Best free concerts to see on Long Island this summer
Roots Foundation performs a Bob Marley tribute show at the Jones Beach boardwalk bandshell. Credit: Howard Simmons
Summer on Long Island means concerts at no cost. Leave your wallet home and pack a picnic because outdoor live music is happening throughout Nassau and Suffolk for free.
Here’s a breakdown of the best shows to see:
NASSAU COUNTY
JOHN J. BURNS TOWN PARK (Massapequa Park)
JULY 24 — See Michael DelGuidice & Big Shot channel Billy Joel with members of the Piano Man’s actual band.
July 30 — The hits of the Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more are delivered by Dr. K's Motown Revue.
AUG. 3 — Catch disco fever with the New York Bee Gees who will keep the crowd “Stayin’ Alive.”
AUG. 6 — Can’t afford to see the Rolling Stones at MetLife Stadium? Enjoy Streetfighter pay tribute to the rock and roll legends.
INFO Shows start at 8 p.m., 516-797-7900
Billy Joel's backup singer Michael DelGuidice helms the Long Island tribute band, Big Shot. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
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JONES BEACH BANDSHELL (Boardwalk, Field 4 in Wantagh)
JULY 5 — Here comes the Boss — Badlands spotlights Bruce Springsteen.
JULY 6 — Miss Sammy Hagar in Van Halen? See Van Hagar play the band's hits from 1986 to 1996.
JULY 20 — Desert Highway taps into the Eagles’ catalog.
JULY 26 — Get the Led out with Misty Mountain’s Led Zeppelin tribute.
JULY 27 — Aerosmith might not be coming to Long Island this summer, but Last Child fits the bill.
AUG. 3 — Appetite for Destruction will transform into Guns N’ Roses before you can say “Paradise City.”
AUG. 16 — Prior to The Who playing Jones Beach Theater see Who’s Next pay tribute to the Brits.
AUG. 30 — Fleetwood Macked tackles everything from "Rumours" to "Tango in the Night."
INFO Shows start at 8 p.m., 516-785-1600, jonesbeachbandshell.com
Fleetwood Macked is a Long Island-based tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Credit: Shutterspeak
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MORGAN PARK (Glen Cove)
JULY 4 — Billy Joel’s original band, the Lords of 52nd Street, deliver an Independence Day set on the North Shore.
JULY 7 — Strawberry Fields features the music of the Fab Four — only the best of the Beatles.
JULY 28 — Chill out with Caribbean reggae performed by Therapi.
AUG. 18 — Watch Tom Cavanagh become Johnny Cash in this country fried tribute.
Aug. 25 — Take in the sounds of the ’60s with A Band Called Honalee, featuring the music of Peter, Paul and Mary.
INFO Shows start at 7:30 p.m., 516-671-0017, morganparkmusic.org
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TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JULY 11 — Material Girl featuring Amber Ferrari delivers some girl power with her tribute to Madonna, Lady Gaga and other female singers at Forest City Park in Wantagh.
JULY 30 — Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, is heralded by a tribute from The Atlantic Years at Echo Park in West Hempstead.
INFO Shows start at 8 p.m., 516-292-9000
SUFFOLK COUNTY
TANNER PARK (Copiague)
JULY 12 — Almost Queen rides the wave of popularity of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
JULY 17 — Bruno Mars’ style and swagger gets replicated by Uptown Funk.
JULY 19 — Meat Loaf presents BAT with the Neverland Express featuring Caleb Johnson tackling hits from “Bat Out of Hell.”
JULY 23 — Witness British pop star Peter Noone front Herman’s Hermits.
JULY 26 — The Rocket Man Show showcases the music of Sir Elton John.
AUG. 7 — Calling all Parrotheads! Gary Roland and The Landsharks Band will get your “Fins” up in this Jimmy Buffett/Beach Boys tribute.
AUG. 11 — Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with Grateful Dead cover band Half Step and Santana tribute Milagro.
INFO Shows start at 7:30 p.m., 631-893-2100
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NESCONSET GAZEBO (Smithtown Blvd. across from Nesconset Plaza)
JULY 16 — What do you get when you blend two of the '80s biggest bands? Bon Journey — playing hits from both Bon Jovi and Journey.
AUG. 6 — Pink Floyd is no longer touring but Us & Floyd can scratch that itch.
AUG. 13 — Seven Turns revives the spirit of the Allman Brothers.
INFO Shows start at 6:30 p.m., 631-724-2543
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GOSMAN’S DOCK (Montauk)
JULY 14 — HooDoo Loungers blend the funk, R&B and Zydeco vibes of New Orleans.
JULY 21 & AUG. 18 — Carrie and the Cats thrives on funky rhythms and sax solos (think John Mayer Trio and Amy Winehouse).
AUG. 4 — Summer is not summer without a set from East End favorite Nancy Atlas, who brings her Nancy Atlas Project to the dock.
AUG. 25 — Zebra lead singer Randy Jackson goes acoustic for this solo performance of classic rock faves.
INFO Shows start at 6 p.m., 631-668-5330, gosmans.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
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