Holbrook Chamber Offers A Blast From The Past

The era of bell-bottoms, bold prints, platform shoes and mood rings was evoked during the free concert featuring That 70's band, which was held last week at the . The well-attended event was presented by the , Legis. Bill Lindsay and Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan.

This is the second year in a row that Holbrook is hosting "Concerts Under the Stars" at the country club.  The next show takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10 with headliners, Rolling Stones tribute band, Streetfighter.

Hundreds of residents parked all the way down both sides of the street, and hoofed it the rest of the way, carrying folding chairs and blankets. Golf carts were on hand, to aid those who couldn't walk the distance in arriving, at the family-friendly affair.

"Tonight we're going to transform the Holbrook Country Club into a boogie wonderland," promised Holbrook Chamber of Commerce President Rick Ammirati, owner of , while joining the band on stage at the start of the show, and looking dapper in a '70s inspired white suit.

This wasn't the first time Ammirati had appeared before a crowd in the striking ensemble. He danced on stage in it during a Prince concert at Nassau Coliseum in 2004, when he and his wife were plucked from the audience.

"This is special, just what the community needs in a tough economy, not to have to spend too much money to take the family out. This is a first-rate performing act," said Ammirati about the featured performers, one of Long Island's premier dance bands.

Several concertgoers, ranging in age from small children to seniors, couldn't resist the power of the groove, emanating from the feel good melodies that were rendered by the charismatic, soulful and extremely talented act, and before long a bona fide dance party was in full swing.

The upbeat disco-infused set included crowd favorites such as the Bee Gees' "You Should Be Dancing", Alicia Bridges' "I Love the Nightlife" and "Don't Leave Me This Way" by Thelma Houston.

Lindsay agreed that a celebration like this came at the perfect time.

"I think it's an economic stimulus," he said. It gets people to go out; a lot of them go out to dinner first. They buy refreshments here. It gets people out of the house in very difficult times."

Those in attendance seemed to let loose, and forget about the daily grind, as they got the chance to unwind and spend a couple of hours appreciating the simple pleasures of a summer evening,  terrific tunes, quality time with family and friends and, of course, nostalgia.

"We're proud of our community.  This is a way of thanking them for supporting our businesses," said Ammirati.  "Holbrook is a happening place."

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