Frank Kelly
This poet/lyricist will read from his collected works to kick off the fall Visiting Writers Program. Kelly, a former English professor at Farmingdale State College, has co-authored the book and lyrics for two musicals: “The Texas Chainsaw Musical” and “Pageant.” The latter played off-Broadway and across the US, and as far away as Japan and Australia. He also wrote lyrics and sketches for the satirical cabaret revue “Xmas! The Xpose!” He authored his first book, Growing Up Me: A Memoir of Poems, in 2012. Farmingdale State College, Great Room in Ward Hall, 2350 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale. farmingdale.edu 11 a.m. September 17.
Gwar
Galactic criminals imprisoned on Earth for more than a millennia, these demonic creatures formed a bloodthirsty band hell-bent on luring unsuspecting humans to to a grisly end via their savage but irresistible heavy metal screams. If you’ve never experienced this unbelievable band of extraterrestrial outlaws live, well, you just simply have not lived! At least, not on this planet. Press music critic Zack Tirana remarks: “Oh hells yes!!” This means you should do everything in your mortal and immortal powers to attend this rare, cosmic gig. [See also: “Blood Moon SuperMoon Incites Fears Of Natural Disasters“] With Butcher Babies, Battlecross and Moon Tooth. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $20-$35. 7:45 p.m. September 17.
Billy Collins
Soft-spoken before his large accumulations, the poet laureate reads his record-breaking poetry like he writes: short, precise, and with a tinge of humor. Hot damn, son. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollor Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $39.50. 8 p.m. September 17.
West Side Story
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable modern American musicals and greatest love stories of all time. And to think it all takes place in Manhattan. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written. This landmark Broadway musical opens on Long Island at 8 p.m. Sept. 17. John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. engemantheater.com $69-$74. Times vary, runs through Nov. 8.
Charlie Musselwhite
Dispelling the depressing connotation surrounding blues music, the 71-year-old harmonica master empowers the genre with stirring and fun tunes that immediately triggers foot tapping all the way to full-on dancing. The man is a living, breathing legend, who rubbed shoulders with some of the great bluesmen of yore, from Chicago to the Delta. He honors his roots and embraces the present. Play that thing until the cows come home! YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $60-$65. 8 p.m. September 17.
Rachel Feinstein
This comic actress who’s gearing up to shoot her one-hour comedy special later this year has made cameos on The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, Inside Amy Schumer and has co-hosted The View. Fans may also recall her voice from Adult Swim’s Venture Brothers and Grand Theft Auto V. Brokerage Comedy Club, 2797 Merrick Rd., Bellmore. brokerage.govs.com $14. 8 p.m. September 17.
Bellmore Family Street Festival
Carinval, craft fair, petting zoo and much more! Long Island Rail Road station, Sunrise Highway, Bellmore. bellmorechamber.com Free, fee for rides. 6-10 p.m. September 17, 18; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. September 19, 11a.m.- 9 p.m. September 20.
Kunal Nayyar
The star of the Number One hit comedy The Big Bang Theory will speak about and sign his new memoir, Yes, My Accent Is Real: And Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You. In the spirit of Mindy Kaling’s bestseller Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, this collection of humorous, autobiographical essays Raj Koothrappali, the selectively mute astro physicist, is bound to both entertain and inspire. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. Bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. September 18.
Popa Chubby
Beneath this intimidating, towering, and heavily tattooed man is a lovable performer still rocking and redefining the blues with his guitar jams since the early ’90s. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $25-$30. 8 p.m. September 18.
Young Thug
Young Thug’s music doesn’t just push the envelope—it tears it up and sets the pieces on fire! Describing his eccentric flow, Fader Magazine said, “He slurs, shouts, whines and sings, feverishly contorting his voice into a series of odd timbres like a beautifully played but broken wind instrument.” Still, no words can define what Young Thug does on the mic. His set is sure to include favorites from his three-volume mixtape series, I Came From Nothing, as well as “Best Friend,” from his upcoming mixtape, Slime Season. Get ready for this hot, new hip-hop artist to blow the roof off! Opening the show are Tory Lanez, Ami the God and The Villain$. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $25-$50. 9 p.m. September 18.
Helmet
Lead singer/guitarist Page Hamilton leads the latest lineup of his influential post-metal quartet in performing the entirety of their critically acclaimed third album, Betty, featuring “Milquetoast,” one of their biggest hits. The Betty tour, launched upon the 20th anniversary of its release in 2014, passes through home turf as New York City’s answer to the Seattle grunge scene prepares to drop their eighth studio album later this year. With any luck, they’ll play some of their non-Betty hits, such as “Unsung,” “Sinatra” and “In The Meantime.” Revolution Bar and Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd., Amityville. clubloaded.com/revolution-bar-music-hall $20. 7:30 p.m. September 18.
