Judy Collins
Enchanting songstress and staunch social activist Judy Collins will take the stage in Bay Shore to captivate audiences with her vast songbook that includes everything from original folk, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll songs to equally varied standards. As beautiful and ethereal as she is talented, Collins will perform hits that span the 1960s and beyond. Will she include Sondheim’s iconic and heartbreaking tune “Send in the Clowns”? Only one way to find out. Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $60-$65. 8 p.m. Jan. 29.
Bobby V
The sultry southern R&B crooner previously known as Bobby Valentino will sing his breakout hit “Slow Down” in the follow up to his 10-year-anniversary tour, as well as his new club anthem, #PBJ. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $30-$40. 10 p.m. Jan. 29.
Illuminations
An opening reception for the work of artist Terrence Netter, who was inspired to paint landscapes in France and draws on the impromptu graffiti of his students. “I think a painting should take the eye for a walk, but I also think it should take the mind for a walk,” he says. Gallery North, 90 North Country Rd., Setauket- East Setauket. gallerynorth.org Free. 5 p.m. Jan. 30.
Aspire Higher
This photography exhibit features the fine art of select local photographers, who will each display a series of three images that tell a story or convey a concept or mood. Long Island Photo Gallery, 467 Main St., Islip. longislandphotogallery.com Free. 6 p.m. Jan. 30.
The Slackers
This brassy New York City rocksteady sextet hasn’t exactly lived up to their name, churning out more than a dozen albums since they skanked onto the ‘90s ska revival scene. Break out the wingtips and porkpie hats, because this band will pack the dance floor all night. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue 89northmusic.com $13. 7 p.m. Jan. 30.
The B-52s
B-52s fans anticipate a transformation of The Space at Westbury into the Loveshack when this fantastically quirky and over-the top new wave band take the stage. Iconic for the famed beehive hairdo and funky tunes like “Rock Lobster” and “Roam,” the whole Space will shimmy! One thing is for certain–audiences are in for a fun night. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $35-$75. 8 p.m. Jan. 30.
Demetri Martin
You might recognize Demetri Martin from his stints on the Daily Show, where he played a “senior youth correspondent” or his 2009 Comedy Central show Important Things with Demetri Martin. Martin’s performances are unique, in that he continuously peppers his comedic one-liner delivery with musical interludes, playing a variety of instruments from guitar and harmonica to the glockenspiel and ukelele. The result? Unedited versions of his performances on television and YouTube because you can’t break up his routine without breaking up the continuing melodies he strums as he lands killer line after line. The Persistence of Jokes. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$50. 8 p.m. Jan. 30.
Andrew Dice Clay
The controversial comic from Brooklyn who was once banned from MTV over his infamous “adult nursery rhymes” remains popular despite his critics, claiming the title of the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. Die-hard fans recall his starring in the cult classic film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. New recruits to “The Dice Man” will know his autobiography The Filthy Truth, which hit stores in November. Come see why he’s still calling himself the “Undisputed Heavy Weight King of Comedy.” NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50-$74.50. 8 p.m. Jan. 30.
Melanie Safka
This solo singer—one of three such women to perform at Woodstock besides Janis Joplin and Joan Baez—is taking the stage again to give Long Island a refresher course in flower power with her hits, including “Brand New Key,” “Ruby Tuesday” and her song about Woodstock itself, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).” The Suffolk Theatre, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $49. 8 p.m. Jan. 30.
