Remembering Michael Rothbard
Comments(35) Michael Rothbard, the co-founder of IMAC in Huntington on Long Island, died of a heart attack on Friday. He was only 63. I’m told he had an enlarged heart, which isn’t a surprise. He had as big a heart as anyone I know, and he was a major arts figure, as you can see from this obituary in Newsday:
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/obituaries/michael-rothbard-imac-co-founder-dead-at-63-1.1558253
Many on Long Island mourned the closing of IMAC this past spring; now we mourn the loss of the man who for 35 years (the last 25 in Huntington Village) brought a diverse range of artists to his 600-seat theater. I personally must have seen dozens of shows there, from Joan Armatrading, Suzanne Vega and Phoebe Snow to Keb Mo, Chick Corea with Gary Burton, and the Manhattan Transfer.
With his pony tail and beard, Michael was an unapologetic ex-hippie. He looked like a white Richie Havens and was equally philosophical. He was passionate about music, a true believer in community, and unfailingly generous to people working in the arts. When you came to a concert at IMAC, you’d see Michael schmoozing with the audience in the lobby, while his partner in life and work, Kathie Bodily, kept an eye on their friendly golden retriever, Cleo.
He was a staunch supporter of WFUV and our music. We became close and had long, wide-ranging conversations, which began with discussions about upcoming concerts and ended up with observations about the arts – and the world – in general.
I was often there to MC concerts, but only came onstage after Michael had given a rundown of upcoming concerts and a plug for the station. One time, his rap went on even longer than usual, as I was standing in the wings with Jonatha Brooke. She looked at me and said, “Wanna dance across the stage?” An invitation like that from a woman as beautiful as Jonatha (and a former dancer to boot) is hard to resist. I turned to the stage manager and asked, “Do you think Michael will mind?” She shook her head, so Jonatha and I proceeded to tango across the back of the stage while he was speaking, totally upstaging him. But he laughed as loud as the audience.
We collaborated for several years on an occasional series of concerts featuring Long Island artists, including Toby Walker, Martha Trachtenberg, Marci Geller, Cathy Kreger, Big Sam Taylor, Bakithi Kumalo, and others. He was a champion of the arts on Long Island, and it’s the artists who have spoken most movingly about this devastating loss.
The funeral will be Monday at 12:30 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 109 Browns Rd. in Huntington.(631) 427-9547. www.uufh.org.
When I think of what “mensch” means, I think of Michael. I will miss him.
I’m going to miss Michael, as a former resident of Huntington, and lover of live music, IMAC was a wonderful venue, and he was always a big part of it.
A devastatingly painful loss for his family and close circle of friends. An unmistakable loss for those of us who got to know him through our support of IMAC. A magnificently joyful spirit and lover of all music is taken from us. It’s a horrible loss for Long Island and those who looked forward to hearing new and familiar talent and saying a quick “hello” to Michael when we were there. I hope IMAC returns as a long lasting homage to him. My condolences to all those who loved him. I am so deeply saddened by the news of his loss.
I will forever be grateful for his dedication and bringing great music to LI. Richard Thompson! Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks! Jean L Ponty!
We’re all going to miss the Big Guy, He made me cringe in my seat when he was told by my wife that we were here (at the IMAC) for my 50th birthday and then announced to the crowd, we have a new member of AARP ! He was something else always smiling in the lobby . We’ll keep him in our thoughts ! Thanks Michael !
Like very few, Michael leaves behind a lasting legacy, an incredibly positive lasting legacy. Michael made so many people happy through his work at IMAC and I am really glad to have had a chance to bask in the sunshine that he brought to so many! I have tons of wonderful memories of the artists he brought to IMAC.
I only knew Michael for a short three years and change, but what a great three years. Our conversations were always a wide and varied mix, moving from business to art to family to social issues and back again. He truly understood that it is all interconnected and that there are no easy answers, but that if you lead with your heart, if you endeavor to do what you feel is right and in the best interest of all, we can all benefit it, not only socially, but economically and spiritually. I always found Michael to be patient and kind, persistent and knowledgeable, and as the recollection from the WFUV blog so aptly put it, a real mensch. Michael will be truly missed by anyone whose life he touched. My deepest condolences to his family.
“May the good lord shine, a light on you.
Make every song you sing, your favorite tune.”
I will be forever grateful to Michael for all he and Kathy have given me by believing in my work. The music world and the community has lost one of its finer champions. His knowledge of music, his heart and his soul were inspiring. I will always remember your laugh. I can here it now.
