Ziggy's Place Brings New Life To Riverhead Polish Hall: 'We Are Here'

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RIVERHEAD, NY — The Polish Hall in Riverhead, rich with stories and history and memories, is set to write its next chapter.

On Saturday, a crew of dedicated individuals who have collectively poured their hearts into crafting a new life for the space will unveil Ziggy's Place, which offers a bar, lounge, and bowling at the Polish Hall, located at 214 Ziggy's Way (Marcy Avenue). The event, which takes place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., will feature music by Lisa Dabrowski, light refreshments, and more, followed by a performance by the NoFo Band at 7 p.m. in the lounge.

The space is named for Zbigniew "Ziggy" Wilinski, who died in 2021 at 74, and who was, for years, the president, manager, and veritable heartbeat of Polish Hall.

Diane Tucci, who has worked tirelessly for months on the venture, spoke to Patch about how the idea for Ziggy's Place was born.

"I have been doing different kinds of community events and activities around Riverhead for the past 10-plus years," she said. "I’ve always wanted to create a space for musicians — both professional and for our youth. One of the things I have tried putting together was this kind of 'living room' space. I always had the vision of a place where people could relax and enjoy music and entertainment as if it were in their living room."

Tucci said she'd heard of other places around the country where such venues existed, and she just embraced the concept.

"For an open mic or open jam space, to me, it’s crucial to have a place that doesn't feel intimidating or overwhelming for the people who are not professionals, and who are wanting to test out something inside of them — whether that is music, poetry or even comedy," she said. "So many of the best pro musicians I know got their start by going to an open mic to test out ideas and build confidence and experience."

And that's why, she said, Ziggy's is such a heartfelt endeavor. "Besides booking really great music, this is the dream I have — a place for artists of all levels and experience to have a place to call their own with no judgment, but, instead, to have the support and guidance of others. When artists come together, magic happens."

As for the audience, she said: "We want people to have a unique and private space to enjoy something they cannot find anywhere else locally."

All her dreams took root when Tucci realized that she had built programs and events and seen them succeed; she knew that the next step meant that she needed a brick-and-mortar space to continue the journey.

"All roads led to Polish Hall," Tucci said.

A dozen people from different places told her that the space was where she needed to go, even though she had already been thinking about it, she said.

"Primarily because I had a line dance group who needed real wood floors, and the Hall was just the perfect and logical place to go."

Ideas became reality when Tucci spoke to Riverhead Town Councilwoman Joann Waski and asked her who to contact at the Polish Hall.

"She immediately pointed me to Keri Najdzion. I met Keri at a fundraiser, and it was love at first hug. Kismet. I mentioned some of my ideas and her face lit up and she said, 'Yes, yes, yes!' and 'Please, we need you.' That was the beginning."

Next, Tucci met with the board of the Riverhead Polish Independent Club, who, she said, welcomed her and all the ideas she brought.

"And while change is not easy for anybody, especially in a place with history back to 1903, the majority understood that in order to prosper and thrive, something has to change. First and foremost, from a marketing standpoint, we can’t just say, 'Visit us downstairs at Polish Hall' or 'Enjoy live music in the garden room'."

And so she began to weigh ideas for a new moniker. "Immediately, 'Ziggy’s Place' came right to the top of my mind. For me, when I think of Polish Hall, I think of Ziggy behind the bar. Ziggy was Polish Hall. And why not give honor to a man who did so much there? I had no idea how well this would be received and didn't even know that Tom Najdzion, president of the board, was related to Ziggy."

As the idea gained momentum, she said, "a few incredible things happened. First and foremost to those who knew and loved Ziggy, this way to carry on his legacy. And that has been appreciated by them more than I could have imagined."

The second major thing, she said, was that people wanted to know why the name Ziggy’s Place was chosen.

"For those who didn’t know him, it created an opportunity to tell his story and tell the story of the long history of Polish Hall."

Third, Tucci said, it turned out that Ziggy is a popular Polish name and a lot of people are related to a Ziggy.

"So they find it fun," she said. "But the story here is, it’s not just a bar — it’s a place with deep history with lots of memories — and with this new venture, we are creating the next generation of new memories and personal connections."

The words "build it and they will come" have never been more true, Tucci said.

"Ziggy’s has taken on a life of its own — one that people are creating with their presence, their volunteer time, their donations and their support. I want this to be a place where many Polish people can come and reconnect with their roots but also, for new people to have a place of their own, where all are welcome — and they come as they are."

When a person walks into the lounge, which has a total speakeasy vibe, and the lights are dimmed, she said, "You feel it. We have a lot more decorating, painting, cleaning and repairs to do to make the room the most beautiful it can be. We are running on donations and free finds at the moment. But I love that there are so many pieces of different people adding to the room. It’s really creating a special and unique energy."

Ziggy’s, she said, is run by the Riverhead Polish Hall Independent Club and its board of directors, all volunteers — and together, they are truly making magic happen.

"The transformation of Ziggy’s Place has been a true community effort, with countless volunteers coming together to clean, decorate, and improve the space," Tucci said.

From installing a credit card system and building a stage to painting, cleaning, and donating materials, the contributions have been extraordinary, she said. Volunteers donated rugs, chairs, curtains, and even a PA system, while local families and groups like the ROTC pitched in to clean and paint. A new copier and food donations were also received with gratitude, Tucci added.

Looking forward, Tucci said it is her goal is to see Polish Hall updated and renovated to bring the grand old space to a new glory and era.

"I want to see life in there, seven days a week. The Hall is a wonderful venue where many people get married and have many celebrations — but it is dated and needs spit shining," she said. "I want to see more things for the Polish community to enjoy. I want to see it stand another 100-plus years — and then some. I want it celebrated as the heart of Polish Town and to preserve the culture of the past and the future. The Hall makes a great space for some bigger concerts we have booked, and I want to see it as the place to be for what it is. Not a music venue, not a wedding venue, not a catering facility, but all of that — a place for people to gather and laugh and be comfortable. "

Soon, made-to-order food service will be on tap.

And for a space that has stood for generations, this weekend marks just the beginning.

The unveiling, Tucci said, "will honor Ziggy publicly and tell the world we are here. Come and enjoy! What it symbolizes for Riverhead is the recognition of a vital piece of Riverhead’s history. To m,e this symbolizes a new chapter in the book of our history."

While forging a new path, there must still be initiatives to preserve the heritage in all of Polish Town — to preserve the culture and art, while also playing a key role in the renaissance of downtown Riverhead, she said.

The aim is spotlight an "amazing, walkable community with vibrant businesses, which will be a part of the coming overall revitalization in downtown Riverhead and the train station area. Visitors one day can get off the train and walk in either direction for things to do and enjoy. "

Polish Town, while now diverse, still maintains a rich, core foundations of Polish families who have long considered the Hall an iconic destination on their canvas of memories.

"This is a rebirth, for sure. And we want younger Polish people and their friends to come and enjoy as well. This is definitely a pivotal moment for many reasons."

For Tucci, the path to revitalizing Polish Hall has been marked by fulfillment.

"The most joyful part, I think, is that I can see that I am already giving longtime friends of mine a place to be a part of and call their new home. People who have supported me for years — and now it’s all coming together. It’s so heartwarming."

And for the community as a whole, Tucci has a wish: "I want Ziggy's to be a great hometown place to enjoy friends and family. "

Ziggy's, she said, is now officially open 7 days a week until 9 p.m. or 11 p.m.