High Tea at the Walt Whitman Birthplace
Poetry, tea, finger sandwiches and mini-pastries? Um. Yes! Part and parcel of the human body’s biological processing of caffeine comes the extraordinary capability of conjuring words of all shapes and sizes, some colorful, some explosive, some as bright and brilliantly radiating as the most breathtaking of supernovae, others as magnetic as true love. This sippin’-good alphabetic spectacular keeps alive a tradition that began in 1860 with Queen Victoria. So come, let’s imbibe this revered nectar together, and celebrate the syllabic nirvana that is the written and spoken word, in all its forms, sounds, and transcendental glory. A guided tour of this hallowed birthplace will follow the gulpin’! [Read More About Walt Whitman, His Long Island Roots & The Walt Whitman Birthplace HERE] Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington. waltwhitman.org $25. 1 p.m. August 20.
Old Dominion
These Nashville, Tenn. rockers (the majority of which have also lived in Virginia, hence, the state’s nickname as their band name) deliver country splashed with pop and hip-hop that has been winning the hearts and ears of fans across both sides of the Mississippi. Prolific songwriters who aren’t shy of sharing their creations, the group has penned tunes cut by some of country’s biggest names, including: Dierks Bentley (“Say You Do”), Craig Morgan (“Wake Up Lovin’ You”), The Band Perry (“Chainsaw” & “Better Dig Two”), Tyler Farr (“A Guy Walks Into a Bar”) and Blake Shelton (“Sangria”). Raise those glasses high and get ready to be wowed. Whiskey Road opening. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $9.61, $15 DOS. 7 p.m. August 20.
Sharpies
These iconic celebrities with sharp tongues will, just like a sharpie, leave a permanent mark on your laugh-box. Introduced by Joy Behar, the hilarity that will ensue is priceless. Emmy Award-nominated writer Eugene Pack pens a script that follows this group of stars at an autograph-signing convention weekend in Milwaukee. Respected Vanessa Williams, Matthew Broderick (Bueller…Bueller… Bueller….), Carol Kane from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and a bunch of others will be here ready to create thunderous applause. A portion of the proceeds from this reading will benefit The Felix Organization, whose mission is to provide inspiring opportunities and new experiences to enrich the lives of children who are growing up in the foster care system. Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton. guildhall.org $28. 8 p.m. August 20.
Creedence Clearwater Revisited
You know the band. You love these songs. This is legendary swamp-rock blues rock masters Credence Clearwater Revival’s rhythm section–bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford–performing tunes from the original band’s show-stopping arsenal and recreating the experience of their classic music, minus frontman John Fogarty. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s launched the project in 1995 with the initial intention of solely performing private functions, but have currently perform up to 100 shows a year, reaching out to all generations. The band has been adamant on finding the appropriate players to recreate the pure American spirit that is Creedence Clearwater Revival. Expect endless hits, from “Susie Q” and “Proud Mary” to “Green River,” “Fortunate Son” and “As Long As I Can See The Light,” among many more. Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $75- $39.50. 8 p.m. August 20.
“Orphans”
It will be theater in the ‘rough’ in more ways than one when Bonney/King Productions brings Lyle Kessler’s dark drama, “Orphans,” to Conklin Barn in Huntington for a two-week run opening Thursday. The rugged structure provides an intimate venue suited to theater in the round and for this drama, which explores the vagaries of the human soul and longings of individuals who are rough around the edges. “Orphans” premiered on stage in Los Angeles in 1983 with Joe Pantoliano of Sopranos’ fame. The story of lost boys who live on the outskirts of society, yet crave a normalcy, still resonates today. [Read More About This Amazing Production HERE] Conklin Barn, 2 High St., Huntington. brownpapertickets.com $25. 8 p.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 20 through Sept. 5.
Butch Trucks & The Freight Train Band featuring Berry Oakley Jr.
