospel songs. Marie, like Gary Davis lives in Harlem, and like Gary, Marie is a preacher. Marie spent 20 years with gospel superstar Sister Rosetta Tharpe as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

Campbell, who performed on guitar on throughout the album, produced this new effort. Campbell's previous work includes recording and touring with Bob Dylan as well as performing on recordings by Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Lyle Lovett, and Little Feat, among others. His production credits include The Dixie Hummingbirds, Richard Shindell, Lucy Kaplansky, and Ollabelle. Also performing on the new Knight CD are Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds and vocalist Catherine Russell.

North Fork Bank
Jazz Festival
Brings Superstars

Friends Of the Arts (FOTA) presents the North Fork Bank Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay. Dave Koz & Friends (featuring David Benoit, Phil Perry, and Kelly Sweet) and Acoustic Alchemy take the stage on Saturday, August 11 at 7 pm. On Sunday, August 12 at 7 pm, the Jazz Festival features the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Long Island native and jazz vocalist Jane Monheit. Beginning at 5:30 pm on Sunday, top Long Island jazz students will perform on the FOTA stage prior to the main concert.

Reserved seating FOTA Pavilion tickets range from $45 to $120, and lawn tickets are $35. Kids 12 and under are free on the lawn, thanks to Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Tickets can be ordered through TicketMaster.com or by calling (631) 888-9000. Tickets are $5 more on day of show. Gates open 90 minutes prior to the performance.

For information about FOTA’s 2007 Summer Festival and North Fork Bank Jazz Festival, call FOTA at (516) 922-0061 or visit FOTApresents.org.

Each summer, Friends of the Arts (FOTA) presents outdoor Summer and Jazz Festivals, each of which draws thousands of arts patrons to Planting Fields in Oyster Bay for what has become a highlight of Long Island’s summer concert season. FOTA also provides performances, workshops, and residencies to more than 25,000 Long Island students each year through its ArtReach arts-in-education program.