Boo! A Monster Musical
Suitable for kids of all ages is this interactive concert revival with a script by Northport native Joe Pospisil and songs by Patchogue’s Howard Beckerman. Part of the month-long Arts Alive LI extravaganza unfolding across Long Island throughout October, the story begins when 11-year-old Harold Owen Ween embarks on an important mission to stop a scary entity named the World Holiday Commission from cancelling Halloween due to declining candy and costume sales. On his crusade, our hero is joined by an unlikely trio of good-natured monsters whose very survival depends on keeping this hallowed tradition alive. After each performance, kids—who are welcome to attend in costume if they also want to get in the spirit—are encouraged to mingle with the cast. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Mains St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $10. 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Oct. 23.
Chris J. Connolly and Bryan Gallo with Butchers Blind
Two great singer-songwriters celebrate the release of their debut albums. Connolly has drawn upon two continents for his musical journey. Originally from Staffordshire, England, he now calls Long Island home. His sublime style weaves between early American roots music and modern alt-rock. Gallo, a Long Island native, is the former front man of the band Attic Space. Backed by Pete Mancini, Paul Cianciaruso, Brian Reilly and Christopher Smith, together they form Butchers Blind. Gallo’s material is inspired by late night bars, the backseats of cars and the pressures of finding romance in a cold-hearted world. His style ranges from deeply personal to the readily accessible with a profusion of pop hooks and alternative country-rock. These amazing performances are yet another part of the uber-mind-blowing arts celebration that is Arts Alive LI! Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $10. 7 p.m. Oct. 23.
Harvey by Mary Chase
This classic comedy—immortalized on film with Jimmy Stewart in the lead role—recounts the comic confusion created by the unique comradeship forged between Elwood P. Dowd and a 6-foot-6 rabbit that is invisible to everyone but him. The American playwright Mary Chase won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1945. Presented by the Hampton Theatre Company, this performance is directed by Diana Marbury with Matthew Conlon as Harvey’s one and only enabler. Quogue Community Hall, 125 Jessup Ave., Quogue. hamptontheatre.org $25 adults, $10 students under 21. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays starting Oct. 23 thru Nov. 9.
Long Island Music Hall of Fame 5th Induction Awards Gala
A musical tribute to lyricist Gerry Goffin—who co-wrote such hits as “The Loco-Motion,” “Up on the Roof” and “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)”—will perform before he’s inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. Also being honored at the group’s fifth-annual induction ceremony will be pop star Debbie Gibson, Broadway legend Patti Lupone, rapper Kurtis Blow producer Steve Thompson, promoter Ron Delsener and four members of Billy Joel’s band. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd will induct Delsener. Receiving the Harry Chapin Award will be previous LIMHoF inductee DMC of Run DMC. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $75-$150. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23.
Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom
Here’s the premise of this innovative performance piece: A generic, middle-class American suburb is ruled with an iron fist wielded by the Neighborhood Association. All the teenagers in this subdivision are hooked on a new video game, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, which includes smashing through an army of zombies to escape the neighborhood for good. We can’t tell you who succeeds and where they go once they get out. You’ll have to see for yourself. Theatre 119, Islip Arts Building, Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus, Selden sunysuffolk.edu $12, SCCC students free. 8 p.m. Oct. 23-Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Oct. 26.
G-Unit
Two members of 50 Cent’s recently reunited Queens-based crew, Loyd Banks and Tony Yayo, are promoting the group’s first EP, The Beauty of Independence, that dropped in August. And maybe they’ll have an update on their second EP, The Beast is G-Unit, the release of which was pushed back this month. Say it with me now: G, g, g, g, g, g, G-Unit! The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $25. 10 p.m. Oct. 23.
The Menzingers
This up-and-coming punk rock quartet from Pennsylvania gives fans hope that the genre isn’t dead. Warming up the crowd are Spraynard, Cassavetes and Lee Corey Oswald. Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. Revolutionli.com $16. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24.
