Def Leppard
Whether you’re a recovering metal head or proud, current head-banger who has a soft spot in your heart for big, guitar-driven ballads rife with solos, bombastic drums and long-haired musicians who love leather, this is the gig to catch! Since 1977, the UK rock band Def Leppard has been synonymous with the rise of heavy metal in Britain and the genre’s penchant for catchy, addictive and powerful tunes about love and loss. They have since sold 65 million albums worldwide and won two Diamond Awards in the USA. 1983’s Pyromania and 1987’s Hysteria are loaded with timeless hair-metal gems, including “Photograph,” “Rocket,” “Love Bites” and “Pour Some Sugar On Me”–expect all these classics and more. Opening the show are Styx (of “Come Sail Away” fame, among many others) and Tesla (gotta love “Signs”). Not to be missed! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $25-$150. 7 p.m. July 23.
Ina Garten
Existentialist Franz Kafka once said, “So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.” Rest assured, there won’t be any existential crises with Food Network’s Ina Garten. See the self-taught celebrity cook, acclaimed for creating the wildly successful Emmy-Award winning program Barefoot Contessa, work her magic with culinary techniques out of this world. Dinner parties will be at your house after learning how to make fresh, delicious and utterly scrumptious recipes to die for. The ingredients are in your flavor! (Be sure to bring “people bags” to this gig so you can come to the Press newsroom and feed the hungry and hapless journalists who construct these blurbs! Some of them claim not to know where their next meal is coming from!) NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $69.75. 7:30 p.m. July 23.
The Cottage
This rollicking farce inspired by the works of Noel Coward premiers on Long Island. Set in the English countryside in 1923, this tale of sex, betrayal and, oh yes, love, unfolds when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her love affair to her husband and her lover’s wife. The true meanings of fate, identity and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous–and potentially murderous–romantic comedy. John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $59-$64. 8 p.m. July 23 with show dates through Sept. 6.
The English Beat
Fusing the very best elements of ska, soul, reggae, pop and punk rock, these Brits burst on the scene in 1979 and have been honing their skankin’ vibe and their inspirin’ tunes to dance floor-hands-in-the-air-a’feet-a’blazin’ divine perfection! Will fellow skatellites hear “Too Nice to Talk To,” “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You” or “Hands Off, She’s Mine” among the many infectious grooves? Only one way to find out, dear dance hall crashers (Who got that?). Only one way to find out. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. Amagansett. stephentalkhouse.com $80. 8 p.m. July 23.
American Icons: Printmaking
An opening reception will be held for this kaleidoscopic art exhibit, which attempts to capture the range and depth of American culture, from monuments symbolizing cherished ideals, and playful, popular images, to the darker, even violent side of life. Wow. That’s heavy. Through Aug. 21. Gallery North, 90 North Country Rd., Setauket. gallerynorth.org 5-7 p.m. July 24.
Invitational Gallery Show
An opening reception will be held for this extraordinary art exhibit, featuring the works of visual artist Barbara V Jones, mixed media artist Francine Perri, mixed media collage artist Nicole Franz and photographer Randy Ilowite. Runs through Aug. 8. Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington. huntingtonarts.org 6-8 p.m. July 24.
Zappa Plays Zappa
American tribute act, Zappa Plays Zappa, is devoted to performing the music of Frank Zappa. The late musician/composer’s son, Dweezil Zappa, leads the Grammy Award-winning band. What better way to celebrate the progressive jazz and rock music of the legendary Frank Zappa than a devoted tribute band led by his devoted son and his dad’s alumni musicians? There is no better way, dear mothers of invention (Whoa, do you see what we did there!?). There is no better way. You need to be here. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $29.50-$99. 8 p.m. July 24.
Motion City Soundtrack
This gushy emo/pop-punk band is celebrating their 10-year anniversary of their most celebrated record, Commit This to Memory. After 18 active years and five studio albums that have sold more than half a million copies, Motion City Soundtrack continue to progress and have recently released the single off their latest drop, TKO. The Commit This To Memory Tour will see the band play their beloved album straight through, in all its emotional glory. Opening acts feature The Spill Canvas and Sorority Noise. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury thespaceatwestbury.com $25. 8 p.m. July 24.
Josh Turner
A contemporary country singer from South Carolina with an abundance of CMA, ACM and Grammy nominations, Turner has become a reputable name in the genre. Since 2014, Josh released a Christian-centered book and his sixth studio album, Lay Low. Come experience this country crooner all up close and personal. Opening the show is Raquel Cole. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50. 8 p.m. July 24.
