Summer Solstice Kickoff Party
The sounds of summer will be in the air along with swaying palm trees, refreshing tropical drinks, and some of Long Island’s best musicians at this tiki bar on the Patchogue River. This weekend-long celebration of the start of summer starts with the return of Beach Ball Thursdays at the waterfront venue, one of four that make up the “Riverfront Paradise.” Off-Key Tikki, 31 Baker Pl., Patchogue. offkeytikki.com Free. 5 p.m. June 18.
Fractured Smile
How does this five-man rock band describe themselves? “Dude, you don’t even know!” They’re best known for their hardcore/punk/emo singles “Pharmiopath” and “Rife Lessons.” This will be the band’s first appearance with guitarist Ryan Rhodes, their newest addition. Warming up the crowd are Sharks in The Shallows, Sonic Bliss and NFU AKA US. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 6:30 p.m. June 18.
Comedy Night
Knock, knock. Who’s there? A night of side-splittingly hilarious comics who have much better setups than that, including Rocco Vaglica, Nick Failla, Frank Failla and Stacy Kendro, who open for headliners Isaacs and Baker. Hosted by Rick Morgan. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $20, two drink minimum. 7 p.m. June 18.
Price For Freedom
Based on an amazing true story, this gripping movie retells how one heroic man created an underground railroad to aid Iranians in their escape from Iran following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The story centers on Dr. Victor Daniels (Navid Negahban), an Iranian Jew who lived in peace and prosperity, first as dentist to the Shah (Paul Sorvino) and then the owner who launched the largest automotive factories in the late 1970s. Following the screening will be a Q&A with the author and subject of film, Dr. Marc Benhuri, and writer/producer Kenneth Del Vecchio. Bow Tie Squire Cinemas, 115 Middle Neck Rd., Great Neck goldcoastfilmfestival.org $15, $10 students in advance, $20 DOS. 7:30 p.m. June 18.
Melissa Etheridge
The renowned rock singer’s life influences her work. She is a breast cancer survivor and activist for gays and lesbians. She won Grammys in 1993 and 1995, even an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Need to Wake Up” from the 2006 film An Inconvenient Truth. Every step in Etheridge’s shoes plays into her music, and it is both energizing and inspiring. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-95. 8 p.m. June 18.
Ruthie Foster
Her talent for the blues speaks for itself. Foster debuted in 1997, but her performing career dates back to her service in the U.S. Navy, and a Texas church choir before that. A belated congratulation is in order for Foster’s second win of the 2015 Koko Taylor Award (awarded to the best traditional blues female) at the 36th annual Blues Music Awards in May. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $40-45. 8 p.m. June 18.
Milo Greene
Milo Greene’s music tells stories. At least, that was the band’s intention. Uniquely branding themselves as “cinematic-pop,” the LA group performs scores aimed for film and television. They formed in 2010, their band name originally used as a fictional booking agent to land early gigs. The deception fooled someone, as their self-titled first album climbed to top of the Billboard Heatseekers chart in 2012, and their latest, Control, dropped earlier this year. Will Press music critic Zack Tirana end up jammin’ on an acoustic with MG’s Marlana Sheetz down by the ocean after the gig, perhaps pennin’ a tune or two about lost loves, the way the stars silently beckon to dreamers, or the secret beauty of red-winged blackbirds? No, unfortunately. Most likely not. Will he listen to the band’s tune “1957” and rock out to them on YouTube despite this, anyway!? Yes, surely. Not even a question. Of course. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $25. 8 p.m. June 18.
Love & Mercy
Music. Madness. Redemption. Salvation. This visionary new film captures the creative chaos and unimaginable beauty that so defined legendary Beach Boys songwriter Brian Wilson’s career. Set against the uber-catchy, timeless hits that transcend the white, sandy shores of California and ride the perfect waves, sparkling with joy and glimmering harmonies all with just the mere whisper of a few notes, that’s the music that poured out of the brilliant Brian Wilson’s apparently tortured spirit. Paul Dano and John Cusack paint an unconventional portrait of the man whose songs still move, still amaze, still inspire, still touch hearts. Not to be missed! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Check out CinemaArtsCentre.org for various times. $7 members, $12 public, $9 students w/ID. Through June 25.
