Texas Hippie Coalition
Yeee-hawww! These heavy metal cowboys have come a long way from Texas to unleash the finest and most rock ‘n’ roll rodeo this side of the Rio Grande. Formed in 2004, lead vocalist Big Dad Ritch promotes his band’s best: “It’s like Lynyrd Skynrd and ZZ Top had a child, and Pantera ended up raising it.” Ready those cowboy hats for one big, bold night of rock chaos and glory. Warming up the crowd are Red Sky Mary, Symptom 7, Logan’s Room and One Day Waiting. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $16. 7 p.m. July 2.
Colin Quinn’s The New York Story
New York is arguably the envy of the world, yet filled with more than its share of complexities and intricacies. Lovable Jerry Seinfeld directs this satirical one-man play starring former SNL Weekend Update host Colin Quinn with the sole purpose of exposing the dirty cracks hidden beneath The Big Apple’s glossy veneer of shiny skyscrapers. Based on Quinn’s The Coloring Book: A Comedian Solves Race Relations in America, the show captures the city’s transformation from its Dutch origins to its present manifestation. Get ready to chuckle and laugh aloud! Heck, you might even learn something you never knew before. Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor. baystreet.org $20-$40. 4 p.m. July 2, 3.
Badfish
Late, great Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell may no longer be here with us physically, but he left behind an unbelievably addictive collection of tunes for us to rock out with him spiritually. No better way to kick off the long Independence Day weekend than by seeing this very cool tribute band covering everyone’s favorite punk/reggae/ska/pop songs. Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. muls.com $15, $20 DOS. 10 p.m. July 2.
Powerman 5000
“Your future has arrived,” claims this Boston band. Formed in 1991, the group was born in what feels like an almost distant time, but their focus is forever forward. Builders of the Future, their newest album, recently joined the seven already under their belt. With opening acts Soil, 3 Years Hollow, One More Breath, Permanent Scar and Adiron. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $17, $19 DOS. 7 p.m. July 3.
The Beach Boys
Get lost in rock ‘n’ roll and drift away as the seminal Beach Boys free their souls with timeless hits such as “Kokomo,” “Surfin’ Usa” and “I Get Around.” The legendary group has been pouring their youthful hearts out with these classic titles since the 1960s, inspiring past and present generations onward. By the end of the night, it will be abundantly clear that surfing is and has always been the best transportation of choice. Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton. guildhall.org $145-$250. 7 p.m. July 3.
A Poem Is a Naked Person
Never before released, renowned independent filmmaker Les Blank’s amazing 1974 documentary captures the brilliance of Leon Russell and the artists around him at his Oklahoma recording studio over a three-year period from 1972 to 1974. The late filmmaker’s son, Harrod Blank, will discuss this revealing cinematic experience with one of America’s seminal rock musicians after the screening. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Check out CinemaArtsCentre.org $10 members, $15 public. 7:30 p.m. July 2.
Tall Ships Challenge
Lafayette’s Hermione Voyage is partnering with The Tall Ships Challenge to celebrate the journey that was made by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1780 and the long-lasting partnership between the US and France. Musical performances and entertainment will accompany tours of these historic ships, and attendees will be able to speak with the ships’ crews about their lives before the mast. The whole family will love this unique, exciting and educational event–and will learn a ton about this once common mode of transportation that connected the world. Greenport Harbor, Greenport. greenporttallships.com $15 adults, $5 kids. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3.
Art Reception
Art, among so many other countless transcendental powers, melds the realms of the physical and the spiritual. To put brush to paint and give birth to such extraordinary visions is pure magic. A special showing of realist painter Isabelle Haran-Leonardi’s new oil paintings called “On The Water.” Nova Constellatio Gallery, 419 Main St., Greenport. novaconstellatiogallery.com Free. 4-7 p.m. July 3.
