Arts & Entertainment
Mary Lamont Band Sizzles at The Common Ground
Fans dance the night away to country classics.
On Saturday, the Islip Arts Council presented Mary Lamont, the Queen of Long Island Country Music, at the Common Ground. Performing some good old-fashioned Americana to over 200 people as the first in a summer series, the band was hot in more ways than one.
Even in the middle of a heat wave, this band knows how to get people to kick their feet up - literally. Lamont's energy on stage is infectious. In her funky dress and cowgirl boots, the willowy singer joined the crowd in a line dance as she crooned.
Each song, especially their riveting originals, had the audience out of their lawn chairs and on to the grass. The husband and wife team of Mary Lamont and guitarist Jim Marchese, penned their tune, "Take This Ride," at an amusement park. The upbeat tempo and nostalgic feel was reminiscent of the Patsy Cline era. However, one doesn't have to be from that time to appreciate the music of Mary Lamont. People of all ages gathered to hear the wide range of the set list, which included covers of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and the Dixie Chicks.
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Eager to please the fans, the band took a request and played "Blue Roses," a song the audience had learned a special dance to. Lamont sweetly said, "it's just beautiful to watch," when couples began to two-step and promenade their partners around the gazebo.
It's obvious that followers of Mary Lamont don't just come to one gig – they go to them all. "I can't count how many times I've seen her," said Kim Attanasio. "I just love country music, and she plays a variety of songs that you can still dance to."
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The Canadian-born songstress expressed her gratitude for her audience's appreciation. "It feels like we are one big family," Lamont said of the relationship between her band and their fans. "The same people show up to each show, and we all feel so comfortable together. I always talk to the audience and really enjoy them. The people of Long Island respond so well to us; it's such a pleasure."
To learn more about the Mary Lamont band and upcoming shows, you can visit www.marylamont.com.
The summer of 2010 will be full of free, family fun at the Common Ground, including the band Big Shot, who will be there on Friday night. For more information about future events, check out their website.