Moon Tooth/Face the King
The Long Island metal band, Moon Tooth, bashed some well-deserving ear drums with the aggressive prog-punk rock of their first EP Freaks, drawing comparisons by the cognoscenti to their seminal influences like Torche, Mastodon and Baroness. But comparisons will only get you so far, as we all know well. Moon Tooth brings their own brutal brand of loud and ferocious chaos to the stage and then all hell breaks loose. Doom never sounded so welcome. Face the King is a hard-working, hard-rocking indie-alternative New York band who just announced a successful fan-funded Kickstarter campaign to finance their debut studio album. They’ve done the NAMM convention in Anaheim, the Warped Tour and the 2014 CBGB Festival in Times Square and, last but not least, been dubbed the “Best Band on Long Island in 2013” by the Long Island Press’ Best Of campaign. Their arena-size sound alone would blow the roof away but so would their lyrical artistry. These guys are hitting the road with a live show that has to be seen to be believed. Attention must be paid. With Suffolk County wrecking crew Dune Local & Sharks In The Shallows. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. Revolutionli.com $10, $13 DOS. 8 p.m. Jan. 30.
Jonathan Groff
You know him from Spring Awakening and Hair on Broadway, the screen adaptation of David Sedaris’s C.O.G., and the voice of Kristoff in Frozen. You’ve seen him on TV, too, as Jesse St. James in Glee, and Patrick Murray in HBO’s Looking. Now you have the rare chance to witness all the talent and grace that is this 29-year-old Tony Award-nominated actor and singer, up close and personal, right here in Port Washington, as part of the Landmark’s intimate Dim The Lights Series. He’s got the pipes and the moves. Not to mention, the looks. A handsome devil of a young man, he’s let it all hang out, so to speak, on Looking, about the squabbles and troubles of a group of gay guys in San Francisco seeking something that remains just out of reach. Groff will be doing what he does best live. Cabaret, meet candor. Taboo, play a couple of tunes, why don’t you? Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. landmarkonmainstreet.org $42-$52. 8 p.m. Jan. 30.
Alex Costa
This 19-year-old singer from Connecticut has been wowing crowds across the country with his emotional serenades of originals and covers, such as his latest, of Ed Sheeran. They call this Alex Costa a one-man band, which happens to be the title of one of his popular songs. He’s got no crew, no limousine—or so he says when he’s wooing some sweet young damsels in his accompanying video. He’s just an earnest young man with wavy brown hair and dark eyes and a baseball cap on backwards. But no doubt about it, Costa has also got the charm and the chops to make a lasting connection in the hearts of many admiring music fans. His voice has a welcoming ring and a sonorous range that makes you wonder how far a talented young performer like Alex Costa will have to go before he becomes a sensational heartthrob heard ‘round the world. Come down and see what all the fuss is about. Opening the show are local rockers One-Click Waiting, Long Island American Idol Experience Finalist Ciara Charlotte, In Development, Dymensions and Priscilla Raine. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. Revolutionli.com $10, $12 DOS. 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31.
Chris Tucker
The actor and comedian is perhaps best known for his role in the Rush Hour movies, in which he played Det. James Carter alongside Jackie Chan. But the Atlanta-native has also established himself as a top-notch comedian with a rip-roaring routine that will leave you wanting more. Other than the lucrative Rush Hour series, Tucker also appeared in the ‘90s cult classic Friday and most recently in the 2013 Oscar nominated film Silver Linings Playbook. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$96.50. 8 p.m. Jan. 31.
Alexis P Suter Band
The Alexis P. Suter Band performs a unique blend of Gospel and Blues—a way for Alexis P. Suter to pay homage to the music played at home (Gospel) and the genre she grew to love after a trip to New Orleans. Alexis P. Suter’s first big hit was “Slam Me Baby” in 1990. She came out with her first album in 2005, and quickly followed that up with five others. Check out this band’s unique sound when they come to the Island Jan. 31. Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $20. 8 p.m. Jan. 31.
Brooklyn Youth Chorus: Black Mountain Songs
The Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus sings Black Mountain Songs, an ode to North Carolina’s Black Mountain College, their erstwhile commune and artistic playground, where a spirit of radical democracy prevailed. Students and teachers shared roles and work, boundaries between disciplines dissolved, and art bled into life, nurturing an atmosphere of unfettered creative collaboration. In Black Mountain Songs, that collective thread is renewed—an expansive choral work that celebrates and rekindles Black Mountain’s utopian spirit. Westermann Stage, Concert Hall, Adelphi University, Garden City Park. aupac.adelphi.edu $30-$35. 8 p.m. Jan. 31.
