Alien Ant Farm / (Hed) P.E.
Alien Ant Farm is a hard-working earthling rock band with roots in California who have been making incredible metal music in venues around the world since 1995. Guitarist Terry Corso came up with the sci-fi name because he was thinking that maybe our planet was really “seeded by entities from other dimensions.” Hey, you never know! They’ve released five albums, with their latest, Always and Forever, out this year, coming long after their first album, ironically called Greatest Hits, which emerged in 1999. Their material defies genres: They turned Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” into a smash hit in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the U.S., thanks to AAF’s “own dirty little backyard” approach, as front man Dryden Mitchell would put it. California-hardcore pioneers (Hed) P.E. mash metal, rasta, and punk into a heavy mix full of their trademark deep grooves, dark guitar and earnest vocals. With nine albums under their belt, they’ve been doing it for a decade in their continuing quest to find the hidden truth about living on planet earth. We’re stoked! Warming up the crowd are For The Kill, Lubricoma and What They Died For. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $20. 6:30 p.m. April 23.
Before You Borrow from the Best…
A panel discussion about artistic influences, inspirations and responsibilities with Rosemarie Tully, Judith A. Bresler and Carol J. Steinberg. From current news of Robin Thicke and Pharrell getting sued by Marvin Gaye’s estate to an artist’s obligations to their gallery, this panel will answer your questions and give examples of cases and prompt attendees to think deeper about these unclear issues effecting musicians, visual artists and writers. Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main St., Huntington. huntingtonarts.org $10-$20. 7 p.m. April 23.
Steve Winwood
Quintessential artist Steve Winwood has one of the most distinctive voices in rock ‘n’ roll. And to think we first heard his vocals booming out of AM radio five decades ago when he was the lead singer on Spencer Davis Group’s “I’m a Man!” and “Gimme Some Lovin’.” He was barely out of puberty, for goodness sake. Since then, as we don’t have to tell you, he’s been in Traffic, and Blind Faith, and gone solo and collaborated in a career that continues to inspire and delight. He played Hammond organ on Jimi Hendrix’s classic “Voodoo Chile” and recently on country artist Miranda Lambert’s “Baggage Claim.” Winwood’s artistic integrity is only matched by his musical creativity. The man’s a living legend. What more must be said? With special guest Marc Scibilia. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $69.50-$125. 8 p.m. Apr. 23.
Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck
Rapper, producer and actor, Inspectah Deck (aka Jason Hunter) came into this world with roots firmly planted in Staten Island, where he met up with Ghostface Killah (Dennis Coles), who’s great at spinning his own special blend of madcap gangsta rap and hip-hop imagery to the max. Ghostface and Inspectah made their mark as members of the famed Wu-Tang Clan. In fact, the Inspectah gets his props on Wu-Tang’s “Can It Be All So Simple” on their debut album when Method Man weighs in: “Inspectah Deck, he’s like that dude that’ll sit back and watch you play yourself and all, that right? And see you sit there and know you lyin’, and he’ll take you to court after that, cuz he the Inspectah!” Ghostface has got the “killah” instinct. They both be hittin’ the mic from every angle! That’s the jam! With The LOX featuring JADAKISS, Styles P, Sheek Louch and More. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $25. 10 p.m. Apr. 23.
50 Years of Art
Gallery North will hold an opening reception for an exhibit celebrating its fiftieth year by remembering its founders, Virginia and Daniel Fuller, who launched the galley as an elite endeavor to show the community the art they loved. For the first 10 years, Gallery North was technically a business, but it also became a community institution, attracting a cadre of devoted art lovers and volunteers. Ten years later, Gallery North became a nonprofit gallery. Today, thanks to generous supporters and patrons, Gallery North continues to showcase the artists of Long Island and the nearby regions. Gallery North, 90 N Country Rd., Setauket. gallerynorth.org $250. 5 p.m. April 24.
Wild Exhibit
An opening reception will be held for an art exhibit showcasing wildlife fine art photography. Images and elements are captured on Long Island and beyond. Long Island Photography, 467 Main St., Islip. LongIslandPhotography.com Free. 6 p.m. April 24.
