Long Island is famous for its live music venues. When My Fathers Place opened in 1971, the Roslyn hotspot became what The New York Times said was the place where the whole world looked “for the next big trend in rock 'n' roll.”
Then there is the mother of all venues, Nassau Coliseum, where most Long Islanders can say they have seen some of their most memorable shows. Click here to read some crazy facts about Nassau Coliseum.
The live music scene on Long Island has only grown over the generations. While there are endless great local places to see a concert, below we present some of our favorite spots for live music on Long Island.
Jones Beach Theater - What’s the best place to see a concert on Long Island? The top of almost every native Long Islander’s list is usually Jones Beach Theater. Nothing compares to the experience at Jones Beach. A summer night. On the water. Sun going down. An explosion of music. Read our story, crazy facts about Jones Beach Theater. Location: 895 Bay Parkway, Wantagh.
The Paramount - Opened in 2011, this venue quickly established itself as one of the premier live music destinations on Long Island. The Paramount hosts over 200 events per year. Most shows are a mix of general admission and VIP seating. Last year, the club became the number one club in the world by ticket sales, according to Pollstar, a trade publication that tracks data for the global concert industry. Location: 370 New York Avenue, Huntington.
NYCB Theatre at Westbury - This venue has a rich and storied history that begins in 1956 when three partners, Frank Ford, Lee Guber and Shelly Gross, stepped out of car to inspect the underdeveloped industrial site that was to become the Westbury Music Fair. A unique theater in the round with a rotating stage, the theater attracts big talent and small in a venue that seems at once big enough and intimate. Location: 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury.
The Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater at Bald Hill - What used to be known as the Pennysaver Amphitheater (everyone take a moment to remember when the Pennysaver ruled the classifieds before Craigslist), is an outdoor clamshell stadium with a mix of a general admission on a rolling lawn and assigned seating. Acts include country bands and classic rock. Location: 1 Ski Run Lane, Farmingville.
Mulcahy’s - A classic music venue that’s been around for decades. Weekly concerts and events drawing acts like Long Islander Mike Delguidice and Big Shot and classic rockers Bret Michaels, Ted Nugent and Zebra. They host everything from reggae rock to country. They also have great bars and food service. Location: 232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh.
My Father’s Place - The storied Roslyn club that brought some of the biggest acts to Long Island closed in 1987 but owner Michael Epstein reopened in the Roslyn Hotel in 2018. After some controversy, My Father’s Place relocated again and reopened (again) at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove. Location: 3 Pratt Boulevard, Glen Cove.
The Jazz Loft - This old stone building in Stony Brook built in the 1770s was converted into a museum and venue for live music in 2016. Experience jazz in an intimate setting. Location: 275 Christian Avenue, Stony Brook.
Tilles Center - From Mozart to classic rock, the Tilles Center has been putting on shows for over 40 years. Fun fact: Bruce Springsteen’s legendary “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” was recorded here. Location: 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville.
The Suffolk - From folk rock to cover bands and more, the Suffolk in Riverhead was a unique Art Deco movie house on Main Street in historic downtown Riverhead that reopened in 2013 after a labor-of-love renovation. Location: 118 East Main Street, Riverhead.
89 North - Venue started by music lovers who wanted a better alternative to your local bar. Location: 89 North Ocean Avenue, Patchogue.
Beau's Bar - Deadhead bar with live music. Location: 54 Broadway, Greenlawn.
The Warehouse - A local place with a variety of live music acts weekly. Location: 203 Broadway, Amityville.
Mr. Beery’s - Celebrating 30 years of beers and bands. Location: 4019 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage.
Lucky Strike Bar & Lounge at Port Jeff Bowl - One of the newer entries, this bowling alley has converted itself into a fun live music joint where you can still throw strikes. Location: 31 Chereb Lane, Port Jeff Station.
Patchogue Theatre - A slate of original music on the calendar from alt country to classic rock. Location: 71 East Main Street, Patchogue.
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame - Another new entry, this spot features Long Island music history exhibits along with live music. Location: 97 Main Street, Stony Brook.