Heart / Joan Jett & the Black Hearts / Cheap Trick
This insane combo of rock and roll legends is one of the strongest lineups out there this summer, and a gig that’s just simply not to be missed. Dubbed the “Roll Hall Three For All!” tour, expect timeless rock hit after hit, with a hefty dose of several absolutely unforgettable anthems sprinkled throughout: “Bad Reputation,” “I Love Rock and Roll,” “I Want You To Want Me” and “Barracuda” surely among them. Will local hellraiser Jett break out fan favorite “Crimson & Clover” so we can all raise our smartphones up, our collective “Flashlight” apps glowing and swaying along to the timeless tunes of these salvationary rock gods, the moonlit ocean, the raging, healing sea? Only one way to find out! [Read: “Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Rock Eisenhower Park” “Cheap Trick Slays The Paramount” Concert Reviews] Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $31-$175. 7 p.m. July 28.
Twist of Lemmon
Just back from his triumphant London West End debut, Chris Lemmon becomes his legendary father Jack Lemmon in his acclaimed multimedia play featuring live piano and an irresistible re-creation of their complex-but-loving relationship, all couched in the lore of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Includes post-show Q&A with Chris Lemmon, plus reception with Jazz guitarist Mike Soloway. Not to be missed. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $38 members, $46 public. 7 p.m. July 28.
Summer Southern Jam
Get ready to get out on that dance floor, raise that cup of beverage high into the air, and shout “Long live rock and roll!” Yes, this night is going to be that electric, that special. These mesmerizing tributes to Southern rock legends The Allman Bros. and Lynyrd Skynyrd, featuring The Allmost Brothers Band and Freebird, have that type of effect on audiences. Expect to hear “Whipping Post,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and all those classic tunes that made these guitar-heavy heroes so beloved! Wow. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $10-$30. 8 p.m. July 28.
Concert Against Long Island Heroin Epidemic
Heroin has been tightening its lethal grip on our youth in neighborhoods and communities across the country, and nowhere else is this deadly, life-shattering drug’s wrath felt worse than right here on Long Island. It’s been claiming the lives of our children and destroying families at a horrifying rate, and no matter how many resources we’ve been pouring into fighting its scourge, one thing is horrifyingly apparent: We need to amplify the battle. [Read: “How Long Island Is Losing Its War On Heroin“] This concert signifies that special power of music and self-expression, to unite, and to translate our emotions and determination into a just cause that possesses the fire to make significant impacts, and most importantly, save lives. Proceeds from this concert will help fund Suffolk County Crime Stoppers fight the Long Island heroin epidemic. Performers include Led Zeppelin tribute band Zofolk and Big Shot, the only Billy Joel tribute band featuring musicians, namely Mike DelGuidice, who have actually shared a stage with the most famous Long Islander, The Piano Man himself. Come on out to support music’s extraordinary gift of instilling hope and change. Come on out to support the countless victims of this dastardly drug, and their families. Come on out to make a difference. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $35. 8 p.m. July 28.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar7sKNb4UUE
Sugar Hill Gang
The Sugar Hill Gang is considered to be hip-hop royalty. Their first hit, “Rappers Delight,” was the first hip-hop track to be a top 40 hit on the Billboard top 100. The Englewood natives never had another hit after their 1979 single, but the group is credited with paving the way for future hip-hop artists and helping bring the genre to mainstream audiences. This is your chance to experience these living legends, live, in an intimate setting, and experience for yourself the birth of this transcendental musical genre. Hip hop in tha house! Not to be missed. Suffolk Theater, 118 E Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $10. 8:30 p.m. July 28.
Long Island Puppet Theatre Grand Reopening
Long Island’s only puppet theatre was recently closed for renovations, but now it’s back. This celebration will include magician and balloon artist John Reid, party clown Rich Fober, music from children’s musician Keri Wirth, award-winning picture books and gifts from Diane Bauman and Kidz Entertainment, raffles, a chinese auction, food & refreshments from Tocolo Cantina and Texas Taco food truck, and more! Puppets, food, and song?! Yes, yes, yes! Long Island Puppet Theatre, 10 Heitz Pl., Hicksville. lipuppet.com 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 29.
Linda Fairstein
This author will be speaking and signing copies of her new thriller Killer Look (An Alexandra Cooper Novel). Meet this gifted storyteller and tell her exactly how much you appreciate her prose, appreciate her craft, and just how petrified you were when you first read those opening chapters! Yikes! Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. July 29.
