From Performance to Purpose: Senator Rhoads’ Sunset Music-Fest Brings Music & Community Together

Farmingdale, NY — On Saturday, August 2, 2025, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads partnered with the Farmingdale Village Board of Trustees to present the Sunset Music-Fest, a spirited community concert and donation drive held on the Farmingdale Village Green. The event united families, neighbors, and performers in a shared celebration of Long Island’s vibrant performing arts scene—while collecting nearly 100 donated items to support arts institutions across the region. 

Donations included essential supplies for local performing arts programs—dance shoes, tap and jazz shoes, costumes, accessories, and sheet music—that will be distributed to performing arts organizations serving youth and students throughout Long Island.   

Featuring performers from RAFCO Entertainment and Management, Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts, and the New York Musicians Center (NYMC), the evening spotlighted talent of all ages—from elementary students to college artists and emerging professionals. Audiences were treated to selections from hit musicals like All Shook Up, Into the Woods, The Wedding Singer, and Beetlejuice, along with standout solo performances including Wicked by vocalist Angelina Alvarado, a piano sonata by Dylan Jackson, and an original piece, “No,” by singer-songwriter Adwoa Dansowa.

The family-friendly evening also featured giveaways from local businesses and light refreshments, creating a festive and welcoming environment for attendees of all ages.

Senator Rhoads extended his sincere thanks to Farmingdale Village Trustee Walter Priestley, Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, and the entire Village Board of Trustees for their support in bringing the event to life.

“The Sunset Music-Fest was a huge success and a shining example of what makes our community so special—families coming together, neighbors giving back, and local talent taking center stage,” said Senator Steve Rhoads. “It was more than a concert—it was a powerful opportunity to spotlight emerging artists and uplift the performing arts institutions that bring creativity and culture to our neighborhoods. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who performed and helped make this unforgettable evening possible. We’re just getting started.”

With strong community support and overwhelming positive feedback, plans are already underway for Sunset Music-Fest 2026, promising another year of musical celebration and meaningful support for Long Island’s performing arts community.