New Kids on the Block, Missy Elliott, Pitbull, 46 more great shows to see this summer
New Kids on the Block has a special relationship with Long Island. The boy band sensation, whose members are now in their 50s, experienced a seminal moment in their career when they played Westbury Music Fair on April 29, 1988. The fivesome was supposed to open for Tiffany, but the crowd was so ravenous for New Kids they had to flip-flop positions.
“It’s a very unique, loving hometown vibe for us on Long Island,” says singer Joey McIntyre, 51. “We were outsiders from Boston who were still very close to New York. But Nassau County was where it all blew up for us.”
The group will return with its “Magic Summer Tour” to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 4 with special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
NKOTB is just one of many acts heading our way this summer. Here are the best shows to look forward to from June until September.
JUNE
HOZIER
The Irish singer/songwriter, s hot off his No. 1 single “Too Sweet” from his new EP, “Unheard,” plays four nights (June 4-5, 7-8), at Forest Hills Stadium.
INFO 888-929-7849, foresthillsstadium.com
TICKETS $156.25-$312.50
KEB’ MO’
Follow Keb’ Mo’ on his musical journey that blends West Coast soul with Nashville country at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on June 7 highlighting songs from his latest album, “Good to Be …”
INFO 631-288-1500, whbpac.org
TICKETS $110-$145
BILLY JOEL
Billy Joel will play the final two shows of his Madison Square Garden residency. Credit: Myrna Suarez
The Piano Man completes his record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden with two final shows, June 8 and July 25, before taking off on a stadium tour with Sting.
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com
TICKETS Sold out (check for last minute availability)
BONNIE RAITT
Bonnie Raitt will give fans something to talk about when she performs in Westbury. Credit: Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Amy Harris
The Grammy winner hits Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair on June 8 with her “Just Like That … Tour.”
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
TICKETS Sold out (check for last minute availability)
NIALL HORAN
One Direction’s other heartthrob goes solo on June 13 and 14 at Madison Square Garden.
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com
TICKETS $160.80-$308
CHRIS BROWN
Bad boy R&B star brings “The 11:11 Tour” to UBS Arena at Belmont Park in Elmont on June 14 with Ayra Starr.
INFO 516-460-8950, ubsarena.com
TICKETS $119.65-$987.95
RICK SPRINGFIELD & RICHARD MARX
Two ‘80s icons will come together at The Paramount in Huntington on June 21 to play their hits acoustically.
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
TICKETS $88-$1,121
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
Justin Timberlake performs two shows at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Chris Pizzello
‘NSYNC frontman continues to dominate the pop scene with his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” coming to Madison Square Garden on June 25-26.
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com
TICKETS $357.45-$535.70
THE SWEET
Get ready for a “Ballroom Blitz” in Riverhead as the ‘70s glam band arrives at The Suffolk on June 27.
INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org
TICKETS $59-$85
OUTLAW MUSIC FESTIVAL
Don’t miss legends Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss take the stage at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on June 29. Celisse opens.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $78.25-$753
JIMMY WEBB
Singer/songwriter trots out his catalog of hits (“Wichita Lineman,” “MacArthur Park,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”) at The Suffolk on June 29.
INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org
TICKETS $49-$69
JULY
MAROON 5
Pop band gets ready to “Move Like Jagger” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on July 3 with special guest Maren Morris.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $78.25-$821.40
ASIA
“The Heat of the Moment Tour” lands at The Paramount on July 7. Focus, Martin Turner and Curved Air serve as support acts on the bill.
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
TICKETS $66.25-$129.80
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Making its annual trek to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, DMB arrives on July 9.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.20-$564
ALANIS MORISSETTE/JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS/MORGAN WADE
You oughta know about this show: Alanis Morissette shares the Jones Beach bill with Joan Jett this summer. Credit: Getty Images/Astrida Valigorsky
Girl power gets amped up at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater as these three acts join forces for “The Triple Moon Tour” on July 10.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $78.25-$944.40
JUDY COLLINS
The 85-year-old singer/songwriter is hot off her Grammy-nominated and critically-acclaimed album, “Spellbound” and headlining The Suffolk on July 12.
“My life is a tour. I play whenever I can. I’ll be up to 120 shows this year,” says Collins. “I make a living and it keeps me on the planet.”
INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org
TICKETS $89-$129
FOO FIGHTERS
Rocker Dave Grohl’s band takes over Citi Field in Queens for two nights on July 17 and 19. Mammoth WVH and the Pretenders open on night one while the Hives plus Amyl and the Sniffers open on night two.
INFO 718-507-8499, citifieldstadium.com
TICKETS $80.25-$566.40
GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Head to the South Shore to catch this four-day festival, July 18-21, at Shorefront Park in Patchogue featuring over 50 acts including Pepper, Joe Bonamassa, Dark Star Orchestra, Jon Anderson of Yes, Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, Martin Barre of Jethro Tull and more.
