Addabbo Hosts Annual Concert to Honor Band Leader Arnie Mig
September 5, 2024
The show started off with the Star Spangled banner performed by George Lazurkenko (second from left).
It was a perfect evening to listen to some timeless big band music under the stars, as Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. hosted his Annual Arnie Mig Big Band Concert at the parking lot across the street from St. Helens in Howard Beach on August 29, 2024. The event featured the Music Staff Swng Orchestra with band leader, Frank Pedulla. It was co-sponsored by Senator Roxane J. Persaud and Assemblywoman Stacey Pfeffer Amato, along with the elder law firm of Brady & Bader LLP and Exit Realty.
Dozens of people brought lawn chairs and settled in for an evening of favorites which included songs like “In the Mood,” by Glenn Miller, “Sing, Sing, Sing,” by Benny Goodman and “Take the A Train,” by Duke Ellington. The concert had some special featured extras like 11-year-old, George Lazurkenko of Howard Beach, who kicked off the show with the “Star Spangled Banner.” He had only learned to play the saxophone 6 months earlier as Pedulla’s student.
Singer Adrienne Slomin of Valley Stream regaled the crowed with her renditions of “The Lady is a Tramp,” by Frank Sinatra and “You Made Me Love You (I didn’t want to do it), made famous by Al Jolson, and later by Patsy Cline. Trumpet player Omar Kabir of Gerritsen Beach also contributed a song, “I Can’t Get Started,” by Bunny Berigan.
The two-hour event was enjoyed by all and brought back memories of Arnie Mig. The concert honors Arnold “Arnie Mig” Migliaccio, the leader of the Serenaders in Blue Orchestra, who initiated the first annual swing concert for Howard Beach residents nearly thirty years ago, featuring Big Band-era jazz from the 1940s.
After Migliaccio’s passing on June 7, 2009, Senator Addabbo sought to preserve his legacy and the musical tradition he established. Thus, he inaugurated the Arnie Mig Memorial Big Band Concert, allowing the community to continue enjoying the music that Migliaccio once shared.
Assemblwoman Pheffer Amato and Exit Reality provided water and snacks for those in attendance. The performance closed out with renditions of “Sugar Blues,” by Clyde McCoy and “One O'Clock Jump,” by Count Basie.
“I’m delighted to bring this cherished event back to our community this year,” Addabbo stated. “Arnie Mig filled Howard Beach with music and joy through his concerts, and it’s an honor to uphold the tradition he started so many years ago. I extend my gratitude to St. Helens parish, Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, Brady & Bader law firm, and Exit Realty Central for their invaluable partnership in making this concert possible.”
"I was happy to partner with my colleagues to host the Arnie Mig concert which has been an annual event for the community," said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud “Events such as this bring the community together. I look forward to partnering on other initiatives that will benefit the community.”
“It was so much fun to once again host this great event in Howard Beach,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “Thank you to Senator Addabbo, Senator Persaud, and all the sponsors for supporting this tradition. Arnie Mig spread so much joy through his concerts, and it's our pleasure to continue that legacy and have so many people come out for a great evening of live big band music.”
Video footage from the concert is available on Senator Addabbo’s YouTube Channel at the links below.
