Psychedelic jazz-reggae-electronica rockers Wild Belle invade the Surf Lodge in Montauk on Aug. 28. (Photo: Wild Belle Facebook profile)
Heffron Drive
Hailing from Burbank, California, Heffron Drive was formed after the chance encounter of two Kansas natives on a street of that name who began jamming and creating sweet, beautiful music together. Talk about serendipity. Fate again knocked on their door a short time later, and they joined the mega-popular Nickelodeon show/band Big Time Rush. Following the series’ monstrous run, the melodic duo resurrected Heffron Drive and recorded Happy Mistakes: Unplugged. This is a rare chance to catch these TV/music warriors all up-close and personal, in a killer venue. Don’t miss out. Warming up the crowd are This Is All Now, Sarah Barrios, Kenzie Moore, Jenna Rose and Jesse Sheppard. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $20. 5 p.m. Aug. 25.
Suzanne Vega and Duncan Sheik
Eclectic folk goddess Suzanne Vega unleashes her ’90s storytelling bombshells “Luka” and “Tom’ Diner” in the gorgeous, enigmatic Natural Preserve (key word being “nature” and the protection of it), surrounded by lush, unadulterated wilderness populated by sacred precious critters. Her captivating delivery transposed atop mesmerizing guitar strumming is enough to entrance any music fan. storytelling to he strums of her acoustic guitar has earned her a loyal following. Duncan Sheik will undoubtedly serenade all those in attendance with his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing,” and other tunes, including “Summer Morning,” “Photograph,” “Half a Room,” and tracks from the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening, for which he composed the soundtrack. Wow. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org $45-$125. 5 p.m. Aug. 25.
Pina LoGiudice
Dr. Oz declares her as a “world expert” in the field of natural medicine. She’s a member of the Holistic Moms Association, and a slew of other groups whose mission is you and your family’s well-being. Big Pharma probably isn’t too happy with her, either. Come and meet this incredible person, who has dedicated her life to restoring the life and vitality of all who are in distress, the natural way, free from harmful chemicals and pharmaceutical byproducts. (Yuck.) This extraordinary natural health expert will be speaking about, and signing, her new book, The Little Book of Health and Beauty. Tell her your natural health story, too, and let’s keep this important dialogue alive! Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. Aug. 25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3HBcgxOWAQ
Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefers
Nothing signals, nor encapsulates, the end of summer quite like Buffet’s legendary gigs at Jones Beach. Phenomenal vibes, infectious grooves, a massive “ParrotHead” tailgate in Jones Beach’s endless parking lots are just the warmup. The musician best known for his paradise-themed songs is the summer, and his healing tunes always lead to group sing-a-longs and thousands of fans dancing’ along in the theatre, smilin’ and laughin’ and sharin’ the love. Unite and celebrate, grab your George Forman grill, and sway along to “Margaritaville” all night long. Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $56-$156. 8 p.m. August 25.
Dave Koz & David Sanborn: Side by Side
Big news arrived in the jazz world last month when acclaimed saxophonists Dave Koz and David Sanborn announced their first-ever tour together. Both saxophonists have had remarkable careers. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dave Koz just wanted to play the saxophone as a way to gain entry into his big brother’s band, but it became a life-long obsession. Koz went on to become a nine-time Grammy Award nominee and chart nine No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Album Chart. David Sanborn started playing the saxophone at age three to treat his polio, and by 14 he was able to play with the legends. Sanborn has released 25 albums in his three-and-a-half decade career, including eight gold and one platinum, and won six Grammy Awards. He has been accredited for reintroducing the sax to pop music, through his works with greats like the Rolling Stones and the Eagles. This duo is sure to impress! Don’t miss this gig. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$109.50. 8 p.m. Aug. 25.
The Wailers
After Bob Marley’s untimely passing in 1981, his backing band, The Wailers, continued on, performing his soul-satisfying tunes to audiences all across the globe. Although you could never replicate Marley’s distinctive sound, The Wailers are literally the next best thing. Bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett was not only recognized as the musical leader of the group, but was Marley’s most trusted band mate, performing and arranging countless hits in the 1970s. This is an extraordinary chance to witness these soul-soothing music greats in the intimate setting of a truly phenomenal venue. Don’t miss out! The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $75. 8 p.m. Aug. 25.
Reckoning
Do you love the Dead? Consider Jerry Garcia a demigod? Wear tie-dye as much as you possibly can and relish dancin’ with your friends and loved ones, hand in hand, the music just overtaking your very soul!? Then you likely have experienced this amazing band. Reckoning originated on Long Island in 1990, capturing the spirit and emotion of Grateful Dead songs by creating a new take on classic tracks through innovative techniques and improv. Jerry and Pig Pen are both surely smilin’ down from that great, big, jam session up in the sky. Wow. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $10. 8 p.m. Aug. 25.