Chiara String Quartet
The program will include Bartók String Quartet No. 3, Brahms’ String Quartet in A Minor, and Bartók String Quartet No. 5. All three quartets will be performed by the Chiara String Quartet entirely from memory. Adelphi University, Concert Hall, 1 South Ave., Garden City. aupac.adelphi.edu $30-35 Adult, $25-$30 Seniors, $5-25 Students 7:30p.m. Oct. 24.
Robin Trower
English psychedelic blues rock legend Trower’s Hendrix-esque mastery of the Stratocaster feeds the free-loving soul. Opening the show are local legends Phil Varca and The SlamJammers, who will be celebrating 25 years together thunderously rocking with driving rhythms, guitar-driven grooves and no-frills energy. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $49.50- $79.50. 8 p.m. Oct. 24.
Evil Dead: The Musical
Ash Williams rides again in this live remake of the ‘80s cult classic horror franchise in which he sings and dances on stage alongside the demons and zombies that he and his pals mistakenly unleash in that notorious cabin in the woods. The critics agree: it’s as great as it sounds. Groovy! Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tillescenter.org $28-$78. 8 p.m. Oct. 24.
Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience
One of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today, two-time Grammy-award winning artist Terrance Simien has been taking his Zydeco Experience band around the world as an ambassador of one of the best styles of upbeat music to ever come out of America’s heartland. An eight-generation Louisiana Creole, Simien was born with Zydeco in his bones. It’s spicy, saucy and sensational. Your feet are gonna want to get up and dance your socks off. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. landmarkonmainstreet.org $37-$47. 8 p.m. Oct. 24.
Emerson String Quartet
The highly esteemed Emerson String Quartet—with Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer on violins, Lawrence Dutton on viola and Paul Watkins on cello—are the quartet-in-residence at Stony Brook University this season. This Quartet, which has been performing together for more than 30 years, stands apart in the history of string quartets with an impressive list of achievements ranging from getting nine Grammy awards, including two for “Best Classical Album,” to the Avery Fisher Prize and being named Musical America’s “Ensemble of the Year.” They make beautiful music together. Their program for this concert—part of the ongoing Arts Alive LI mega-fest—will include: Bach Art of Fugue for String Quartet (selections); Beethoven String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat major (Op. 130) with Grosse Fuge (Op. 133). Staller Center for the Arts, 100 Nicholls Rd., Stony Brook University, Stony Brook. stallercenter.com $48. 8 p.m. Oct. 24.
Lost in Yonkers
Neil Simon’s poignant comedy about two brothers stuck in a nutty household in an unfamiliar neighborhood as America girds for World War II gets the Bare Bones Theater treatment. The play won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award in 1991. Tears and laughter abound. This production is directed by Jeff Bennett. Bare Bones Theater Co., 57 Main St., Northport. barbonestheater.com $25 adults, $15 students, Kids under 15 free. 8 p.m. Oct.24, Oct. 25, Oct. 31 & Nov. 1.
Halloween Family Day with “Magic Bob”
Here’s a truly magical event that’s part of the ongoing Arts Alive LI celebratory smorgasbord that promises to dazzle the audience with a family illusion show that brings “magic beyond imagination!” There’s wonder, amazement, joy and laughter as the audience members get in on the act and become part of the show. It’s fun for all ages. And there will be prizes for the best costume plus face-painting and special guided tours of the birthplace of one of America’s greatest poets. Space is limited so call ahead. Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station. waltwhitman.org $9 per child, chaperones free. 1 p.m. Oct. 25.
Lois Walker’s Solo Show
As part of Arts Month 2014, the work of artist Lois Walker is on display at the Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Petite Gallery. Titled “Exploring Gesture & Color,” it’s a well-deserved solo show for this talented painter. “In the last year my paintings have become intensely concerned with color and gesture and become totally abstract as a result,” she said. Her early paintings had strong figurative elements, she explains, and she’s never totally abandoned that approach. But what’s become paramount in her recent work is the play of color and the motion of her arm in creating gestures that leave a lasting impression on the canvas. “The energy and visual satisfaction that I generate for myself will hopefully be communicated to the viewers,” she says. “Color is one of my great interests and I have tried to explore its power to seduce with the visually active paintings gathered here.” For a change of pace, Walker will give a poetry reading at the gallery space Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Petite Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington. huntingtonarts.org Free. 2 p.m. Oct. 25.
