ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
BESTOFLONGISLAND.COM WINNERS GUIDE BETHPAGE BEST OF LONG ISLAND 2022 9
BEST ANNUAL
EVENT / FESTIVAL
ANNUAL PORT JEFFERSON
CHARLES DICKENS FESTIVAL
101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson
631-473-5220 gpjac.org
Every year around Christmas time, the Annual
Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival transforms
the Village of Port Jefferson into a Dickensian
stage to honor the beloved 19th-century author.
Community members act out scenes as some of
his most famous characters, including Father
Christmas, Dickens Mayor, Scrooge, the Town
Crier, and the chimney sweeps. The costumed
acting troupe, composed of both local students
and adults, uses natural outdoor stages around
the village for skits and sings Christmas carols,
bringing the spirit of Victorian England right to
the seaport village for a weekend. December 2021
marked the 25th Annual Port Jefferson Charles
Dickens Festival. Villagers were thrilled upon its
return and can’t wait to see what the tradition has
in store for this coming year.
BEST ART GALLERY
THE FIREFLY ARTISTS
162 Main St., Northport
631-651-5545 thefireflyartists.com
Calling all artists and art lovers alike! If you haven’t
checked out The Firefly Artists in Northport yet,
you really should. Situated right on Main Street,
The Firefly Artists have been showcasing the works
of local artists since 2011. Each month, the gallery
highlights a different exhibition over a vast array
of mediums and subject matters. The gallery’s
goal is to create a space where artists can meet,
collaborate, and sell their beautiful creations all in
one place. The gallery has displayed the works of
more than 200 Long Island artists and assisted in
sales so artists can make a living while they hone
their craft. When you purchase an artist’s work
at The Firefly Artists, not only are you supporting
that artist directly but you are keeping the
gallery’s vision alive. Plus, the gallery hosts regular
workshops where the public can learn and grow
through art as well.
BEST ARTIST
/ PAINTER
DEBBIE VIOLA
43 Mayflower Ave., Massapequa Park
516-643-2439 debbieviola.com
Artist Debbie Viola says her need to paint is as
strong as her need to breathe, and she means
it! Viola is one of those people who found their
calling later in life — but managed to turn it
into an award-winning business. Viola left her
successful corporate career after witnessing the
9/11 terrorist attacks from her New York City
office window. At the age of 40, she picked up
a paintbrush for the first time and hasn’t put
it down since. Viola offers an array of creative
services, including fine abstract paintings, plaster,
and decorative wall finishes, refinished cabinetry,
murals, epoxy countertops, and more. But her
favorite service? Teaching people, from ages 4 to
80, the beauty of painting. “Remember, it’s never
too late,” she says, “and in this tumultuous world
we live in, it’s important to indulge in a hobby to
give your brain a mental reset.”
BEST ARTIST /
PHOTOGRAPHIC
FOUR BOYS PHOTOGRAPHY
- LISA HYLAND
4boysphoto@gmail.com
When it comes time for family photos
or to hire a photographer for a big
event, get Four Boys Photography on
the job. With more than 10 years of
professional experience under her belt,
Lisa is incredible with the camera and
will make the photo-taking experience
fun for everyone. She is passionate about
photographing families and capturing
memories that will last a lifetime. Four
Boys Photography can shoot photos at
weddings, sports games, and school
events, as well as take senior portraits and
product photos. The end result is simply
amazing, and you’ ll be glad you chose
Four Boys to get the angle on you and your
family’s smiling faces just right.
BEST AUTHOR ON
LONG ISLAND
MARKOS PAPADATOS
516-313-1188 digitaljournal.com/author/
markos-papadatos
Co-author of Amazon bestseller Manifesting
Your Dreams: Inspiring Words of
Encouragement, Strength, and Perseverance
Markos Papadatos has some sage advice for
soul searchers. The book is comprised of 20
inspiring stories, collected by author Marla
McKenna, that seek to provide the motivation
and encouragement to face all of life’s
many challenges. Papadatos’ story, entitled
“Achieving Journalistic Dreams, Despite
Adversity,” is an autobiographical tale of the
author’s rocky road to success as a teenage
music journalist from Fresh Meadows who
had an affinity for the musical genre least
likely to get you published in New York City:
country. Papadatos may have endured some
early adversity, but he has since published tens
of thousands of articles for several different
publications. His message? Perseverance is key!
BEST BAND–
NON COVER
MOTU
516-658-1131 motu.net
Long Islanders have turned to MOTU, a popular
blues enthusiast and musician, as a source for
the latest in music. MOTU is the recipient of two
Billboard Music Awards and a past semi-finalist
winner of the International Blues Challenge
(IBC). The singer-songwriter has a growing global
fan base that can also be demonstrated from his
over 450,000 Indie CD and DVD sales, nearly
250,000 (and growing) followers on Facebook,
and 8.6 million views of his live videos on
YouTube! He offers his fans a breath of fresh air
with unique style and energy. With fashionable
style and flashy guitars, MOTU wows crowds and
is the talk of the party at any event!
BEST BEACH
JONES BEACH
1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh
What would Long Island be without its beaches?
This year, Jones Beach in Wantagh takes the top
spot for best beach. Every summer, families flock
there for some fun in the sun. It’s where generations
of Long Islanders have made memories picnicking,
playing in the sand, and swimming in the ocean.
But this South Shore landmark is more than just a
beach – it’s a boardwalk where cyclists and runners
get exercise and where several annual charity walks
are held each year, a site for live music, and a nature
preserve. There are also food concessions on the
recently-renovated boardwalk and an adventure
course. Plus, it’s the site of the popular Bethpage Air
Show every Memorial Day Weekend, a fireworks
show on the Fourth of July, and the Magic of Lights
holiday drive-thru show to round out the year. Safe
to say Jones Beach has it all, and Long Islanders
treasure it.
2022
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