Driven to Abstraction
Transcendental visions transformed through many mediums convey the emotional and visceral purity from which they were inspired to first take shape. An opening reception will be held for this new juried art show exhibit of abstract works created by local artists. Runs through August 29. Huntington Arts Main Street Gallery, 213 Main St., Huntington. huntingtonarts.org Free. 6-8 p.m. August 14.
The Dirty Vice Band
These funky soulful rock jammers headline this must-hear aural extravaganza, which features a great lineup of mostly local talent. Long Island/New York-based indie rockers Pandafan and Butchers Blind of Bellrose open the show, along with Quiet Hollars, who hail from Kentucky. Go mudfish! 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $7. 6:30 p.m. August 13.
Cindy Goldrich
This insightful author and mental health counselor will speak about and sign her new parenting book 8 Keys To Parenting Children with ADHD. Rich with optimism, tips, tools, and action plans, this must-read offers science-based insights and systems for parents to help cultivate their skills in handling these special children. Combining expert information with practical, sensitive advice, the eight “key” concepts here will help parents reduce chaos, improve cooperation, and nurture the advantages―like creativity and drive―that often accompany all of that energy. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of Book. 7 p.m. August 13.
Van Halen with David Lee Roth
Featuring the VH Bros., original singer/madman Roth (!!) and Eddie’s son Wolfgang on bass, the guitar-rock legends perform hits that no matter how you try, you just can’t get them out of your head. Plenty of deep tracks like “Jump” and “I’ll Wait” will make for one thumping-along-to-the-beat/air-guitar night. Drums and guitars galore paired with ear-piercing amps and synths will shake it up for one fiery crowd. Will Van Halen unleash his epic “Eruption”?! Sure as hell hope so. Opening the show are Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Tokyo Dome. Yes, yes and yes! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $50-$630. 7 p.m. August 13 & 15.
T.J. Miller
Since 2007, this comedian and Silicon Valley star’s career has stretched from television, film, music, to podcasting and standup. He even has an upcoming role as Weasel/Jack Hammer in Marvel’s Deadpool. Until then, come prepared for a rollicking night of hilariously awkward sarcasm. (Yes, that’s a good thing.) The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury thespaceatwestbury.com $25. 8 p.m. August 13.
JJ Grey & Mofro, G. Love & Special Sauce, Big Head Todd & The Monsters
What a bodacious boullibaisse! Blues, Southern Rock, R&B and hip-hop. All on one menu at one venue! This multi-city tour has it all! Be sure not to miss this insane and unforgettable night! Just give yourself a hug for thinking of going. Then let G. Love show you in person how “special” that Sauce really is! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $52.50. 8 p.m. August 13.
George Benson, Chrisette Michele
Benson has blended jazz with pop and R&B for more than 50 years. Chrisette has been singing since she was a girl in Central Islip and has released four albums since 2007. Together, these talents dominate the stage with a scintillating performance you don’t want to miss. Need a mega-mellow vibe? This is the time and this is the place. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $50-$155. 8 p.m. August 14.
Mike Marino
With a razor-sharp tongue accompanied by a biting Italian accent, this comedian is your stereotypical New Jersey bad boy. Expect a lot of exaggerated claims. You know how those Jersey boardwalks are built on braggadocio. Can’t make it to the show? No worries, shorty! Show your support and tweet #MikeMarinoForPresident! You know he’s got better hair than The Donald! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $20-$40. 8 p.m. August 14.
The Stolen
Delivering original work since 2008, this five-man boy band has developed a loyal following, wowing crowds across the country. They’ve shared the stage alongside a host of popular groups and even performed at the 2013 Vans Warped Tour. Be sure to check out their upbeat jams like “Motion Sickness,” and their uplifting solemn songs like “Getting New at Growing,” all touching on getting older and perhaps wiser. Warming up the crowd are Pros & iCons, Passing Cars, Vigil Antics and Red Tide. Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $12. 5:30 p.m. August 14.
