The fourth annual Patchogue Jam was held at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, which features independent singers and songwriters who have played at the Live in the Lobby series during the past year. This year the theater welcomed back Six Gun, Corduroy Sky, Phil Minnesale, Joe Iadanza, and Michael Korb, onto the main stage.

Patchogue Jam 4’s opening act, Joe Iadanza, got the night going with bassist Craig Aken and drummer Christian Coleman, doffing his cap with country grace and filling the hall with an apocalyptic, warm resonance. Iadanza hadn’t played electric on stage in twenty years until that night, and yet he seemed perfectly at ease, even patient, moving, playing on the suspensions of the crowd. His songs deal with poverty and lost love, and are steeped in the blue-collar imagery of highways, wrecking balls, and traveling salesmen. Despite the deep sentiment of his music, Iadanza commands the stage with a subtle, unencumbered energy.

Phil Minissale, in shirt and tie, eyes shut and bobbin’, with smooth grit in his voice, drew in the crowd with his finger-picking blues, accompanied by Aiken again on upright bass and Abbie Gardner of Red Molly on Dobro. True to the tradition of word of mouth, Minissale played “Invisible Man,” a song by John Myles, a friend of his, because, as Minnesale intimated, “I think it’s a hit.” With a repertoire full of high corn, tall oaks, visions of home, and “beggin’ on my knees,” Minissale turned the hall, with relative ease, into a band of country hearts.

The most recent Live in the Lobby installment, recorded by Paradiddle Records, is on sale now. The action at the theatre continues this Thursday at 7:30, when Live in the Lobby invites Claudia Jacobs and special guest Rough Folk. Tickets can be purchased for $10.00 at the theatre's box office or calling 1-877-77CLICK.

Check the photos for highlights from the show.