The Monkees
HEY! HEY! Three of the four orginal Monkees, Mike Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork reunite for a two-week sprint of a tour. Mega hits like “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Daydream Believer” and “I’m a believer” paved the way to their deserved 2014 induction into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame. Not only did they earn a spot in the hall, but they topped the public vote for potential inductees, beating out fellow icons like Elton John, Simon & Garfunkel, The Bee Gees and Buddy Holly for the coveted top spot. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Paramountny.com. $64-$145. 7 p.m. May 25
Hot Texts
Prospect Heights hot spot set to boast an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink lineup with live jazz, country, rockabilly and folk performances. Featured talents this evening are Amanda Bloom Group, Moot Davis, Hudson Hornets and Jon Glover. The Way Station, 683 Washington Ave., Brooklyn. Waystationbk.blogspot.com. $5 suggested donation. 6:30 p.m. May 27
Phil Lesh & Friends
Living legend Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh gathers a remarkable super-group on a four-day New York run. Two Port Chester shows are sandwiched between two Central Park appearances, giving anyone interested ample opportunity to revel in their glory. Phil’s “friends” this time around include rock god Warren Haynes, John Scofield, John Medeski, Joe Russo, and John Kadlecik. The Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester/Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield, 5th Ave. and 72nd St., Manhattan. Thecapitoltheatre.com/ centralparknyc.org. $49.50-$995. 5 p.m. May 28 (Central Park), 6:30 p.m. May 29 (Capitol Theatre), 6:30 p.m. May 30 (Capitol Theatre), 3 p.m. May 31 (Central Park)
The Dan Band
Head vocalist Dan Finnerty A.K.A the wedding singer in Old School and The Hangover leads this unlikely cult favorite, born from a drunken karaoke rendition of Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.” While comedy is the goal, this act is no joke. They’ve aired a concert special on Bravo that was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and have made tons of TV appearances. Not to be missed. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Paramountny.com. $31-$49. 7 p.m. May 28
George Vecsey
Long time sports columnist for The New York Times, George Vecsey spills all of the dirty and wonderful secrets of the professional soccer world in his new book, Eight World Cups: My Journey Through the Beauty and Dark Side of Soccer, a witty but informative report spanning across three decades of game play. Live vicariously through Vecsey as he paints his recollection of street parties of Spain, blowing horns of South Africa, and countless other cultural nuances. Speaking and signing copies, just in time for the fast-approaching 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. Bookrevue.com. Free admission. 7 p.m. May 29
Kansas
Celebrating 40 years of revolutionary rock n’ roll success. Kansas stores more hardware on their wall than Home Depot with eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums, one Platinum live album and a million-selling gold single. Still inescapable hits like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son” blare through radio waves daily, solidifying Kansas’ already undeniable staying power. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Thetheatreatwestbury.com. $52. 8 p.m. May 29
Buckcherry
Bad boy front man Josh Todd and all of his guiltily pleasurable, delicious sleaze- belting rebel anthems “Lit Up,” “Too Drunk,” and infamous party starter “Crazy B*tch.” With vocal chops rumored to physically unzip groupie jeans and cause irreversible cringing in conservative moms. With special guests Fozzy & Heaven’s Basement. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Paramountny.com. $36.50-$59.50. 7 p.m. May 30
Deep Banana Blackout
Just as hearing a puppy cry is sad, watching soulful funk standouts Deep Banana Blackout have a blast on stage is a blast. Consisting of Long Island and Connecticut natives oozing charisma, talent, and infectiously inviting jazz riffs that triple-dog-dare you not to smile. With Pleasure Drones featuring Will Bernard, Eric Kalb, Jeff Hanley, and Moses Patrou. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn. Brooklynbowl.com. $15. 6 p.m. May 30
Keys N Krates/ Break Science
Two of electronic music’s most unique and exciting live acts gear up to take over the Grand Ballroom. For lack of another adequate description having been invented yet, Keys N Krates have been dubbed EDM’s only “trap band,” as they perform current original club bangers “Dum-Dee-Dum” and “Treat Me Right” using exclusively keys, drums, turntables, and live sampling. Likewise, NY born and bred hip-hop inspired duo Break Science delivers an electrifying set utilizing Adam Deitch’s break-beat style drumming coupled with Borahm Lee’s innovative keyboarding and Ableton Live expertise. With Shiftee and Alex English. Webster Hall, 125 E. 11th St., Manhattan. Websterhall.com. $15. 10 p.m. May 30
Rascal Flatts/Sheryl Crow/Gloriana
Nothing encompasses the atmosphere of summer on LI quite like a Jones Beach tailgate/show combo. The most awarded country group of the decade Rascal Flatts headlines this star-studded bill as part of their Rewind Tour following the release of tour-titled album. Boasting celebrated and decorated supporting acts that could be hard to follow, Gloriana sets the tone as an opener, followed by nine-time Grammy winner and “If It Makes You Happy” singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow boasting new music from her most recent album “Feels Like Home.” Jones Beach Amphitheater, Bay Pkwy. Wantagh. Jonesbeach.com. $30-$440. 7:30 p.m. May 30
Greater New York Pet Expo
Pets, bring your humans to shop for you, learn about you and maybe even adopt a buddy for you! Visit with a coliseum full of exhibitors offering up goodies in the forms of prizes, discounted vaccinations, free nail trims, agility and obedience demos, and so much more. Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale. Nassaucoliseum.com. $12. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 31
Dark Star Orchestra
Grateful Dead historians and enthusiasts make up this tributary ensemble, offering tastes of Jerry circa 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Sure to entice Dead Heads young and not so young. Many set lists are built to emulate that of past Grateful Dead shows, allowing fans to vividly dip into their memory banks and recall the entire essence of the experience. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. Thespaceatwestbury.com. $35, $50. 7 p.m. May 31
Zebra
Why: ‘80s hair metal trio and pride of Long Island, Zebra returns to the homeland to rehash the hyperbolic wails that did not ask for, but rather demanded prominence in the same era that birthed the likes of Twisted Sister and White Snake. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Thetheatreatwestbury.com. $52. 8 p.m. May 31
Poetry Reading
Celebrate Walt Whitman’s 195th birthday at an evening reading with Walt Whitman Birthplace Association’s 2014 Poet in Residence, Li-Young Lee, the author of four critically acclaimed books of poetry, his most recent being Behind My Eyes. “Meet The Poet” Reception to follow with book signings. Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington. www.waltwhitman.org $10 5 p.m. May 31.