Joe Starr
Known for his hilarious brand of standup that combines jokes and storytelling with physical humor, this diehard Charlie Chaplin fan has left nightclub, theater, casinos, Comedy Central and comedy festival audiences in stitches for more than two decades. Starr’s also recognizable from his many TV and silver screen appearances, including: ESPN’s award-winning mini-series “The Bronx Is Burning,” the Oliver Stone-directed World Trade Center, National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie, Comedy Central’s series Important Things with Demetri Martin and the just-finished Date Night with Steve Carell and Tina Fey as well as The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn, directed by Steven Spielberg. Get ready to laugh your tuckus off! Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. $20. 8 p.m. August 14.
KidStock
Festival acts will inspire and encourage children to celebrate and learn through the power of music and creativity. The lineup includes the Bari Koral Family Rock Band, and the Grammy Award-nominated Brady Rhymer, who have both played at the White House, as well as the Bach to Rock Kid Band. North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 West Shore Rd., Port Washington. Free with $10 parking. 12-5 p.m. August 16.
Clam-Eating Contest
The current clam-eating world record is 26 dozen cherry stone clams in six minutes, which was set at Peter’s Clam Bar in 2010. Will someone break the record this year? Perhaps the Press‘ very own “write-it-like-he-eats-it,” mollusk-hound, bottomless-pit-of-a-stomach food wildman Chris Cooke!? [Read About His Storied Feedings At Syosset’s It’s Greek To Me HERE] Only one way to find out. Look out, bivalves! They’ve got their mouths open and they’re ready to get stuffed. Peter’s Clam Bar, 600 Long Beach Rd., Island Park. Free to watch, $20 to compete. 2 p.m. August 16.
Today’s Mixtape Festival
The lineup for this two-day festival includes more than 20 bands and an after-party hosted by Andrew W.K.(!!) Included on this must-see roster are: The Movielife, Every Time I Die, Stray From The Path, Kill Your Idols, Real Friends, Crime In Stereo, State Champs, Incendiary, Iron Chic, Counterparts, and many, many more. The Emporium, 9 Rairoad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $20-$79.50. 2 p.m. August 15, 12 p.m. August 16.
Breaking Benjamin
If you haven’t been jamming with Breaking Benjamin, you’re missing out. The two-platinum-record rock band has sold more than 7 million albums worldwide, with their swelling choruses and angst-heavy lyrics inspiring so many to just simply get up out of their cubicles and dance, dance, dance! Forget office productivity! Those hard guitar riffs can’t be tamed! With opening act Young Guns. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-$160 8 p.m. August 15.
Opera Double Bill: Gianni Schicchi and Il Tabarro
Both operas are from Puccini’s Il Trittico. Schicchi is a comedy about what happens after rich, old Buoso Donati dies. His family is understandably upset about his departure but they’re very, very interested in who gets all his wealth. When they find out that he is going to leave it all to the church, well something must be done, so in steps Gianni Schicchi, to their apparent rescue. Il Tabarro is another “squarcio di vita” slice of life, in the verismo-style, bringing an unhappy marriage, a cheating wife and an suspecting and rather violent husband all together in a combustible combination. The arias alone are worth it. Sands Point Preserve 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point. $50. 8 p.m. August 15.
George Benson
This 10-time Grammy Award-winner brings his soul, jazz and R&B singing to Long Island for a night of choice tunes you’ll be humming long after the gig. The former child prodigy and Hollywood Walk of Famer paved the way for jazz and pop music on an international scale, providing an endless list of classic songs from the `50s to the `70s. Come celebrate this legendary musician who redefined the world of jazz with the first platinum jazz album. Wow! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $225, $195, $165. 8 p.m.. August 15.
Neil Sedaka
This singer/songwriter/pianist will play his chart-toppers, such as “Laughter In The Rain,” “Bad Blood,” “The Immigrant,” “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” among others. He’ll also play songs from his latest album, released last year, The Real Neil, the artist’s first acoustic album ever. So what are you waiting for? NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $50-$70. 8 p.m. August 15.