Rodney Atkins
Do you like country like we like country? Of course you do! So strap on them cowgirl boots and that 10-gallon hat and strut on out onto that dance floor, because this is going to be one epic country fest. Atkins clinched won the Top New Male Vocalist Award from the Academy of Country Music in 2006, and since then has been nominated for seven other awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. Head on down and see what makes audiences swoon for this guy. (Hint: He sure knows how to move up there on that there stage!) Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. muls.com $32-$36. 8 p.m. July 29.
Dion
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Dion will be making his way to Long Island this week. Originally a member of Dion and The Belmonts (named after Belmont Street in the Bronx), Dion has been taking his act solo for the last 40 years across the country. His more famous songs include “Runaround Sue,” which was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002, and “Lonely Teenager.” Dion, an ageless wonder who made most of his bread performing rock tunes, has his talents span across multiple genres of music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and brings his timeless tunes to this very special evening of rock! Get ready to have a fantastic time! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $54.50-$99.50. 8 p.m. July 29.
Grateful Overkill
Jerry Garcia might be up there in the heavens singing along with Pigpen, Janis, Jimi and the Lizard King himself, but his spirit and music are being kept very much alive down here among us Dead Heads as well. This rockin’ gig includes Grateful Dead tribute band Half-Step and The Rumble, a band known for fusing rip-out-my-heart blues and get-up-out-the-chair-and-sing-sing-sing soul. Half-Step consists of dedicated students and fans of the Grateful Dead, attempting to capture the spirit and emulate the original band’s music, while The Rumble plays gritty, infectious original songs. Scarlet Begonias indeed! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $10-$30. 8 p.m. July 29.
The Drifters
These doo-wop blues legends have been around since the ’50s, and helped to form soul music with their infectiously inspiring gospel-style vocals. Each group of The Drifters varies in members, but all reflect the same passionate R&B music we know and love. Beginning with the classic drifter Clyde McPhatter, all the way up to the current Damien Charles, the group has had more than 60 different musicians join its ranks. According to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the dramatic changes of The Drifters managed to set music trends, in addition to giving the public 13 chart-topping hits. Opening the show is Shirley Alston Reeves, the orig lead singer of Shirelles. Oh hells yes. Suffolk Theater, 118 E Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $49-$60. 8 p.m. July 29.
Meek Mill
This Philly raised hip-hop artist has worked with artists including Akon, Waka Flocka Flame, Rick Ross, and others, released his second studio album, Dreams Worth More Than Money, in June 2015, and cracked the Billboard Top 200. His “All Eyes On You,” which features Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj, reached #21 on the Billboard Hot list with the album’s release. Mill, who has been dating rap queen Minaj since 2015, sticks to lyrics that target poverty, racism, and religion. Though he is frequently compared to Drake, Mill stands out uniquely through his serious lyrics and emotionally-intense sound. His new album, DC4, is rumored to drop later this year. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $40-$50. 10 p.m. July 29.
Laced Up – The Long Island Sneaker Convention
We’ve all been there: Jazzin’ home-slice style in our dapper new kicks, struttin’ em out to the par-tee, jivin’ and groovin’ and bumpin’ out those smooth soles with our friends and loved ones and holdin’ our heads high. This is the local gathering for sneaker enthusiasts to buy, sell, restore, trade and customize kicks, plus much more! Exclusive raffles for rare sneakers will be held, along with auctions for sneakers, battles and the best custom sneaker competition, all to the sounds of DJ Scoota! Experience the sneaker culture at its finest! Wow. Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City. cradleofaviation.org $12-$20. 5 p.m. July 30.
Disturbed / Breaking Benjamin / Alter Bridge / Saint Asonia
The latest album from Disturbed, Immortalized, was an automatic fan favorite, but the heavy metal monsters have been wowing audiences with their raw voices and aggressive nature since ’94, when they were originally called “Brawl.” Breaking Benjamin co-headlines this tour, whose new record, Dark Before Dawn, hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 charts. This is an amazing chance to experience all their crushingly fantastic tunes live, with opening acts Alter Bridge and Saint Asonia, as the sea rages in the background and the moon melts the waves. Yeah. Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $29.95-$79.95. 6:30 p.m. July 30.
Parachute
This trio, most recognizable for their singles “She Is Love” and “Can’t Help,” just dropped their fourth studio release, Wide Awake, this past March. Their soulful, passionate sound combined with romantic and swingy lyrics, is perfect for the summer season, and they’ve been wowing crowds alongside Kelly Clarkson as well as Gavin DeGraw, and selling out three headlining tours around the country. Wide Awake’s opening track, “Without You,” hints at what the group is all about, cheerful, peppy, and soaring to popularity, with more than 50,000 views on YouTube since its June release. With supporting act Brynn Elliott, this gig is not to be missed. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $25-$35. 7:30 p.m. July 30.
