Wake the Sun
This is a band of true grit. You’ll hear the influences of the groups that invented today’s rock scene, such as Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, mixed up with modern-day sounds like those of the Black Keys and Cage the Elephant, but with a twist on the music that is all their own. Their live performances are a must-see–check them out as they perform songs from their EP Wicked Souls. Warming up the crowd will be Time King, Two Cent Sam and Schoeffel. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $10. 7:30 p.m. April 9.
Erik the Reptile Guy
The author and adventurer will speak and sign his new book Madagascar Live. He is a New York State-licensed veterinary technician and founder of the wildlife education company Erik’s Reptile Edventures animal shows. Shortly after graduating from Stony Brook University in 2006, he has shared his program with thousands of people in the New York tri-state area and around the world. Will there be skinks? Nah. Will there be boas on hand to pet and feed? No, absolutely not. There’s sure to be an iguana there, no? Unfortunately not, dear friend. Unfortunately not. There will be plenty of reptile knowledge, however. Plenty of that, indeed. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. Bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. April 9.
Long Island and the Civil War
What was Long Island’s role during the great war that split our country in two? How did our brethren live during this time? What did we think of Abraham Lincoln? This extraordinary lecture and book signing will answer all these questions and so many more about this dark, challenging and defining time in our Island and nation’s history. Historian Harrison Hunt and longtime Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer, who co-wrote Long Island and the Civil War: Queens, Nassau and Suffolk During the War Between the States, will explain it all. Cold Spring Harbor Library & Environmental Center, 95 Harbor Rd., Cold Spring Harbor. Free. 7 p.m. April 9.
Zebra
Long Island’s own legendary saviors and purveyors of rock (via Louisiana), The Mighty Zebra will be shredding through nearly 40 years of hard rock and metal fueled by the superhuman guitar virtuosity of the beloved Randy Jackson. With Mystic. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50. 8 p.m. April 9.
Ginuwine
Ginuwine is Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, a singer/songwriter, dancer, rapper and actor from Washington, DC. His early collaborations with Timbaland in the 1990s, including his hit “Pony,” cast him into the spotlight as a bright young talent. Since then, he has made his debuts across screens both small and big (Parks and Recreation, You Got Served) and continues to thrill audiences with live performances and his signature sounds and moves. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $20. 10 p.m. April 9.
My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, I’m In Therapy!
Stopping on Long Island during its national tour is this smash hit, one-man show written and performed by Steve Solomon inspired by the creator’s hilarious family and all the people in his life whose sole purpose is to drive him into therapy—and they succeeded! One part Lasagna, one part Kreplach and two parts Prozac, you don’t have to be Jewish or Italian to love this show. All you need is to know what it feels like to leave a family dinner with heartburn and a headache! Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson. theatrethree.com $44-$68. Times vary. Through May 10.
I See Me
They say that our eyes are windows to our souls. They say that poetry is a mirror to the inner truths of our collective heart, our essence, our life’s spirit [or at least one Press staffer does]. Self-analysis can be both a challenge and a triumph, and one would hope that the result would be a clearer, brighter you, having observed these truths and then adapted and modified and opened your hearts accordingly. Is this what the participants of this self-analysis will discover? Will they have the fortitude and commitment to truth necessary to both see themselves for who and what they really, truly are, and then infuse those revelations, no matter how ugly or glorious they are, to better themselves and thus, all of humanity!? We shall see, dear readers. We shall see. Or rather, they shall. Come learn how artists responded to the challenge of: “Who are you? How do you see yourself?” Self-portraits rule the day. Let’s hope their consequential illuminations do, too. Runs through April 27. Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington. Huntingtonarts.org Free. 6 p.m. April 10.
A Toast to the Coliseum
Join Pat LaFontaine, Bobby Nystrom “Mr. Islander” and Steve Webb as they host other NY Islander Alumni to put on one great party to give a final Toast To The Coliseum. On the evening of this event, The NY Islanders will be taking on the Penguins in Pittsburgh. This unique viewing party will be an opportunity for attendees to celebrate the final regular season weekend of the NY Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum! The Chateau Briand, 440 Old Country Rd., Carle Place. ColiseumToast.com $150. 6:30 p.m. April 10.
Joan Osborne
Joan Osborne’s vocal range makes these writers wonder if she is indeed “one of us.” This Kentucky-born transplanted New York singer/songwriter has such a unique interpretation of music that she has helped to reinvent folk music and reintroduce it to modern audiences. With turns in the pop, R&B, soul, blues and country genres, she is virtually unstoppable. The Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $49. 8 p.m. April 10.
