A celebration of community, culture, and the transformative power of music

BOUKAN NEWS, 08/21/2025 – Valley Stream, NY– On a balmy August evening that seemed destined for music, the Valley Stream Bandshell pulsed with rhythmic energy as hundreds of voices joined in celebration. August 9, 2025, marked not just another summer concert, but a milestone moment: the 20th anniversary of Dr. Simon’s Jazz Festival—two decades of bringing together a community through the universal language of jazz and world music.

Under the steadfast leadership of Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages (22nd Assembly District) and Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (3rd Legislative District), what began as Dr. Simon’s intimate vision in private backyard blossomed into Valley Stream’s most beloved cultural tradition.

By 6:00 PM, the magic was already evident. Families with children in tow, teenagers discovering jazz for the first time, and seasoned music lovers all converged on the iconic bandshell. The evening’s lineup read like a love letter to musical diversity: the sophisticated harmonies of the Adam Morzini Trio set the stage, followed by the soul-stirring voices of a local choir that transformed the outdoor venue into a cathedral of sound.

Cesimi brought infectious energy that had audience members swaying despite themselves, while Buyu Ambrose and his ensemble delivered jazz with a contemporary edge that bridged generations. The Dream Dance Fitness troupe added visual poetry to the musical canvas, and rising talent Space showcased the future of the local music scene. But it was the legendary Tabou Combo—masters of Haitian and Caribbean rhythms—who truly ignited the night, their world music creating a sonic celebration that transcended cultural boundaries.

This wasn’t merely a concert; it was Valley Stream in full bloom. Food trucks formed a culinary United Nations along the perimeter, offering everything from traditional American fare to authentic ethnic cuisines that reflected the community’s rich diversity. An ice cream truck became a beacon for delighted children, while local vendors transformed the grounds into a marketplace of entrepreneurial spirit and neighborly warmth.

The festival’s success story is inseparable from the vision and dedication of its political champions. Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, representing the 22nd Assembly District’s diverse communities—Valley Stream, North and South Valley Stream, Elmont, South Floral Park, Floral Park, Bellerose, North Woodmere, Stewart Manor, and parts of Franklin Square—has consistently championed education, diversity, early childhood development, and small business support. Her unwavering commitment to Dr. Simon’s festival reflects her broader mission of strengthening community bonds through cultural enrichment.

Similarly, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages has made the festival a priority within his 3rd Legislative District, which encompasses Valley Stream, Elmont, South Floral Park, Franklin Square, North Valley Stream, Bellerose Terrace, and parts of West Hempstead. Known for his focus on public safety, disaster preparedness, transportation advocacy, and direct constituent engagement, Legislator Solages understands that strong communities are built through shared experiences and cultural celebration.

“It’s a chance to release our similarities and differences so everyone can simply enjoy being together,” shared one festival-goer, capturing the evening’s essence with remarkable clarity. Another attendee beamed while recounting her family’s experience: “A wonderful time for my family—we met our legislators, Solages candidate Cynthia Nunez, and most importantly Dr. Simon, the man who started it all.”

These weren’t just casual observations; they were testimonials to the festival’s deeper purpose. In an era when communities often feel fragmented, Dr. Simon’s Jazz Festival has become an antidote—a place where diversity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated, where music serves as both bridge and destination.

 A Legacy Twenty Years in the Making

The estimated crowd of over 2,500 represented far more than attendance figures; they embodied Dr. Simon’s original dream made manifest. From those first intimate gatherings in living rooms to this grand community celebration, the festival’s growth parallels Valley Stream’s own evolution—a community that has learned to honor its roots while embracing its future.

The collaborative support from both Solages leaders has been instrumental in this transformation. Their backing elevated the festival from a local event to a regional destination, turning it into what many now consider the cultural heartbeat of Valley Stream’s summer calendar.

As the final notes faded into the warm August night, the festival concluded exactly as it began—with community, connection, and the promise of return. The evening passed without incident, filled instead with laughter, melody, and the kind of genuine community spirit that seems increasingly rare in our digital age.

The only minor disappointment? This reporter’s forgotten folding chair—a small oversight that nonetheless serves as a reminder of the festival’s welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where comfort comes not from amenities but from the warmth of shared experience.

 Unity Through Diversity

Assemblywoman Solages, Legislator Solages, and Dr. Simon have created more than an annual event; they’ve crafted a template for community building through cultural celebration. Their shared vision demonstrates that music, mutual respect, and inclusive leadership are indeed powerful agents of social cohesion.

As Valley Stream looks toward the future, Dr. Simon’s Jazz Festival stands as proof that when visionary individuals partner with committed public servants, extraordinary things happen. The festival’s message—unity and diversity through music—offers a blueprint that every community should consider embracing.

Here’s to twenty years of musical magic, and to many more anniversaries under the Valley Stream skies. Next year, I’ll remember the folding chair.

—

*Pierre Richard Raymond is a freelance writer covering community events and cultural celebrations throughout Long Island. He can be reached through Bookan News.*