Jazz, R&B crooners bring extra class to 4 LI venues

Music goes through phases of what's hot and what's not -- but crooners never go out of style. They bring a touch of class to the game. If you're in the mood to kick back and swoon over some standards, here's where you can grab a table.

The Paramount

For more than 30 years, actor-singer Robert Davi has portrayed colorful characters on the Hollywood silver screen ("The Goonies," "Die Hard"), but when he plays The Paramount in Huntington on Sunday at 8 p.m., he will pay tribute to his hero, Frank Sinatra.

"In the Italian household, there were two figures: the pope and Frank Sinatra, not necessarily in that order," says Davi, who grew up in Dix Hills. "Because I had a strong love of acting, to me Sinatra was the first Method singer. The lyric was meaningful to him. It wasn't just a pretty sound."

Sinatra took Davi, 61, under his wing while they were shooting Davi's first film, "Contract on Cherry Street," in 1977. Sinatra even invited Davi to his concert at Forest Hills Stadium.

"You felt an intimacy with his performance, as if he was singing to you," says Davi. "That's the effect you want to have with the audience."

At The Paramount, Davi will perform with a six-piece band, similar to the one Sinatra toured with. The floor will be set up cabaret style with drinks and food being served. Besides Sinatra's catalog, the show will include film clips and anecdotes about Davi's long career.

INFO $45-$75, 631-673-7300, paramountny.com

Grasso's

If you seek the sophistication of fine dining and jazz standards, head to Grasso's in Cold Spring Harbor, where live music thrives five nights a week. The restaurant has been showcasing some of Long Island's best musical talent for 20 years.

"It sets us apart from other restaurants," says owner Gail Grasso. "We draw people who love the arts."

You'll hear the sounds of "Embraceable You" and "What a Wonderful World" coming from a trio of musicians who remain in the background.

"Everybody appreciates the music, which is important because, as a performer, that's what you feed off of," says singer Lisa Gary, 26, of Great Neck, who plays there regularly.

After dinner, couples don't hesitate to get up and dance. If the temperature is right, the tempo might pick up to include some pop or funk.

INFO No cover, 631-367-6060, grassosrestaurant.com

Pub 1910

At the Glen Cove Mansion, make the hike to the third floor on Fridays at 8 p.m. to Pub 1910.

For the past seven years, the Les Stanco Group has charmed the crowd at this warm, casual spot by playing an extensive repertoire that ranges from contemporary pop to Latin to jazz standards.

"There's nothing that we don't know," says Stanco, 66, of Old Brookville, who works the crowd as people enjoy cocktails at the bar, dine at tables or play darts, billiards and poker in the side game rooms.

"Every week, there's a different type of buzz in the room, depending on who's there," says Stanco. "I like to connect with the audience. You want them to absorb what you are doing."

INFO No cover, 516-671-6400, glencovemansion.com

Molto Vino

Tuesday is "Making Memories With Maxi" night at Molto Vino in Babylon, where singers perform a different theme (Motown, pop, R&B, Sinatra) each week at 7 p.m. while Napoleon pizzas and panini are served with more than 100 wines by the glass.

"People look forward to it," says owner Massimiliano Gargiulo. "They check our Facebook page to see who is playing. We like to keep it interesting."

Upcoming acts include singer-drummer Aaron Miller (Nov. 25), R&B singer Deanna Carroll (Dec. 2) and Sinatra stylist Sal Valentinetti (Dec. 16).

INFO No cover, 631-983-8915, facebook.com/molto.vino.5

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.