Brookhaven Amphitheatre in Farmingdale, NY is expected to sign a 10-year deal with the Morey Organization in Garden City, NY, which will book shows and invest $1 million in venue improvements. The Morey Organization, which owns three radio stations and the Vanderbilt Entertainment Night Club, had a trial run at the amphitheater last year and turned an $8,000 profit for the town.
According to John Caracciolo, president of Morey Organization, $400,000 has already been invested in improvements to the sewage system, new bathrooms, sound and lighting systems and 200 new permanent seats, with 500 more to be added at the end of this season.
Brookhaven Supervisor John Jay LaValle told Suffolk Life Newspaper, "It will be to their benefit to make these improvements early in the agreement so they will see the benefits," noting that he has "been a proponent" of bringing in Morey Organization. "They have the ability, track record and expertise to promote this facility and to make it work. They are committed to doing $1 million in capital improvements, and in addition, Brookhaven at the very least will be matching that money over 10 years."
"We have produced over 350 shows in the last five years, and in Brookhaven we will do 23 shows for the summer 2002 season," Caracciolo said, who added that the town will have the right to schedule eight events. "This is a unique partnership between the town and private industry … and we will be working very hard to bring big sponsorships and to produce shows at a more professional level, because our goal is to keep ticket prices at a cost not to exceed $20 each over the 10-year period."
Previously, the amphitheater turned no profits for the town, but that will now change. The town will receive a $7, 500 flat fee for every event Morey stages, another $10,000 security fee pershow, and the balance of $1 million in improvements. Caracciolo said he will also be working with the town to help them produce their shows on a more professional level. In addition, the town will receive percentages from the Morey-run concessions as well as a percentage of sponsorships.
"We do everything and do not sublet anything out, and we're bringing the entire facility up to code," Caracciolo said.
Kicking off its season May 24, bookings include The Monkees, appearing with Barry Williams of the Brady Bunch; KC and the Sunshine Band; Toto; Leon Russell and Edgar Winter with special guest King Norris featuring Fred Norris of the Howard Stern Show; Gin Blossoms; Glenn Miller Orchestra; Long Island Philharmonic; Americana Blues Festival and Rock Fest 2002 featuring Judas Priest, Warrant, Ratt, LA Guns, Dokken and Firehouse.
The amphitheater expects to have permanent seating for a 5,000 capacity.