INFO greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
TICKETS $69.59-$265.98
FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS
Hear classics like “Rag Doll,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair on July 20.
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
TICKETS $86.50-$306.20
BLINK-182
The power trio of Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker reunites for the “One More Time Tour,” which pulls into Citi Field on July 21.
INFO 718-507-8499, citifieldstadium.com
TICKETS $86.25-$425.10
SANTANA/COUNTING CROWS
The smooth sounds of Carlos Santana will be heard at Jones Beach on July 21. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Perhaps the strangest but pleasing pairing at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater this season puts Latin rock band Santana with ‘90s pop rock band Counting Crows for “The Oneness Tour” on July 21.
“We toured with Santana in Europe over 10 years ago and we all loved it,” says Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz. “I grew up obsessed with Santana as a kid. Carlos asked me to sing on some stuff so I sang lead on a song or two plus I did background vocals and percussion. By the end of the tour, I was on nearly half his set. It was one of the most rewarding tours I’ve ever done.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.20-$480
PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO
The Lindenhurst legend returns to New York with her guitarist husband in tow as the dynamic duo brings their “Funtastic Tour” to the Beacon Theatre on July 23.
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com/beacon-theatre
TICKETS $90.05-$1,063.20
THE COMMODORES, POINTER SISTERS & SPINNERS
We're so excited: The Pointer Sisters will perform at Jones Beach on July 25. Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Annabel's/Dave Benett
Enjoy “An Evening of Icons” as this trio of R&B pop groups deliver their hits at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on July 25.
“Our music stems from our gospel roots,” says singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. “We always had a serious love of rhythm and gospel music that made you move.”
Singer William King of the Commodores promises to bring out anthems like “Lady (You Bring Me Up),” “Three Times a Lady,” “Nightshift” and “Brick House.”
“These are songs that will get you out of your seat,” he says. “Once you get into that groove you don’t ever wanna come out of there. It’s heaven.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $41.30-$267
TRAIN & REO SPEEDWAGON
Here the ‘70s-‘80s meets the ‘90s-2000s as REO Speedwagon pairs up with Train for the “Summer Road Trip Tour” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on July 27.
“I’m really excited about this combination. We are going to be playing for a lot of people who have never heard us before and the same thing with Train,” says Kevin Cronin, lead singer/guitarist of REO Speedwagon. “Doing this tour is going to be a challenge. These guys are 20 years younger. It only gives me more reason to be ready to lay it down and leave it all on stage.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.20-$336.60
FREESTYLE FEAST
Get ready to dance ‘90s style at this show featuring TKA, George Lamond, Judy Torres, C-Bank, Brenda K. Starr, The Cover Girls and more at Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill in Farmingville on July 27.
INFO 631-676-7500, champbaldhill.com
TICKETS $53.15-$169.45
EARTH, WIND & FIRE/CHICAGO
Shining stars: Earth Wind and Fire with lead singer Philip Bailey plays Jones Beach on July 28. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Two Chi-town bands come together as the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire blends with jazz rockers Chicago for the “Heart & Soul Tour” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on July 28.
“This music creates a timeless experience,” says trombonist James Pankow from Chicago. “Keep in mind everything we perform is live. There’s no lip syncing or prerecorded tracks. What you see is a stage full of veteran musicians who are professionals playing the record note-for-note.”
The two bands play separate sets then come together for the finale where both are on stage holding up to 20 musicians.
“When we perform together it is always an exciting and memorable time,” says Phil Bailey, lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire. “It’s a powerful, high-energy moment that we look forward to every night. Everybody is very seasoned so it feels like a big orchestra.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.20-$419.40
JERRY HARRISON & ADRIAN BELEW
Talking Heads' keyboardist/guitarist Harrison and guitarist Belew perform the classic Heads album, “Remain in Light” at The Paramount on July 30.
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
TICKETS $50.75-$153.40
AUGUST
IMAGINE DRAGONS
Just after they drop their sixth studio album, “Loom,” Imagine Dragons headline Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 2.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $349.20-$1,087.20
MISSY ELLIOTT
Missy Elliott will get her freak on when she plays UBS Arena for the first time. Credit: Getty Images/Candice Ward
Fresh off her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Elliott brings her “Out of This World — The Experience Tour” to UBS Arena on Aug. 3 with Ciara, Busta Rhymes and Timbaland.
INFO 516-460-8950, ubsarena.com
TICKETS $67.35-$1,318.05
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK/PAULA ABDUL/DJ JAZZY JEFF
New Kids on the Block will reignite their Long Island fan base with material from their new album, “Still Kids” as well as their throwback hits at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 4.
