Book on Plum Island Talk
Geoffrey Fleming and Amy Folk, the authors of the recently published A World Unto Itself: The Remarkable History of Plum Island, will discuss the long hidden history of this mysterious isle off the North Fork of Long Island. Beginning with the glacial origins of the island, the historians introduce readers to the fascinating chronicle that places the island in the broader context of American history, with an emphasis on the “Fort Terry years.” Plum Island is, as the authors emphasize, both a world unto itself and a microcosm of our world. Suffolk County Historical Society Museum, 300 West Main St., Riverhead. suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org $5. 6 p.m. Dec. 4.
Triple Divide
A revelatory film about fracking that came about as the result of a three-year investigation into government and industry data as well as firsthand testimony from affected Pennsylvania citizens and leaseholders. Come for the film, stay for refreshments and discussion with staff members of both New Yorkers Against Fracking and Food & Water Watch. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $6 members, $11 public. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4.
Joe Walsh
No rocker plays guitar like Joe Walsh. He’ll always be that hard-hitter with the blazing licks like the ones he laid down with the James Gang, when he made a name for himself with “Funk 49” in 1969. He’s recently updated that number with “Funk 50,” a tune from his first solo release in 20 years. Called Analog Man, his new album is produced by Jeff Lynne, who gave Electric Light Orchestra and The Traveling Wilburys their lush harmonies, intricate arrangements and dense sound. Over the years Joe sometimes flies with The Eagles but he’ll be winging it himself on LI. As his song titles say, “Life’s Been Good” for this anything but “Ordinary Average Guy.” The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-$125. 8 p.m. Dec. 4.
The Irish Tenors
Oh, Danny Boy! Twice a year, around St. Patrick’s Day and the Christmas Holidays, the Irish Tenors dazzle and delight audiences around the world with their musical performances. Since their debut in 1999 on PBS, these musical marvels have been charming fans with their signature Irish ballads and classics. Sing along with Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan as they bring their voices and their talents to LI as part of The Irish Holiday Tour. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$62.50. 8 p.m. Dec. 4.
Hitler’s Secret Weapon: Media Marketing in the Holocaust
Linda F. Burghardt, a journalist and author from Great Neck, tells the story of the multi-faceted assault on the Jews through mass communication—how it was powered, why it worked, how it was created and what it says about the media today. Using archival photos and artwork, she will explain how the media managed to turn ordinary citizens into Nazis and succeeded in selling the idea of genocide to the German people. Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, Welwyn Preserve, 100 Crescent Beach Rd., Glen Cove. HMTCLI.org 10 a.m. Dec. 5.
Dennis Miller
Caustic, cerebral, and conservative Dennis Miller will take to the stage to enlighten and entertain audiences with his observational humor that will touch on all kinds of right-leaning political subjects. Try to keep up with the lightening speed of his tongue-thrashing. Bring your dictionary to decipher words he throws out that rarely see the light of day in academia, let alone comedy. Go along for the ride through the twists and turns or literary analogies, sweeping history, and scathing critique. This former NFL commentator might also talk some football. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $59.50-$99.50. 8 p.m. Dec. 5.
David Bromberg Quintet
The Godfather of Americana is touring to promote his new album, Only Slightly Mad, which was released in September. Fans will find blues, bluegrass, gospel, folk, Irish fiddle tunes, pop and English drinking songs happily coexisting as they can only on a Bromberg album. Newcomers will be introduced to an astonishing performer whose range and musical depth have delighted audiences for more than 40 years. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $40-$70. 8 p.m. Dec. 5.
Amor a Nuestra Musica
This annual Spanish Broadcasting System show-stopping multi-act extravaganza will include Latin pop stars Luis Fonsi, Ricardo Montaner, Jesse & Joy, Gloria Trevi, Pablo Alborán and Natalia Jiménez, along with Dominican bachatero Frank Reyes. Yes, you will be singing! Yes, you and your family and loved ones will be dancing throughout the aisles of The Old Barn! Yes, it will be Laetificus! Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. Nassaucoliseum.com $22.16-$115.15. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5.
