Thanksgiving Events: 5 Thanksgiving 2016 Events on Long Island & Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2016 Guide
Mind Open
This psychedelic-jazz band evolved from a gig at a New York club in 2012 and has been spreading its infectious Brazilian, rock and groovy tunes ever since. Described as “a jazz version of the type of music being played at the Fillmores in the late 1960s, but with a contemporary slant,” the group released their self-titled debut in 2014, and continues to expand on material produced by their percussionist Chris Covais. Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $10. 8 p.m. Nov. 25.
Mike Birbiglia
You may know him as corporate tool Danny Pearson in season three of Orange Is The New Black, but Mike Birbiglia is also a comedic powerhouse not to be reckoned with. The actor, author and panelist for NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! muses about the vagaries of life, all while explaining how he once got arrested in New Jersey and why he was reamed out by a renowned director. Prepare for contagious belly laughs thundering from the sure-to-be packed audience as he performs his mirthful magic! Governor’s Comedy Club, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $28. 7:30, 10 p.m. Nov. 25.
RELATED EVENTS: Black Friday Long Island: Deals, Discounts & Store Hours
Jim Gaffigan
This hysterically funny man has four cable television specials, including Mr. Universe, Beyond the Pale and King Baby, to his name. The fourth, Obsessed, debuted last year on Comedy Central. He is the author of the bestselling book Dad Is Fat, and most recently published Food: A Love Story. He has appeared in comedies and dramas, including Portlandia, Flight of the Conchords, Law and Order and Bored to Death. Anyone doubting his ability to get a crowd ROTFLing should check out our review of the last time he came to town. Be prepared to laugh, uncontrollably. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$99.50. 7 p.m. Nov. 25, 7, 9:30 p.m. Nov. 26.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmHSe_S04CU
Dark Star
Grateful Dead historians and enthusiasts make up this tributary ensemble, offering tastes of Jerry circa the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Sure to entice Dead Heads young and not so young, many of Dark Star’s set lists emulate past Grateful Dead shows, enabling fans to vividly dip into their memory banks and relive the essence of the experience. Opening the show are Dennis McNally and Susana Millman. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $39.50-$75. 8 p.m. Nov. 25, 26.
Gene Cornish of The Rascals & Friends
Guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer and Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer Gene Cornish performs his hits with keyboardist Billy Alessi, drummer Steve Holly and vocalist Phil Naro. Founding member of Billboard chart-toppers The Rascals, known for hits like “People Got to Be Free” and “How Can I Be Sure?” Cornish and his musician friends bring back the pop rock of the ’60s nightclub The Peppermint Lounge, where they first performed, to show that they still know how to tear the joint up. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $35-$40. 8 p.m. Nov. 26.
Ebi
Known by Ebi, his stage name, the masterful Persian pop singer Ebrahim Hamedi has blown audiences away around the world with his amazing vocal range. Some say Ebi’s a living cultural icon—he certainly has the pipes to justify being called “The Most Beloved Iranian Singer Of All Time.” Born in Tehran, he turned down a chance to become an opera star in Italy so he could pursue a different vocal career in music. Reportedly he was on tour in the United States when the Iranian Revolution deposed the Shah in 1979, and he never returned because his music was not allowed by the hardliners. But you can bet his people back home know it well. Let your ears resonate with his artistry. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $90-$200. 9 p.m. Nov. 26.
Jim Breuer and The Loud and Rowdy
SNL alumnus, stand-up comic, existential Mets fan and native Long-Islander, Jim Breuer is known for his original character “Goat Boy,” his dead-on impressions, and his family friendly stand-up comedy. Here he’s joined by his longtime backing band, The Loud and Rowdy. Blurring rock, metal and wit, this show features hits like “Who’s Better Than Us” and “Sugar Rush,” which are full of comedy, “deranged excitement and infectious exuberance,” as he puts it. Not to be missed. Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. muls.com $12, $15 DOS. 9 p.m. Nov. 26.
Funk Flex
Funk Flex will be kicking out the jams and getting everybody up out of their seats and onto the dance floor to shaky shake and groovy groove till the wee hours of the morn and burnin off those turkey-yam-potato Thanksgiving Feast calories! Bumpity bump bump bump! Get ready to be mesmerized! The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $40,$50 DOS. Nov. 26.