Prentiss McNeil of The Drifters
Prentiss McNeil was a longtime member of the legendary Drifters, dubbed as the least-stable of the great vocal groups by Rolling Stone. After performing with the group for 15 years, McNeil decided to split off from the group and form his own band, Prentis McNeil and Friends. Known as the Lonely Drifter, Prentiss McNeil continues to perform, often with guest singers. Get ready for a night of sublime music. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-$35. 8 p.m. Aug. 26.
Tracy Morgan
The former Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock star amazingly survived a devastating car crash and has made a miraculous recovery. He made his first public appearance at last year’s Emmy Awards, and is now ready to hit the stage once again. We expect Morgan’s sense of humor hasn’t changed all that much. Definitely for a mature crowd. He’ll also be performing back-to-back shows at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown the following night. Morgan is absolutely hilarious! McGuires Comedy Club, 1627 Smithtown Ave., Bohemia. mcguires.govs.com $40-56. 9, 10 p.m. Aug. 26.
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 unforgettable performances of “The Warrior,” “Goodbye to You,” “Love’s Got A Line On You,” “Hands Tied” and “Beat of A Heart,” among many others. Hot damn, son. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St. Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $50. 8 p.m. Aug. 26, 7 p.m. Aug. 27.
Randy Jackson Acoustic Show
The legendary Zebra guitarist will rip through all of his phenomenal licks and hits to help benefit Jill Fazzolare, a local woman who needs HSCT Stem Cell Treatment in her battle against Multiple Sclerosis. Fazzolare will be traveling to Pueblo, Mexico to undergo this life-saving procedure in December, and has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise much-needed funds. Come out and enjoy absolutely amazing music from a true rock legend while raising awareness about this brutal disease. If you can’t make it to the gig, visit Fazzolare’s GoFundMe and share the love. KJ Farrells, 242 Petit Ave., Bellmore. kjfarrells.com $15. 2 p.m. Aug. 27.
United Ink Flight 816 New York Tattoo and Arts Festival
Your skin is a canvas, and your soul is reflected in the fantasmic swirling colors conjured from artists’ transcendental visions. Wow. Pretty heavy. But also very true. This multi-colored ink fest features body art enthusiasts of all shapes, sizes, and designs, united in their undying thirst for creative expression and transforming the human body into absolute masterpieces! There are opportunities to be tattooed by one of 100+ of the country’s best tattoo artists, or simply just hang out in the same room with them, no pressure. All Weekend. Yes. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City. cradleofaviation.org $12-$60. Aug. 26-28.
Shark Research Lecture
Chris Fischer of OCEARCH, the organization that conducts shark research expeditions off the coast of Long Island, will discuss their current endeavor: tagging and studying juvenile white sharks. Dedicated to the advancement of science surrounding white sharks, Fischer has pioneered more than 24 excursions, in order to better understand these mesmerizing aquatic giants. Come and learn how important these saber-toothed beauties are to the marine ecosystem, and why it’s so important we respect them, too. Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, 200 Main St., Sag Harbor. sagharborwhalingmuseum.org Free. 2 p.m. Aug. 27.
Blu Mojo
These Long Island blues-jazz hellraisers have been wowing audiences since 2013, leaving showstopping performance after showstopping performance in their wake. Five integral pieces combine to form this musical masterpiece: Paul Curcio on vocals and harmonica, Chuck Russell on guitar, John Giordano on bass, Mike Drums on drums, and Vic Delgado on saxophone. This band loves the blues with a rock infusion and it shows as they put a personal spin on songs from the ’40s and ’50s right up through today’s current artists. Known for an upbeat, funky presentation, and an absolutely brilliant live show, this band delivers, and you don’t want to miss this gig! Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $10. 7 p.m. Aug. 27.
John Pizzarelli
Jazz encapsulates life, in all its tragically impossible beauty. It has the extraordinary capabilities of lifting you up to a higher plain, reaching deep within your soul, and igniting passion and furious inspiration you never quite knew existed. This renowned jazz guitarist/singer/songwriter and bandleader will play mesmerizing, melodic, simply gorgeous tunes that are guaranteed to move you up out your chair, dancin’ along, raising your hands and celebratin’ celebratin’ celebratin’ all of this realm’s enigmatic glory. Hell yeah. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $50-$70. 8 p.m. Aug. 27.
All-night Horror Movie Marathon
Six retro slasher flicks will be screened back-to-back in the 12th annual “Pay To Get Out” Horror Movie Marathon that includes prizes, giveaways as well as a $10 discount and free breakfast to anyone that survives the night. The lineup of disturbing, demonic classics includes The Hidden, The Brood, The Company of Wolves, Vampyres, The House by the Cemetery, plus a surprise mystery film1 Get ready to be scared to the bones! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org 10 p.m. Aug. 27.
