Live On The Porch: A Cozy Concert Hall Celebrating Local Talent and Family
Long Island musician and Billy Joel collaborator Mike DelGuidice has opened a concert hall in Smithtown called Live On The Porch. The venue is a cozy space that feels like a family living room, complete with DelGuidice's family piano, furniture, and a special section dedicated to his late dog, Max. The name of the venue was inspired by virtual livestream shows DelGuidice played during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where Max was a constant companion.
Max, DelGuidice's loyal and cheerful pup, was a big part of the inspiration behind Live On The Porch. He would even perk up at DelGuidice's closing song, "Until The End," signaling the end of the show and the promise of meatballs. The venue has become a gathering place for fans who knew Max and are now part of the "porch family."
DelGuidice, who performed at the Ryder Cup in 2025, decided to open Live On The Porch after Joel paused touring for health reasons. The intimate 125-seat venue aims to support local artists by providing a space for them to showcase their original music instead of relying on cover songs to make a living. DelGuidice believes in paying it forward to artists who, like him, may be afraid to share their own work.
Having started his career playing covers in a Billy Joel-themed band, DelGuidice caught Joel's attention and eventually joined him on tour. Joel has been a strong supporter of DelGuidice's talent, showcasing his abilities on stage and even featuring him in a Live On The Porch session on Facebook. DelGuidice's virtual shows during the pandemic revealed the audience's appetite for his original music, inspiring him to create a physical space for local talent.
DelGuidice transformed a farm stand-turned-hot tub store into Live On The Porch, investing his savings to build a venue where local artists can shine. The venue, run by DelGuidice and his family, features a mezzanine and a corner dedicated to Max. They host events like "Porch Idol" to give Long Islanders a platform to showcase their talent and be remembered for their unique voices and contributions. Live On The Porch is a place where original music and local talent are celebrated, creating a warm and welcoming space for artists and audiences alike.