Free outdoor rock concerts this summer on LI
Photo credit: Getty Images | Burton Cummings performs at Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. He is performing on July 27, 2013 in John J. Burns Park in Massapequa. (Feb. 25, 2010)
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Free outdoor rock concerts on LI
Rock out, no charge. Long Islanders are in luck this summer because headliners who normally would play at concert venues like the Paramount or Boulton Center are headed to county and town parks for free shows.
Check out some highlights from this year's crop of complimentary concerts:
Nassau County's Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre is entertainment central all summer, with a plethora of shows appealing to multiple generations.
SATURDAY
Nineties music fans will be pleased to see Blues Traveler. Led by harmonica-wiz John Popper, the band will perform cuts from its latest album, "Suzie Cracks the Whip" along with crowd faves "But Anyway," "Hook" and "Run Around."
JULY 6
From "Bobby Sox to Stockings" to "Beach Blanket Bingo," Frankie Avalon has earned his status as an American icon in film and music. This Teen Angel charted 31 hits from 1958 to 1962.
AUG. 17
In the summer of 1984, Huey Lewis and the News headlined Jones Beach in support of their multiplatinum third album, "Sports." The band from San Francisco will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its release by playing the entire set list of songs on the record, including "The Heart of Rock and Roll" and "I Want a New Drug."
INFO 516-572-0200, nassaucountyny.gov/parks. Shows start at 7 p.m.
POINT LOOKOUT TOWN PARK, LIDO BEACH
JUNE 29
The Town of Hempstead will literally kick off its Neighborhood Concert Series with a bang when Buckwheat Zydeco stars in the annual Independence Salute complete with a professional fireworks display. The Creole music legend will play his trademark accordion on Louisiana-flavored tunes like "Hot Tamale Baby."
INFO 516-292-9000, ext. 382, toh.li. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
JOHN J. BURNS PARK, MASSAPEQUA
The Town of Oyster Bay is known for its popular "Music Under the Stars" program, and this year's roster doesn't disappoint.
JULY 13
First at bat is none other than former Yankees centerfielder Bernie Williams. This MVP/Gold Glove winner will have the crowd cheering for his jazz/classical/pop/Latin guitar skills.
JULY 27
The northern winds will blow Canadian rocker Burton Cummings to Massapequa. The singer-songwriter of The Guess Who can be heard daily on classic rock radio with hits "American Woman," "These Eyes" and "No Time."
JULY 30
Get transported to the early '70s when Grand Funk Railroad pulls into town. This "American Band," hailing from Flint, Mich., will bring its brand of blues rock to songs like "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "The Loco-Motion." Extra bonus for Kiss fans: Bruce Kulick is on guitar.
AUG. 10
You've seen him at Nassau Coliseum and the old Westbury Music Fair with Foreigner; now, Lou Gramm flies solo. The Rochester-born Gramm is the voice behind such FM staples as rockers "Urgent" and "Hot Blooded" as well as ballads "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "I Want to Know What Love Is."
INFO 516-797-7900, oysterbaytown.com. Shows start at 8 p.m.
JULY 17
The ocean will meet the bay when Billy Ocean plays Tanner Park overlooking Great South Bay for the Town of Babylon's Summer Concert Series. The R&B pop singer is known for "Caribbean Queen" and "Suddenly."
JULY 19
Starship featuring Mickey Thomas pulls out classics like "Jane" and "White Rabbit" along with '80s pop singles, "We Built This City" and "Sara."
AUG. 7
Copiague will get a little bit country when Jo Dee Messina comes to town. This Massachusetts girl is a mix of Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and the Judds. It was her songs "Bye Bye" and "I'm Alright" that put her on the map.
INFO townofbabylon.com, 631-893- 2100. Shows start at 7:30 p.m.
