Live at Five Outdoor Concert Series

I conceived and led Live at Five, an outdoor summer concert series created to activate the Science Museum of Long Island’s 36-acre Leeds Pond Preserve, re-engage the community after the pandemic, and generate new earned revenue through recurring public programming. Held on alternating Thursday evenings throughout the summer, the series transformed the museum grounds into a relaxed cultural destination where guests could enjoy live music, food, drinks, local vendors, and sunset views over Manhasset Bay.

Designed as a multi-date music series, Live at Five featured a rotating lineup of bands across genres, including rock, reggae, jazz, funk, brass, bluegrass, folk, Grateful Dead-inspired jam bands, and family-friendly performances. Featured artists included Live at Five favorites such as Half Step, Potato Phoenix, Jah Stix and the Rising Sons Band, The Dave Diamond Band, Daisy the Great, The Atomic Funk Project, Jambalaya Brass Band, and other regional performers, creating a fresh experience each week and encouraging repeat attendance.

The event format combined the atmosphere of an outdoor concert with the museum’s educational mission. Guests were invited to bring blankets and chairs, enjoy food trucks and beverage partners, explore local vendor offerings, and participate in science and nature activities designed for children and families. The early-evening format created an accessible, intergenerational experience that appealed to families, professionals, donors, music lovers, and new visitors who may not otherwise have engaged with the museum.

Live at Five was also designed to showcase how larger outdoor events could operate more sustainably. Through thoughtful vendor coordination, reduced single-use waste, conservation-focused programming, and use of the natural preserve as both setting and teaching tool, the series demonstrated how entertainment, environmental stewardship, and community gathering could work together.

Beyond its role as a concert series, Live at Five became a catalyst of positive change and a cornerstone to SMLI’s fundraising efforts from 2021 to 2023, resulting in a 500% increase to SMLI's membership base and reinvigorating long-standing connections and service to the community. . It expanded public awareness, brought new visitors onto the preserve, created sponsorship and vendor opportunities, supported local musicians and small businesses, and contributed to significant growth in special event revenue during my tenure.