Bald Hill celebrates 25 years of outdoor concerts
David Clark and his Billy Joel tribute band Songs in the Attic will perform at "Hits on the Hill," a Bald Hill 25th anniversary concert, on Aug. 5. Credit: Lennon Muller
When it comes to outdoor concerts, Long Islanders tend to think of Jones Beach. However, for the past 25 years open-air shows have also been happening in Farmingville at the Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill. In honor of its silver anniversary, the venue is holding a triple bill celebration on Aug. 5 called “Hits on the Hill” featuring three tribute bands — the New York Bee Gees, Best of the Eagles and David Clark’s Songs in the Attic (Billy Joel).
“The difference between us and Jones Beach or UBS is, they are big conglomerates running big-ticket prices. They do a great job, but we are going to be that local hometown venue,” says John Caracciolo, president of Long Island Events, which operates the building. “We are run by Long Islanders and this is our home.”
This summer, LICHA’s focus is keeping everything affordable — ranging from $20 lawn access to $70 seats upfront.
“People are getting hit from every angle these days, so we're trying to make their entertainment on Long Island a little bit easier,” says Caracciolo. “We want them to spend a beautiful night under the stars, where they can enjoy the show sitting on a blanket up on the lawn.”
In addition to “Hits on the Hill,” other shows on this year’s roster include Yacht Rock Revue on July 1, Freestyle Feast on July 30 and One Night of Queen on Sept. 4. There will also be an abundance of country concerts such as Chris Young, Mitchell Tenpenny and Ernest on May 28; 11th annual Fest with Chris Lane, Parmalee, Lanco, Matt Stell and Erin Kinsey on July 3; Sam Hunt with Ryan Hurd and Lily Rose on Aug. 21; and Jake Owen, Dylan Scott and Ray Fulcher on Sept, 3. Returning will be the annual free Grucci Fireworks show on July 4.
Tickets ($20-$25) for “Hits on the Hill,” produced by Brian Rosenberg NY and Fever Records, go on sale Monday at 10 a.m. via ticketmaster.com. For more information on LICHA concerts, visit: licommunityhospitalamp.com.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
