Patchogue Theatre to Continue 'Live in the Lobby' Lineup During Renovations

While Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (PTPA) undergoes an extensive renovation of the historic venue's interior, PTPA will continue its popular lobby programming through the winter months, which includes the 10 year celebration of Long Island's Home to Original Music, "Live in the Lobby," on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and the first "Library in the Lobby" event on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.

"Patchogue lobby programming has evolved so much since we first began 'Live in the Lobby' back in 2006," said Christopher Capobianco, board member of Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts and "Live in the Lobby" curator. "The fact that we are celebrating 10 years of 'Live in the Lobby,' and have since created four additional lobby series, is a testament to the success of our unique programming model. We are glad we are able to continue our lobby events during the renovation work and keep Patchogue Theatre active."

"Live in the Lobby" kicks off the 2016 lobby season at Patchogue Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m., with the Americana band, "Mediacrime," whose music is flavored with the social commentary of folk and 60s rock with the sonic and visual impact of punk, and the Bellmore-based "Quirk Rock" trio, Chupacabra Cabaret. That same weekend will be the first "Library in the Lobby" event featuring Long Island University political philosophy professor and author Dr. Michael Soupios, who will speak about his latest book, "The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership: Classical Wisdom for Modern Leaders," on Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.

On Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m., "Live in the Lobby" will celebrate 10 years of the music series. For the landmark anniversary of the "venue within a venue," Patchogue Theatre will host the ultimate lobby event showcasing each of its amazing and unique lobby programs: "Laughter in the Lobby," live comedy in Downtown Patchogue featuring comedians from Long Island and New York City for an affordable ticket price ($10 admission); "New Musicals Project," Long Island playwrights and musicians performing original musical theater works; "Library in the Lobby," author speaking events and writer workshops at no admission charge; The Patchogue Folk Festival, a showcase of local singer-songwriters; and of course "Live in the Lobby," a paying gig for Long Island musicians who are given the opportunity to perform their own original music in a listening room with great acoustics.

Long Island singer-songwriter Rorie Kelly will celebrate the release of her sophomore album, "Rising, Rising, Rising" on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m., with a special "Live in the Lobby" performance that includes both songs from her new album and a short set by Long Island musicians playing Rorie Kelly favorites. Kelly has been compared to Joni Mitchell and Sara Bareilles for her catchy-confessional songwriting style and raw powerhouse vocals.

The Como Brothers Band will make their "Live in the Lobby" debut on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Brothers Matt and Andrew Como are singers, songwriters and performers from Mount Sinai, N.Y. Their new album "Imagination" was recorded with Grammy Award-winning producer Graham Marsh (Bruno Mars, CeeLo Green) at Germano Studios in New York City. American Idol finalist, YouTube sensation, and pop singer-songwriter, Sam Woolf, will also perform that night. Woolf is known for his original arrangements, beautiful pitch perfect tone and emotional original songs. He receives tremendous support from his fan club, the "WOOLFPACK" on social media.

Patchogue Theatre Lobby Winter 2016 Line-Up:

Saturday, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. - Live in the Lobby Presents Mediacrime & Chupacabra Cabaret

Sunday, Jan. 10, 3 p.m. - Library in the Lobby Presents "The Ten Golden Rules of Leadership" with Long Island University political philosophy professor Dr. Michael Soupios

Saturday, Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. - Live in the Lobby Celebrates 10 Amazing Years! (various performers)

Saturday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. - Live in the Lobby Presents Rorie Kelly's Album Release Celebration for Rising, Rising, Rising

Thursday, Feb. 4 - 7:30 p.m. - Live in the Lobby Presents The Como Brothers Band & Sam Woolf

Admission to Patchogue Theatre's lobby programs is $10, except for "Library in the Lobby," which is a free program thanks to the support of the Patchogue-Medford Library. Reservations are strongly encouraged for all lobby events because there is limited seating that is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To make a reservation, patrons can call the box office at 631-207-1313 or email boxoffice@patchoguetheatre.org. For more information on Patchogue Theatre's lobby programs or upcoming events, visit PatchogueTheatre.org/Lobby.

Long Island's Home of Original Music, "Live in the Lobby," celebrates its 10 year anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

Patchogue Theatre first opened in 1923 as the largest theatre in Suffolk County. It still is, with 1,166 seats. Saved by Village of Patchogue in 1996 and lovingly restored it to its original grandeur, this beautiful and historic venue was in use 230 days with over 140,000 in attendance for its 2014-2015 season. PTPA is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that leases the building from the Village of Patchogue and covers all of the operating costs without any subsidies from the Village. PTPA's leadership consists of a volunteer board of directors and a small professional staff. Patchogue Theatre continues to thrive thanks to the hard work of over 80 volunteers as well as the businesses, funding agencies and individuals who support PTPA by contributing their time and resources. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, N.Y., and can be reached at 631-207-1313 or by visiting PatchogueTheatre.org.