Mattituck Strawberry Festival
Taste farm fresh strawberry delicacies, ride on a super roller coaster, shop arts and crafts, listen to some great music, or watch many of the great attractions with the kids. What a combo! 1175 Route 48, Mattituck, mattituckstrawberryfestival.org. $5, kids under 5 free. Times vary, June 18-21.
Gretchen Carlson
This celebrity news anchorwoman of Fox News Channel fame will sign her new memoir, Getting Real. In it, she shares her inspiring story and offers important takeaways for women (and men) about what it means to strive for and find success in the real world. With warmth and wit, she takes readers from her Minnesota childhood, where she became a violin prodigy, through college at Stanford and her in-the-trenches years as a cub reporter on local television stations before becoming a national news reporter. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. June 19
Como Brothers Band
They’re both college graduates, and, you guessed it, brothers! Originating out of Mount Sinai, the bros began in 2012, influenced heavily by The Beatles. That same year, they won the Hard Rock Rising contest due to their popularity and number of downloads in the U.S. You may have heard their music on MTV’s The Real World, Best Ink, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians. With special guests Alex Preston, The Janes and Marissa Ann. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $12. 6:30 p.m. June 19.
STAR Boxing
Gritty, raw, and unforgettable, a great boxing match will bring you to the edge of your seat, incite loud, passionate (possibly expletive-ridden) shouts from the innermost sanctums of your gut, and yearning for more, more, more! This is one of those match-ups. Always jaw-dropping (and sometimes jaw-crushing), Joe DeGuardia’s STAR Boxing presents “Rockin’ Fights 19,” featuring the 2014 World Boxing Council International Silver Light Welterweight Champion Cletus Seldin, who hails from East Yaphank. They don’t call this 28-year-old muscleman “The Hebrew Hammer” for nothing. Come find out why for yourself! The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $50-200. 7:30 p.m. June 19.
The Midtown Men
What could be better than celebrating some of the greatest hits of the `60s? How about with the original members of Broadway’s Jersey Boys? After more than 1,000 stage performances, this supergroup of Broadway actors bring their Tony Award-winning performances to the theater in the round. The Midtown Men are the first musical group formed by a cast of high-profile Broadway actors, performing classics like “California Dreamin’,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Happy Together” and much more. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50. 8 p.m. June 19.
Subdudes
This New Orleans-based rock group blends American folk with traditional blues and gospel. The band’s consistency among its members showcase their strengths, emphasizing the importance of each and every instrument, from bass to accordion. Furthermore, the drummer’s high hat is non-existent; instead, he holds a tambourine in his hand all while rocking a full drum kit. Strong vocal harmonies and invigorating live performances make the band widely appealing. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $60-$65. 8 p.m. June 19.
China Crisis
New wave English pop/rock band China Crisis bring to the Island their iconic ’80s sound reminiscent of bands such as the Smiths and Simple Minds. After 20 years, China Crisis released their latest album, Album in the Neighbourhood. Opening acts include Men Without Hats and The Retromantics. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $20, $25 DOS. 8 p.m. June 19.
Duncan Sheik
Those of you who were fans of his 1996 hit “Barely Breathing” won’t want to miss Duncan Sheik’s visit to Long Island this weekend. Among his other songs as a solo artist such as “Summer Morning,” “Photograph” and “Half a Room,” Sheik is also expected to perform tunes from the Tony Award-winning musical Spring Awakening, for which he composed the soundtrack. This show is sure to please anyone who loves music ranging from ’90s pop to modern musicals! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $55-$65. 8 p.m. June 19.
Out! The Musical
Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus performs this show based on the actual life experiences of Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus members. The concert promises to change the lives of audience members and singers alike. Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $29. 8 p.m. June 19.