Featuring founding member and drummer of The Allman Brothers Band Butch Trucks, celebrate their legacy as he is joined by Berry Oakley’s son, Berry Oakley Jr. Butch Trucks & The Freight Train is a brand new band holding their world premiere at none other than The Paramount in Huntington, NY. “I guarantee ya a smoking night of music,” said Butch Trucks, “We’ll see you there!” The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $10-$30. 8 p.m. August 21.
Dana Fuchs
Dana Fuchs is renowned for a variety of different talents. On top of being a singer and songwriter, Fuchs is best known for her performance as Sadie in the film Across the Universe and Janis Joplin in the off-Broadway-musical Love. Her raspy-voiced blues rock has led The Dana Fuchs Band and her upcoming solo album Bliss Avenue. “Imagine a sultry, more emotive Janis Joplin, backed by a higher energy version of the late `60’s Rolling Stones,” said Fuchs, “Rock n Roll doesn’t get any better.” Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $30-$35. 8 p.m. August 21.
Buddy Guy
A master of the blues, the 79-year-old Louisiana performer began in 1953 at the age of 17. Six Grammy Awards and 34 Blue Music Awards later, including 2014’s B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award, Buddy has become one of the most well-recognized performers, not just for the blues, but in general, overall. Don’t miss this rare chance of catching him all up-close-and-personal. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury thespaceatwestbury.com $50. 8 p.m. August 21.
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Come honor the King at this annual concert celebrating the era-by-era musical career of Elvis Presley. The Elvis Tribute Spectacular is not only a concert–it is absolutely the best Elvis tribute show–featuring Elvis’ greatest hits throughout the years preformed by top tribute artists. From the early rockabilly and military years, to his time in the movies, to his amazing ’68 Comeback Special and the black leather jumpsuit, to his Las Vegas concert era–nothing is left out! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $40-$50. 8 p.m. August 21.
Jessica Kirson
This former Bubbleguppy has been cracking knee-slappin’, side-splittin’, OMG-I-just-spit-up-my-milkshake jokes on Comedy Central, VH1, Oxygen, Bravo and NBC shows, and now she’s coming to make Long Island laugh, loud and often. Guaranteed to give you enough fodder for at least several dozen jokes around the water cooler (or in our case, the industrial-strength Keurig brewer (Thanks, Bev!)), for some time coming. Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd., Bellmore. brokerage.govs.com $17. 9:30 p.m. August 21, 22.
Patty Smyth & Scandal
This singer/songwriter/siren is back fronting her killer band and will undoubtedly deliver all the hits that made them both a celebrated act in the ’80s. Expect hits “The Warrior,” “Goodbye to You,” “Love’s Got A Line On You,” “Hands Tied” and “Beat of A Heart,” among many others. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. Amagansett. stephentalkhouse.com $50-$65. 8 p.m. August 21, 7 p.m. August 22.
Long Island Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Time to get your Scottish on! Pipe bands, traditional Scottish delicacies, dancing and children’s entertainment are just the start. The games include the caber toss (throwing a giant pole), tossing the sheaf (throwing a 16-lb. bale of hay over a bar) and putting the stone (similar to shot put). Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Westbury. liscots.org $17 adults, $15 senioes, $8 kids ages 6-17, kids under 6 free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. August 22.
Hatchling Turtle Day
Ohhh, look at those lil hatchlings! Come celebrate as these tiny reptiles hatch from their egg wombs and open their tiny, curious eyes for the very first time! Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Rte 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. cshfha.org 10 a.m.-3 p.m. August 22.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
The Long Beach-native and Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer will play her classics, including “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You” and “Crimson and Clover.” Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. nassaucountyny.gov/parks Free. 7:30 p.m. August 22.
Kathy Griffin
The queen bee of comedy will make the audience taste some sweet honey. Fresh with new material that shares her candid experiences about everyday life, this hilarious performance will have audience members falling off their chairs. Don’t stand-up the stand-up comedian, get a ticket! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $135. 8 p.m. August 22.
