Wonderous Stories and K.J. Farrells “A happy marriage” by Neil Miller
As the first of many articles about the Long Island music scene to be published by Nysportsextra,what better place to begin than at K.J.Farrells on Wednesday nite with Wonderous Stories? K.J.Farrells at 242 Pettit Ave Bellmore (516-804-9925) across from the LIRR station offers live music 7 days a week,a full bar menu, drink specials,as well as some of the best local bands on Long Island.
Farrells opened in 2007 after taking over the existing bar at that location.Over the course of several years, the owner Kevin Sheehan,made improvements to the food and drink service as well as the sound system.Employees Rose Moriello and Craig Kelly are credited in the development of the club.
In 2008 , Wonderous Stories began to preform at the bar , and in 2009 began its Wednesday nite residency.Wonderous Stories is a unique local band. Founded by Kenny Forgione and Kevin McCann in 1994,the band has continued to evolve , as Kenny playfully puts it, The “Core Five” of Kenny, Kevin,Mark Bonder on keyboards and vocals,Ricky Martinez drums, and Tommy Williams, keyboards, guitars,vocals.
The uniqueness of Wonderous Stories is the way they cover a band , or an album, without duplicating set lists,and the ability to play almost any song or artist is a credit to the bands creativity and talent. Kenny quotes,”We aren’t afraid to play long deep cuts, slow songs,or come up with spur of the moments decisions.We feel the energy of that not by repeating sets, adds fun and enjoyment to ourselves and to our fans.”
This Wednesday nite was somewhat different,in that this is their last weekday gig at Farrells until after Labor Day, calling it fan appreciation nite, celebrating the band being together for 25 years. The set list varied between The Beatles, The Allman Brothers, The New Rascals, just to name a few. Loyal fans such as Terri Bishop , Tom Murphy , Julie and Ira, expressed the happiness that the band brings to them in the quality of the music and ” the way that the band will try just about anything to play at any time”( Terri Bishop),as well as the companionship of close friends that the crew at Farrells has made over the years.
Kevin Sheehan’s success with Farrells has now extended to the very popular “The Warehouse” on Broadway in Amityville,the former Mousetrap bar with a large bar,many food service tables and an open dance floor. He has an interest in a restaurant in Mattituck,East on Main 10560 Main road with Tony Piraino for the North Fork winery crowd and owns “ The Local” a bar at 357 Wantagh Ave in Levittown
Wonderous Stories during the summer will be at many out door venues. Please log on to Facebook under the bands name for place and time.