The Nields
Sisters Katryna and Nerissa Nields will perform songs from their seventeenth album The Nields – XVII. Well into their third decade as musical partners, and at the top of their game with this latest album, the Nields turn to meditations on time and turning points, their roots and their community. The primary inspiration behind the new album is their hero Pete Seeger. Our Times Coffeehouse, 38 Old Country Rd., Garden City. ourtimescoffeehouse.org $20 adults, $10 students. 8 p.m. September 18.
Dragon Boat Race Festival
This event will include local and regional teams facing off against each other in a series of heats. Spectators are encouraged to come to Port Jefferson harbor with their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities.Bring your water-wings, too. Food vendors and music will keep the event lively for all throughout the day. Port Jefferson Harborfront Park 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson. portjeffdragonracefest.com Free. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. September 19.
Pickle Festival
They’re green. They’re slimy. They are both sour and the sweetest of sweet. (And, wow, do they taste great on top of burgers, hot dogs and even ice cream!) Yes, you know you love them. This extraordinary, do-not-miss festival features specialty pickles, jams, jellies, vegetables, baked goods, a lollipop farm train (!!), corn maze, and hayrides. Rain or shine. John Gardiner Farm 900 Park Avenue, Greenlawn. greenlawncenterporthistorical.org $5, kids under 5 free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m September 19.
Kite Festival
Gliding through the sky, their movements dictated by the wind and the gentle, light tugging from their human operators, kites symbolize so many things: freedom, the fragility of this divine realm, life. Come celebrate all that is good and just in the world, and revel in the supreme glory that is these winged, tethered-yet-moving-at-the-whim-of-Mother Nature, yes-they-are-amazing creations! Long Island Maritime Museum, 88 West Ave., West Sayville. limaritime.org 11 a.m.-5 p.m. September 19.
Antigone Rising
This inspiring all-female country band is headlining the second annual BeachFest in Long Island’s artsiest downtown. The group is adding special guests Trina Hamlin and Annika to this year’s concert bill, as well as inviting Mia Alonso—a North Shore High School aspiring singer-songwriter. Wow. 56 The Blvd., Sea Cliff. AntigoneRising.com Free. 5:30 p.m. September 19.
Eric Paslay
At 15, Eric Paslay wrote his first song. The rest, as they say, is history. Whether he’s penning number-one hits for Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum, or captivating listeners with his own tunes, Eric Paslay is rocking the country music world with his soul-searching lyrics and on-stage charm. No longer the guy behind the scenes, Paslay has taken centerstage with last year’s eponymous record. With so much radio airplay, “Friday Night” is sure to be a singalong and “Song About a Girl” will have everyone on their feet. Don’t miss Paslay live—he loves to entertain, and it shows. He’ll be headlining the Salute to Heroes show featuring Parmalee, Brothers Osborne and Chr Lane. Pennysaver Amphitheater, Ski Run Lane, Famingville. pennysaveramp.com $30-$75. 6 p.m. September 19.
Selected Works
An opening reception will be held for a gallery exhibit featuring the works of internationally renowned, award-winning artists Stephen Bauman, Cornelia Hernes and Steve Forster. This exhibition reunites three graduates of the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. Studying together more than 10 years ago at this prestigious institution, each artist brings his and her own unique vision and experience to this special show. Long Island Academy of Fine Art in Glen Cove, 14A Glen St., Glen Cove. hershfineart.com 6-8 p.m. September 19.
The Charlie Daniels Band
The devil goes down to Westbury when The Charlie Daniels Band takes the stage with their Southern Rock/Country roots. Be prepared to stomp to the fiddle and whoop it up as Long Island goes country for the night. With opening act The Marshall Tucker Band. NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollor Rd., Westbury. venue.thetheatreatwestbury.com $49.50. 8 p.m. September 19.
James Maddock
It’s impossible to place James Maddock into a neat little box and label it with a musical genre, and that’s exactly why fans keep coming back for more. In fact, his latest album, The Green, was funded by his devoted fan base. His repertoire, spanning six records, gives listeners a little taste of everything—rock, funk, blues, country, folk, even a little gospel. Whether his breathless, gravelly voice is singing about heartache, moving to a new city, or painful regrets, his lyrical depth is bound to pull you in and move you. YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore. boultoncenter.org $25-$30. 8 p.m. September 19.
Jay & the Americans
Known for their hits “Tonight” from the Broadway Musical “West Side Story,” “Only in America,” “This Majic Moment,” these legends are bound to astound on this one-night-only performance! The Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead. suffolktheater.com $49. 8 p.m. September 19.