Voyage featuring Hugo: A Tribute to Journey
If you dig Journey, you’re going to love tripping back to the ’80s with Voyage, hailed by the cognoscenti as the best Journey tribute band in the world! And that’s certainly saying something. Both visually and vocally, Hugo is a dead ringer for Steve Perry, Journey’s legendary vocalist. Hugo’s band mates are at the top of their game, too: Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Charlie Zeleney and Al Spinelli. These dedicated musicians all came together to do one thing: Bring the Journey on home to your ear drums with one hit after another. Bon Voyage, guys! With Special Guest: Songs in the Attic: A Tribute to Billy Joel. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-$35. 8 p.m. Apr. 24.
Richard Thompson
As his army of aficionados knows full well, Richard Thompson is the quintessential musician. Rolling Stone Magazine named him one of the Top 20 Guitarists of All Time. From his days with Sandy Denny in Fairport Convention to his work with his former wife Linda Thompson on their critically acclaimed album, Shoot Out the Lights, this singer-songwriter has a gift that keeps on giving. He’s a balladeer, a social commentator, a master performer, and a pretty witty man. His audience rightly feels passionate about him. But there are limits. After all, he is British. Recently, he put to rest any rumors that his fans had been giving him the Elvis/Tom Jones treatment: flinging their undergarments at him on stage. “Folk rock is, of course, every bit as sexy as anything Elvis came up with,” Thompson explains on his website, “and the fans are routinely driven to sexual frenzy, so I must conclude that my audience just doesn’t wear any. If they were to start doing a ‘Tom Jones’ now, it would be more on the lines of support hose and incontinence wear.” Solo and acoustic. The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. Boultoncenter.org $60-$65. 8 p.m. Apr. 24.
Don Omar
He’s suave, he’s debonair, and he’s royalty—especially when it comes to reigning over Latin American pop. Sometimes called by his nickname, El Rey (“The King”), Don Omar is a chart-topping reggaeton singer, songwriter, recording artist and actor. Born William Omar Landron Rivera in Puerto Rico, he’s sold millions of albums and earned a slew of Grammy Awards. His music has provided soundtracks for Grand Theft Auto IV and Fast Five, the fifth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, which rocked Rio de Janeiro where it was filmed. When Don Omar hits his stride, the sun starts shining and all the world’s a beach party. The riddims of the Caribbean have never sounded so hot and so smooth—all at the same time! Every day is carnival when El Rey is leading the parade. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $60. 10 p.m. Apr. 24.
The Beach Boys & America
This week, the Beach Boys “Wish they all could be Long Island girls.” Westbury welcomes this legendary band who helped define the California grooves that have become the iconic sound of the surf. Bolstered by the unparalleled genius of Mike Love, this group is sure to bring down the house. The Beach Boys will perform along with America, the classic rock ’70s band best known for their string of hits including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People” and “Sister Golden Hair.” A night not to be missed! NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50-$59.50. 8 p.m. Apr. 24, 25.
Long Island Food Conference
The benefits of growing one’s own food are vast. Exactly how will be detailed at this conference. This one-day event will feature workshops on a range of topics including “The Life Cycle of Our Food: From Alternative Growing Methods to Reducing Food Waste,” “From Hive to Table: Basic Bee Keeping Practices,” “Creating and Sustaining a Community Garden” and “From Seed to Superfood: Eating Locally on Long Island Year-Round.” Hofstra University, Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead. lifoodconference.com $35 adults, $15 college students. 8 a.m. April 25.
Spring Festival
Fun activities for children of all ages, including bouncing castles, spring crafts, a petting zoo, an assortment of spring games and activities, and light refreshments. Marjorie R. Post Community Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads, Massapequa. Free. 1 p.m. April 25.