The Smithereens
Not many rock groups can say they came out of Carteret, New Jersey, but that distinction could be another reason the Smithereens are so freaking great. We love these guys to pieces! Maybe they found a way to take their suburban alienation to a deeper level and mastered it to musical perfection. Maybe they would have created an equally awesome sound if they’d been from Piscataway or Cape May. Or even Paramus. Some mysteries defy explanation. These philosophical questions are mere distractions from the essential truths that the Smithereens have been blowing their audiences away for years with their “Marshall-amped post-mod power pop,” as USA Today’s Brian Mansfield put it so well. From “Beauty and Sadness” to “Blood and Roses,” The Thrilla, Jim, Dennis, and Pat with Andy Burton from John Mayer’s band on keyboards will be in fine form. And so will we, once we hear that first fantastic crashing guitar chord. The Suffolk Theater, 118 E Main St, Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $49. 8 p.m. August 15.
Bunktown Falls
This local reggae/punk/ska/rock/jam band is here to give Long Island faith in its local up-and-coming music again. With opening act Traffic Moving Well. You’ll be skankin’ the night away! Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $12. 8:30 p.m. August 15.
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival
This two-day festival celebrates Peruvian cuisine, which is conquering palates around the world. The gentle blend of ancient Incan cooking practices and immigrant traditions, from places such as Spain, Africa, China and Japan, have created one of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisines. Dig in! From the Andes to the Meadowbrook, they’ve come to cook for you! And all they expect of us is that we show up with an appetite. We promise, we will! Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City. cradleofaviation.org $20 adults, $7 kids ages 2-12. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. August 15, 16.
Breakfast with Sibylle Pfaffenbichler
An informal talk about Sibylle’s new work, and her experiences leaving the South Fork and moving to Philadelphia. She will speak about her motion drawings, her life in a new city, and her recent show in Vienna and Italy. She’ll bring her new works for us, as well. Refreshments will be served alongside the enlightenment. The South Street Gallery, 18 South St., Greenport. thesouthstreetgallery.com Free. 10 a.m. August 16.
Donavon Frankenreiter
To create his fifth full-length album Start Livin’, Hawaii-based singer/guitarist/songwriter Donavon Frankenreiter holed up in a southern California studio for seven days with his longtime bassist Matt Grundy—and no one else. Just a dedicated duo doing what they do best. The follow-up to 2010′s Glow, Start Livin’ is a nine-track selection of folk-infused songs that sweetly reflect the simplicity of their recording. With its smooth showcasing of Frankenreiter’s rich, honey-thick vocals and masterful guitar work, Start Livin’ bears all the intimacy of an impromptu back-porch performance and the tenderness of a treasured love letter. He’s also performing the next day at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett. The Surf Lodge, 183 Edgemere St., Montauk. Free. 7 p.m. August 16.
John Gorka & Michael Johnson
Gorka is touring to promote his 12th studio album, Bright Side of Down, out now on Red House Records—the first release in more than four years from the acclaimed songwriter widely regarded as “one of contemporary folk music’s leading talents.” Wow! YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $30-$35. 7 p.m. August 16.
Neil Berg’s Pianomen
This show pays tribute to two ivory-key greats, Billy Joel and Elton John. Hear the crowd-pleasing popular hits and their forgotten songs from their repertoire that has marked their last four decades. These timeless tunes light up the stage as they are performed by this incredibly talented, award-winning composer, lyricist and producer Neil Berg, on piano, and two incredible Broadway-style vocalists. John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $45. 7 p.m. August 16.
Chicago
With more than 100 million records sold, this classic rock firestorm with a killer horn section continues to wow audiences and constantly demonstrate why so many across the globe love them. Jimi Hendrix reportedly dug the band so much he openly praised its horns and gushed that its guitarist was even better than him. Can you believe that! With an arsenal of songs way too voluminous to list here, expect one solid night of absolutely crushingly great rock tunes, and a gig you will remember for a long time coming. With Earth, Wind and Fire. Goodness gracious! Have mercy on our miserable souls! We’re not worthy for such blessings, but you know what, we will find a way to revel in this glorious pairing. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $40-$400. 7:30 p.m. August 16.
