"The Sound of Music" has nothing on Long Island, where every summer not only the hills, but the parks, beaches, fields and even parking lots are alive with the sound of music. From bouncy pop to classic rock, from country to classical, and from blues and jazz to world music, you'll find tunes for every taste. And a devoted music lover can find a free outdoor concert every night of the week.
So tote those folding chairs and blankets, and pack up a picnic dinner or snack: As they say, the best things in life are free.
WHO The Fugitives and other local bands
WHERE The Beach Hut, Shirley, Smith Point County Park
WHEN Daily at 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day
PHONE 631-281-7788
WEB thebeachhuts.com
Sea, sand and the hot tunes are on tap at Smith Point County Park's Beach Hut. On Mondays, The Fugitives rock out, and the Hut serves up its lobster special. Parking's free after 5 p.m., or play hooky from work and make a day of it at the beach, too. Check the Web site for Beach Huts in the Hamptons and the Town of Babylon, which organizers tell us have nightly music, too.
WHO Gloria Gaynor, The Spin Doctors
WHERE Music Under the Stars 2008, Town of Oyster Bay (various locations).
WHEN Daily except Sundays through Aug. 12
PHONE 516-797-7900
WEB oysterbaytown.com
Oyster Bay's music fest may be under the stars, but it also boasts a huge roster of stars on its stages: This summer, appearances have included Tony Orlando, Eartha Kitt, Melissa Manchester and Air Supply. But the fun's not over, with the Aug. 5 concert at John J. Burns Town Park in Massapequa boasting Gloria Gaynor celebrating the 30th anniversary of her anthem "I Will Survive," and the Aug. 12 season ender with The Spin Doctors at Hicksville High School's field at Newbridge Road.
WHO Various local acts
WHERE 2008 Summer Showcase Concert Series at Silversmith's Corner, Southold
WHEN 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 27
PHONE 631-765-3598
WEB northfork.org/calendar
Presented by a small group of devoted volunteers, with help from Southold Town and the state Council on the Arts, these shows offer East End residents and visitors homey concerts and broader musical offerings. On tap the week of Aug. 4: Imagine you're living "The Music Man" at "An Evening of Barbershop Harmony." Coming up: Bluegrass, original guitar music and the traditional season-ender on Aug. 27, The Greenport Band.
WHO Tribute bands