“You are now and always will be, my friend” Thanks for the joy. See you in the next life.
Blue Lou
I knew Micheal for around 10 years. I always found him to have the same eclectic taste in music that I have. I told others that the IMAC was aplace where artists didnt come to play, they came to kill! I refered to it as the home of the standing ovation. I saw probably 150 shows there spent hours on the phone with Lynn Anne and Susan. Played with Cloie spoke to Cathy and reccomended bands to Micheal. He even booked two that I know of(Donna the Buffalo and Railroad Earth). He emailed me insessintly while I was deployed to the desert and booked me 12 weeks of concerts when I got back. I will always miss the IMAC and I considered the him staff as part of my extended family. If I do get a chance to win the trip upstairs that is the guy I want to hang out with and have one more inteligent conversation about good music. -Tax
IMAC was truly one of the best things about living on Long Island. To me, Michael was IMAC, and I thank him for everything he did to bring enjoyment to my life and that of my wife and friends. A night out at IMAC was the perfect antidote after a week of hard work. I don’t know whether I’ll ever really replace that emptiness. Thank you Michael…from one of the smiling faces in the IMAC crowd.
Saw many great shows at IMAC over the years, thanks to Michael Rothbard.
I first met Michael about 35 years ago through the Middle Earth Switchboard’s ‘Great Cultural Conspiracy’ and continued to encounter him through mutual friends over the years. Though Middle Earth Switchboard was long gone, Michael and Kathie continued their own cultural conspiracy with IMAC, giving us a place to see great acts that wouldn’t necessarily get booked at the Nassau Coliseum or Jones Beach. We owe Michael for his efforts to keep us cultured over the years and for the warm, friendly person he was.
What a tragic loss for the arts community…Michael was more than a promoter, he was a friend to all of us in the buisness. We spoke often and sometimes all afternoon about music, but more often about politics, travel and the difficulties of running a little arts center. I’m sure we answered all of life’s questions over the years. One of a kind, and one of my favorite people, Michael will be sadly missed.
Like so many have said before, it was a great loss when IMAC closed – I don’t think I ever have completely wrapped my brain around that one – but to lose Michael is devastating to anyone who has ever gone to IMAC and seen him wandering around as a gentle quiet ever present presence.
My condolences to all who knew and loved him. I’m so unhappy about having to miss his service today and really hope that some sort of memorial will be held when his many friends can attend.
to Michael:
May the longtime son shine ‘pon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide your way home ……..
It’s been over a decade since I moved too far away from Huntington to see Michael and Cathy and to savor IMAC. His passing is a truly sad event. I told people that he always had time to share and his fondness for jokes had a smile on my face just seeing him from afar. For those who know the joke he would greet me with ” just waiting for a fax” years after that joke had been told.
If there is a place where all the good Folk go I’m sure Michael will be in charge of the music, by popular demand
dave
Very sorry to hear this news. Michael and Cathy were always so welcoming to The Roches whenever we played at IMAC and we always had a great time talking backstage after the shows. My best wishes go out to Cathy, another lovely soul. -Suzzy
I met Michael when I was nineteen years old when IMAC was in Bayville. I think he probably thought I was another giggly teenager at first, but he soon became a champion of mine.
Throughout my adult life he was always keeping tabs on me and as mentioned gave me several opportunities to perform on his stage. He sang my praises to an unfamiliar patron in the bathroom at IMAC after my first performance there. He found out the man he was talking me up to was my Father:-)
He took a personal interest in the local musicians. We were is family and he, Kathie, Cleo and staff always made us feel so very at home there.
The service today was a magnificent testament to a life well lived. Michael, I love you, I thank you for your support and love over the years, and I will be sure to keep tabs on Kathie.
Much Love,
MG
I am so sad to hear of Michael’s passing. What a great guy. who brought so much to all of us in the Huntington area. Art, music, and the best spirit that goes with it. That’s what Michael and Kathy gave us. Thank you, Paul J
Michael was my cousin, friend, and big brother to me for the first 25 years of my life. I moved to California in the mid-70s and have had the pleasure of staying with Michael and Kathie several times when visiting “back home”
One of my biggest regrets about moving away from New York was not being able to have my cousin Michael being part of my life anymore.
I know he would be very touched as I am, reading all these wonderful things everyone has had to say about him.
