Stars Arrived in Style to Hall of Fame Gala Thanks to Classic Mustang Club Members

When you’re a star heading to the red carpet you want to show up in style.

That’s why the Long Island Music Hall of Fame had ten vintage Ford Mustangs lined up to ferry its honorees to the Paramount in Huntington last week during its annual awards gala. The Mustangs and the drivers were there compliments of the Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island.

According to Kevin Appel, a club member and owner of Appel Auto Service in Port Jefferson, the club has been providing cars for the Long Island Music Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony for a few years now.

He chauffeured Salt-n-Pepa, Barnaby Bye, Suffocation, Whodini and "Magic Garden" ladies, Paula Janis and Carole Demas that night.

“The inductees were very nice and even nervous about the event that evening,” Appel said. “It was interesting to strike a conversation with them.”

Port Jefferson resident Rich Carlsen initially helped forge the relationship with the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

“I have known Jim Faith through the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and my volunteer work setting up for the Port Jefferson American Music Festivals,” Carlsen said. “Jim contacted me when he held the second induction ceremony at the Garden City Hotel several years ago.”

Jim Faith, the director of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, commented on Patch that the club has been with his organization for three of its galas.

"The artists love them and Long Island Music Hall of Fame appreciates their support," he said.

In the past, the club has been asked to provide services for photo shoots, grand openings, weddings, High School proms and even movies.

“Usually we can provide a service,” Appel said.

In the summer the club brings cars to the Port Jefferson Village Center to display.

Carlsen said that he didn’t recognize anyone he drove that night but they were all pleasant, thanking him for the ride. He also had a one-liner at the ready for all his passengers to break the ice.

“When my guests entered the car I said, ‘Welcome to 1964,’” Carlsen said.