19th Annual Dickens Festival
An annual Village celebration of the author of A Christmas Carol, this holiday extravaganza features costumed characters, decorated streets and shops, Victorian entertainment and food. It kicks off with a festival of trees that includes ice-skating characters and giant snowmen at 7 p.m. Dec. 5, followed by a long list of caroling, performances and related events—even a gingerbread house contest before concluding in a Grand Final Parade! A full list of all programs can be found here portjeff.com/Dickens Mostly free. Dec. 5-7.
Cinderella’s Christmas
The most famous Disney princess of them all rings in the holiday season in a spectacular show of grace, skill and of course, magic beauty! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $14.50.12 p.m. Dec. 6.
Cheyenne Jackson
His music of the Mad Men era was lauded by critics. The New York Daily News wrote, “Cheyenne Jackson has got it all and he showed it all: the voice, the moves, the quirky self-effacing humor. He gleamed like Don Draper’s Brylcreemed hair.” Wow! Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post Campus 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. tillescenter.org $53. 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
Mike Epps
This stand-up comedian, actor, rapper and producer from Indiana has generated a huge amount of buzz since his big-screen breakthrough as Day-Day in Next Friday. His HBO comedy special, Inappropriate Behavior, was one of the network’s top-rated, hour-long specials of 2005. Now, he’s taking his hilarious show on the road with The Mike Epps After Dark Tour. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$84.25. 8 p.m. Dec. 6.
Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood
This avant-jazz-funk supergroup has been bending and twisting the very fabric of music ever since their formation in 1991, then consisting of John Medeski on keyboards and piano, Billy Martin on drums and percussion and Chris Wood on double bass and bass guitar. Jazz guitar/composer virtuoso John “Sco” Scofield joins them to further push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of aural enlightenment. Wowzler! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $75-$115. 8 p.m. Dec. 6.
Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes
Long regarded as the Godfather of the Jersey Shore Sound, John Lyon, better known by his stage name Southside Johnny, is an American original. Growing up in Ocean Grove and graduating from Neptune High, he followed in Bruce Springsteen’s shoes running down the boardwalk, hitting the high notes and laying it low with that bluesy soulfulness that only he can croon. It helped that Steven Van Zandt, the Boss’s compadre, penned Southside Johnny’s signature song, “I Don’t Want to Go Home.” And yes, that’s Southside and the Jukes performing as a bar band at the frat party in that action-packed classic Adventures in Babysitting. The guy’s been doing it right and working his ass off and we’re lucky to have him around keeping it real. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $35-$65. 8 p.m. Dec. 6.
CC Claus: A Baseball Christmas Story
CC Sabathia, the pitcher for the New York Yankees, and his son, Carsten, will talk about the MLB star’s new holiday-themed children’s book CC Claus: A Baseball Christmas Story. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. Dec. 6.
Mick James
The “undead” lead screamer/guitarist of his self-titled industrial/metal band makes his LI debut at this show organized by Rock N Ink, which includes tattoo vendors, giveaways, contests and models. Spike TV Ink Masters will also be in attendance. Warming up the crowd will be Tang and Fractured Smile. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville revolutionli.com $15. 5 p.m. Dec. 7.
Celtic Thunder Christmas Symphony
A dynamic live music experience, accompanied by a full Symphony Orchestra and favorite holiday songs from their latest CD Holiday Symphony. The music selection ranges from traditional carols “Away in A Manger,” “Silent Night” to classical pieces, holiday staples and the more contemporary “Fairytale of New York.” What a way to usher in this special and magical holiday season! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$84.25. 7 p.m. Dec. 7.
Tantric
Touring behind their 2013 firebomb 37 Channels and latest comp, Blue Room Archives, which dropped just this September, these Louisville, Kentucky hell-raisers know how to rock. The band stomps their own footprints on what music critics describe as “post-grunge,” melding acoustic guitars, distorted, sonically muddy and heavy electric guitar and multi-layered vocal harmonies. Think Days Of The New (from where their original drummer, bassist and guitarist came) meets Alice In Chains, minus, obviously, the sheer addictive dread that was the irreplicable Jerry Cantrell-Layne Staley chemistry. With The Royal Guard, Lubricoma and Logan’s Room. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $16 advance, $20 DOS. 8 p.m. Dec. 7.
