We've fondly dubbed him The Piano Man, The Angry Young Man and even The Stranger, but now we can give Billy Joel yet another nickname: Master Builder.
Joel will soon become the tenth annual recipient of the Master Builder award, given by the New York State Office of Parks to individuals who "demonstrate an uncommon ability to get things done," according to a Parks press release. He's not the first Long Islander to get the award -- Sarah Hughes is also a past recipient.
Joel is being recognized for his efforts to protect "Long Island's historic maritime industries," which means he's an avid boater and has donated money to help local fishermen. (He even wrote the song "The Downeaster Alexa" about the baymen on the East End.)
A gala in Joel's honor (black-tie optional) will be held Oct. 11 at Bethpage State Park's Carlyle on the Green restaurant. Tickets are $500 per person or $6,000 for a table of twelve. For tickets call the Long Island State Parks office at 631-321-3403.
And who's the evening's entertainment? Not Joel but a tribute band called Glass Houses, led by Henry Haid, who played piano in the Broadway run of Joel's musical "Movin' Out."
Comments (1)
Hey, I was there! Henry and the band never sounded better! It looked like Billy really enjoyed it too.