Montez De Durango
Formed back in 1996 in Chicago, Montez de Durango is one of the United State’s premier durganese bands. (Durganese is genre of Mexican music that is a faster version of banda, fyi.) While the grooves of Montez de Durango are deeply influenced by the music of traditional Mexican music, the influences of their hometown Chicago add an American flare. Their infusion of Mexican music into American culture has been nothing less than extraordinary, achieving gold and platinum status for their album De Durango a Chicago, and even namesakes of their own day in Chicago. Their most recent drop, De Vuelta a la Sierra (Return to the Mountain), as hinted at in the title, returns to the origins of this group’s music. Known as “The Kings of Durganese Music,” Montez de Durango is guaranteed to unleash tunes that will enthrall, and inspire. Get ready for a phenomenal show! The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $40. 10:30 p.m. Aug. 27.
Charles Esten
Born in Pittsburgh, Esten merges his extraordinary theatrical skills with his unbelievable singing prowess, starting in London when he portrayed Buddy Holly in the West End musical Buddy. From there, he sprung to many other television roles, including recurring spots on Big Love and The Office along with bit parts such as playing the father on Disney Channel’s Jessie and Kelly Bundy’s fiance on the series finale of Married with Children. He is best known, however, for his role as Deacon Claybourne on ABC’s Nashville. Many of the songs he has performed on the show are available on the extremely successful Nashville soundtrack, but he has also produced hit singles, such as “Through the Blue.” Don;t miss this talented actor and musician live, in all his glory. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $27- $62. 8 p.m. Aug. 28.
Dick Dale
Casual listeners may recognize his name as the performer of “Misirlou,” the opening track in Pulp Fiction. Fans bow to The King of the Surf Guitar, who invented surf rock—a reverb-laden, speed-picking sound he invented as a mimic to what he heard while surfing. It’s not every day one gets to see a live show by a legend that inspired the likes of Jimi Hendrix. Don’t miss this chance. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $55-$70. 8 p.m. Aug. 28.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y3h9p_c5-M
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
In 1965, Felix Cavaliere formed the famous “The Young Rascals” with Dino Danelli, Edddie Brigati and Gene Cornish. Their rise to stardom actually came in an elite Long Island club, Barge, when promoter Sid Bernstein saw their high-energy performance. After signing to Atalantic Records and changing their names to “The Rascals,” they released several hits including “I’ve Been Lonely for Too Long,” “How Can I Be Sure” and “People Got to Be Free.” The Rascals disbanded in 1972, but this didn’t stop the band from becoming a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and Grammy Hall of Fame. Felix’s Rascals are touring even today, 50 years after their biggest hit “Good Lovin,” and they occasionally merge with another ’60s hit maker, The Zombies. Wow. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $65-$85. 8 p.m. Aug. 28.
Wild Belle
Psychedelic rock/ska/reggae/jazz-electronica doesn’t even come close to describing the euphoric sonic nirvana unleashed when this sister-brother duo of Natalie and Elliot Bergman perform live, and this gig, far from the noize of the city and hubbub of suburban chaos, out along the rocky sea-swept shores of enigmatic (Read: “5 Real-Life ‘Stranger Things’-Montauk, Long Island Parallels“) Montauk, will undoubtedly be surreal. Yowzler. The Surf Lodge, 183 Edgemere St., Montauk. thesurflodge.com 6 p.m. Aug. 28.
Ben Langer
This 17-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist performs deeply moving, uplifting songs that tug at audience’s heartstrings and showcase a much older soul. His guitarwork is impressive, and its emotional conjecture is real. Definitely worth checking this rising star out, especially at a venue as storied as The Stephen Talkhouse. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $10. 8 p.m. Aug. 30.
Culture Club
The name “Culture Club” will be forever known as one of the biggest and best known ’80s bands, performing the difficult feat of obtaining seven straight Top 10 hits in the UK and nine Top 10 singles in the United States. The key player in Culture Club was the flamboyant Boy George, known for his biting wit and, well, boyish features. Success eluded the band until their massive breakthrough “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” and from there, it was a steady climb to the most popular pop group in the world. Boy George’s long battle against drugs led to a breakup in 1987, but the band was reunited by 1998, releasing a No. 4 hit in the UK called “I Just Wanna Be Loved.” With literally too many hits to count, this performance is a must-attend for all music lovers. Opening the show is Groves. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $69.50-$199.50. 8 p.m. Aug. 30.
-Compiled by Michael Bakshandeh, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