Punktoberfest
More than 100 different beers from over 40 brewers, four bands and plenty to eat at this quirky Oktoberfestapalooza at one of Long Island’s local breweries. Bands taking the stage include Samurai Pizza Cats, Roit Fox, Bombers, Adams Atoms and Live Fast Die Fast. Great South Bay Brewery, 25 Drexel Ave., Bay Shore. greatsouthbaybrewery.com $40-$75. 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25.
Portrait Show: Judge and Jury
Cocktail party featuring live music that is a fundraiser for annual choral festival. Brookhaven Arts Council, Phoenix Gallery, 139 South Country Rd., Bellport. brookhavenchoral.org $75. 3 p.m. Oct. 25.
Lucy Kaplansky & Cheryl Wheeler
Lucy Kaplansky is “a truly gifted performer,” says The New York Times. Blending country, folk and pop styles, she can make every song sound fresh, whether singing her own sweet originals, covering country classics by June Carter Cash and Gram Parsons or performing pop favorites by Lennon/McCartney and Nick Lowe. She’s a rare vocal talent. Sometimes it can seem as if there are two Cheryl Wheelers, the multi-talented New England songwriter. First, there is poet-Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. But then comes her evil twin, comic-Cheryl, a savagely funny social critic. Both taking the stage as a part of the month-long Arts Alive LI arts celebration, the result is a delightful contrast between poet and comic. YMCA Boulton Center, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. Boultoncenter.org $45. 8 p.m. Oct. 25.
Breaking Benjamin: Un-Plugged
Having reunited just three months ago following a string of issues that left singer/guitarist Benjamin Burnley the lone remaining original member of this Pennsylvania-based alt-metal quintet, Breaking Benjamin is once again ready to rock out hits such as “The Diary of Jane,” “So Cold” and Breath.” Acoustic style. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $30-$75. 8 p.m. Oct. 25.
12th Annual LI Comedy and Music Fest
Come for the laughs, stay for the jams. Long Island-based cover band Peter Mazzeo & the Hit Squad play all the hits all the time while three comics will crack up the crowd. Comics include: Vic DiBitetto, who’s been featured on Funny or Die and Drunk History; Richie Minervini, a stand-up veteran who used to own a comedy club on LI; and Chris Monty, who’ll be in Mall Cop: Blart 2. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$62.50. 8 p.m. Oct. 25.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Spectacular and Costume Contest
Break out your inner weirdo and let your freak flag fly as you reenact the Time Warp (again) with other Rocky Horror Picture Show enthusiasts. Don your best Dr. Frank N. Furter, the “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania” costume. Or perhaps, find your inner Riff Raff, Janet, barry, Magenta or the title character Rocky Horror. No matter what you choose, leave your timidity at home to party with this campy, cult classic and the hordes of followers it has inspired nearly 40 years after its film debut, launching Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon into pop culture iconography. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Cinemaaretscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 11:30 p.m. Oct. 25.
Natalie Merchant at Hampton Music Festival
This weekend of music crosses the spectrum of rock, pop, indie, country and folk. Headliner on Friday is Grammy and Tony-award winning singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik, best known for his hit single “Barely Breathing” in 1996. He’ll go back to the ’90s with his chart-topping hit, then bring the show right into now with songs from his Tony Award-winning rock musical Spring Awakening and newest album Lay Down Your Weapons. Saturday brings the uber-talented, multi-platinum selling, prolific songstress, (and former 10,000 Maniacs front woman), Natalie Merchant, whose signature voice, smart, socially conscious lyrics, and catchy tunes helped to define the 1990s. Count yourself lucky to be able to enjoy the debut of her first album of original songs in 13 years. Closing the fest is the “East Meets West” finale on Sunday with two stages: indoor/electric, outdoor/acoustic, indoor and outdoor cash bars, and BBQ for purchase provided by Justin’s Chop Shop WHB. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. hamptonsmusicfestival.com Whbpac.org Prices, times vary. Oct. 24-26.
