Addabbo's Annual Arnie Mig Big Band Memorial Concert Draws Large Crowd

Over 100 people turned out for a night of classic swing music as Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato hosted the 12th Annual Arnie Mig Big Band Memorial Concert outdoors in Howard Beach at the St. Helen’s parking lot.

The show featured Frank Pedulla and the Music Staff Swing Orchestra & Dixieland Band whose performance was a big hit with the audience, particularly their rendition of Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing.” The show also featured vocalist Michelle Collier from the Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club.

The evening would not have been complete without some humor. Howard Beach resident, comedian Randy Novick, better known as Rockn’ Randy, got big laughs with his routine modeled after the humor of Rodney Dangerfield.

The namesake of the concert, Arnold “Arnie Mig” Migliaccio was the leader of the Serenaders in Blue Orchestra that held the very first annual swing concert for the residents of Howard Beach nearly three decades ago where they performed Big Band-era jazz music from the 1940’s.

When the beloved musician passed away on June 7, 2009, Addabbo wanted to honor Migliaccio’s legacy and continue the tradition that he established. Therefore, Addabbo started the Arnie Mig Memorial Big Band Concert in 2009 that would allow the residents of Howard Beach to continue to enjoy the music that Migliaccio played for them. Many of the musicians who played at the concert for the Music Staff Swing Orchestra & Dixieland Band also played for Arnie Mig’s Serenaders.

“I am so pleased that this concert brings so much joy to the community,” Addabbo said. “It’s important to keep community traditions like this one alive, so that future generations can enjoy this special type of music, and learn about people like Arnie Mig.”

Senator Addabbo and Assemblymember Pheffer Amato would like to thank co-sponsors Brady & Bader law firm and QARI, as well as St. Helen’s parish for allowing us to use their parking lot space.

Video from last night’s concert can be viewed on Senator Addabbo’s YouTube at the link below:

https://youtu.be/4rxOj6J7cNs