Hometown Heart: Randy Jackson and a record stand make for perfect moments

A throwback to this past summer, and a new addition to the Northport Journal, where readers share the everyday events that make their heart light for a moment, that deepen appreciation for where we live and boost faith in connection with our neighbors.  

Sometimes something – or a series of things – happens that serve as a reminder of the tight-knit quality of neighborhoods like ours, where little everyday events have the power to brighten your day and grow your appreciation for where you live. 

On a Thursday evening in August, during a summer stroll down Main Street in Northport Village, I was drawn toward La Porta Ristorante, where Zebra lead vocalist and guitarist Randy Jackson was playing to a packed house of fans, some dressed in the hard rock band’s tee shirts, many singing along to cover songs; The Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” inspired the biggest singalong.

La Porta owner Rob Simmons was standing on the sidewalk, just outside the entrance, taking it all in. “He always brings a crowd,” Simmons said of Jackson. Formed in 1975, Zebra’s self-titled album became Atlantic Record’s fastest-selling debut at the time. The band grew a loyal following in New Orleans, where they formed, and on the Long Island club circuit in later years. They were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Currently on their 2025 anniversary tour, Zebra is the longest-running American band still touring with all of its original members. Had I heard of them? No. But had I heard them? Yes. Listening to “Tell Me What You Want” brings the nostalgia of the ’80s right back, of watching MTV after school and skating to rock songs at the Commack Roller Rink on Saturday nights. 

Simmons asked if I’d watched Cobra Kai, a continuation of The Karate Kid story, which recently enjoyed its sixth season on Netflix. Johnny (Cobra Kai’s top student turned instructor) wore a Zebra shirt in the show, Simmons said, a nod to the band’s continuing presence in hard rock and pop culture. (A quick Google search tells me that actor William Zabka was listening to Zebra when he auditioned for Karate Kid in 1984, landing the role of Johnny.) 

I found myself home later that night telling my 9-year-old son, who loves rock and roll, about Jackson and Zebra. (He had seen Streetfighter, The Rolling Stones tribute band, in Northport Village Park 10 days earlier, a to-go pie from La Porta in his hands.) The following day, on a walk downtown, my husband and I happened upon a record sale at a Woodbine Avenue home, an up-the-stairs front-lawn stand run by a teacher, artist and musician named John. We had a lovely conversation and I brought a few records (KISS, Steve Miller Band, Crabby Appleton) home. That weekend, my son and I took a trip to John’s together. 

As we neared the end of the alphabetized records, my son said, “Look mom, the guy from La Porta!” He had spotted a Zebra album. 

And just like that, the rekindled recollections of my own teenage years merged with real time, from the roller rink to the brick oven pizza place to the makeshift record shop, from the joys of my youth to the joys of motherhood, of sharing this space and the same musical tastes with my son. 

We walked down the stairs to pay John, who – in an endearingly clichè sight – was speaking to his neighbor across the street, each man leaning on the opposite side of a white picket fence, Northport Harbor in the background.

My son and I returned to our car and drove home with warm hearts and some new vinyl. It felt good to be raising a child here. 

Randy Jackson should be returning to La Porta before year’s end. Want more? Zebra’s 2025 Anniversary Tour includes a stop at the Patchogue Theatre on November 8. Buy tickets here. John’s Woodbine Avenue record stand is open on the weekends, as long as the sign is out, through October and possibly into November. Stop by! 

Have your own Hometown Heart story to share? Email editor@northportjournal.com.