JDRF One Walk
People with the disease are joined by friends, family members and co-workers to raise funds and support to turn Type One to Type None in this nonprofit’s first fall JDRF One Walk. Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. longisland.jdrf.org Donations. 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26.
Michael Amante
This operatic prodigy from Syracuse known as “The People’s Tenor” has appeared in a laundry list of Broadway shows, delighting audiences with soaring renditions of Italian classics as well as standards from the great American Songbook. With opening act Sal Richards. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50-$74. 3 p.m. Oct. 26.
Waiting for Carmine Record Release Party
Massapequa’s own Michael “Don Miguel” McManus & The Teenage Guide to Popularity (and who couldn’t use their advice, even now?) is hosting a big party to celebrate the launch of his latest album, Waiting for Carmine. The hip-hop project features more than 25 collaborators, including ST 2 Lettaz, Guilty Simpson, Boldy James, Percee P, Rapsody, Rashad Thomas, Delicate Steve and others. “Thematically, the album deals with my upbringing in my family’s Manhattan bar, Peter McManus Café,” said McManus, who not too long ago was a bass player on “one of the most original and accomplished albums to come out of Long Island,” according to music critic Rafer Guzman. There’ll be live performances and premiere screenings of the single “Sweat,” a mini-documentary about the album plus a teaser. The Village Voice has already pegged “Waiting for Carmine” in its “Best of NYC” edition. The Grand Victory, 245 Grand St., Brooklyn. waitingforcarmine.com $8. 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26.
Decoding Annie Parker
A must-see theatrical drama of two remarkable women who share a common cause: finding a cure for breast cancer. They include spirited and perseverant Annie Parker, a three-time cancer survivor whose mother and sister succumbed to breast cancer, and the world renown geneticist Mary-Claire King, whose discovery of the breast cancer BRCA gene mutation is considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century.” A percentage of the net proceeds go to a local breast cancer nonprofit. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $10. 7 p.m. Oct. 27.
Famous Nathan
This documentary chronicles the personal and public history of Nathan’s Famous of Coney Island, the iconic Brooklyn eatery and Coney Island institution, created in 1916 by Nathan Handwerker, and documented by his grandson Lloyd Handwerker. As the 2016 centennial approaches, Famous Nathan is an intimate and personal love letter to the parents, grandparents, workers, eaters and all the lovers of Coney Island and Nathan’s Famous. Theater Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson. portjeffdocumentaryseries.com
$7. 7 p.m. Oct. 27.
The Phantom Carriage
This chilling ghost story, one of the most central films in the history of Swedish cinema, stars and is directed by Victor Sjöström (Wild Strawberries) and based on a novel by Nobel Prize-winner Selma Lagerlöf. This extraordinarily rich and innovative silent classic (which inspired Ingmar Bergman to make movies) is a Dickensian ghost story and a deeply moving morality tale, as well as a showcase for groundbreaking special effects. It screens with live organ accompaniment by Ben Model. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. CinemaArtsCentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30p.m. Oct. 28.
Bridgit Mendler
Pop bubblegum dance rap hip-hop–the 21-year-old songstress who cites Bob Dylan and Florence And The Machine among her greatest influences does it all, in a addition to acting (as Teddy Duncan in the Disney sitcom Good Luck Charlie and a slew of films, starring alongside LI’s own Lindsay Lohan in Labor Pains). She’s also a devout humanitarian and has raised and donated countless dollars to a host of philanthropic causes ranging from pro-literacy initiatives, better school programs and anti-cyberbullying campaigns. Here tunes are catchy and uplifiting and have topped the charts. The Mendler is worth checking out, for sure. With Special Guest Nick Tangorra Band. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$54. 7 p.m. Oct. 29.
Janet Emily Demarest
Answering the simple questions, such as “Why is there a bull in downtown Smithtown?” to paranormal-themed mysteries, such as The Lady of the Lake, this local author will be speaking about and signing copies of her new book, Takes from the General Store: The Legends of Long Island. The Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. Oct. 29.
—Compiled by Spencer Rumsey, Jamie Franchi, Timothy Bolger & Zack Tirana