Jessie’s Girl
Break out the Converse, strap on a headband and dust off the jean jacket, because this Back to the Eighties Show will do everything short of taking you in a Delorean back to the decade when Men at Work, Flock of Seagulls and Debbie Gibson ruled the airwaves. That’s because Jessie’s Girl is more than just a cover band. They’re here to party like it’s 1989! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-$30. 8 p.m. Apr. 10.
The New York Funk Exchange
Forget your dancing shoes, LI—you’re going to need more than that to keep up with this nine-piece band’s dance-inducing, hip-popping and head-shaking tunes. They specialize in old school funk as well as jazz, soul and R&B. As if its name and long list of songs weren’t enough to convince you that New York Funk Exchange is the epitome of fun, the band decided to name its most recent album This is Your Brain on Funk. Forget caffeine, a couple of minutes listening to these masters of da funk will have you totally wired—or as Press contributor Tirana puts it: pumped “out of your gourd!!” Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansett stephentalkhouse.com $10. 10 p.m. April 10.
The Cavalry Is Us
This record-release show in celebration of The Cavalry Is Us’ Lessons In Moving and presented by East Coast Collective will unleash a barrage of local and regional bands and absolutely devastating tunes by the aforementioned, as well as from A Will Away, Gone By Friday, Rebels Fighting Robots, Sun & Flesh, Above Skylight and In My Sights. Damn, this gig is gonna rock! Don’t miss it. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Broadway, Amityville. amityvillemusichall.com $10. (Ages 16 and up.) 6 p.m. April 10.
Spring Festival
Spring is the time of rebirth, of starting anew, of hoisting your arms toward the gorgeous blue sky and shouting, “Yes!” It is also a season defined by boundless amounts of fun, whether that be strolling around one of Long Island’s many lakes, streams and/or nature preserves, sipping large vats of really, really great coffee down along the shoreline of any one of our gorgeous beaches, or just kicking back and relaxing for a quick lil nappler beneath the soon-blossoming shade trees. This massive celebration spills onto the side streets of our local communities, of course, and culminates in plentiful fairs, bazaars and food fests sponsored by a host of municipalities, religious groups and organizations. This joyous celebration of this life-affirming season will feature fun activities for children of all ages, including bouncing castles (!!), spring crafts, a petting zoo (!!), an assortment of spring games and activities, along with light refreshments (!!). As a young child-poet Arthur Rimbaud once envisioned: “It Was Springtime”! Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7800 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury. oysterbaytown.com Free. 1 p.m. April 11.
Expo 34
An opening reception featuring the moving works of winners of the above-titled art exhibit, and judged by Whitney Museum of American Art’s Curatorial Assistant Adrienne Rooney, this collage of light and dark and color and passion is sure to be nothing short of absolutely spectacular. Come marvel at the creations of such talented souls. Come connect with their visions. Come revel in the beauty that is the artists’ eye, and hold dear its mortal-immortal embodiment. b. j. spoke gallery, 299 Main St., Huntington. bjspokegallery.com Free. 6 p.m. Through April 30.
Dominic Chianese
The Bronx-born Broadway performer and big screen actor is also an accomplished musician with several notable Italian-inspired tracks. Dominic Chianese, who released two albums in the early-2000s, is no stranger to performing at the Patchogue Theatre, having played the venue several times over the course of his musical career. The multi-talented performer has appeared in The Godfather: Part 2, Dog Day Afternoon, All the President’s Men, and dozens of other movies and TV series. Chianese will be joining guitarists Marc Vincent Sica and Mark Pelliccio. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org. $28. 7 p.m. April 11.
Taste of Flight Wine Expo 2015
Wine is the nectar of the gods, and there will be no other vino-infused gathering worthy of paying homage to your grape’s lords than here, at the largest wine event in the region. Sample from more than 300 delicious heal-alls from throughout Long Island and the country. Toss back a few chunks of cheese, a few dozen olives and/or heaping spoonfuls of balsamic vinegar. Munch on some fresh bread, slather it with garlic and various dips, then devour some absolutely dee-lish desserts while listening to jazz. Dive head-first into mounds upon glorious mounds of soothing, velvety chocolates! Yes, this event is truly here, and yes, you deserve this. Pour it on! Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City. cradleofaviation.org $49 online, $59 at door. 7 p.m. April 11.