Planting Codes: Unleashing Nature’s Healing Powers
Alternative health advocate Gary Null will be in person to present his powerful new documentary exploring how our eating habits are destroying our health and causing irreversible damage to the environment. In his new film, some of America’s leading doctors and their patients speak out about how a plant-based diet can prevent, treat, arrest and cure type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease and many of the leading causes of death and disability. In short, if you don’t eat a Standard American Diet, you don’t get standard American diseases. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. cinemaartscentre.org $10-$15. 12 p.m. Nov. 27.
Joe Lynn Turner
This New Jersey-born prog-rocker, who’s fronted Rainbow, Mother’s Army, Hugh Turner Project, Sunstorm and so many others, is touring solo. Opening the show are Trainwreck and Red Sun Riot. Come experience rock and roll the way it’s supposed to be: raw, deafening, and bone-shaking to the core! Come and be saved! 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $18-$30. 6 p.m. Nov. 27.
The Brian Setzer 13th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour
The former Stray Cats frontman and hometown rockabilly hero returns to Long Island with his 18-piece orchestra on their Christmas Rocks Extravaganza! tour. The concert will include Setzer’s legendary guitar magic on hits such as “Rock This Town,” “Stray Cat Strut” and much more, as well as his re-imagined and acclaimed Holiday classics. Opening the show is Beat Root Revival, a folk duo that released their self-titled album earlier this year. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$69.50. 8 p.m. Nov. 27.
The Word Alive
Metalcore group The Word Alive is touring to promote their fifth album, Dark Matter. With leading Billboard singles “Battle Royale,” “The Wretched” “Made This Way” and “Play the Victim,” fans devastated by Luke Holland’s leaving the band after their November concerts recognize that it makes these last shows with him even more worth seeing. Warming up the crowd are Volumes, Islander, Invent Animate and Basilisk. Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $18, $20 DOS. 6 p.m. Nov. 29.
Battlecross
Crossing classic metal with upbeat thrash, Battlecross is a self-described blue-collar thrash metal band known for singles like “Push Pull Destroy,” “Force Fed Lies” and “Never Coming Back.” Through many lineup changes (especially drummers), the band has produced many top-requested singles on Sirius Xm’s Liquid Metal station, and remains committed to high energy performances. Supporting acts include Allegaeon, Necromancing The Stone, Reign of Fear and In Lucid Dreams. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Broadway, Amityville. $16, $18 DOS. 7 p.m. Nov. 30.
Alice Hoffman
This bestselling author will be signing copies of her new book Faithful, reading passages and also answering questions from all those in attendance. Come on down and ask Hoffman herself about where the inspiration comes from. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Free with purchase of book. 7 p.m. Nov. 30.
Ralphie May
A larger-than-life comedian is guaranteed to dish out larger-than-life hilarity. During this performance, Ralphie tells stories about growing up poor in Clarksville, Ark., dealing with brutal winters with his house having more holes than actual windows, decorating a dead Christmas tree, and getting shafted on presents. His White Trash Christmas Show finds humor in enduring the worst life has to offer. As Ralphie says, “It’s like Bad Santa meets fried bologna sandwiches.” Whoa! That could be an amazing combination. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $29.50-$49.50. 8 p.m. Nov. 30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il2tCswrQ8w
Fall Dance Adelphi: Aszure Barton
The Adelphi University students of the Department of Dance present a piece choreographed by Aszure Barton. Hailed by critics and audiences alike, Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton is the founder and director of Aszure Barton & Artists. She has created works for Mikhail Baryshnikov, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, and The Martha Graham Dance Company, to name a few. The program will also feature works choreographed by members of the faculty. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (AUPAC), Olmsted Theatre, 1 South Ave., Garden City. aupac.adelphi.edu $25. Nov. 30-Dec. 4.
Main Art: Jim Breuer and The Loud and Rowdy slay Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall on Nov. 26! (Photo: Jim Breuer official Facebook profile)
-Compiled by Ellie Schoeffel, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