To the folks that knew them the best knew that Kathie did just about everything (with the exception of being Michael) to bring about the success of IMAC. I hope she continues to put her energy into continuing the legacy that they have started in the art community.
My cousin made people laugh and left the world a better place than he found it.
I loved my cousin and will miss him so much
By chance, my husband, Jim and I got to spend a perfect evening with Michael and Kathie when we literally bumped into them at John Pizzarelli concert on the North Fork at Peconic Bay Winery in August. It was a beautiful evening, a pefect full moon and a memorable time. We feel blessed to have shared it with Michael and Kathie.
My son was a crewmember at the IMAC for a few years before leaving for the Berklee College of Music (one of many to do so). Michael, always with a positive and pleasant thing to say when I would come to pick up my son at 1:00 or 2:00 or 4:00 am, would tell me I was a great dad for driving 30 miles each way to bring my son to work the shows with them. Somehow that always made me feel less tired. Regrettably, what I didn’t realize until yesterday morning was that I failed to ever return the compliment.
Over all the years at IMAC, Michael and Kathie genuinely cared for more than 300 young people who grew up with them through the IMAC experience. Like many others, I happily placed my son in their exceptionally capable and loving hands and would have gladly done so again.
You too, Michael, were a great dad, and even a better friend. Oh, to be able to accept your compliment face-to-face just one more time. I love you and will miss you, you gentle-man.
I go back over 20 years with Michael – he always took the time to listen to my suggestions. Not since I worked in The Fillmore East with Bill Graham and The Pig Light Show back in the late 60’s did I feel at home . The Imac Theatre was my 2nd Fillmore East . He brought me Phoebe Snow and Tower of Power shows which were 2 of my favorites and many. many more . I feel honored that I was part of a very large circle of music lovers who had the opportunity to share IMAC and Michael.
I was so sad the day that the IMAC Theatre closed earlier this year- but when I heard about Michaels’ passing it really hurt down deep. He was family and today I wish I would have kept at least (1) e-mail as a tribute to him . I loved when he once wrote in an e- mail “That’s is great idea- I think we’ll try that” God Bless You Michael – I think I need to cry now !
I always smiled ear to ear whenever I saw Michael. From the first time we met in 92-93 till the closing of IMac. A great man that will be missed greatly
More sad news, Rothbard’s golden retriever Cleo joined Michael today.
For more information, see the Nov. 5 issue of the Long Islander.
My husband and I are truly brokenhearted at the
loss of Michael and now Cleo. We were holding out
hope after the closing of Imac that he and Kathie
would find a new venue/way to bring us great music
in the village once again. Huntington has lost a
great man in Michael and we feel he deserves some
sort of memorial in acknowledgement of all he did
and was, someplace where those of us who feel this
loss can visit and remember him and cleo and the
great times we had musically thanks to him.
Kathie we hope you find a way to push on and bring
the music back to the village …..
Beloved dog Cleo passed away on November 4th. RIP- Michael Rothbard and Cleo…faithful companions on a journey together.
I enjoyed many years of visiting the IMAC. I turned on a bunch of friends to it as well. Everyone loved the shows. I never knew Michael personally, but enjoyed seeing him and his passion for music as much as I enjoyed seeing the artists. When 101.9 stopped its jazz format, I thought at least IMAC would still carry on. When I found out IMAC was closing I said to myself Michael will open another place someday. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. It truly is the end of an era.
the loss of Cleo, Michael’s faithful companion and dog, is sad, yet at the same time, comforting.
An evening at IMAC was always an extra special event for my husband and me. Phil, a musician, was always happy to see such great, diverse acts, and just 3 miles from our home. As a photographer, I always looked forward to seeing the beautiful art displayed on the walls. We also loved the ease in which Michael and Kathie always chatted with all patrons. They made you feel like a welcome guest in their own home, and it was home, right down to the fireplace with a snoozing golden retriever in front. We always marveled at Cleo’s lovely demeanor, all the more confusing to the owners of two rambunctious hounds. But in experiencing the energy of Michael and Kathie, you would expect nothing else.
I am saddened by the loss of Michael and now Cleo. I hope somewhere Michael is sitting back in a big easy chair in front of a fire, Cleo at his feet, and some good jazz cranking on the stereo. Michael was a gentle spirit taken far too early and we will all miss him.
Kathie our thoughts are with you and I know nothing will make it easier, but please know we appreciate all you Michael and Cleo gave to us. The gifs of music, art and friendship are the greatest gifts of all.