Film Festival Shorts
This is a film lover’s dream: Eight short documentaries made by local filmmakers will be screened at this one-night-only event. To kick off the evening, Direct Cinema pioneer D.A. Pennebaker will be presenting his debut short, Daybreak Express. The film festival will focus on telling fascinating stories while giving the audience an opportunity to get a feel for the different styles these local filmmakers have to offer. Action! Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, 200 Main St., Sag Harbor. sagharborwhalingmuseum.org 7:30 p.m. July 30.
French Cookin’ Blues Band
These New York-based bluesmen meld renditions of timeless classics and original songs into a wide variety of soul-soothing treats, all with a solid bedrock in the blues. Guitarists Doc French and Josh Goldberg set the tone with their skills on the chords, while Bassist Bobby Day brings the deep, heavy blues with his bass. Glen “Bob” Allen weaves it all together on the skins for a gig you won’t soon forget. These four have been teaming up across the region for years to deliver a deep-South feel blues show. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the blues or not, you won’t want to miss this one! Hot damn! Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $10. 8 p.m. July 30.
Vic DiBitetto
Whenever there’s a blizzard, you’ve heard his now-infamous expression. Hell, whenever there’s even a hint of a snowflake even remotely predicted to fall, you’ve heard it. Why? Because it’s so hilariously true! This is the “Bread and Milk” guy! His oft-quoted rant has more than 14 million views on YouTube, and you won’t believe how funny he is live. Bring some bread and milk for the fella, we’re sure he’ll get a kick out of it, and we’re pretty positive you won’t be the only one! This guy is hilarious! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39-$69. 8 p.m. July 30.
Colin Jost
From staff writer on Saturday Night Live to co-anchor on the late-night show’s Weekend Update, Colin Jost has moved his way up the comedic latter. Now he’s bringing his humor to Long Island for a night of hilarious, seam-splitting stand-up. Jost is from Staten Island and attended Harvard University, where he was president of the Ivy League’s humor publication, the Harvard Lampoon. He began his career in comedy as a staff writer at SNL in 2005 and served as co-head writer from 2012 to 2015. He is currently bringing viewers the night’s top stories with co-anchor, Michael Ché, for the wildly popular Weekend Update. Jost has garnered five Emmy Award nominations, two Writers’ Guild Awards, and a Peabody Award, which shows his genius doesn’t go unrecognized. His delivery, punchlines, and boyish charm all mashed together into a monstrous, glowing orb of hilarity will leave the audience laughing the whole night through, and into the following weeks, we’re sure. Yowzler, indeed. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $45-$65. 8 p.m. July 30.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Release Party
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, and a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first to be presented onstage. Its world premiere is in London’s West End on the same day that the script book will be released. Hogwarts! Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 9 p.m. July 30.
A Feast for the Eyes
This sweeping, two-floor exhibition focused on food and dining in art, features works by an array of artists, including Audrey Flack, Red Grooms, George Grosz, Henri Matisse, Claes Oldenberg, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol, among many others. Drawn from a wide variety of media, the exhibition offers viewers eclectic portrayals of feasts, eateries, restaurants, cafés, groceries, and table settings. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Nassau County Museum of Art will also be offering public programs for adults and family groups. Well now we’re hungry. And cultured, perhaps, somehow. Wow. Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. nassaumuseum.org $10 adults, $8 seniors, $ students and kids ages 4-12. July 30-Nov. 6.
Counting Crows / Rob Thomas
If you can sing every lyric to “Accidentally In Love,” or even if you just enjoy a talented classic rock band, don’t miss out on seeing Counting Crows and Rob Thomas perform live. Rob Thomas is not only famous for his prior role as the lead singer of Matchbox 20, but he also worked with Santana on one of the most recognizable rock songs to date, “Smooth.” Check out our recent interview with Adam Duritz, lead singer of Counting Crows, and get ready to sing your heart out to all those infectious hits! Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $26-$80.50. 6:45 p.m. July 31.