Fashion Show
Whether you love to dress up and pretend you’re stylish, you’re a true fashionista, or you’re just a proud patriot who wants to help fallen veterans in need, this one-of-a-kind extravaganza is the must-go-to gig of the summer. Capozzi & Co Salon presents their “Seven Deadly Sins” Shear Runway Project 2015, which melds the realms of fashion with a truly great cause, benefiting America’s VetDogs–a Smithtown-based nonprofit committed to helping those who’ve given so much in their quest of protecting fellow Americans and our way of life, by providing guide dogs for veterans contending with a variety of daunting daily challenges. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $50. 8 p.m. July 24.
American Authors
It’s gonna be the best day of your entire life when you see these indy bubblegum popsters take the stage! (Well, maybe not the best day of your entire life, and possibly not even close to a really great day, but maybe, just maybe, a very enjoyable day that is much better than average and certainly exceeds your expectations!) Warming up the crowd is Echosmith, and up-and-coming artist Greg Holden. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. Free. 7 p.m. July 25.
Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam
One of the living legends of English rock, Dave Mason has collaborated with a host of artists over his storied career, from Jimi Hendrix to Michael Jackson. Get ready as he performs Traffic hits from the late ’60s, including the smashes “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe” along with his solo work from his four decade-long career. With enough album cuts to last the whole evening, this “Traffic Jam” will feel like anything but one. Definitely not like sitting in your ride stuck on the LIE going nowhere at rush hour! With Dave Mason at the wheel, you know you’re in for truly great ride wherever he decides to go! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $24.50-$59.50. 8 p.m. July 25.
Dr. John & The Nite Trippers
Combining blues, pop, funk, jazz, zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll, this good doctor (aka Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack) has been wowing audiences with his unique and entertaining grooves and moves for more than half a century and has racked up six Grammy Awards as well as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Yes, you really, really should check out this gig. Bring some gris-gris so the spirits will be happy. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury thespaceatwestbury.com $35-$55. 8 p.m. July 25.
Little Anthony: An Evening of Story & Song
This legendary R&B/soul/doo-wop singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will be sure to entrance and amaze all in attendance as he delivers the classic hits that propelled him and the Imperials to the top of the charts in the 1950s and 1960s, and which continue to warm our hearts to this very day. Expect such tunes as “Tears on My Pillow,” “Think I’m Going Out of My Head” “Hurts so Bad,” and one of our all time favorites, “Shimmy Shimmy Koko Pop,” which gives our cereal bowl a welcome lift in the morning. These tunes were the soundtrack of an entire generation, and Little Anthony remains one of the most legendary voices in rock history! He may call himself Little, but his impact is huge. Suffolk Theatre, 118 E Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $45-$48. 8 p.m. July 25.
Indigo Girls
Embrace the color between blue and purple on a wavelength. Dynamic duo Amy Ray and Emily Saliers sing folk rock songs like nobody’s business. The two, who have known each other through thick and thin since elementary school, are back at it again. Listen to contrasting harmonious voices against the sound of strumming guitars, making the night one with their powerful duo’s delivery. The acoustic-driven numbers will expose these musicians’ own journey of life at large. Rejoice! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org 8 p.m. July 25.
Country Fest
Break out your cowboy r[h]ats [Oops! Gotcha! “Do This” blooper of the week!]! This family-friendly, two-day event will feature live country music, local vendors, crafts, monster truck rides, great food, kids events, dancing and more. Country performers include Yankee Rebel, the Joe Bayer Band and Rattlesnake Dawn. Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp, 3186 Sound Ave., Riverhead. countryfestli.com $14-$20. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. July 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 26.
Saving the Planet – One Bite at a Time
Alternative health advocate Gary Null returns to the CAC to present his powerful new documentary exploring how our eating habits are destroying our health and causing irreversible damage to the environment. Saving The Planet – One Bite At A Time offers an in-depth analysis of how feeding our nation’s destructive appetites are not doing anybody any good. Will we continue to turn a blind eye to the dangers of America’s food system or choose to take action and adopt a new paradigm based on sustainability and balance? Hopefully, this must-see event will inspire the latter. If anything, what Null provides is food for thought. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 12 p.m. July 26.
Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival
Keep Music Evil. The 8th annual Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival will feature headliners Slayer, The Devil Wears Prada, King Diamond, Hellyeah, and a slew of other hard rock/heavy metal bands bound to get your head a’bangin’ and your feet a’stompin’. This metal extravaganza consists of three stages, vendor and sponsor areas, mosh pits, reserved and lawn seating spaces. Be sure to visit the vendors and the sponsors to see which bands you can meet and get their autographs! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $20-$66.75. 1 p.m. July 26.