Lee Brice
What better way to celebrate Independence Day weekend than with some country music! Nominated for numerous Academy of Country Music, CMT and Grammy awards, Lee Brice is a chart-topping artist. Fans surely won’t be disappointed by this performance, as Brice is bound to play some of his greatest hits, including “Love Like Crazy,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Drinking Class” and “I Don’t Dance.” Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 55 S Bicycle Path, Farmingville. pennysaveramp.com $35-$100. 5 p.m. July 3.
Joe Devito
This Long Islander has been around the block and down the Expressway and back. Since 2006, the comedian and writer has appeared on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Animal Planet and CNN. He was also a semifinalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Check out his “romantic” album First Date with Joe Devito. Imagine him whispering all the wonders of love and intimacy right into your ear. Too much? Maybe just go see him live–and laugh your tuckus off in the process. The Brokerage, 2797 Merrick Rd., Bellmore. brokeragecomedy.com $15. 8 p.m. July 3.
Christopher Roach
The New York-native comedian, actor and performer is bringing his self-described “unique and self-depreciating sense of humor” to LI this week. Perhaps most well-known for his recurring role as Rodney on One Life to Live, he has also performed on television commercials, Comedy Central and The Michael J. Fox Show. Come see what all the hubbub is about and get ready to burst your britches as he delivers one hysterical joke after another. Say what? You’ll be wearing shorts that night, not britches? Oh well, just the same. You’ll rip those at the seams from laughing so damn hard, too. Governor’s of Levittown, 90 Division Ave., Levittown. govs.govs.com $15-$47. 8 p.m. July 3.
David Crosby
The stuff of legends. A stellar Californian musician and social activist who’s performed at Woodstock, the Grammy’s, even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Crosby’s been there, done that. And he’s been on stage with some great musicians, too, like Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, not to forget Joni Mitchell and so many more. The man’s a living legend. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach. whbpac.org $96-$161. 8 p.m. July 3.
Amagansett Fine Arts Festival
Priding itself on “no functional crafts,” according to the group’s website, this multi-artist, multi-medium extravaganza will feature sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing and mixed media with labeled reproductions and original works by more than 40 exhibitors! Wowzler, Batman. Wowzler, indeed. American Legion Amagansett, 15 Montauk Hwy., East Hampton. amagansettfinearts.com 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. July 3-5.
Vineyard Walk
Wine is known as the holy nectar of the gods for good reason. Born dangling amid the spiraling arms and fingers of a most gorgeous vine, and replacing woes and worries with triumphant visions and thoughts after just a few sips, the vino, as some oenophiles say, is much, much more than merely a sweet beverage to unwind with after a long day. It is a dear friend, a confidante, a true companion and even a lover. Come stroll amongst the twisting majesty that are these magical vines, bearing its blessed fruit, come partake in its relaxing, healing powers. Come rejoice in the wonder and pleasure that is this blessed, blessed creation! Shinn Estate Vineyards, 2000 Oregon Rd., Mattituck. liwines.com $20. 1:30 p.m. July 4
Evening Tower Tour
Some say the moon was once a part of the Earth, a sub-aquatic mountain lifted from its watery residence when our planet was bashed by some gigantic intergalactic meteor millions and millions of years ago. Others say it is hollow, an extraterrestrial base, of sorts, for an alien race to spy on us. Others contend it is made of cheese, perhaps fancifully. Whatever your beliefs about our globe’s glowing satellite, when its light reflects off the top of the restless ocean, bouncing its illuminated beauty off the lip of each moving wave, it creates a bridge of starlight leading out into the depths of the horizon that is nothing less than absolutely breathtaking, a lunar portrait that has transcended time, and a living, breathing vision that inspires the imagination. Experience the interplanetary magnificence that is this nightly gravity-defining full-moon spectacular from atop one of Long Island’s most famous landmarks, the Fire Island Lighthouse, and find out whether the place is haunted, as the story goes, for yourself! Robert Moses State Park, Robert Moses Causeway, east of Field 5, Fire Island. fireislandlighthouse.com $15 members, $20 public. 4 p.m. July 4.