Riley Lynch
This 16 year-old Connecticut teen launched his way into America’s hearts on season 3 of the X Factor—where he made it to finalist!—and he hasn’t looked back since! This singer/songwriter exudes tremendous talent. His terrific performances supporting his new EP of original tunes are something you won’t want to miss. You can say “You saw him when.” Opening the show will be Brooke Elardo, Jenna Rose, Carly Underwood, Amanda Jayne and Robbie Rosen. Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $12-$20. 3 p.m. April 25.
Light in the Tunnel
An opening reception will be held for this spring art show displaying works by the winners of the gallery’s 6th annual art competition. RJD Gallery, 90 Main St., Sag Harbor. rjdgallery.com Free. 6 p.m. April 25.
Ronan Tynan
Renowned Irish tenor, recording artist, physician and champion disabled athlete Ronan Tynan comes to Patchogue to move audiences like few can. His performances and personal story of triumph are known to produce an abundance of feels for all who see him, bringing him international fame. A voice that can virtually move mountains and a heart as big as one, Ronan Tynan is a force. Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.org $38. 7 p.m. April 25.
Primus and the Chocolate Factory
Whimsical alt-rock band Primus reimagines the soundtrack to the trippy childhood cult film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on Roald Dahl’s classic. Known for their unique performances where improve rules—think dance, costumes, and lyric changes—Primus is a hard-to-define musical sensation. To support this Wonka-themed album, make sure to indulge in one of their “Primus Bars”—chocolate snacks named after their most popular tunes, such as the “Mr. Krinkle Bars,” “Professor Nutbutter Bars” and “Bastard Bars.” Primus’ Les Claypool is a bass god. Don’t miss a chance to catch him! With the Fungi Ensemble. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $39.50-$75. 8 p.m. Apr. 25.
Martha Davis & The Motels
This Los Angeles-based New Wave band is best known of their ’80s hit singles “Only the Lonely” and “Suddenly Last Summer.” With their resounding vocals and guitar/saxophone/keyboard-heavy sound, Martha Davis and the Motels are a musical sensation that has honed their performing skills over the last 30 years. The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. Boultoncenter.org $35-$40. 8 p.m. Apr. 25.
Victor Wainwright
This is your chance to see the blues performer American Blues Scene heralds as “honky-tonk and boogie, with a dose of rolling thunder.” Wainwright cites an “insatiable interest” in discovering new music. That passion is apparent in every note of his original music. A composer, producer, vocalist, entertainer and award-winning piano player, Victor Wainwright is a high-energy performer who wears his considerable heart on his sleeve. Treme Blues and Jazz Club, 553 Main St., Islip. tremeislip.com $20. 8 p.m. Apr. 25.
NY Guitar Show & Expo
This is a must-not-miss celebration of guitar/amplifier/recording mastermind Les Paul’s music and life. Celebrating what would have been his 100th birthday is this region’s largest tribute and exhibit on Les Paul, featuring several of his longtime friends and band mates including the legendary Lou Pallo of the Les Paul Trio, close friends Jim Wysocki, the Les Paul Society & Clayton Munsey and Les Paul book author Robb Lawrence – with plenty of Les Paul’s own guitars, amps, artifacts and photographs on display too. Wow. Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Rd., Freeport. nyguitarexpo.com $10 adults, $6 kids. April 25, 26.
2015 Long Island Poet of the Year Awards Celebration
An induction ceremony will be held for Dr. Graham Everett, the founding editor of Street Magazine and Street Press who has also been a poetry professor. Introduction by Annabelle Moseley, 2014 Long Island Poet of the Year. And yes, the event will include a poetry reading. [Read about Walt Whitman’s Long Island Roots HERE.] Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station. waltwhitman.org Free. 2 p.m. April 26.
Ryan Cassata
Ryan Cassata was a freshman at Bay Shore High School when he came out as transgender, and now the singer, songwriter, and LGBT activist is continuing a journey that began on YouTube. Cassata, who doubles as a vocalist and guitarist but also plays the piano, will be performing before a hometown crowd as part of a tour that will bring him all the way to Zurich, Switzerland. [Read about Cassata’s amazing journey and music HERE.] Opening the show will be The Unpermitted, A Band In Ship Fawkes, All But Impossible, Storm Giant, Jon Jeremy, Eddie Trap and The Native Alien Tribe. 89 North Music Venue, 89 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue. 89northmusic.com $10. 3 p.m. April 26.