Paul Anka
He’s done it his way, thank you very much, and he’s even got a book, My Way, An Autobiography, to prove it. He tells stories about his personal encounters with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Dodi Fayed, Michael Jackson, Little Richard and Tom Jones, to name a few. His new album features duets with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Michael Buble, Celine Dion and more. Anka’s been doing it “his way” for five decades and counting. Hard to believe this pop music legend started in Ottawa with his own vocal group, the Bobbysoxers, when he was only 13. Soon enough he had his first number one hit, “Diana,” and then he was on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry. This singer-songwriter once popped up in Sinatra’s Rat Pack and more recently as a co-writer of Michael Jackson’s posthumous worldwide hit, “This Is it,” cementing Anka’s stature as one of the most prolific and versatile songwriters of his generation. This is your chance to experience this living legend in an intimate setting, close to home. Magical. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $165-$225. 8 p.m. July 31.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY4uxdAt4-M
Punjabi American Night
Songs! Dances! Joy! Part of the Nassau County International Music Nights Concert Series dedicated to music and culture, this free night of mesmerizing music is bound to satisfy the soul and inspire those dancin’ feet! Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Free. 8 p.m. July 31.
Irish American Night
Do you like to eat bangers and mash? Enjoy drinking ale? Love to prance ’round the room with your friends and do the jig!? Of course you do. Part of the Nassau County International Music Nights Concert Series dedicated to music and culture, this free night of mesmerizing music and exuberant dance is guaranteed to leave you and all those in attendance with huge smiles on their faces and a whole lotta laughs. Oh, what an amazin’ celebration! Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Free. 8 p.m. Aug. 1.
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. Don’t miss this gig. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $50. 6:30, 9:30 p.m. Aug. 1.
Alice In Wonderland
Don’t be late for this very important date! Lewis Carroll’s magical tale is being brought to life by Long Island’s youngest actors. This timeless children’s story follows Alice down the rabbit hole into her journey through a mysterious and unfamiliar realm. Along the way, she encounters a very special rabbit, the Mad Hatter, a Cheshire cat, twins named Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb, and a Queen of Hearts. Join the adventure, remain curiouser and curiouser, and all along the way, be sure to remember Carroll’s immortal words: “Imagination is the only weapon in a war against reality.” NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $19.50. 11 a.m. Aug. 2.
Gemini Syndrome
These L.A.-bred alt-metal hellraisers dropped their debut, Lux, in 2013, and since then have been compared to fellow archangels Five Finger Death Punch, Tool, and Mudvayne. Their second firebomb, Memento Mori, will be unleashed August 19th. Opening the show is Stitched Up Heart, 9 Electric, Brand Of Julez, In Dead Silence and Symfinity. Don’t miss this insane lineup, or the chaos that is sure to ensue! Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $16, 18 DOS. 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2.
Chevelle
This trio’s stage chemistry is something that’s drawn praise from audiences the world over. “Where did this special rock and roll magic originate?” you might ask. It happened a long time ago, as each of the three original band members are brothers. Pete Loeffler is the lead singer and guitarist, Sam is on the skins, and Joe played bass until he left the band in 2005 and was replaced by Dean Bernardini, the brothers’ brother-in-law! Ha! Say that three time fast! Talk about a family affair! They hail from Chicago, where they first started hammering out their aggressive 21st century rock tunes (think Tool, just louder), and now invade The Mountler for a night of sonic fury not soon to be forgotten. Opening the show is Black Map. Damn. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$60. 8 p.m. Aug. 2.
Seaton Smith
Although this funnyman hasn’t been in the business for too long, S-Squared (See what we did there?) is already becoming familiar. Smith’s energetic presence and crude humor leaves crowds roaring with laughter and splitting the seams of their pants. Hailing from Washington, D.C., Smith’s interest in comedy was sparked when he was just 10 years old. Later, he attended Howard University to study film, where he dreamed of producing a action-comedy. In 2011, he moved to Brooklyn, and three years later, his career skyrocketed. He landed the role of “Motif” on fellow comedian, John Mulaney’s, television show Mulaney. In 2015, he appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers, Inside Amy Schumer, and the Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. He also appeared in HBO’s Girls and Hulu’s Difficult People. Now, he is touring and performing stand-up in New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Iowa. RSVP and get your tickets now, you don’t want to miss this hilarious night. Damn this guy is funny! Governor’s Comedy Club, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $20-$50. 8 p.m. Aug. 3.
Long Beach International Film Festival
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this year’s lineup boasts more than 30 feature films, shorts and documentaries, including independent and studio films, as well as American and international movies—even animated flicks. The festival will feature a ton of special events, such as red carpet premieres, celebrations, filmmaker receptions, awards and musical performances. The special programs planned for this year include: Shorts On The Beach series, Taste On The Beach, and the Joan Jett Music film series. Don’t miss this amazing celebration of cinematic nirvana! Long Beach Cinema 4, 179 E. Park Ave., Long Beach. longbeachfilm.com Aug. 3-5.
–Compiled by Kate Nalepinski, Ana Borruto & Timothy Bolger (With Zachary B. Tirana III