Citizen Cope
An Intimate solo / acoustic performance with Citizen Cope, the soulful sounds of Clarence Greenwood. This singer/songwriter/music producer whose songs have been recorded by Carlos Santana, Dido, Pharoahe Monch and the late Richie Havens will be performing his own compositions from his record label Rainwater Recordings. Come check out the performer the Washington Post called the “City’s most soulful export since Marvin Gaye.” The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$66. 8 p.m. Apr. 11.
Rael: The Music of Genesis
This is the ultimate treat for true Genesis fans who remember the days back when Peter Gabriel was lead singer and Phil Collins was the guy behind the drum kit. Fans have been raving about the inspired performances of this NY/North Jersey band. Seeing Rael perform live is like turning the clock back to a time when the early stirrings of music genius were first making themselves known. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $20-$30. 8 p.m. Apr. 11.
Jonathan Edwards & John Ford Coley
Jonathan Edwards is that special kind of performer whose songs of truth, passion and humor never get old. He’s been taking care of his audience for 40 years, and the feeling is mutual. “It is really gratifying,” Edwards says, “to hear [someone say], ‘Your stuff has meant a lot to me over the years!’ ” To say his pure, powerful tenor has aged like a fine wine would please him, too. His concert mate is best known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo, England Dan & John Ford Coley, whose work on piano and guitar added so much to their material—and yielded some triple-platinum and gold records as well. Get a good buzz on Edwards’ popular ode “Shanty” or rise up with his protest anthem “Sunshine (Go Away Today).” Either way, these two gifted artists would really “love to see you tonight,” as Coley’s hit song says, and time with them is sure to resonate. The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $40-$45. 8 p.m. April 11.
Fabulous Thunderbirds
The Fabulous Thunderbirds first took wing more than 30 years ago in Austin, Texas, but no matter how high they flew, they always remained grounded by their love of the blues, R&B, and good ole rock ‘n’ roll. Kim Wilson, co-founder of the group, is the sole original member on their tour these days but he is keeping the spirit alive and kicking as their style evolves with the times. Muddy Waters once called Wilson his favorite harmonica player. About him Wilson says, “He almost adopted me. I’ll never forget him!” Besides Wilson, the current lineup includes Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on bass. They play American music with an intensity and artistry that must be heard to be believed. The Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $49. 8 p.m. April 11
Adelson – Minucci – Bellucci Power Trio With Special Guest Rachel Z
Without a doubt this will be a tremendous night of jazz virtuosos. Steve Adelson is known as one of the world’s premier players of the Chapman Stick, an amazing multi-stringed instrument that combines bass and guitar. Music publisher Hal Leonard has rightfully included him in their book, The Great Jazz Guitarists. Emmy Award-winner Chieli Minucci, a guitarist, producer and composer, has been a major force on the jazz scene for three decades, leading the Grammy-nominated jazz group Special EFX as well as performing with the likes of Celine Dion, Lionel Richie and Jennifer Lopez. Rounding off the trio on drums is master percussionist Frank Bellucci, who co-hosts the monthly Jazz Jam at Treme. Last but not least by any means is Rachel Z, an exceptionally strong performer and composer who has lent her versatile talents to Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola and Peter Gabriel, to name a few top musicians. You owe it to your ear drums to come hear them play. Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $25. 8 p.m. April 11.
Flak Jacket
Three friends named C4, Militia and Tank joined forces in 2000 after serving for at least a decade in the rock ‘n’ roll trenches, and in various formations they’ve been blowing away fans with their fracking great music ever since as Flak Jacket. C4, who handles guitars, bass and vocals, was in the loud psychedelic punk band, The Drens. Front man Marky Militia had sung his lungs out for such high-energy punk vets like Larry’s Fuel and Naked Lettuce. Drummer and vocalist Tommy Tank was with Militia in Naked Lettuce before they broke up. Now Tank’s moved on, and in his place is The Flow on bass and Greeny on drums. March to this show without delay–it’s their CD release party! That’s an order! Then order some of Even Flow’s award-winning wings! Yummzler. With All New Episode and Radio Daze. Even Flow Bar and Grill, 150 E Main St., Bay Shore. evenflowbarandgrill.com $10 8 p.m. April 11.
Fired Up! Fest
Chaos, disorder, and really really infectious tunes from a wide range of LI-based bands. With Bad Mary, Line Don’t Cross, Fatal Outbreak, Bending Over Backwards, Slipt Away, The Livid Greys, Traffic Moving Well https://tatemusicgroup.com/epk/artist/19293 • Samurai Pizza Cats [a Press favorite band name, though The Livid Greys are up there, too] & Death Glare. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $10, $15 DOS. 3 p.m. April 12.