Jason Vieaux
This Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso’s program will include Mauro Giuliani’s “Grand Overture, Opus 61;” Bach’s “Lute Suite No. 1 in E Minor;” Isaac Albéniz’s “Asturias,” Capricho Catalán and much more. Vieaux’s latest album, PLAY, a selection of audience favorites celebrating Vieaux’s 20 years of professional touring, was released in January 2014. Presented by the Long Island Guitar Festival. Long Island University’s Hillwood Recital Hall, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. tillescenter.org $25. 3 p.m. April 26.
Assisted Living: The Musical
A very funny one-act musical celebration about getting old. It’s a show for all of us. It’s a show for those of a certain age, those that have parents and friends entering this phase, and for everyone that hopes to grow old with humor and dignity. It tells the the story from inside the “process” by being funny, but without mocking. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. patchoguetheatre.com $25-$55. 3 p.m. April 26.
Dinner Rush
In the spirit of pairing film with food, join actor Danny Aiello, director Bob Giraldi and the Butera family for a night of film, food and lively conversation featuring a screening of Dinner Rush, starring Danny Aiello, John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Sandra Bernhard, followed by a tasting of the film’s featured dishes from Butera’s Restaurant, paired with wine from Bottles and Cases. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. CinemaArtsCentre.org $75 members, $100 public. 5 p.m. April 26.
I, The Breather
Metal and punk collide in a blazing fit of infectious chaos each time these Baltimore-based noise machines plug their guitars into an amp. This is a good thing. A really good thing. Supporting acts include Islip’s I Still Believe In Heroes, Bethpage’s After The Outbreak and fellow Long Island chaos-inciters Inside The Cipher, Ollocs and The War Within. Amityville Music Hall, 198 Broadway, Amityville. $12, $14 DOS. 5:30 p.m. April 26.
The Casualties
Hide yo kids, hide yo wives, ’cause these New York City-based punk purists are bringing their raw, unapologetic brand of straight-up streetpunk to the ‘burbs. With opening acts Gash, The Avoiders, All Things End and GutterLIFE. Even Flow Bar and Grill, 150 East main St., Bay Shore. evenflowbarandgrill.com $15. 6 p.m. April 26.
The World/InfernoFriendship Society
If you’ve never experienced TWIFS live, well, you just haven’t really lived. Seriously. The horns, the guitar, the rhythm, just the overall fkn vibe they create, wherever they play—it just compels you to dance, whether that’s amid the sea of fans, outside on the sidewalk, with the music bleeding through the walls, or up atop the bar, one arm around a loved one, the other hoisting up a cool, rabid beverage. “Yes!” you rejoice. “Yes! There is hope!” Jazz, punk, swing—it’s all in there, and so much more. This band is the fkn bomb, and is on Press music critic Zack Tirana’s list of must-sees. Getting the show started are The Glazzies, The Strange Times and Yankee Longstraw. (Tirana Rock Tip #84: Go to this show!!) Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. revolutionli.com $15, $17 DOS. 6:30 p.m. April 26.
Miranda Sings
YouTube sensation-turned-globe-trotting performer Miranda Sings is bringing her talents to Long Island as she puts on a worthwhile show for her so-called Mirfandas—a dedicated bunch that have followed her meteoric rise on the Internet. Mrianda’s YouTube page has nearly 4 million subscribers and her dozens and dozens of videos have garnered tens of millions of views. You gotta watch her rendition of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”—Frozen fan or not. The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $32.50-$55. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. April 26.
Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals & Vanilla Fudge
Whether you recognize his soulful notes from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Rascals or his stint in Joey Dee and The Starliters (“Peppermint Twist,” anyone?), Cavaliere is a rock legend, and this evening offers a rare chance to witness his magical musical legacy in all its kaleidoscopic glory alongside Long Island blues/rock/psychedelia legends Vanilla Fudge (!!) within the intimate, never-a-bad-seat NYCB Theatre. This gig is a no-brainer and a must-see. (Tirana Rock Nugget: Another LI legend, the late, Great Sam “Bluzman” Taylor, an original member of The Starliters, had his friend, a young six-string gunslinger by the name of Jimmi Hendrix, replace him in the group. Damn. Wild.) NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50. 8 p.m. Apr. 26.
Transitions: Brentwood Then and Now
An opening reception will be held for this historical exhibit about on one of Long Island’s most fascinating communities. From Modern Times to current times, Brentwood has been a community of transitions. While many of its original buildings no longer exist, there are several that remain. Some have changed over the years, others have not. (Read all about Brentwood’s amazing past HERE.) Through June 30. Brookwood Hall Historical Exhibition Room, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip. IslipArts.org Free. 4 p.m. April 27.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Join Ted Neeley and Kurt Yaghjian, stars of the groundbreaking 1973 classic, will be doing a Q&A and signing autographs after a screening of this new digitally re-mastered release. Bring your favorite film merchandise! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. CinemaArtsCentre.org $12 members, $16 public. 7:30 p.m. Apr. 29.
Papa Roach
These hellraisers melded some of the smart, melodic craftsmanship of really great hip-hop with some of the dark, crushing fury of heavy metal, hitting a major sweetspot with 2000’s Infest, which went on to earn triple-platinum status. Expect tunes from that album, as well as their seven other drops, especially this year’s F.E.A.R. With We Are Harlot & Static Summer. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$45. 8 p.m. Apr. 28.
Dance Production
Adelphi University dance students will perform Paul Taylor’s well-known “Company B,” a radically revisionist work that counters every expectation about its inspiration. By contrasting shadowy figures of war and loss behind the merriment of the dancers, “Company B” turns into a compelling anti-war statement as well. This amazing production will feature such popular hits as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Tico-Tico” and “Pennsylvania Polka.” Adelphi University’s Performing Arts Center, Olmsted Theatre, One South Ave., Garden City. aupac.adelphi.edu $20. Times vary. April 28-May 3.
Michael Angelo Batio
This rock star will be in-store performing and sharing his absolutely incredible feats of shred-guitar virtuosity. Some may know him from his tenure with the LA-based glam rockers Nitro, but MAB was voted No.1 Shredder of All Time by Guitar One Magazine. This innovator invented some of the techniques every modern shredder plays today, and was also the creator of the “Double-Guitar,” a mind-bending 12-string bastard that in a weird way the electric-guitar-equivalent of a conjoined twin, with two guitars attached at their base and the frets individually playable in each of the guitarist’s hands (MAB’s mastered this, too btw). A model is on permanent display in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Expect to hear some of the sonic metal mayhem replete throughout his latest drop, Shred Force 1. Hot damn! For context, this guy taught Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello. MAB is a rock guitar god! Insane! Shreddd!! If you are a shredder or an aspiring one, hell, if you dig guitar at all, you need to be here. And absorb. All Music, Inc., 397 South Oyster Bay Rd., Plainview. allmusicinc.com Free. 7 p.m. April 29.
Circa Survive
These Philadelphia alt-rockers melt flaming slivers of jazz, shoegaze, rock, psychedelia, even hardcore, into their sound, forging an emotional, flowing sonic landscape that can move and inspire the listener. Expect tunes from each of their five albums, the latest being last year’s Decensus, but especially (hopefully), from their 2005 debut Juturna, named after the Roman goddess of springs, and heavily inspired by the Long Island-centric Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. You can hear a lil Jeff Buckley in singer Anthony Green’s yelps, and on sometimes-acoustic pieces such as “Meet Me In Montauk”—well, it’s sorta haunting. With Balance and Composure & CHON. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $19.50-$34.50. 8 p.m. Apr. 29.
—Compiled by Spencer Rumsey, Jaime Franchi, Rashed Mian, Timothy Bolger & Zachary B. Tirana III