Shahkar
Shahkar Bineshpajooh’s accomplishments as a musician, composer, singer, poet and producer could fill volumes. Born in 1972 in Tehran, Iran, Shahkar taught himself guitar, piano and drums when he was only 15 years old. At his family’s behest, he turned his focus to academics and became the youngest student in Iran to receive a doctorate in urban planning. Still, his love of music and poetry never died. His moving vocal performances with the Los Angeles and London Symphony Orchestras electrified his audiences. Experience the musical whirlwind that is Shahkar, live, before his tour takes him to California and beyond! The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Ave., Westbury. thespaceatwestbury.com $55-$150. 9 p.m. September 19.
Boris
These experimental metal demigods flew all the way in from Japan to disperse their high-octane, crushingly sludgy and droning sonic avalanches to the suburban masses. Lift one high. Shout aloud. Time to live. Opening the show is Jay R. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $15 ladies, $20 guys. 10 p.m. September 19.
Tremonti
Remember the devastatingly ear-candy guitar work that took alt-rockers Creed and Alter Bridge “Higher”? [See what we did there? Lol.] Of course, you all do. Well, that was guitarist Mark Tremonti, and this gig features his latest project, which includes Wolfgang Van Halen on bass. Get ready to rock. Seriously. Warming up the crowd are Trivium and Wilson. The Emporium, 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue. theemporiumny.com $25, $30 DOS. 7:30 p.m. September 20.
Garlic Festival
Yes, yes, yes-yes-yes! No matter how you peal it, this must-go-and-devour festival will offer garlic-fiending food hounds garlic-inspired delicacies ranging from garlic soup and garlic jelly to garlic ice cream, just to name a few appealing treats. Aside from many garlic-themed vendors and the usual festival fare, there will also be a garlic-eating (!!) and garlic cooking contest. Come and toss back several dozen cloves! Garlic was a sacred food in ancient cultures, known for its healing powers and divine aroma! Guaranteed there will be no vampires at this garlic love fest. So please, if that was the concern, no worries! Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead. gardenofevefarm.com $5 adults, kids under 6 free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. September 19, 20.
Dockside Family Festival
Boat rides, pirate shows, live music, pony rides, crab races, magic shows, vendors and yes, seafood, glorious seafood. Captree State Park, Ocean Parkway, Babylon. nysparks.com/events Free with $8 parking fee. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. September 19, 20.
Long Island Heart Walk
Put your best foot forward and help raise funds to fight heart disease and stop strokes at The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, guaranteed to get the heart a-pumpin’ and the blood a-flowin’. Jones Beach State Park, Field 5, Ocean Parkway. heartwalk.kintera.org 8:30 a.m. September 20.
Syosset Street Fair
Arts and crafts, knickknacks, food and great conversation abound at this go-to event for fun and all that is handmade in Long Island’s basements and living rooms. Peruse. Admire. Rejoice! Nassau County Craft and Street Fairs, 15 Jackson Ave., Syosset. nassaucountycraftshows.com Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. September 20.
Apple Festival
Apple-head doll making, apple relay races, candied apples, apple cider, an apple pie baking contest and so much more! If you love apples as much as a certain Press associate editor does (Hint: He’s got the same middle name as Press music critic Zack Tirana does! And, yes, his favorites are Macouns!), then this is the must-attend gathering for you and your family! Sherwood-Jayne House, 55 Old Post Rd., East Setauket. $7 adults, $5 seniors and kids ages 2-12. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. September 20.
Ompahfest
Get a jump on Octoberfest with this festival of authentic German cuisine, beer, dancing, imported goods, raffles, activities for children, prizes and much more! So don your lederhosen and raise a stein or two. Plattduetsche Park Restaurant 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square. parkrestaurant.com $10, kids under 12 free. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. September 20.
BeachFeast
Eat, drink and enjoy the music at a bistro setting steps away from the beach. BeachFeast will also have vendors on hand selling food and spirits. Food trucks will feature an eclectic mix of culinary delights. This year’s event will even feature a classic car show along the boardwalk. Music and entertainment will be provided by rockers Firestone, new wave/post-punk misfits the Retromantics, and ’80s tribute band the Rubix Kube. Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington. Price of parking. 12-5 p.m. September 20.
Frank Olt Meet & Greet
Patrons will have a chance to pick the brain of this Oyster Bay-based contemporary artist. Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. nassaumuseum.org Price of museum admission. 3 p.m. September 20.
Joan Lunden
The journalist and bestselling author will speak about and sign her new memoir Had I Known. In this brave and deeply personal memoir, the former Good Morning America host speaks candidly about her battle against breast cancer, her quest to learn about it and teach others, and the transformative effect the experience has had on her life. Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington. Bookrevue.com Price of book. 7 p.m. September 21.
—Compiled by Chuck Cannini, Desiree D’Iorio, Timothy Bolger and Zachary B. Tirana III
