An Evening with Alan Cumming
Just one day after the release of his new book, You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams, actor Alan Cumming will share hilarious stories, colorful screen clips, a slideshow of never-before-seen photos and kaleidoscopic images of “the many faces of Alan Cumming.” And anyone who’s followed his versatile career—The Good Wife, X-Men 2, GoldenEye and Spy Kids, to name a few—knows that this Scotsman is a real shape-shifter. Each ticket includes a copy of Cumming’s book and entry into book-signing reception with live music by jazz guitarist Mike Soloway. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $42 members, $49 public. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15.
Long Beach Jazz Fest
Few experiences on Earth can literally satisfy the soul and recharge the spirit as thoroughly as an off-tempo snare skipping beneath the simmering surface of a standup bass and butter-smooth Fender Jazz, riding the crash like the rising and falling of a chaotic ocean that somehow occasionally finds moments of tranquil peace beneath the repose of 10 million stars. Yeah. This four-day, 14th annual Jazz nirvana along the shore features more than 100 music acts at venues across the City by the Sea, includingthe Long Beach Public Library. Hot damn. longbeachjazzfest.com Sept. 15-18.
The Charlie Daniels Band
The devil goes down to Westbury when The Charlie Daniels Band takes the stage with their Southern rock/country roots. Be prepared to stomp to the fiddle and whoop it up. Charles Edward Daniels—you can call him Charlie—is a living American music legend. He’s played bass on Bob Dylan’s records and violin on The Youngbloods’ “Darkness, Darkness,” which put the song in the stratosphere. And let’s not forget that when he was a Nashville session musician, he co-wrote “It Hurts Me,” which Elvis recorded. With opening act Phil Vassar NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $29-$74.50. 8 p.m. Sept. 16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDm_ZHyYTrg
Jamie Gee
This talented guitarist is also known as a “finger stylist” who plays a range of different styles ranging from Bach to Broadway, country to rock. She’ll be performing hits off her long-awaited new album, Infinity of Parallel Lines, on her pink guitar, which will surely send electricity surging through your body, and chills up and down your spine. So sit back, and let the sweet, sweet music take over. Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $10. 8 p.m. Sept. 16.
Toby Tobias and His Ensemble
This local modern folk/jazz ensemble is influenced by funk and world rhythms, yet these labels don’t do justice to the range of their arrangements and the joyful, exhilarating sounds that the group makes on stage. From a duo to a seven-piece, the band has found the right mix of songs, orchestration and performance ability to enthrall crowds. Grab a latte and let the music bring you home. Our Times Coffeehouse, 38 Old Country Rd., Garden City. ourtimescoffeehouse.org $10 students, $15 adults. 8 p.m. Sept. 16.
Rory Albanese
This New York native is not only a stand-up comedian, but also an Emmy Award-winning writer and executive producer. His jokes will actually make you LOL, and his impressions are always on point. Albanese is best known for his great Comedy Central skits such as “New Jersey Attitude,” “Golden Arches” and “Naming Body Parts.” Get ready to laugh until your stomach hurts! Governor’s Comedy Club, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $17. 8 p.m. Sept. 16; 7, 9:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av4Bhvs7DZ4
LI FamFest
For the kids, there will be wildlife shows, clowns, dancing, magicians, candy making, music, arts and crafts and much more. For parents, there will be more than 50 informational exhibits and experts offering advice on pediatric medicine, after-school programs, sports, nutrition and other vital issues. A great time will surely be had by all! LIU Post Pratt Recreational Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. lifamfest.com $25, $30 DOS. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 17.
Alyson Richman
The international best-selling author of The Lost Wife will be speaking in person and signing copies of her new book, The Velvet Hours. In her sixth novel, Richman delves into the secret love affair between the 19th century French actress, Marthe de Florian, and Giovanni Boldini, the Italian painter whose portrait of de Florian sold for close to $3 million at auction in 2010. Richman draws upon the recent discovery of an abandoned, treasure-filled apartment in Paris, which once belonged to de Florian but was untouched for over 70 years. The story has mystified art lovers and historians, as the apartment was maintained by de Florian’s granddaughter for over 50 years but was seemingly frozen in time, with the love letters of Boldini to Marthe de Florian found tucked in a drawer and wrapped in a satin ribbon. Oh, those romantic Parisians! Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. Sept. 17.
Hot Autumn Nights
Take a trip down musical memory lane with these classic hit makers from the 1960s’ Summer of Love! The lineup includes Herman’s Hermits, starring Peter Noone, plus The Grass Roots (“Let’s Live for Today”), The Box Tops (“The Letter”), Gary Lewis and the Playboys (“she’s Just My Style”). Can you dig it? Groovy, baby! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$129.50. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
Jim Morrison Celebration Featuring Wild Child
Wild Child’s Dave Brock steals the stage for a third time as rock icon Jim Morrison, honoring the magnetic magic and emotional depth of the 1960s Lizard King, the legendary frontman for The Doors. To pay your respects, do what Press Senior Editor Spencer Rumsey did and go to Paris, where Morrison is buried in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery—don’t worry, you’ll find it easily because you won’t be the only one there by his graveside. If you want to relive his greatness, then come see Wild Child’s Dave Brock in person. Opening the show is Memphis Crawl. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-$30. 8 p.m. Sept. 17.
