Putting Long Island on the Map: An Interview with Cross Island Connect

By Maya Bishop | March 1, 2026

Photo Credit: Mike Peragine @thegr3atunknown

All across Long Island and the five boroughs you can find shows hosted by Cross Island Connect. Led by Sam Lemus, Cross Island Connect has helped host amazing shows that help bring the community together including several benefits for The Maranzano Family (who are actively searching for Mortimer Wortman), Holiday Toy Drives, Sangre y Rudio & Latino Hardcore Crew Fest to celebrate Latin Hardcore, Hell Hath No Fury celebrating Women in Hardcore, various cancer drives, and more there is no end to their contributions to the scene. It was an honor to get the chance to take some time and get to know what the whole idea is behind this group and how live music is being used as a funnel for direct impact.

What was your main goal creating Cross Island Connect?

To put on good, local shows that would bring people together. I saw so much talent within Long Island and the NYC boroughs. I want to build community, I want to help local bands network with other local bands from within the 5 boroughs, LI, NJ and beyond to push our collective scenes even further.

Do you think the Long Island music scene is overlooked across New York? Is there anything that you think would help that?

If you had asked me this question 5 years ago I would have said yes. Right now in the present day, there are so many Long Island bands that have broken out and really put LI on the map, especially in the heavier scene. Bands such as Koyo, Pain of Truth, Incendiary, Family Dinner, Stand Still, Deadlands, Vision of Disorder, have sold out venues like The Meadows, Irving Plaza, and Brooklyn Paramount. I think the Long Island scene has actually become quite influential in this new era.

Cross Island Connect does a lot of benefit shows, has fundraising and awareness always been a part of your mission or were you inspired?

It has always been a part of my mission. I was/am still heavily inspired by the band Cipher. The members of that band welcomed an open culture of raising awareness to social and racial issues, and used their music and platform to do so. A lot of shows I went to as a kid were benefits for friends, charities, community fundraisers, etc. Hardcore wasn't just heavy music and moshing to me. Hardcore meant action, community, accountability, and awareness.

Photo Credit: Robyn Stanton @residualsnaps

What has been the most exciting lineup you've put together?

Personally - I would say the weekend I booked Cipher in Feb. 2024. Night 1 was at The Meadows w/Endwell. Night 2 was at Shaker's Pub w/From The Pawn. The energy in both of those rooms was insane.

What's a lineup you would absolutely love to have?

MY NYHC DREAM SHOW TO BOOK:
MADBALL
INCENDIARY
VISION OF DISORDER
CANDIRIA
CIPHER
NECK
This lineup epitomizes what NYC and LI Hardcore are to me.

Cross Island Connect also does a lot of collaborations. What would you say is the most important aspect of working with other groups/organizations?

Being able to intertwine different parts of the music scene + building a larger community where everyone can share ideas and network.

Photo Credit: Robyn Stanton @residualsnaps

You also have a band, Bleed The Gods, did seeing acts on stage make you want to hop back on one yourself? Or was the band always part of the plan?

I honestly never thought I would be performing again after my old band From Bliss to Devastation broke up. Bleed the Gods was just starting to form as Cross Island Connect was taking off.

Bleed The Gods has also been described by the band as an act of catharsis, does that feel especially necessary nowadays? ABSOLUTELY, especially in the times we're living in. For me, its a second form of therapy where I can express everything that is aching me mentally, emotionally, subconsciously, etc.

The scene has been in an interesting place with all the venue closures and modern streaming issues, what drives you to keep making music and putting on shows? The love of it all. I love making music. I love expressing myself through music. I love the culture and community that comes with it. I love the people I meet and the new friends I make. THE EXPERIENCE of connecting with other individuals through music is powerful and definitely feeds a part of my soul.

Do you have any words of wisdom for the newest generation of musicians and event organizers?

HAVE FUN + TAKE RISKS, but BE SMART. Learn a trade or stay in school, practice your instrument, get organized, communicate, play in multiple bands/different genres, BE PROFESSIONAL.

And finally, best kind of birthday cake?

CARVEL Cookie Puss Ice Cream Cake 100%

Also, feel free to shout out anyone you want some recognition for!

SHOUTOUT TO RIVAL BOOKING - Hit them up if you're looking to tour in Richmond, VA. Shout out OtterHouse Studios, Point of Impact Booking, Collective Effort NYC
BANDS - CODED, FROM THE PAWN, KURU, DECEIT, RULE OF THUMB, FACA, SHOOT DA 5, TORN OPEN, SUMMON THE PLAGUE

Band Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cross_island_connect/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Cross-Island-Connect-112667685179632

Bleed The Gods Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bleedthegods/

Bleed The Gods Bandcamp - https://bleedthegods.bandcamp.com/