Mary & Phil
I was able to pay my resects to Cathy and saw most of the former IMAC staff this past Tuesday at their home in Huntington. On my way upstairs was the lovely Lynne Anne and Cleo right next to each other on the front porch. I said hi to Cleo but really had to go in and chat with Cathy and the staff. On my way out I saw Cleo whom I had known well for 7 years. Ah Cleo the dog that had affixed herself to the front of the office and greeted as many people as Micheal Cathy Lynn Anne and Susan. There she was looking very tired and sad. I patted her one last time and went home. It was with great sadness that I too learned of the loss of Cleo as well this week Cathy I am just terrible sorry and want you to know that you Micheal and Cleo were beloved by all and I hope taht I am not the oly person who considered you not only as friends but as family. -Brian Tax
IMAC was a cultural icon to the Long Island arts communtiy. When it closed in the Spring- the sound of silence was deafening.
Michael and Kathie gave us all so much with their unwavering commitment to playing the music of our lives.
It’s a glorious tribute to do what you love…and love what you do…
Even if the “lights have gone dim” the spotlight will always shine on the legacy one leaves behind.
Applause knows no limits…
THANK YOU!
Maybe Cleo died of a broken heart. My deepest sympathy to Kathie. Wishing you strength and hope. I recently lost my wonderful husband at a much too young age as well. We both loved IMAC and enjoyed many concerts there over the years. Thank you.
Of all the venues that I’ve had the pleasure of attending, IMAC has always been my favorite. I however, would always look forward to Michael’s “Announcements” at the beginning of every show. His passion and dedication were always evident, and although I didn’t know him personally, he greeted me on numerous occasions. My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to his family. A very GOOD MAN has left us.
I too was very sorry to hear of Michael’s early passing.
In October of 2001, Michael and Kathie generously enabled Long Island Cares and the Chapin family to host “Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song” at the IMAC at a fraction of the cost of the normal fees. This enabled Long Island Cares to raise more than $50,000 to kickoff the capital campaign for the new building that now serves as its home in Hauppauge. The new building enables Long Island Cares to better serve those in need and to carry on the work Harry started.
Michael and Kathie and the team at IMAC were kind souls who made a difference. I remember meeting with Michael many times in his office and Cleo would be right there at his side, always a friendly and easy-going source of support.
And I remember the night of that amazing concert. My family, from Connecticut, had never been to the IMAC before but attended the show and my mom told me she had bumped into Michael at intermission and told me what a kind and warm person he was to her in the brief conversation they had.
Recently, Long Island Cares posted a new 10-minute promotional video about the organization on its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#/video/video.php?v=1250299947217&ref=mf.
The video, like the tribute concert at the IMAC back in 2001, will no doubt be a source of inspiration for others to “do something,” as Harry Chapin would say — and was created with the help of a committee of concerned citizens — among them, Michael Rothbard.
I want to thank all of you who have written so eloquently about Michael and Cleo. Together we created something that we were so proud of, presenting so many of the artists whose music filled our lives and made them so full. Cleo was always glad to be our opening act – she even had a way of signaling me that she was ready to do her math tricks for customers and that I should get out the cookies as her reward! Michael lived every day of his life to the fullest. His passion was connecting with people – he was on the phone from morning til late night from the day I met him. Though he was not sick and his end came suddenly, our last days together were blissful, just hanging at our beloved home with our music and our beautiful girl. If love and memories can sustain one, I am left here lucky indeed. I’ve loved hearing your comments and thank each of you for sharing your thoughts of Michael with each other and with me. The music in my soul fills the void left behind by my beautiful little family.
I’ve only now come to hear of Michael’s passing.
30 or so years ago I was 18 and wanted more than just a factory job and a life dictated by those around me. I wanted more.
Coming across an IMAC ad offering a course in videotape editing was one of the springboards to my liberation.
At that time IMAC was run out of a storefront in Bayville. Michael and Kathy were incredibly kind and patient and welcoming. To this day I remember him for his profound appreciation for art and music in particular.
Years later attending one of many great concerts at Huntington IMAC, I had the pleasure of saying hello to Michael in the lobby. I said to him “you don’t remember me but a long time ago I took a videotape editing course with you when this place was in Bayville.”
He smiled and we made a bit of small talk and I was happy to have had the chance to see him after all the years in between.
There was a moment after I read about Michael’s passing when I remembered what it felt like to be that 18 year old boy I was when I first met him.