Timothy P. Oliver
One of the darkest days in our country’s history, 9/11, is right around the corner, and this local author’s book, Finding Fifteen, takes readers along on a six-month journey to locate families, friends and colleagues of 15 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, now 15 years later. Come down, reflect, and share your personal accounts of that horrific day with Oliver and all those who gather to hear how he put this powerful, moving work of art together. Talking about those we’ve lost helps keep their memories alive. Oliver will also be signing copies, and we’re sure, giving out a few dozen hugs, too. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. Sept. 1.
Rascal Flatts & Kelsea Ballerini
Remember boppin’ along in your car to Rascal Flatt’s ’06 hits “Life Is A Highway” and “What Hurts The Most”? Relive that uplifting nostalgia with these sweet, sweet jams and many, many more tunes guaranteed to get you up and dancin’ and singin’ and bumpin’ and boppin’! Country singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini, newfound nominee for CMT’s #SocialSuperstar award, rocks out as an opener. Worth checkin out her latest single, “Peter Pan.” Oh yeah! Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $29.50-$75. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1.
Julie Lyon
This talented songstress will perform tunes off her new album Moonflower, which follows up on her prior self-titled debut solo album and further melds the worlds of swing, jazz and blues, punctuated by Lyon’s unforgettable voice. Local indie/blues singer/songwriter Christine Sweeney and psychedelic rock/folk heroes High Fascination round out what is sure to be an absolutely incredible night of music. Prepare to be wowed. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $10. 8 p.m. Sept. 1.
Howard Jones
This British musician, singer and songwriter made his name with such hits as “No One Is to Blame” and “Things Can Only Get Better.” Cementing his legacy in pop history with a turn on the Live Aid stage in 1985, this synth-pop king was crowned with Top 40 single after Top 40 single, and his ’84 monster Human’s Lib went straight up to the top of the charts. Will his mesmerizing addictive melodies and synth-heavy rhythms reverse the clock and transport the audience back to the glorious ’80s, where polos and huge, towering hair were all the rage, and great vibes had audiences jivin’ and singin’ along? Only one way to find out! With special guest Loner’s Club. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$65. 8 p.m. Sept. 2.
Lucinda Williams
The quintessential singer/songwriter has an edgy voice that sounds like a soft snarl filtered through a rusty screen door of a ramshackle Delta farmhouse on a hot summer night. Her material rides the border between alt-country and hard rock, but always reverberates with raw emotion and a hint of something deeper going on. Her career has been quixotic over the years, but she’s finally getting the acclaim she deserves. “Passionate Kisses,” anyone? Not to be missed. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $85-$135. 8 p.m. Sept. 2.
Almost Queen
This tribute band covering the influential 1970s British rock band channels the spirit of the late, great, Freddie Mercury. The four-piece brings Queen back to life by featuring all of their music in a high-energy show. Dressed like the original band, Almost Queen gives its audience an authentic Queen experience you will never forget! Always remember: “We Are The Champions!” Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $39-$45. 8 p.m. Sept. 2.
Monica
Monica Denise Brown, better known as just Monica, will inarguably live on as one of the most iconic R&B singers of a generation. Monica started singing because she felt that her favorite type of music was in danger and that is was her duty to educate her generation on the beauty of R&B music. Her extraordinary music contributions started at the age of just 12 when her first major label deal was signed. As one of the only artists to top the US Billboard R&B Chart with No. 1 songs over three consecutive generations, and having a reality show that documents her life, Monica has nothing much left to prove as a fantastic singer. With that said, Monica’s latest drop, Code Red, is a glorious re-entry to form for this truly amazing star. Songs like “I Miss Music” truly speak to the soul. Bound to be an absolutely magical performance, that’s for sure. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $40-$50. 10 p.m. Sept. 2.
Veronica Mosey
As if Veronica Mosey’s tall figure and red hair weren’t enough to distinguish her from most others, her unique sense of humor has allowed her to stand out and make others ROFL. Known for a phenomenal stage presence that makes her “just as likable as your funniest friend,” Veronica’s truthful observations about society drive home with audiences and allow them to see the lighter side of situations. She was labeled as “One of Five Comics to Watch” by Rolling Stone. Witnessing a performance from Veronica is sure to be fiery, and full of hilarious impressions infused with material that will make you laugh, laugh, laugh. Wow. The Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd., Bellmore. brokerage.govs.com $17. 8 p.m. Sept. 2, 7:30, 10 Sept. 3.