The Boxcar Lilies
This talented trio’s songs have endeared them to audiences up and down the East Coast with their contemporary take on folk, bluegrass, country and gospel. Their singing voices, like their writing voices, are distinct and exceptional, but combine to make a delicious whole. They quickly made a name for themselves with their innovative harmonies, and they accompany their songs with guitar, claw-hammer banjo, concert ukulele, bass and washboard. Our Times Coffeehouse, 38 Old Country Rd., Garden City. ourtimescoffeehouse.org $15 adults, $10 students. 8 p.m. June 19.
Olivia
This Five Towns College alum is celebrating the release of her latest album, Right One for You, as her tour brings her back to her hometown. Most famous for her contributing vocals heard in “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent, and more recently her appearance on VH1’s Love and Hip Hop, Olivia will perform songs from her newest release, as well as her self-titled 2001 drop and many EP mixtapes. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue theemporiumny.com $15, $20 DOS. 10 p.m. June 19.
Culper Spy Day
Explore the stories of America’s first spy ring, which was formed on Long Island by Gen. George Washington to help defeat the British during the Revolutionary War. [Read All About The Culper Spy Ring HERE] Three Village Historical Society, Long Island Museum and Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket culper.com $20 adults, kids under 12 free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 20.
Massapequa Strawberry Festival
Fresh fruit, crafts, live music and much more–including, you guessed it, juicy, luscious, uber-uber-sweet strawberries! Massapequa Historic Complex, Old Grace Church 4755 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. massapequahistoricalsociety.org Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20.
Heckscher Outdoor Festival
Hands-on environmental displays and presentations, programs featuring live animals, pony rides, children’s arts and crafts, local outdoor clubs and organizations, as well as various “green” exhibitors and vendor booths. Heckscher State Park, East Islip. parks.ny.gov. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 20.
Widespread Panic
Alongside the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and Phish, Widespread Panic has gained a reputation as one of the most notable jam bands still kicking. Their live performances are to die for! These guys never play the same show twice. Next year, Widespread Panic will be three decades old. Fans will have a new release to look forward to. Opening the show are Umphreys McGee and Tauk. Not to be missed! Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Pkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $49. 6 p.m. June 20.
New Kids on The Block
NKOTB’s “The Main Event” tour is finally coming to Long Island, as Donny, Joey, Jordan, Jonathan and Danny get ready to make fans young and old swoon! Audiences can get excited all over again to hear their favorite boy band throwbacks like “Block Party” and “My Favorite Girl,” but also sing along to the band’s newer jams such as “Summertime.” Getting the party started are TLC and Nelly. Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. nassaucoliseum.com $15-$120. 7 p.m. June 20.
Gene Casey and The Lone Sharks
For more than 20 years, singer/songwriter Gene Casey has fronted this New York-based roots-rock ‘n’ roll band, the Lone Sharks. From original songs to covers, Casey has had his music featured in well-known movie and television soundtracks, including cable hits Justified and Sons of Anarchy. R&B, blues and country are only a few of the genres Casey and his crew perform across Long Island. Opening acts include The Vendettas, Roy Wilson and The Buzzars. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 7:30 p.m. June 20.
A Tribute to Frank Sinatra’s “Centennial”
In celebration of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ 100th birthday, this mega-concert will feature a barrage of his hit songs, including “Come Fly With Me,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Strangers in the Night” and “New York, New York,” along with many, many more! Singer Gary Anthony will resurrect Frank Sinatra, Luis Velez will embody the spirit, voice and charisma of Sammy Davis, Jr., and comedian Jim Dailakis will have all those in attendance a-hootin’ and a-laughin’ along like Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis combined! YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $53-$45 8 p.m. June 20.
Joe Piscopo
Known for his Saturday Night Live collaborations with Eddie Murphy, the greatest Frank Sinatra impersonation in comedy history, and his movies with Michael Keaton and many other stars, Joe Piscopo brings a night of comedy, music, impressions and so much more entertainment. He will be backed up by the 10-piece New Millennium Jazz Band. Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $47. 8 p.m. June 20.