Korn
The dark, seismic nu-metal ring of hell that is this band has been leveling audiences, topping charts and racking up Grammy nominations and Awards almost the moment founding members Jonathan Davis (vocals), James “Munky” Shaffer (guitar), Brian “Head” Welch (guitar), Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu (bass) and David Silveria (drums) began rehearsing together at a Huntington Beach, Calif. studio in 1993. They’ve influenced countless aspiring metal gods in thier wake, sold more than 35 million records to date, and bring all their infamous chaos, blackout noise and sheer, absolute fury to what will unquestionably be an absolutely insane performance at The Mountler. Don’t miss this gig! With Special Guest King 810. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $59.50-$99. 8 p.m. Dec. 8.
The 1975
What is it about that date that inspired this English indie rock band to name it and claim it? Reportedly they found 1975 scrawled inside a book and it stuck with them as they moved on—and caught on. The Guardian said they were “the breakout act of 2013” with their funk-pop and R&B updated for the 21st century. One thing’s for sure, 2014 has been a very good year for Matt Healy, Adam Hann, George Daniel and Ross MacDonald, as these talented chums have played their biggest headline shows in the UK and their tour in the U.S. continues to gather steam. Certainly Taylor Swift knows their number—or at least, she can reach lead singer Matt Healy’s private line whenever she likes. Sweet. With special guests CRUISR & Young Rising Sons. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $30-$45. 8 p.m. Dec. 9.
Adrian Belew
Quick, who’s the world’s greatest experimental whammy twang bar czar lone rhino King Crimson stunt guitarist? The answer is: Yes, of course, Adrian Belew is all of those things and more. This amazing American multi-instrumentalist has been killing it on guitar for decades. How he started out back in Kentucky as a drummer in the Ludlow High School marching band and got to where he is today is a mythical story worthy of Homer. Belew claims he’s a creative force for the good of mankind, and god knows we need it. His unique career has taken him from Frank Zappa to Robert Fripp to David Bowie to Trent Reznor to who knows who’s next? What the Earth needs now is the music in this guy’s head. The Boulton Center, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $40-$45. 8 p.m. Dec. 10.
Christina Perri
This 28-year-old singer/songwriter from Philly has got it all, in spades: sex appeal, attitude and talent. Her breakthrough came in 2010 when her torturously haunting single “Jar Of Hearts” was featured on an episode of So You Think You Can Dance, propelling the then-unsigned artists onto the top of the charts, and, into the hearts of millions of would-be fans. Its YouTube video (Watch Above) has since garnered nearly 140 million views. Yes, you read that correctly: 140 million (!!) views. Perri was launched into superstardom when her song “A Thousand Years” accompanied Edward and Bella in the first Twilight film. She credits much of her passion for music to her big brother Nick, who tooled off on guitar with everybody from Jane’s Addiction madman Perry Farrell to G&R’s skinman Matt Sorum. As legend goes, Perri learned to play by watching Blind Melon‘s Shannon Hoon (RIP) on a videotape of VH1. Known for her haunting lyrics and ethereal voice, she will undoubtedly knock out The Mountler at this intimate performance with powerful, moving songs from her second studio album Head or Heart, especially its debut hit single, “Human.” The question remains, however: Will she accompany Press music werewolf Zack Tirana for some satisfyingly dee-lishhh cold-slice pizza at Little Vincent’s, and perhaps a beer or two, in downtown Huntington, after the gig? Who the hell knows. Probably not, unfortunately. Actually, no shot at all. Never gonna happen. Really? None? Nada!? Well that sorta sucks, doesn’t it? Don’t miss this gig, part of her ongoing Head Or Heart Tour, regardless. With Special Guest Jukebox The Ghost. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $30-$45. 8 p.m. Dec. 10.
Bubba Sparxxx
The country rapper from the backwoods of Georgia who burst on the scene in the early aughts with Ugly, featuring Timbaland, is touring to promote his fifth studio album, Made on McCosh Mill Road. Opening the show are Musick Medics, Decay The Savage, Alphamale and Rymiff & Jay Swiggy. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $18, $20 DOS. 8 p.m. Dec. 10.
—Compiled by Spencer Rumsey, Jaime Franchi, Timothy Bolger & Zack Tirana