Hippiefest
To say that Hippiefest will be “hot fun in the summer time” and a “family affair” would be an understatement, as the legendary group, The Family Stone, will headline this year’s 10-year anniversary tour featuring Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and Badfinger featuring Joey Molland. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50. 8 p.m. August 22.
JB Smoove
Smoove right on over here to this performance, because your enthusiasm will certainly not be curbed! JB Smoove, best known as Leon from Curb Your Enthusiasm, is bringing his own comedic flair and funk to the table. He will definitely bring the ruckus to the ladies, no question about it. An entertaining night awaits! Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton. guildhall.org $45. 8 p.m. August 22.
Aaron Lewis
The Massachusetts-raised Staind frontman has gone all country on us and continues to deliver emotional, powerful tunes such as “Sinner” and “Stuck in These Shoes.” He’s collaborated with Linkin Park and Corey Taylor, and this performance is sure to be a heartfelt, personal show-stopper. With special guest Travis Marvin. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $24.50-$49.50. 8 p.m. August 22.
Suffocation
There’s metal and then there’s extreme metal, you know, the kind that pulverizes you, spits you out, and then holds you up as proof that the genre really does resurrect all who obey. Since their revival in 2002, the Centereach band unearthed unmatchable works of heavy brutality. With seven albums already released, the group expects a new album later this year. With Extinction A.D. (CD Release), Anubis, Artificial Brain, Immortal Suffering & Get Ignorant. Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $20. 8 p.m. August 22.
Funkmaster Flex Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the Hot 97 hip hop DJ, rapper, musician and producer’s day of birth (he turned 48 on Aug. 5) with music and love! The Suffolk Theater, 118 E Main St, Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $25-$30. 10 p.m. August 22.
Billboard Hot 100 Festival
The hype is real with Billboard’s first-ever festival, which is sure to be one of the biggest blow-out performances ever. Yes, your mind will be blown and your feet, well they’ll be hoisting you up in the air and dancin’, dancin’, dancin’! The stacked lineup is absolutely insane, with favorite top-charter artists such as The Weeknd, Holy Ghost, Justin Bieber (hear that, Beliebers?), Skrillex, Fetty Wap, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Tori Kelly, the Chainsmokers, and more! Too many famous people to handle. In other words, the most popular stars are right here, in one area. Don’t miss out the chance to see all of them and celebrate their contributions made in the music industry! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $75. 1 p.m. August 22, 23.
Ryan Broshear
Fueled by a deep love of country music and a dream to rock out at the Grand Ole Opry, this Oxford, Ohio farm-raised singer/songwriter has gained fans and admirers nationwide by delivering powerful, high-octane performances and songs that speak to the heart and soul. Expect the crowd to sing along to country lifestyle anthem “Let Your Redneck Out” and “Countrything,” which encapsulates his longing to play upon that aforementioned, hallowed stage. With opening acts Alyssa Trahan Whisky Road and Nikki Briar. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $15. 2:30 p.m. August 23.
The Millenium
These self-professed “titanic pop” rockers hail from Wisconsin and have been leaving a sea of fans in their wake as they continue their “It’s So Much Friendlier With…” tour, with some dates (this one included) featuring a “Parents Get In Free” policy. Come rock out and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about! Warming up the crowd are Marina City, An Honest Year, Time Atlas, Take A Breath, Hope Vista, Anson Li, The Skyward Effect and Gianni Paci. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Bway, Amityville. amityvillemusichall.com $12, $14 DOS. 3 p.m. August 23.
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening With Cary Elwes
Fresh off his New York Times bestseller, As You Wish, The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes is inviting his legions of fans to join him as he reminisces about life on and off the set of the iconic film. For almost three decades The Princess Bride has been a family favorite. After a special screening, the actor himself will discuss classic scenes, as well as share secrets from behind the camera and more. Inconceivable! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $52.50 7:30 p.m. August 23.