Linda Lavin: Starting Over
You’ll be lovin’ Linda Lavin. The Tony and Golden Globe winner is known for playing Alice Hyatt in the long-running hit TV series Alice, apart from her other accolades on the Broadway stage. Since playing in New York at the start of her career, Linda is a veteran of cabaret in its truest form. She knows how to command a room. Watch her play Broadway favorites, jazz, and classics that will bring joy to all who listen! We want an encore, and she hasn’t even come on stage yet! Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton. guildhall.org $38. 8 p.m. August 16.
Machine Gun Kelly
This Cincinnati-raised rapper, whose got his name from his rapid-fire delivery, is known for his high-octane live performances. At 2011’s SXSW he literally spit lyrics while hanging upside-down from the venue’s rafters. P. Diddy took notice, and signed the Gunster soon after. Expect lightning-fast rhymes from his 2012 debut Lace Up, as well as tracks from his upcoming sophomore effort, General Admission, expected to drop next month. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $30-$70. 8 p.m. August 16.
Kathleen Madigan
Move out of the way, Amy Poehler. There’s a hilarious comedian over here who’s about to make you laugh like you never knew you could. The accomplished performer’s laurels include, but are not limited to, going on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and the Late Show with David Letterman. Kathleen is the only comedian in the history of NBC’s Last Comic Standing to go unchallenged by any other comedian–meaning no comedian would say they were funnier than her. Get ready to see why! Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor. baystreet.org $69.50. 8 p.m. August 17.
Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefers
Best known for his hit songs “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” Jimmy Buffet is the undisputed emperor of the Land of the Laid Back Life. His live shows are legendary. Rumors are that some fans never left–they’re still in the back row dancing the light fandango and more. Or maybe they just forgot where they parked their car. His loyal following only furthers this notion, wearing Hawaiian shirts and calling themselves “Parrotheads.” His band, the Coral Reefers started collaborating with the country singer in 1975, and although many members have come and gone, The Coral Reefers will be active and alive as long as Buffet is. May their tropical attire never go out of style! Opening the show is Huey Lewis and The News. Oh man! This is the ultimate summer show! And it’s at the ultimate summer venue on Long Island! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $70-$185. 6 p.m. August 18.
Chris D’Elia
Until Chris D’Elia returns in October as the jovial womanizer Danny Burton for season three of NBC’s sitcom Undateable, the rising LA-based actor and comedian will be hitting up female fans (and males, too, come on) on the local stand-up circuit. Catch our forthcoming interview with D’Elia on longislandpress.com. Governor’s Comedy Club 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $34. 7:30 p.m. August 18.
Todd Rundgren
This acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer is responsible for some of the most iconic albums of all time. He’s influenced countless musicians with a style that grows and evolves with each passing decade. Stage Fright by The Band, We’re an American Band by Grand Funk Railroad, Bat Out of Hell by Meat Loaf, Straight Up by Badfinger, War Babies by Hall & Oates, Skylarking by XTCN, and New York Dolls by the New York Dolls are but a few blessed by his magic touch. Expect exceptionally crafted rock, punctuated by hits from his extensive career, including his signature songs: “Hello It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light.” This man is a living musical genius. No doubt about it. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $35-$75. 8 p.m. August 18.
Collie Buddz
This is a rare chance to catch this Bermuda-raised reggae artist all up-close-and-intimate while he serenades you with his infectious and groovy tunes, such as his renowned single “Come Around.” We’ll be there, mon. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. Amagansett. stephentalkhouse.com $60. 8 p.m. August 18.
The Psychedelic Furs
Led by singer Richard Butler and his brother Tim, The Psychedelic Furs have continued to meld several varieties of music together in a sonic smorgasbord since 1977. From new wave to hard rock, the band became an international success when film director John Hughes used their song Pretty in Pink for his movie of the same name. Poetic lyrics, strong melodies and rhythms combined with an aggressive, punky edge produce a spectacle to behold. The Furs are the real deal. Opening the show is The Church. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $47. 8 p.m. August 19.
—Compiled by Daniela Weinstein, Chuck Cannini, Nicholas Semelak, Ayo Fagbemi, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III.