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-and-feet-a’blazin’ divine perfection! Not to be missed. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $80. 7 p.m. Sept. 3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHWrmIzgB5A
Fools & Fanatics
Starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fools and Fanatics formed as a mix of blues, reggae and rock. What a combo! There are three talented fools in this band: Matt Whitley and guitar and vocals, Josef Hefkin at bass and vocals, and Nick Anderson at drums. The band draws from influences including Sublime, Pepper, Bob Marley, and Long Island uber-fave, the Grateful Dead. Although one of their greatest songs is “Mista Mess Around,” this band definitely won’t mess around in putting on a truly unforgettable show! Warming up the crowd is The Lost, Amboy, Shawd Matrix and Oliver Then. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Broadway,. Amityville. $10, $12 DOS. 7 p.m. Sept. 3.
Sweet Suzi Blues
In April 2011, a redheaded mother decided to pursue her passion for music more extensively. Her band, The Sweet Suzi Blues Band, serves up a wonderful mixture of blues and rock in every song. She created a band that was able to create tight, dynamic blues hailed by critics and audiences alike. Sweet Suzi propelled herself into fame in the blues word after stunning local audiences in Memphis’s International Blues Competition back. Hot, witty songs like “Too Hot to Touch” and “Dejablues” enable Sweet Suzi’s sound to resonate with audiences. Especially in the sweet, sweet, groovy digs of Treme, if you’re looking for something to sweeten your night, Sweet Suzi’s Blues is just what the soul doctor ordered! Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $10. 8 p.m. Sept. 3.
A Fat Wreck: The Punk-U-Mentary
This doc follows Fat Mike, the frontman of the stalwart punk band NOFX, and his ex-wife, in their adventures running Fat Wreck Chords, their independent record label. There will be inspiration, debauchery, including puppets getting spanked by a dominatrix, amid a ton of other punk rock chaos. Director Shaun Colón will Skype in for a Q&A following the screening, and Huntington’s Hideaway Vinyl will be selling records in the back. One for the books, for sure. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $5-$12. 10 p.m. Sept. 3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfQsHHk17o
Memphis Crawl
Crawlin’ from the hip, kaleidoscopic jazz, rock and blues of New York City, these hellraisers—Matty O’Brien, guitarist Stevens, bassist Slim Earl, and percussionist Michael Powder—have been described by music critics as both “bluesy” and “ballsy,” a unique and impressive characterization, to be sure. Memphis Crawl’s unique and powerful sound has been nothing short of “convention defying.” Their newest, most popular song “Wildflower Annie” touches on themes of loyalty and poisonous love, and will likely be embraced as a fan favorite at every gig. Known to bring out wild behavior among their fans, each performance is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and not to be missed. With Sweet Eureka, Sir Cadian Rythm & Gina Cutillo. 89 North, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3.
Loudon Wainwright III’s 70th Birthday Party
Wainwright III received his ticket to stardom once “Dead Skunk” became a top 20 hit when he was 26. His latest drop Haven’t Got the Blues (Yet), is his 26th, and he began producing at the age of 68. He has written music for the theatrical adaptation of the novel Lucky You, and composed songs for TV shows. Wainwright also managed to retain some of his skills in acting from Carnegie-Mellon, starring in M.A.S.H. and Undeclared. His new, one-man theatrical show, “Surviving Twin,” explores the same themes he’s exemplified within his songs: birth, self-identity, loss, and mortality, among them. Clearly, there’s a lot to celebrate for Wainwright’s 70th birthday, so come join the party with special guests Rufus Wainwright, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Suzzy Roche, Chaim Tannenbaum & Peter Fallon. The Stephen Talkhouse, 161 Main St., Amagansset. stephentalkhouse.com $55-$70. 8 p.m. Sept. 5.
Doggie Pool Party
Back by pupular demand, the second annual Doggy Pool Party gives dog owners a chance to swim with the puppies before the Town of North Hempstead drains the community pool for summer. What a wonderful opportunity to Doggy Paddle along with your cutesy beloved poochies! All attendees must be residents of the New Hyde Park special park district, but do not have to be a member of the pool. The dogs must be licensed. Participants must pre-register. Clinton G. Martin Park, New Hyde Park Rd., New Hyde Park. Free. 4-7 p.m. Sept. 6.
Bill Burr
The standup funnyman, actor and host of “Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast” will unleash his comedic fury upon all those in attendance, leaving them gasping for air while they laugh and yelp uncontrollably amid his hilarious observations on dating, sports, politics and life in general. Yes, he’s that funny. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $53. 7, 10 p.m. Sept. 7.
-Compiled by Michael Bakshandeh, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
Main Art: Country singer/songwriter Kelsea Ballerini joins Rascal Flatts at Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre on Sept. 1!