Deirdre
Debuting this weekend is this Celtic-inspired musical written by Long Island-based authors Michael P. McCarthy and Rich Buley-Neumar and starring actors from the Island and New York City. Deirdre is billed as an ancient story of love and obsession, of mystical druids and ominous prophecies, retold for the modern age. Clashing swords ring out in this tale of a woman whose beauty brings about the downfall of kinds and kingdoms, and of the two men fated to pursue her, in one of history’s first love triangles. The Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts, 2222 Hewlett Ave., Merrick. deirdremusical.com $21. 8 p.m. Jan. 31 and same time every Friday and Saturday through Feb. 22, plus 3 p.m. performances on Sundays.
Jack Hanna
The host of TV’s Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild is considered America’s favorite zookeeper. Jungle Jack and his family explore the far corners of the globe and discover amazing animals and cultures. His live show features many of his favorite animal friends, fascinating and humorous stories, and footage from his adventures around the world. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $29.50-$62.50. 1 p.m. Feb. 1.
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
This internationally renowned, New York-based artist Luba Lukova is regarded as one of the most distinctive image makers working today. Transcending language, culture, and politics, her Graphic Guts collection features passionate visual reactions to many of the pressing issues of our time. In the art of Bulgarian-born Lukova, less is more. More effect, more message, more expression; all while doing it with less. The graphic elements are bold with few fine details but the intent is clear. Her messages reflect the human condition, fundamental fairness and justice. Lukova’s use of striking, metaphoric images gives the viewers art to not only appreciate visually but intellectually. Graphic Guts is also the name of her new book to be released later this year by Clay & Gold. Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck. goldcoastarts.org Free. 4 p.m. Feb. 1.
Marky Ramone
Drummer Marc Bell—or Marky Ramone as he’s famously known—will be signing his new book Punk Rock Blitzkrieg: My Life as a Ramone, which documents his time with the iconic punk rock band from Queens. The book promises to give an inside-look into one of the most influential groups of all time. Any fan of the Ramones should at the very least pick up a copy and learn what made this legendary band tick. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. Bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. Feb. 3.
Emerson String Quartet
Formed in 1976 and taking its name from the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Emerson String Quartet has been wowing audiences across the globe for nearly 40 years and was one of the first quartets formed with two violinists alternating in the first chair position. Violinists Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer, along with Lawrence Dutton on viola and Paul Watkins on cello, continue their unparalleled legacy to this day, converting believers with every extraordinary performance and always breaking new musical ground. Among their long list of accolades, which includes more than 30 acclaimed recordings, nine Grammys and three Gramophone Awards, earlier this month the Emerson String Quartet received the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, Chamber Music America’s highest honor, in recognition of their significant and lasting contribution to the chamber music field. They are the Quartet-in-Residence at Stony Brook University, and are poised to blow away audience members attending this intimate local showstopper. Staller Center for the Arts, SUN Stony Brook, Nochols Road, Room 2030A, Stony Brook. stallercenter.com $48. 8 p.m. Feb. 3.
Victor Prieto
This internationally acclaimed accordionist and Grammy nominee will perform at the next meeting of the Long Island Accordion Alliance. Infusing Jazz, Tango, Classical and Celtic roots, you’ve never imagined an accordion could sound like this. Prieto is revolutionizing everything an accordion is and can be. Wow. La Villini Restaurant, 288 Larkfield Rd., East Northport. la-villini.com Price of dinner. 6 p.m. Feb. 4.
The Ken Kresge Jazz Trio
Music from Gershwin and Porter, Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis, to Broadway and beyond. Beautiful vocals and instrumentation all wrapped into one night of amazing music! Ken Kresge has performed for live audiences around the world and was a past winner of the Michelob Jazz Search. Not to be missed! John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $45. 8 p.m. Feb. 4.
—Compiled by Spencer Rumsey, Jaime Franchi, Rashed Mian, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