Annual Outdoor Summer Shakespeare Festival – Twelfth Night
Relive your high school English classroom days and watch one of many brilliant William Shakespeare plays in the beautiful outdoors. Twelfth Night, which inspired the comedy She’s The Man with Amanda Bynes, tells the tale of fraternal twins who are separated by a terrifying shipwreck. Viola, believing that her brother Sebastian has drowned at sea, disguises herself as a boy to get closer to her one true love, Duke Orsino. In the process, the woman whom Sebastian is trying to pursue grows deep affection for none other than Violet! Talk about steamy. From the man who brought you the word “swagger,” Shakespeare shakes all expectations in this entertaining play of gender confusion. Vanderbilt Carriage House Theater, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport. vanderbiltmuseum.org $15. 7 p.m. July 5.
Fare Thee Well
What more can be said about the Grateful Dead? They are true rock and roll legends. It’s been a long, strange trip, with so many members come and gone along the way. Time for one last jam, a farewell with a bang. For those who can’t make it to the Chicago concert, it will be telecast at this venue’s 30-foot, high-definition cinema screen with full concert sound. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $12. 8 p.m. July 5.
Streaming Party: Grateful Dead’s Last Show
Twenty years after Jerry Garcia’s untimely death, the Grateful Dead will finally reunite where it ended in Chicago. As the Dead say farewell with their final concert, a live webcast will also stream on this giant Suffolk Theater screen, allowing fans to celebrate their legacy. On top of this, the band Half-Step will perform live Grateful Dead music, and $2 of every ticket will go to the Rex Foundation–a charity run by the Dead’s extended family that gives grants to extraordinary causes. Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $10. 8 p.m. July 5.
Mike Birbiglia
You may recently know him as corporate tool Danny Pearson in season three of hit series 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 jokes themselves, all while explaining why 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 magic! Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Centre, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach whbpac.org $50-$70. 8 p.m. July 5.
This is All Now
Long Island natives This is All Now are a collaboration of longtime friends and previous bandmates. Their varied musical backgrounds allow the influence of different perspectives, which has resulted in mega-success. The pop/rock band has created a sound that stands out, providing energetic live performances and professionalism at the same time. With supporting acts Hope Vista, Marshall Traver, Matt Weiss, One-Click Waiting, Rebecca Maida and Gianni Paci. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Bwy., Amityville. clubloaded.com/events $12, $14 DOS, $25 VIP. 5 p.m. July 6.
Swingtime Big Band
Come dance amid the bombastic, joyous grooves of a swingin’ big band along the shores of the Atlantic, where music and wind and waves and laughter collide to cleanse your body, mind, spirit and soul! National Boulevard Beach, Long Beach Boardwalk. longbeachny.gov Free. 8 p.m. July 6.
Emma Straub
Meet the critically acclaimed author of Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures and Other People We Married, whose latest novel, The Vacationers, hit book stores just last month. Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, 999 Old Country Rd., Plainview. poblib.org Free. 7-8 p.m. July 7.
Long Island International Film Expo
The event that MovieMaker Magazine dubbed “One of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” will kick off with the first its 165 independent movie screenings two nights before the official opening night ceremony July 10. Celebrity guests throughout the film fest include actor Jon Amos of Roots fame, composer Randy Edelman, who’s written scores for The Last of the Mohicans, Dragonheart, The Mask, among others, as well as Robert Clohessy (Blue Bloods), Kevin Brown (30 Rock), Brian O’Halloran (Clerks) and Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling. That’s all in addition to the many panels for those looking to learn more about how to make it in the biz. Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. longislandfilmexpo.com $8-$65. Times vary, through July 16.
—Compiled by Daniela Weinstein, Chuck Cannini, Kaitlin Gallagher, Nicholas Semelak, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
