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Friday, November 6, 2026: Matthew Ponsot and Jim Whiteman
7:30 p.m. Open Mic (7:00 signup), 8:15 p.m. show
Suggested Donation $20 (Cash or Check Only)

Huntington Heroes: Matthew Ponsot and Jim Whiteman

Two regulars of the Huntington songwriter scene share the night in Garden City!

Born to Claude, the painter, and Marie Ponsot, the poet in 1958, Matthew Ponsot has been honing the songwriter’s craft for more than half a century. His songs of love and loss, hope and triumph have touched audiences from coast to coast and across the pond. The senses of artistry and poetry instilled by his parents make their presence known throughout his original songs.

He well known also as the host of SOOM, the South Shore Original open mic, and the co-host of NOOM, the North Shore Original open mic.

Jim Whiteman has lived most of his 65 years on Long Island — roots that are reflected in his often humorous and powerful songs. This troubadour hit the local music scene following a 35-year career in TV news. He was featured in February at the Hard Luck Cafe concert series in Huntington, co-headlining with his daughter, the up and coming indie-folk sensation Lindsay Whiteman. The elder Whiteman brings biting wit and unwavering candor to his large and rapidly expanding catalog of songs, which he laces with social commentary, political haranguing, and deeply personal ruminations. Observers say Whiteman evokes Dylan, Wainwright, Cohen, Prine, and Ochs, but his songs are always his own. Whiteman is a “don’t miss” artist. After seeing him perform, it will be clear to you that he personally wrote every word of this bio.