A Halloween-themed music festival featuring local and national acts is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at Stereo Garden in Patchogue. The Halloween Thriller Fright Festival, organized by ListenUp! Long Island, aims to showcase emerging talent and highlight Long Island’s original music scene.
In addition to spooky exhibits and a costume contest, the event will feature what co-founder Shay Motion described as a “very eclectic” lineup with genres ranging from indie to rock.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and music is scheduled until midnight at Stereo Garden, 9 Railroad Ave.
“This is an event to uplift the original local music scene, and this time we brought on some national touring acts,” Motion said.
Among the national acts highlighted by ListenUp! Long Island, a music production collective, is Alexandra Starr, a New York-based singer and songwriter with several albums and a featured appearance on Netflix’s Building the Band competition.
Also performing are hip-hop artist Ryze Hendricks and pop singer Jules Walcott, both TikTok influencers with large followings.
Another featured performer is Lenstrumental, described by Motion as “a pen-tapping extraordinaire,” who has appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, America’s Got Talent, and international versions of Got Talent in Italy and Spain. “He does percussion with pens on a table, and he’s incredible,” said Motion.
ListenUp! Long Island focuses on music discovery and aims to give Long Island talent opportunities to reach national or international platforms. This year’s lineup includes 13 acts, with performances by emcees and DJs representing electronic dance music, pop, acoustic, rock and more.
“This is our seventh music festival,” Motion said. “We started it as musicians working together to create a collective to elevate the situation for the local music scene.”
He added that the experience is designed to benefit musicians in multiple ways. “We treat our musicians very well. They get the full green room experience. They get to network,” Motion said.
Industry executives are expected to attend the event, which Motion described as a potential stepping stone to larger festivals.
In line with the Halloween theme, a costume contest will offer a $500 prize.
“I would say there’s something for everyone,” Motion said, noting additional activities such as drinking games and giveaways. “So if you’re not big on music, you can also come and see local businesses, and there’s always surprises and giveaways.”
According to the event flyer, attractions will also include spooky exhibits, live painters and artisanal shopping.
Motion emphasized the community focus of the event.
“It’s all about community and bringing people together,” he said. “We see the audience hug each other. They laugh, they cry and sometimes get emotional because people are seeking like-minded people who enjoy wholesome entertainment.”
He said Stereo Garden offers an indoor space large enough for a full-scale festival while maintaining a comfortable environment.
“The stage offers a video wall that gives people a visual experience. This is a very sought-out vendor that represents these musicians who have moved on to bigger stages, rather than the local bar,” he said.
Carlos Navarro, CEO and president of Stereo Garden, said the event is “not just a concert” and has a festival atmosphere. Attendees “will have a great experience,” he said.
Tickets, priced at approximately $28, are available at Eventbrite or stereogardenli.com.