First Day Hikes
What better way to spend New Year’s Day than by soaking in Long Island’s natural beauty with a long walk through the wilderness? Hikers can choose between guided hikes at three of the following New York State parks on LI: Montauk Point State Park 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Bohemia and Jones Beach State Park. 1:30 p.m. Jan. 1.
Long Island ScreamoSkramz Festival
Everyone knows the best cure for National Hangover Day is a loud-as-hell festival featuring more than a half dozen up-and-coming mostly LI-based screamo, emo and punk rock bands. The lineup includes Ohio-based, CityCop and Pennsylvania-native Brightside as well as hometown rockers Secoué, People’s Temple Project, Staleworth, GOTTEM, Reasons and The Magic Fountain. 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10 16 and up, $7 21 and up. 4:30 p.m. Jan. 1.
Hooch and the Bluesicians
Blues and jazz bleed straight from the soul. They are transcendental human expressions, aural embodiments of emotion, pain and absolute euphoria translated via a saxophone, bass, guitar and drums. Great blues music transforms the daily toils and hardships of existence into something wonderful, something ecstatic, something magical, intimate and deep. This music can heal you, fellow readers, and at the same time, save you. Amen for this gig. What a way to kick off the New Year! Wow!! Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com Free. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Jan. 2.
Frank Caliendo
Whether it’s his insane antics on MADTV, his sideline snipes and belly busters as Fox NFL Sunday‘s chief prognosticator, or his absolutely knee-slapping, oh-my-God-my-britches-hurt-too-much-from-laughing standup comedy, this funnyman dishes out the laughter, in over-sized portions. His impressions? Can you say: “Thank you, sir, may we have another?” Of course you will! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $29.50-$62.50. 8 p.m. Jan. 3.
Badfish
Covering everyone’s favorite punk/reggae/ska/pop songs by Sublime is this very cool tribute band, named after the band’s classic tune. Warming up the crowd will be The Warden & FAME, Nonstop to Ciaro and Offshore Regulars. The Emporium, 9 Rairoad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $16, $20 DOS. 6 p.m. Jan. 4.
The Rise and Fall of Lenox Hill
Lenox Hill was ONCE the “in town” home of many distinguished Long Island families. This talk explores the rapidly changing face of Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood, while focusing on the many buildings, owners, and architects who made the area an Olympus of American success. Wine and cheese reception to follow. SPLIA Headquarters, 161 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. splia.org $20 members, $25 public. 3 p.m. Jan. 4.
Steve Israel
The recently re-elected congressman from Huntington will be discussing and signing copies of his book The Global War on Morris, which is billed as a satire about a pharmaceutical sales representative who is targeted by spies. 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. Jan. 5.
Check Out The Island Ear For More Gigs and Events Taking Place All Across Long Island!
Penguins, Sharks, Otters, Seals & Sea Lions
There are just way too many animal and flippered critter events taking place to list here, including: African penguin “Talk & Feed,” a mesmerizing “Sea Lion Show” featuring the very talented and very whiskered Java and Bunker (hands off, Peter Chin! lol), a “Ray Bay Talk” about all those rays and sharks that call the aquarium’s Ray Bay home, a seal training session with all those cutesy harbor and gray sealers, “Sand Shark Lagoon Talk,” otter feedings, penguins, a behind-the-scenes tour, and so much more! What a way to usher in the New Year, surrounded by all these slippery, winged and finned sea mammals! Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center, 431 East Main St., Riverhead. longislandaquarium.com Check website for schedule and times. Jan. 6 & Throughout The Month.
The Bitter Tea of General Yen
A rare screening of Frank Capra’s strange and shocking “pre-Code” classic about miscegenation starring Barbara Stanwyck will be followed by a discussion, book signing and reception with Stanwyck biographer Victoria Wilson. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7.
