Musician David Rosenthal added as Keynote Speaker for Upcoming ‘Billy Joel Symposium’ at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on June 6–7, 2026
The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) has announced the addition of musician David Rosenthal, Musical Director and Keyboardist for Billy Joel, as a keynote speaker to the already announced schedule of speakers and scholars from across the country who will present their papers at the first ‘Billy Joel Symposium,’ to be held on June 6th and 7th at the Hall of Fame. At this event, LIMEHOF will also induct Dennis Arfa, Billy Joel’s longtime booking agent and chairman of the Music Division at Independent Artist Group. The ‘Billy Joel Symposium’ is open to the public with special ticket purchase. Tickets available here Billy Joel Symposium via ThunderTix.
“I look forward to speaking at the Billy Joel Symposium, Rosenthal said. “My talk is called ‘Stories From The Road’ and will include highlights and memories from my 33 years with Billy”.
The two-day conference, presented by Catholic Health, will be devoted to the music, lyrics, themes, and cultural impact of music legend and LIMEHOF inductee, Billy Joel. As one of America’s most influential songwriters and performers (as well as being one of Long Island’s own), Joel’s body of work offers a unique lens through which to explore popular music, regional identity, and American culture. This symposium will gather a wide range of experts and scholars who will engage in a critical analysis of Joel’s artistry, life, and legacy.
“This symposium underscores that Billy Joel’s music isn’t just beloved — it’s historically and culturally significant,” said Tom Needham, Executive Director of the ‘Billy Joel Symposium’ and LIMEHOF Vice Chairman. “By convening leading thinkers and industry voices at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, we’re creating a space where scholarship meets lived musical experience. Honoring Dennis Arfa during the weekend highlights another essential truth: Behind every legendary artist is a visionary advocate who helps bring the music to the world.”
Tickets are available on the LIMEHOF website. For a full list of speakers and more details please visit
https://www.limusichalloffame.org/billy-joel-symposium/
Located at: 97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY
About LIMEHOF
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook, New York. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.