Ephemeral: Unraveling History
Can art define the transitory? That is the question posed by this Ephemeral exhibition, an annual event exploring the instability inherent in the existence of the fleeting and the temporary. For this year’s show, part of the month-long Arts Alive LI celebration, participating artists examine how historical narratives change when told from the vantage point of other, often overlooked, perspectives. Included in the show are Kara Walker, William Kentridge, Duke Riley, Lynne Allen, Ken Gonzales-Day, Skylar Fein, Sarah Peters, Patricia Olynyk, Maureen Cummins and Monica Chulewicz. Some of these artists wholly rethink history or engage in a dialogue with historical figures. Others consider the unreliable nature of memory and its impact on our perception of reality. In this way, the fluid, the unfixed and the ephemeral character of history comes under scrutiny. Ruth S. Harley University Center Gallery, 1 South Ave., Garden City. events.adelphi.edu Free. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 30-Nov. 5.
Harvey by Mary Chase
This classic comedy—immortalized on film with Jimmy Stewart in the lead role—recounts the comic confusion created in the community 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 $15 adults, $10 students under 21. 7 p.m. Oct. 30-31, 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2.
Nightmare on Main Street
Nearly 40 works of talented Long Island student artists in grades K-12 will be on exhibit through Nov. 10 following this opening reception. Now painting and teaching in Islip, Kevin McEvoy, who’s studied art in Santiago, Chile and Florence, Italy, is the juror. He’ll pick two Best in Show winners, one in the senior division (grades 9-12) and one in the junior division (grades K-8), and award each winner a $50 prize at the exhibit’s debut. Art-party-goers are encouraged to show up in costume at the reception. The exhibit, part of the ongoing mega-arts celebration that is Arts Alive LI, is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Huntington Arts Council’s Main Street Petite Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington. huntingtonarts.org Free. 6 p.m. Oct. 30.
Funkin’ A Album Release Party
Cop the latest album full of catchy tunes from his groovy, eight-piece soulful act. Warming up the dance floor is Patchogue’s own Soundswell and the like-minded jammers of Jellyband. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $5. 7 p.m. Oct. 30.
Check out many more Halloween Haunted Houses frightening Long Islanders from Elmont to Montauk HERE!
Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse
“Haunted house” and “professional theatre” come under the same roof thanks to this talented company assembled for this special Halloween performance. “Ever get stuck in a nightmare?” asks Michael Baker, the haunt director of Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse. “Don’t die in that nightmare or you might end up here.” These folks have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears—emphasis on fake blood—into their top-notch fright night festival. Come see for yourself—if you dare. The Gateway Playhouse, 215 South Country Rd., Bellport. GatewaysHauntedPlayhouse.com $25-$35. 7 p.m. Oct. 30, 7 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 1.
Jim Gaffigan
This hysterical funnyman has four cable television specials including Mr. Universe, Beyond the Pale and King Baby to his name. The fourth, Obsessed debuted this past spring on Comedy Central. He is the author of The New York Times bestselling book, Dad Is Fat and has just published Food: A Love Story. He has appeared in a number of comedies and dramas including Portlandia, Flight of the Conchords, Law and Order and Bored to Death. Ticket price includes a signed copy of Food: A Love Story, which is also the name of his tour. Don’t miss this gig! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $75. 8 p.m. Oct. 30.
Sandro Russo
For those opting out of Halloween, there’s this Italian concert pianist, whose repertoire comprises well-known masterpieces of all periods as well as more obscure and challenging works. Definitely more of a treat than a trick, and definitely worth checking out. Parish Museum, 279 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill. parrishart.org $10 members, $20 public. 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
Elements
A reception for the fine art images by top local photographers who captured breathtaking snapshots of earth, fire, water and air. Who would have known photographs could move the human spirit so much? Experience it for yourself. Amazing. Long Island Photography, 467 Main St., Islip. Longislandphotogallery.com Free. 6 p.m. Oct. 31.
Mastodon
This Georgia-based sludge metal quartet is a fitting way to rock out on Halloween. Warming up the crowd are Gojira and Kvelertak. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $29.50-$60. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
Todd Rundgren
This multi-talented songwriter and producer is touring to promote the release of his new LP, Something/Anything? But, don’t worry, he’ll still play his classic hits, including “Hello It’s Me,” “I Saw the Light” and “Bang the Drum All Day.” NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50-$52. 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
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 at Northport’s community playhouse. 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. 31, Nov. 1.
