International AL JOLSON Society Kicks Off 17th Annual Long Island Festival in Oceanside Today

Fifty-three years ago, shaken by the death of their idol, Al Jolson, a group of Jolson fans, led by the late Dolores Kontowicz of Wisconsin, created the International Al Jolson Society. "Jolie" served as the Society's honorary President for the first few months of 1950 until his death in October of that year.

Made up out of the fragments of Al Jolson fan clubs throughout the US, the IAJS now boasts approximately 1,000 members worldwide, who work to promote and perpetuate the memory the man once called "The World's Greatest Entertainer," and who was Broadway's first superstar and the man who starred in the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer in 1927. In August 2006, the IAJS celebrated one of its greatest accomplishments when New York City designated the corner of 51st and Broadway near The Winter Garden Theatre (the home of Jolson's greatest musical theater triumphs). "Al Jolson Way." The IAJS holds a yearly festival (in May) in cities throughout the world, publishes two 64-page Jolson Journals each year, maintains a complete library of Jolson recordings and radio programs, and even has a line of Jolsonesque collectibles.

Today, August 17, led by current Society President Jan Hernstat of Long Island, New York, the IAJS will hold its 17th annual Long Island Al Jolson Festival, from 9am to 4:30 pm, at Oceanside Knights of Columbus, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside, NY 11572. Starring at this year's event will be Staten Island-based singer Tony Babino (known as "The Heart of Al Jolson) with Dave Gross at the Piano. Babino will be performing from 2:30-3:30. Also appearing will be Los Angeles-based entertainer Richard Halpern (called "Mr. Tin Pan Alley"), singer/songwriter Brian Gari, who is the grandson of the legendary Broadway star Eddie Cantor. This year's special guest will be the famed TV and radio talk show host Joe Franklin. There will also be a speciAl Jolson DVD Presentation and a Society Auction consisting of donated memorabilia.

Tickets are $40.95 per person, which includes entertainment and meals and must be purchased in advance. For those who can't come for the whole day and just want to attend the Tony Babino show (no food), the cost is $23.0 and no one will be admitted before 12:30. Seating is limited and checks will be returned once capacity is reached.

For out-of-towners: The Rockville Centre Inn in Lynbrook will be available (which includes free continental breakfast. and free transportation from JFK and LaGuardia Airports.) Phone 516-593-1600 or visit www.rockvillecentreinn.com. If someone needs help getting a hotel room or needs transportation from hotel to event, the Society will try to accommodate all. For more information and details on where to send checks for tickets, call Jan Hernstat at 516-678-3524.

For more information on the International Al Jolson Society on how to join, go to the website at: www.jolson.org.

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