Arts & Entertainment

World-Class Talent and Church Picnic in One

LONG ISLAND CULTURE: Also, 'La Traviata' coming to Sands Point Preserve in marvelous setting.

What if you could combine a world-class show with the hometown feel of a church picnic?

It’s happening the next three Wednesday night’s at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview, where a concert series is being staged outdoors for a good cause.

This coming week’s performance on July 24 is by six-time Grammy contender Pat Farrell, whose style is a mix of classic rock, ethnic and easy listening. He has sung the National Anthem at Shea Stadium, Giants Stadium and Carnegie Hall. The international talent has also played with band members of major recording stars. (His Billy Joel Tribute is dead-on; see it here.)

This and the other Wednesday concerts are free and open to the public on the church’s lawn in Plainview. The church is asking for free-will donations to help repair its roof, damaged during Hurricane Sandy. 

Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You should bring a blanket or chair and your own refreshments, but if you come earlier, around 6 p.m., bring a dish to pass for their pot-luck supper and campfire prior to the show. 

  • Cost: Free; good-will donations accepted.
  • Info: Good Shepherd is located at 99 Central Park Road in Plainview, just south of the Plainview Old Bethpage Middle School and just off the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway. There's ample parking in the church lot.
Verdi's La Traviata at Sands Point Preserve July 27 

Opera lovers need to make plans now: Friends of the Sands Point Preserve presents the North Shore Music Festival in their third summer season Saturday. 

Find out what's happening in Glen Covewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" will open the season next Saturday at the Great Hall at Castle Gould, with Julia Lima singing the leading role of Violetta and in partnership with the Bronx Opera Company.

Puccini’s "Il Tabarro" is also scheduled for Aug. 17.

The Jewel Box Opera Series features a world-class cast and chamber orchestra in the stunning, air conditioned confines of a Gold Coast mansion. There are no bad seats in the house. The operas have been shortened somewhat into a "chamber" format suited for the space.

  • Cost: $75 per person.
  • Info: The doors to the Great Hall open at 7:30 p.m. Performances begin at 8:15 p.m.Drinks, dessert buffet, and coffee – from about 9:30 to 11 p.m.

"Antigone Rising" at Nickerson Beach

Back to free outdoor concerts, "Antigone Rising"will perform at Nickerson Beach on Sunday, July 28. The show, sponsored by Nassau County, will begin at 7 p.m.

Known for their soaring three part harmonies and a driving and vivacious live show, Antigone Rising has toured with The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers Band, The Dave Matthews Band, Rob Thomas, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, among others.

  • Cost: Free
  • Info: Nickerson Beach, located in the village of Lido Beach, does not have formal seating, concertgoers are urged to bring folding chairs or blankets.

About this column: "Long Island Culture" is a weekend Patch feature highlighting upcoming cultural and arts events around our region. You can pitch your best offerings to Local Editor Joe Dowd at joe.dowd@patch.com.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here