Edgar Allen Poe Festival
If the bard from Baltimore ever haunted Riverhead in the days of yesteryear is a mystery but the place will go stark “Raven” mad about him come Halloween. In fact, the Edgar Allan Poe Festival, hosted by the Town of Riverhead and the Town of Riverhead Business Improvement District, promises to be Long Island’s largest “spooktacular” event. For three days, beginning Oct. 31 and ending Nov. 2, the streets and shops along Main Street will be taken over by street performers portraying Edgar Allan Poe plus embodying many of his infamous literary characters who promise to step off the pages of his frightful fiction to take shape right before your eyes: there’s Lenore, “the rare and radiant maiden” in The Raven; Roderick Usher (whose house takes a fall); Prince Propsero (the ill-fated host of The Masque of the Red Death); “the noble Fortunato,” whose unbridled taste for wine led to his demise at the hands of the vengeful Montresor in The Cask of Amontillado; the wind-struck maiden who lived and died by the sea, Annabelle Lee; and the eccentric sleuth, C. Auguste Dupin, who solved The Murders in the Rue Morgue. You want to rub shoulders with “things that go bump in the night”? Then come to Riverhead Halloween weekend as part of the Arts Alive LI festivities and have a boo-tiful time. Perhaps the streets will ring with “so strange a noise” that would put a grim smile on Poe himself. Riverhead, Main Street. riverheadbid.com Free. 3-7 p.m. Oct. 31, 12-6 p.m. Nov. 1, 2.
Reflections from the Small Woods
Life bends the human heart, stretching both emotion and time into one, un-ending song. How deeply art can transcend it all. How beautifully it can mend the soul. An opening reception for an exhibit of colorful paintings by Cindy Shechter, these kaleidoscopic vision must be experienced firsthand to be believed, and then treasured. Wow. B.J. Spoke Gallery, 299 Main St., Huntington. bjspokegallery.com Free. 6 p.m. Nov. 1.
Mark Lundholm
Comedy possesses the ability to raise the human spirit and usher in light to an otherwise dark place. Lundholm will be utilizing his exceptional, hilarious gift, to do just this, and so much more. This comic hosts a show benefiting the effort to help maintain Dr. Bob’s House, the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous. Come and celebrate in the joys that comedy can unleash. Come rejoice in Lundholm’s transformative talents. You’ll be laughing for weeks. Southampton High School, 141 Narrow Lane, Southampton. $25. 7 p.m. Nov. 1.
Monsters of Freestyle Halloween Ball
Dance away Halloween with all the best Freestyle, including Lisa Lisa of Cult Jam fame who sings “Can You Feel The Beat;” Shannon, who’s biggest hit was “Let the Music Play;” Rob Base, who’s best known for “It Takes Two” and many more. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$84.25. 8 p.m. Nov. 1.
Get the Led Out
Billed as the American Led Zeppelin, Philadelphia cover band Get the Led Out rocks out like Plant, Page, Bonham and Jones. Fresh from California on a cross-country tour, GTLO promises studio overdub tracks from “The Mighty Zep” that fans would never hear in concert. Blasting out Zep’s “Dazed and Confused,” “Starway to Heaven” and “Ramble On,” this gig is sure earn this awesome cover band a whole lotta Long Island love. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $25-$40. 8 p.m. Nov. 1.
Suzanne Vega
Eclectic folk goddess Suzanne Vega hits Long Island to sing her ‘90s hits “Luka” and “Tom’ Diner.” Her captivating storytelling to he strums of her acoustic guitar has earned her a loyal following. Fun fact: “Tom’s Diner,” recently sampled by Fall Out Boy on their new single “Centuries,” was set at Tom’s Restaurant at 112th Street and Broadway in New York City – the same diner the Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer frequented on Seinfeld. Have you visited there yet? They’ve got killer grilled cheese sandwiches, chickn Parm heros, and milkshakes to die for. Trust us! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $30-$50. 8 p.m. Nov. 1.
Amber Ferrari
During the first half of her show, this powerhouse and will perform the music of some of her favorite artists, such as Jefferson Airplane, Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox and others, along with her own original music. During the second half of her show, when she steps out on stage dressed as Janis Joplin, audience members will feel as if they have stepped back in time. The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $20-$48. 8 p.m. Nov. 1.
