If you love listening to live music outdoors – especially as the weather warms up and want to support a worthwhile cause at the same time – come out to Mezzapalooza on Saturday, May 11 at the Law Memorial Park Pavilion in Briarcliff Manor. Back after a four-year hiatus, the event promises a night full of music, food, and fun – all in support of Ossining resident Scott Rowe and his family.
Mezzapalooza (a 501c3) was originally created in 2012 after the tragic passing of Briarcliff resident John Mezzatesta. The community came together to honor and lend a hand to the family of one of Briarcliff’s favorite sons. As a testament to John’s memory, Mezzapalooza unites the community each year in support of a local family by offering its help and support. Mezzapalooza is back for 2024, promising an amazing evening to help support the Rowe family.
When the event first began in 2012, it was in a very organic way. As Marc Milano, member of the Executive Board says, “Mezzatesta was a legend of Briarcliff – active in everything from Little League to the fire department. The community was shocked by his death. A group got together and wanted to do something for his family and to honor him.” That’s when a few local dads that happened to play in bands decided to have a big “Battle of the Bands” party to help raise money for the family. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and a live auction. It was so successful that the Board said, let’s do it again next year and find another family to help.
Milano was a member of one of the original bands from the inaugural event – The Lost Souls, which will be part of the line-up again this year. “Mezzapalooza came to be known as helping hands through music, as well as a village community event. We wanted to keep raising money for families in town who could really use it.” The event last took place in 2019 at St. Theresa’s Church. But then COVID hit, and the event went dormant for a few years. As Milano explains, “This past year, there were some younger families in town who had heard about Mezzapalooza and wanted to bring it back to help another local family. We reconstituted the Board and learned of a family going through a struggle. John Mezzatesta was a lion of Briarcliff – everyone knew him. The Rowe family is like that for Ossining.”
Scott Rowe, a resident of Briarcliff Manor, has an immense zest for life – and family means everything to him. Unfortunately, since July 2022, when Rowe was found to have several pulmonary embolisms, he has been in and out of the ER and the ICU and is fighting every day. He continues to be in the care of the Briarcliff Manor Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. His constant support system includes wife and high school sweetheart Michelle, daughters Maddie (19), Lily (14) and family dog Boomer. Proceeds from Mezzapalooza will benefit Scott and his beautiful family.
The Mezzapalooza Board of Directors is comprised of a large group of long time Briarcliff residents who are active in all areas of the Village and are quite generous in donating their time. The founding members, Andy Hite, Matt Cooleen, and Mike Vincent played a huge role in getting this remarkable event started in 2012 and their guidance has been instrumental in the current reboot.
Mezzapalooza takes place on Saturday, May 11 at The Pavilion at Law Memorial Park in Briarcliff Manor. From 6-11 p.m., guests can enjoy live music from bands No Mersey, Orange Jelly Project, and The Lost Souls – all donating their time for this truly worthwhile cause. Guests (21+ only) may BYO and there will also be a pizza truck, cash bar, plus a live auction and raffle of some amazing items and experiences.
For tickets and more information, please visit mezzapalooza.org
