March 4 weekly planner: 10 top LI events

1. Bebe Neuwirth

The spotlight will be on singer and actress Bebe Neuwirth as she performs "Stories With Piano" at the Staller Center's Arts 2012 Gala celebration. The show, which made its debut at the famed Manhattan nightclub Feinstein's at the Loews Regency, features songs by Stephen Sondheim, Edith Piaf, Irving Berlin and other musical greats.

The Tony- and Emmy-winning Neuwirth, known for her winning roles in "Sweet Charity," "Chicago," "A Chorus Line" and "The Addams Family" (not to mention her stint as Frasier Crane's ex on the TV sitcom "Frasier"), most recently signed on for a recurring role in the CBS drama "The Good Wife."

WHEN|WHERE 8 p.m. Saturday, Staller Center, Stony Brook University

INFO 631-632-2787, stallercenter.com

ADMISSION $65 ($400 post-concert reception)

2. Craft Beer Festival

Brew it and they will come. More than 50 craft beer brewers from around the country, (including Long Island-based brewers Blue Point Brewing Company and Great South Bay Brewery), pour 2-ounce samples of their brews at the Coliseum, where the exhibit hall transforms into a beer garden. Beyond the brews, there will be bratwurst, chili and cheese steaks. Advance ticket purchase suggested.

WHEN|WHERE 12:30-4 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Nassau Coliseum

INFO 631-940-7290, springcraftbeerfestival.com

ADMISSION $45-$55 ($12 designated driver), $7 parking fee

3. Meet Kristi Yamaguchi

The 1992 ladies singles Olympic gold medalist in figure skating -- and, more recently, a "Dancing With the Stars" champ -- signs her latest children's book, "It's a Big World, Little Pig!," a story about Poppy, the "dreaming-big" pig and her Parisian adventure. Good to know: She'll sign ice skates, too.

WHEN|WHERE 10 a.m. Wednesday, Barnes & Noble, 91 Old Country Rd., Carle Place

INFO 516-741-9850, barnesandnoble.com

ADMISSION Free

4. March Comedy Madness

It's not your typical March Madness bracket: Sixty-four comedians from the metropolitan area go laugh-to-laugh in a monthlong competition that kicks off Friday in Bellmore and continues weekly until the "Final Four" championship March 30. Each week, the audience decides who advances to the next round -- the grand prize is a paid gig at Governor's in Levittown.

WHEN|WHERE 10:30 p.m. Friday, Governor's Comedy at the Brokerage, Merrick Road, Bellmore. Continues Fridays through March 30

INFO 516-781-5233, brokeragecomedy.com

ADMISSION $15 (plus two beverage minimum)

5. Keith Hernandez

He was a key part of the 1986 Mets team that beat the Boston Red Sox for the World Series title, clinching it at Shea Stadium along with Mookie Wilson, Howard Johnson and the late Gary Carter. These days, the former first baseman is an announcer for the Mets. He makes a signing appearance at Steiner Sports along with Lou Brock, former leftfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals.

WHEN|WHERE 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Steiner Sports Store, Roosevelt Field mall, Garden City

INFO 800-242-7139, steinersports.com

COST $35-$45 per item

6. Classic Albums Live

Imagine hearing a live rendition of a classic rock album from start to finish. That's what is in store Friday when a tribute band will take the stage at Tilles Center to play The Beatles' eighth album, "Sgt. Pepper." Tracks include greats such as "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" and "With a Little Help From My Friends."

WHEN|WHERE 8 p.m. Friday, Tilles Center, LIU Post, Route 25A, Brookville

INFO 516-299-3100, tillescenter.org

ADMISSION $27-$47

7. Bernese Mountain Dog Fun Walk

Dogs need socialization, too. "Berners" are uniting for a roughly 1-mile flat walk with their owners along trails to the Great South Bay and back at Gardiners County Park. The organizers will discuss the breed's characteristics and give grooming tips.

WHEN|WHERE 11 a.m. next Sunday, March 4, Gardiners County Park, Montauk Highway, Bay Shore

INFO 631-472-2870, bmdli.org

ADMISSION Free

8. 'Guitars on Fire'

Two jazz artists reunite for "Guitars on Fire: Volume 2, A Lifetime With Guitars," featuring Five Towns College Guitar faculty members Peter Rogine and Joe Carbone performing selections from the duo's live radio performance, "Dueling D'Angelicos." Before or after the concert, see a display of classic jazz guitars.

WHEN|WHERE 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, 305 N. Service Rd., Dix Hills

INFO 631-656-2148, dhpac.org

ADMISSION $20

9. '70s Soul Jam

These musical acts have the sound of a bygone era -- the Philly soul group the Stylistics, the Dramatics (formed in Detroit and featured on the TV show "Soul Train"), Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes and the Manhattans get together for a wide-ranging concert of R&B classics and popular hits.

WHEN|WHERE 8 p.m. Friday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury

INFO 800-745-3000, livenation.com

ADMISSION $29.50-$69.50

10. Wine 101

Learn about Long Island wines during March as part of a wine education series at Martha Clara Vineyards. The in-depth classes will cover a different aspect of winemaking each week -- from growing and cultivating the grapes to pairing wines with food.

WHEN|WHERE Noon and 2 p.m. Sunday, Martha Clara Vineyards, 6025 Sound Ave., Riverhead. Continues Sundays through March 25.

INFO 631-298-0075, marthaclaravineyards.com

ADMISSION $25 per course