SCHS: America 250 — Concert, 4.18 | Exhs — ‘Visions of Freedom’, Recept 6.25 / ‘…Blessings of Liberty’ Opens 5.9th

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AMERICA 250 CONCERT

The Evolution & Revolution of American Music, featuring Transitions Saxophone Quartet

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – 2:00 pm

This performance is free with museum admission, but registration is required to 631-727-2881 x100.

Museum admission: $5 adult, $3 senior, $1 child, members free

Through performance, narrative, and multimedia presentation, Transitions Saxophone Quartet will explore artists in early American culture who imitated traditional European classical music and then revolutionized the style, creating unique American sounds that evolved into many musical genres enjoyed today. American music is the “melting pot” of many cultures, and Transitions will explore these musical mixtures and how they are directly responsible for the emergence of the beloved genres that we enjoy today, including jazz, ragtime, swing, bebop, hip hop, rock & roll, R & B, and funk. The presentation will guide us through a musical journey and help us develoр а deeper appreciation and understanding of the linear evolution of American music. We will enjoy some of America’s most cherished melodies by composers Billings, Gilmore, Joplin, and Beach as well as the sounds of more contemporary artists Gershwin, Berlin, Copland, Bernstein, Charlie Parker, Neil Diamond, Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, and Stevie Wonder.

TRANSITIONS SAXOPHONE QUARTET is Bill Link – Alto & Soprano Saxophone; Mike Rudnicki – Alto Saxophone; Jim Lasher – Tenor Saxophone; and Bill Leacock – Baritone & Bass Saxophone. Founded in 1987 by members of the Smithtown Community Band, Transitions Saxophone Quartet has performed for a wide range of audiences throughout Long Island. Venues have included wineries, art galleries, libraries, weddings, and private parties. Transitions is dedicated to bringing the unique sound of music written for the saxophone to the general public.

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AMERICA 250 EXHIBIT: Visions of Freedom

A Multimedia Exhibition by Women Sharing Art, Inc.

In Our Gish Gallery March 1 – August 22, 2026

EVENING RECEPTION: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. $5 admission, members free. Light refreshments will be served.

In Visions of Freedom over 30 talented artists bring together diverse perspectives to explore what freedom means in the American experience. Through deeply personal expressions and varied artistic languages, from richly textured mosaics and luminous glass pieces to evocative photographs and expressive paintings, the exhibit celebrates both historical ideals and contemporary interpretations of liberty, identity, and possibility. Drawing on each artist’s unique background and voice, the works invite viewers to reflect on the many dimensions of freedom in a nation shaped by diverse cultures, struggles, and stories. Visions of Freedom is not only a visual display of craftsmanship across media but also a thoughtful dialogue about the ideals at the core of America’s ongoing journey.

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America 250 Exhibit: For the Blessings of Liberty:

Suffolk County and the American Revolution

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Opening Reception: May 9, 2025 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

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Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children, members free. Light refreshments will be served.

On August 27th, 1776, the American army under command of General George Washington suffered defeat by the British at the Battle of Brooklyn. Washington’s army retreated, and Long Island would be under British control for the next seven years – longer than any other part of America.

Nearly a third of Suffolk County residents were able to flee to the mainland, but for those left behind – by choice or necessity – those seven years would be filled with uncertainty, divided loyalties, curfews, raids and confiscation, forced labor, and demands of the ever-present British soldiers.

Through our collection of historical artifacts – some of which are on display for the first time – the Suffolk County Historical Society explores this crucial period in our county’s history to examine the dear price we paid for the “Blessings of Liberty.”

In Our Weathervane Gallery May 9, 2026 – May 2027.

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America 250 LECTURE: “Long Island and the American Revolution” presented by Noel Gish. Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:00 PM.

$8; members free. Includes light refreshments. Registration and nonrefundable prepayment required: 631-727-2991 x100.

Presenter Noel Gish will dive into what few Long Islanders realize: the important role our island played in the American Revolution–from signers of the Declaration of Independence, to the largest battle of the war fought on our soil, to a daring and successful spy ring and the bold whaleboat raids on British strongholds, Long Island stood at the center of the struggle.

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Suffolk County Historical Society MUSEUM
300 W. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901
631.727.2881

www.SuffolkCountyHistoricalSociety.org
Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m, excluding holidays.

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