Meghann Wright
“A rocker with the spirit of Joplin and the heart of a poet,” raves Crave Online, this Brooklyn-based indie guitarist/songstress will sing her way into your heart with songs from her self-titled EP in one of her last local shows before she hits the road on her Good Times With Bad People Tour. With folk-rock band The Green Gallows. Brickhouse Brewery, 67 West Main St., Patchogue. Meagnnbwright.com Free. 10 p.m. Nov. 1.
Vengence Fest
More New York hardcore bands than could play in a one day, plus a special guest to be announced. Bands include Indecision, Tripface, Turnstile, Foundation and many more. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $27, $30 DOS. 2 p.m. Nov. 1, 2.
Chocolate Festival
From cookies to cakes, fudge and candies, this uber-chocofest features scores of vendors offering free samples of their delicious confections, which are also for sale. How sweet it is! Long Island Sports Complex, 246 N Main St., Sayville. Lichocfest.com $10. 11 a.m. Nov. 2.
Claus Boesser-Ferrari
The world-renown German jazz guitar virtuoso will come to LI for his only live performance in the nation this year to take the audience on a musical journey. Joining him will be the legendary guitarist and composer Woody Mann. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Cinemaaretscentre.org $15 members, $20 public. 2 p.m. Nov. 2.
Jazz Fundraiser
What better cause in life is there than music? There is none! Three jazz bands take the stage to help raise funds for the Islip Arts Council. They include New York Jazz Mission, Mind Open and the John Restrepo Jazz Trio. Price of admission includes one drink. Come on out, groove to the tunes, sing some songs, laugh, and celebrate the sheer joy that is really damn good jazz! Treme, 553 Main St., Islip. Tremeislip.com 2 p.m. Nov. 2.
Shinnecock Shamrock
A music and cultural festival with Irish & Native bands, raffles, dancing, beer, wines, chowders and more. 14 North Howells Point Rd., Bellport. $40, kids 12 and under free. 2 p.m. Nov. 1.
Jay Black’s 76th Birthday Celebration Concert
This multi-talented, gifted singer otherwise known as “The Voice” has been wowing audiences around the globe for decades, first rising to fame in the ’60s as the front man for Jay & The Americans. His stand-up routine is also a whopper, and here’s a tiny lil factoid about the man: He speaks Yiddish fluently! Expect some amazing serenading and possibly even a few knee-slapping jokes as JB celebrates his birthday at this very special gig! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$84.25. 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
A big band tribute to Old Blue Eyes, the Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $25. 3 p.m. Nov. 2.
Gold Coast International Film Festival
Form the opening gala featuring Oscar-winning costume designer Catherine Martin of Great Gatsby fame to a special kids film day event, this fourth-annual film fest is rolling out the red carpet for the north shore of Nassau. Hosting the screenings will be cinemas in Port Washington and at Bow Tie Cinemas in Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn as well as the Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck. Q&As scheduled throughout the festival include those with Jim Serpico, producer of the firefighting documentary Burn, Tony-winning actor Phylicia Rashad, sports writer Harvey Araton for The New York Times and others. goldcoastfilmfestival.org Times, venues, prices vary. Nov. 3-9.
Disney Frozen on Ice
The award-winning movie that was made to be performed on ice—and also happens to be the top-grossing animated movie of all time—begins its week-long run of live performances on Long Island. Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Olaf the snowman and all the beloved characters of this smash hit will sing all your favorites songalongs, including “Let it Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. nassaucoliseum.com $35-$529.75. Showtimes vary. Nov. 4-9.
Stations of the Elevated
A gritty 45-minute documentary released in 1981 that captured graffiti in New York City during the tumultuous period of the 1970s. Shown with CLAW, an experimental documentary depicting urban changes in the city during th ’60s. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
O-Town
Check out the boy band creation from the debut of MTV-produced 2000 hit “Making the Band.” O-Town is making the rounds again singing their hits “All or Nothing” and “Liquid Dreams,” and their new single “Skydive” off their new album Lines and Circles. Get ready to swoon as these boys (now men) serenade the audience and dance their signature moves – they’ve still got it. With special guest Todd Carey. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $27.50-$59.50. 8 p.m. Nov 5.
—Compiled by Spencer Rumsey, Jamie Franchi, Timothy Bolger & Zack Tirana