Cro-Mags
These hellraisers were one of the first to mesh the worlds of hardcore punk with thrash metal, sparking a tougher, crazier hybrid of glorious noise that continues in varying degrees and incarnations to this day (VOD and Biohazard, among so many others). Expect seismic, lightning-fast power chords, absolutely crushing machine-gun drums, bass lines that shake your very DNA and vocals that will incite pure, unadulturated fury and utterly gorgeous, blissful rage. There will be lots of tattoos, lots of fists in the air, and perhaps a few mosh pits breaking out. And a lotta joy. Yes, these are all very, very good things. Warming up the crowd will be Shai Hulud, Johnny Booth and Demon Racer. There’s still time for your soul to experience true bliss, dear readers. You’re welcome. Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $15. 6 p.m. July 26.
The Lights Out
You may have heard some of their songs in commercials and on the soundtrack for television shows, but their work spans more than just background tracks. Formed in 2005, these Boston-born rockers have released three LPs, three EPs, and a studio session. Performing their songs, including “New Mistakes,” “Gottagetouttahere,” “Can’t Buy a Hero” and “Interstellar Valentine,” this hidden gem of a band is sure to put on a show that is completely unforgettable! Supporting acts include Mild Things and The Fast Lane. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 6 p.m. July 26.
Industrial Musicals
Collector and author Steve Young (longtime writer for David Letterman and The Simpsons) takes us on a deliriously entertaining journey into a little-known corner of pop culture that will completely blow your mind! Young has spent years collecting rare films and recordings of the astonishing Broadway-style musicals written and performed for private audiences of corporate executives and salesmen in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. This hidden world of Americana gems from GE, Kellogg’s, Purina and many more will leave you humming along to the most unlikely of unforgettable beats. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $12 public. 7:30 p.m. July 26.
Deep Purple
Alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Deep Purple has been known as the “Unholy Trinity” of British hard rock, pioneering heavy metal and modern rock. As the band has progressed, their music has become even heavier; so much that the Guinness Book of World Records listed them as “The Globe’s Loudest Band.” Deep Purple is known for their hits like “Hush,” “Black Night,” “Strange Kind of Woman” and “Woman from Tokyo,” among many others–such as the classic “Smoke On The Water.” The band has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and continues to tour with original drummer Ian Paice, vocalist Ian Gillan, and legendary producer and bassist Roger Glover. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $69.50-$139.50. 8 p.m. July 26.
Whitesnake
David Coverdale, who left Deep Purple in ’76 to form this UK heavy blues rock band, leads Whitesnake in performing their hits and songs off their latest tribute album, Deep Purple, released in May. Opening the show is The Dead Daisie. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50. 8 p.m. July 27.
Pinocchio
Anyone who says Pinocchio is an awful play should probably get his nose checked. All Father Geppetto wants is a real boy. He gets his wish when this mischievous puppet comes to life. It becomes clear to him that Pinocchio is more than a handful, especially with no strings attached. While we’ve all told our fair share of lies (only under the worst scenarios, believe us!), this young scamp teaches us the age-old lesson that lying will only leave you stuck in the mud as a selfish coward. Watch the puppet-turned-boy put on a performance that dazzles as it reveals an ancient truth. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $14.50. 11 a.m. July 28.
Comedy Night
The laughs just keep on rollin’ as the jokesters and comedians at this must-see comedic extravaganza deliver a barrage of one-liners and funny stories that will have the audience gigglin’ and smilin’ for weeks afterwards. Comedians performing include Joe Devito, Ellen Karis, Darcy Novick, and a surprise guest. Too funny. The joke’s on you if you miss this show. VIP Club at Lounge 960 at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $10, plus two-item minimum from food and beverage menu. 7:30 p.m. July 29.
Peter Frampton & Cheap Trick
Get ready as two of the ‘70s biggest rock acts share the stage together. For decades, Peter Frampton has given us songs like “Baby I Love Your Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.” Cheap Trick is one of the most influential hard-rock bands ever as they have molded the power-pop genre. The band has been all over the world, giving more than 5,000 spectacular live performances throughout their career. This gig will surely be a knockout, as Press music critic Zack Tirana discovered at the band’s last appearance at The Mountler. Expect five-necked guitars, insane musicianship, and some really killer songs! [Read “Cheap Trick Slays The Paramount In Huntington” [Concert Review] HERE] The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $59.50-$150. 8 p.m. July 29.
Walter Trout
The blues came a’callin’. Walter Trout has been a’rockin’ his Fender guitar for more than 35 years in response, and now he’s on a world tour celebrating his triumphant return to the stage. Come enjoy a great night as he and his band perform gems from decades of staying true to the blues. Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $35-$40. 8 p.m. July 29.
—Compiled by Daniela Weinstein, Chuck Cannini, Kaitlin Gallagher, Nicholas Semelak, Ayo Fagbemi, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