ZZ Top
You know their beards. You know their hot rods. And you sure as hell know their riffs. These legendary musicians–Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard–have been just absolutely devastating the very boundaries of rock and roll, together, for more than 40 years (!!) and are still simply pummeling with every single gig. Do not miss this chance to experience these Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers in all their glory. Will they play their trademark “Legs”? No question, but only one real way to find out for sure. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $59.50-$129.50. 8 p.m. August 23.
Duane Keiser
What secrets lie within the minds of artists? Why not come listen and find out? This artist will discuss what it means to exist as a painter in the digital age, as well as share his unique take on the current and future state of the Internet and social media as it relates to the artist. He is an innovator behind the “A Painting A Day” phenomenon, where artwork produced on the easel is immediately offered (and in his case promptly sold) on eBay in their auction setting. Refreshments will be served and there will be time to meet the artist. The South Street Gallery, 18 South St., Greenport. thesouthstreetgallery.com Free. 6 p.m. August 24.
Ernie Kovacs: TV Comedy Pioneer
Humans has always sought reasons to laugh, and Ernie Kovac brought such laughter to widespread American audiences with his off-beat visual sketches on television programs long before others began doing so. Learn about this trailblazer way ahead of his time who broke the fourth wall by using comedy for a television medium. He’s the reason milk continues to pour out of your nose after watching The Tonight Show, as many comedians acknowledge him as a source of inspiration. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. August 24.
Under the Sun 2015 with Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, Uncle Kracker & Eve 6
This smorgasbord of ’90s pop heroes light up the stage once again on their annual, must-see, must-smile, must- dance tour. Groove to all the hits that made these bands so insanely popular and so insanely amazin’! Among them, Sugar Ray’s “Fly,” Better Than Ezra’s “Good,” Uncle Kracker’s “Follow Me” and Eve 6’s “Inside Out.” [Read About Last Year’s Gig HERE] The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $35-$99.50. 7:30 p.m. August 24.
Back to School Victorian Tea Party
This fun and informative program includes role-playing while teaching social skills, self-esteem and confidence. Children learn dining manners, for example, such as how to properly hold and cut with a knife and fork. Apple juice will be substituted for the hot tea. Participants also practice table setting and introductions. All make their own nametag and place card. Bring a friend, or your favorite doll, or come join new friends at the party! Dress up if you wish! It’s a Back To School Victorian Tea Party! Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington. waltwhitman.org $25. 1 p.m. August 26.
AJ Benza
This celebrated Daily News gossip columnist and author will speak about and sign his new memoir, ’74 and Sunny, a surprisingly tender coming-of-age story of a close-knit yet tough Sicilian-American family that accepts and welcomes a young boy struggling to understand himself. Benza’s distinctive blend of wit, dry humor, and genuine tenderness shines through this candid, compelling memoir about the summer of 1974, when his shy, effeminate cousin comes to live with A.J.’s family, which is dominated by his short-tempered, outspoken, hyper-masculine father. At its core, A.J.’s story is about learning that “being exactly who you were meant to be is the only thing that matters.” Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. August 26
Comedy Night
Do you like to laugh? Do you enjoy smiling uncontrollably? Do you value losing control of your body as seismic eruptions of hysterical laughter form deep within your belly and push forth, ever-gaining momentum as they roll, quake and shiver outward, eventually radiating toward its external source, culminating in giggles, smirks and smiles that somehow become infectious and spread to all within your proximity? Then you’ll absolutely Love this gig! Comics performing include Kevin Lee, David Cooperman and a surprise guest. Presented by Darcy Novick. Two-drink minimum. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $10. 7:30 p.m. August 26.
Masters of Sex: An Evening with Thomas Maier
Long Island’s own Thomas Maier is the acclaimed biographer of the human sexuality science pioneers William Masters and Virginia Johnson. He is also a producer of the hit Showtime series Masters of Sex based on his book and starring Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan. Join Maier for an insightful evening of clips and conversation! Includes book signing reception Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. August 20.
—Compiled by Daniela Weinstein, Nicholas Semelak, Chuck Cannini, Timothy Bolger, Elise Pearlman, Ayo Fagbemi and Zachary B. Tirana III
