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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.