“We have the greatest fans in pop music history,” says McIntyre. “We lovingly call them Blockheads because to call them fans is not right at all. They are like family at this point.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $54.80-$528
GREEN DAY/SMASHING PUMPKINS
Bring back the ‘90s when these two bands invade Citi Field on Aug. 5. Rancid and the Linda Lindas open.
INFO 718-507-8499, citifieldstadium.com
TICKETS $123.50-$944
DEF LEPPARD/JOURNEY
Rock bands join forces at Citi Field on Aug. 7 with special guest opener the Steve Miller Band.
INFO 718-507-8499, citifieldstadium.com
TICKETS $66.80-$801.80
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
Returning to headline Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1979, the Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald appear on Aug. 7.
“Our goal is to provide our fans with a show that makes them happy,” says singer/guitarist Tom Johnston. “We are grateful to have a catalog that people are so familiar with and that our songs still mean something to them.”
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com
TICKETS $79.30-$946.35
THE BEACH BOYS
Celebrate the summer with the Southern California legends at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 8 with special guest Dave Mason.
“Jones Beach is like a homecoming for us because we’ve done so many shows there,” says singer Mike Love. “Love is our secret ingredient because we love singing harmonies together. Our obsession was to not only sing the notes but to blend them beautifully.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $41.30-$315.30
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
After swinging through Europe, Wainwright brings his “Folkocracy Tour” to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 9.
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
TICKETS $55-$85
AIR SUPPLY
Spend an evening listening to love songs (“Lost in Love,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” “All Out of Love) on Aug. 10 at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair.
INFO 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com
TICKETS $64-$208.25
DAN + SHAY
Get a taste of country with this duowhose “Heartbreak on the Map Tour” comes to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 10. Jake Owen and Dylan Marlowe open.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.20-$336.60
WARRANT/LITA FORD/FIREHOUSE
Dive back to the ‘80s as this triple bill rocks out at Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill on Aug. 10.
INFO 631-676-7500, champbaldhill.com
TICKETS $22.85-$74.25
BRIAN McKNIGHT
R&B soul singer t will croon his ballads “Back to One” and “One Last Cry” at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 16.
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
TICKETS $69-$99
LYNYRD SKYNYRD/ZZ TOP
Southern fried rock double bill will headline Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug.t 22.
“We are here to play honest music with heart, soul and feeling in order to see our fans have a great time,” says guitarist Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd. “They sing and play air guitar along with each song. That’s what keeps us coming back time after time.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $54.35-$358.20
LITTLE FEAT
The “Can’t Be Satisfied Tour” hits the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 27 with special guests Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley.
INFO 631-207-1313, patchoguetheatre.org
TICKETS $79-$434.50
AVRIL LAVIGNE
Not so complicated: Avril Lavigne performs at Jones Beach on Aug. 27. Credit: Getty Images/Jason Kempin
Canadian pop star pulls out all the stops on her “Greatest Hits Tour” at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 27.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.20-$433.20
DWEEZIL ZAPPA
The guitarist elves into his father Frank Zappa’s albums “Apostrophe(‘)” and “Roxy & Elsewhere” on “The Rox(Prostroph)y Tour” at The Paramount on Aug. 30.
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
TICKETS $64.90-$407.10
JAMES TAYLOR
Hopefully neither fire nor rain will disrupt James Taylor's Jones Beach concert. Credit: Getty Images for Love Rocks NYC/God's Love We Deliver/Jamie McCarthy
The folk rocker makes his annual stop at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Aug. 31.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $54.85-$906
SEPTEMBER
DEEP PURPLE/YES
Legendary rock bands team up at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 1.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $41.30-$545.40
PEARL JAM
Grunge kings ill celebrate their new album, “Dark Matter” at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 3-4.
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com
TICKETS Sold out (check for last minute availability)
HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH/COLLECTIVE SOUL/EDWIN McCAIN
Nineties nostalgia comes into play with the “Summer Camp with Trucks Tour” fat Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 5.
“We are all boys from the south who were all on the same record label, Atlantic Records, who released our debut albums in the mid-'90s,” says bassist Will Turpin of Collective Soul, who recently dropped its new double album, “From Here to Eternity.” “We’ll have Edwin on a song every night and Darius [Rucker] is invited to jam with us as well.”
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $67.45-$468
WEEZER
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its debut album, Weezer will perform the record in its entirety on the “Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour” at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 11.
INFO 212-465-6000, msg.com
TICKETS $102.30-$467.30
PITBULL
Pitbull closes out the Jones Beach season on Sept. 12. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
Mr. Worldwide himself brings his “Party After Dark” show to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on Sept. 12.
INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com
TICKETS $191.70-$1,184.40
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