To The Pain
Long Island hellraisers To The Pain celebrate the release of their new album Seven, in which they combine heavy metal with melodic rhythms and vocals. Impressive lead guitars along with high-pitched and wide-ranging vocals, the band showcases their love of `80s metal. Opening acts include Within, Dead Day Rising and Phosfate. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $10. 8:30 p.m. June 20.
Nelly
Get ready to “Shake Ya Tailfeather” at this show! This Grammy Award-winning performer and actor combines hip-hop, pop and R&B to create the perfect summer concert. Look forward to hearing some of Nelly’s most popular hits, such as “Hot in Herre,” “Just a Dream,” “Ride Wit Me” and many more! The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue theemporiumny.com $20, $25 DOS. 10 p.m. June 20.
P.O.D.
High-octane energy, heavy metal riffs and lyrics that emphasize spiritual searching, these are a few ways you could describe Payable on Death, or P.O.D. The Christian nu-metal band emulates acts like Korn and Limp Bizkit, while furthering their sound with reggae and philosophical lyrics. After three Grammy nominations, international success, and contributions to numerous movie soundtracks, P.O.D. continues to bring their multi-genre-infused music to the world. Opening the show are From Ashes to New, Static Summer, Borgo Pass and Dealers. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-45. 8 p.m. June 21.
Voodoo Glow Skulls
These punk/ska veterans are not your typical band. On top of guitar, bass and drums, the band features a no-holds-barred horn section. Since its creation in 1988, they have continued to combine hardcore punk, traditional ska and aggressive vocals, paving the way for the West Coast Ska-core sound. Supporting acts include Slow Children, Gangway!, The Shipwrecks, Crisis Crayons and Mean Girls. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $12, $14 DOS. 6:30 p.m. June 23.
Steven Wright
His monotone voice and deadpan delivery of ironic and sometimes nonsensical jokes caught the comedy world’s attention, resulting in appearances on Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman, as well as recurring guest appearances on The Tonight Show. Wright went on to star in two HBO specials: A Steven Wright Special and Wicker Chairs and Gravity. at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org $25-$90. 8:30 p.m. June 23.
Comedy Night: Lounge 960
The jokes won’t stop rollin’ at this comedy extravaganza, as comedians Vanessa Hollingshead, Mitchell Walters and Darcy Novick dole out laugh after laugh after laugh, leaving all those in attendance absolutely in stitches! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $10. 7:30 p.m. June 24.
Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa
Both acts are celebrating the releases of their new albums–American Beauty/American Psycho for FOB and Blacc Hollywood by the Wizzler. Fans can anticipate hearing Fall Out Boy’s greatest hits, including “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” “Dance, Dance” and “Centuries.” Wiz Khalifa will be delivering some of his most popular songs to the Island, such as “Black and Yellow,” “Young Wild and Free” and his latest chart-topper, “See You Again.” Opening the show is Hoodie Allen. Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Pkway, Wantagh. jonesbeach.com $22-69.75. 7 p.m. June 24.
Madeleine Peyroux
Jazz and blues singer/songwriter Madeleine Peyroux is most notably recognized for her distinct vocals and compelling renditions. Her influences range from Leonard Cohen and Elliott Smith to the Beatles and Frank Sinatra. In her rendition of “La Vie En Rose” by Edith Piaf, this sultry chanteuse reveals her childhood upbringing in France because her French is so much better than what you learned in school. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $60-65. 8 p.m. June 24.
Andrew Dice Clay
The controversial comic from Brooklyn who was once banned from MTV because of his infamous “adult nursery rhymes” remains popular despite his critics. He can rightly claiming the honor of the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. Die-hard fans can still recall his stirring role in the cult classic film, The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. New recruits to “The Dice Man” will know his recently released autobiography, The Filthy Truth. Come see why he unabashedly calls himself the “Undisputed Heavy Weight King of Comedy.” This is the first of five nightly performances. Governor’s of Levittown, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $55. 9:15 p.m. June 24.
–Compiled by Nicholas Semelak, Chuck Cannini, Kaitlin Gallagher, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