The Price is Right
What other TV program in American history has done more to appeal to our country’s insatiable consumerism? Oh, yeah, probably dozens! But who’s counting? This show is a live version of the iconic hit. The time is right, the price is, well, you know the rest. You don’t have to read the tag, or the fine print, to know that a great time is in store. This entertaining enterprise features celebrity host Todd Newton. “This is more than a show,” Newton says, “it’s an event!” The touring version may not have the famous models on TV, once known as Barker’s Beauties, who’ve carved out their own marketing niche for the way they move products. But there’s so much going on it’s too big for one TV set to handle, even if it’s got a giant 65-inch Ultra HD screen with 4K resolution [as one of the Press‘ staffer’s]! So come on down! NYCB Theater at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50. 4 p.m. April 12.
The New Black
The New Black takes viewers into the pews and onto the streets and provides a seat at the kitchen table as it tells the story of the historic fight to win marriage equality in Maryland and charts the evolution of this divisive issue within the black community. Screening will be followed by a discussion and reception with activist Karess Taylor-Hughes, who appears in the film. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. CinemaArtsCentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7 p.m. April 12.
Insites
This hard-charging rock band based in south Florida started out as Frontline but was reborn as Insites in 2010. They’ve opened for Stryper, the Christian glam rockers, and the Emmy-winning Phil Naro. Currently working on their third album, they recently released a single from it called, “Etched in Stone,” which they say is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women in law enforcement who selflessly “protect us, our towns, our cities, and our homeland.” They should know: They’re law enforcement officers themselves. With Jose Rodriguez-Schmidt on guitars and keyboards, John Wagner on drums, Joseph Kuchta on bass and James Gamboa on vocals and guitars, they’re now performing their “Rockers Behind the Badge Tour,” promoting suicide prevention awareness for law enforcement and first responders through music. As they put it, “Our music is a reflection of our lives and experiences, both the good and the bad.” They’ve got the chops to deliver a powerful message. Mulcahey’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. muls.com $10. 7 p.m. April 13.
Dog Fashion Disco
You know you’re beloved when after breaking up and then resurrecting the band your fans raise thousands of dollars—$85,000 to be exact—to help fund production of a new album. Now Dog Fashion Disco will thank fans in the only way it knows how—with a long-awaited tour that stops for one night in Amityville. This experimental metal band, which features seven members, is ripe for a knock-you-off-your-feet type of performance. With Beebs And Her Money Makers, Crisis Crayon and Short Notice. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $13, $15 DOS. 7 p.m. April 15.
Chamber Music Trio
The Weiss-Lee-Kalayjian Trio–award-winning, world-famous chamber musicians–will perform Beethoven’s “Piano Trio No. 7,” aka “Archduke,” among other selections. The musicians are all highly sought-after soloists and award-winning chamber musicians. Little Theatre, Roosevelt Hall, Farmingdale State College, 2350 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale. farmingdale.edu Free. 7 p.m. April 15.
Paths to Paradise
A silent comedy classic starring the hilarious Raymond Griffith as a suave jewel thief and Betty Compson as an equally dexterous con-woman, Paths to Paradise screens with live accompaniment by MoMa’s Ben Model. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. CinemaArtsCentre.org 410 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. April 15.
Colin Quinn
Colin Quinn, the star of the critically acclaimed one-man show on Broadway “Long Story Short,” directed by Jerry Seinfeld, and the off-Broadway hit “Unconstitutional,” is bringing his act to the intimate confines of Bellmore’s Brokerage, one of nine such performances taking place on Long Island in the coming months. The Brooklyn-native went from stand-up comic to TV host and a stint on Saturday Night Live before embarking on his latest projects. As several Press staffers know all too well, this is the place where dreams are made and the laughs just keep going and going. Don’t miss this gig. The Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd., Bellmore. brokerage.govs.com $14. 8 p.m. April 15.
Jeff Beck
He’s jammed with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, collaborated alongside Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice, and along the way, earned a Grammy and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as he secured his place among rock’s top guitarists. Jeff Beck has inspired musicians for decades, and he continues to amaze crowds with his otherworldly talents and mind-blowing feats that to this day don’t seem possible. With special guest Tyler Bryant. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-$125. 8 p.m. Apr. 15-17.
—Compiled by Spencer Rumsey, Jaime Franchi, Rashed Mian, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