2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by precipitous memory loss that affects tens of millions of families worldwide. While there remains no singular cure to this sinister disease, there is boundless hope, as this truly phenomenal event is testament. Come help transform that hope into a lasting remedy, and join as thousands of fellow Long Islanders raise funds, awareness, and support in the battle against Alzheimer’s at this very special, very important, two-mile walk. Form a team and walk with family and friends, or by yourself—every step counts! Together, unified, we can beat this! If you can’t physically attend, lend your support via a donation to any one of the participating families’ teams—Team Papa Grix among them! The End Of Alzheimer’s Starts With You! Belmont Lake State Park, Exit 38 off Southern State Parkway, North Babylon. Contact: Karen Blank at 631-315-6486. Check out the official 2016 Walk To End Alzheimer’s site for additional details: act.alz.org Registration: 9 a.m. / Ceremony: 10 a.m. / Walk: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 17
Ashanti & Ja Rule
Singer-songwriter Ashanti will grace the stage with her killer dance moves and striking vocals. Her breakout No. One hit “Foolish,” stole hearts in 2002, and her new album, Braveheart, will do just the same. Ja Rule is also set to perform songs from his new album, Genius Loves Company. Maybe the two will even sing a song on which they collaborated together called “Always On Time.” It could happen! This show is not to be missed! The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $35-$40. 10 p.m. Sept. 17.
Harrison and Linda Hunt
The authors of the new history book, William Cullen Bryant’s Cedarmere Estate, will host an illustrated talk and book signing about the 7-acre home of the prominent 19th Century poet, crusading newspaper editor and civic activist. Their work is a pictorial history of the entire Bryant estate from the 1700s until 2016, including the Cedarmere museum, the Nassau County Museum of Art property and many buildings in the Village of Roslyn Harbor. Harrison and Linda Hunt will discuss the ins and outs of creating their book, revealing interesting stories and illustrations that did not make it to the final draft. Cedarmere, 225 Bryant Ave., Roslyn Harbor. Free. 3 p.m. Sept. 18.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBWQCHb95rg
The Wiggles
This upbeat Australian group entertains children (and parents) all over the world. Now kids’ dreams can come true since their favorite musical group is performing live! These four clean-cut lads in their complementary colors will be putting on a fun, creative and enjoyable show for all ages. Bring the whole family to get a-jiggly with the Wigglies! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $29.50-$69.50. 1, 4 p.m. Sept. 18.
Tim Ryan
Sportscaster and author Tim Ryan will be speaking and signing his new book, On Someone Else’s Nickel. Tim Ryan is no doubt the only sportscaster who has crash-landed in the Namib desert, been charged by a rhino in Zimbabwe, herded sheep at the beginning of a Winter Olympics telecast, and dodged flying bottles at a professional boxing match. And lived to tell the tale! Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. Sept. 19.
W.C. Fields: The Great Man of American Laughter
Film historian Glenn Andreiev will present an amusing class on the life and films of “The Great Man,” W.C. Fields. Beefsteak mines, burglars singing in the cellar, mythical countries populated by wacky super-athletes. These are all part of the surreal and absolutely hilarious world of the film legend. The American comedic curmudgeon who famously said, “On the whole, I’d rather be in Philadelphia,” also uttered the immortal lines: “It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I never had the courtesy to thank her for it,” plus: “I am free of all prejudice—I hate everyone equally.” Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19.
Sherry Amatenstein
This New York-based therapist and author will be speaking and signing copies of her new book, How Does That Make You Feel? True Confessions From Both Sides of the Therapy Couch. We trust you’ll feel much better afterwards. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. Sept. 20.
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War
Narrated by Tom Hanks, this documentary by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky tells the true story of American Unitarian Universalist minister Waitstill Sharp and his wife, Martha, and their life-threatening mission to rescue refugees and political dissidents fleeing the Nazi occupation. After the screening, a discussion will take place regarding modern-day refugees. The film will premiere at the UUCSR two hours before it airs on PBS at 9 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, 48 Shelter Rock Rd., Manhasset. Free. 7 p.m. Sept. 20.
Norm Macdonald
This stand-up comedian, writer, producer and actor was a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he appeared in skits such as “Celebrity Jeopardy” and “Weekend Update.” During this event, Macdonald will be featuring his first book, Based on A True Story: A Memoir. Macdonald will be interviewed on stage by a very special guest, Robert Smigel, a former SNL writer and the puppeteer of “Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.” Macdonald will also be signing copies of his memoir, Based on a True Story. This event is definitely one for the books, quite literally and figuratively. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org $20-$40. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20.
Ben Folds
The alt-rock piano man who puts the “Ben Folds” into the platinum-selling Ben Folds Five is back to rock the suburbs solo-style. He may like to pound the keyboards like a tender-hearted maniac but he loves performing music for “the humans,” and we’re sure there will be plenty of them in the audience. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $35-$55. 8 p.m. Sept. 20.
The Martian
Scientist Dr. Chiara La Tessa will explore Ridley Scott’s epic drama about Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who becomes stranded on Mars after his team assumes him dead. La Tessa will talk about how more than 60 years ago people barely thought about space and would never believe that in such a short time NASA would be planning a manned mission to Mars. In The Martian, fiction meets science, detailing obvious and less-evident issues related to the exploration of another planet. Space is the place! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21.
Buckcherry
The California rockers bring all their rock and roll attitude, shreds and licks to LI for this amazing chance to catch them all up-close-and-personal. They’ve got six studio albums to draw from, with plenty of high-octane tunes to light this place on fire! Opening the show will be Candlebox & Sons of Texas. Scorching good times. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $20-$64.50. 8 p.m. Sept. 21.
-Compiled by Natalie Coloprisco, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
