Long Island Sound Festival to feature LIers Wheatus, John Nolan of Taking Back Sunday, more

Tribute bands need not apply — that could have been the tagline for the inaugural Long Island Sound Festival at Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall in Wantagh Sept. 1-2. The weekend event focuses on 26 local indie artists who’ll play all original music.

“We want to show that there is a band scene here on Long Island,” says Rick Cappiello, Mulcahy’s booking manager. “We support original music.”

Mulcahy’s operations manager, Alyssa Mercurio, says the lineup showcases pop, punk, alternative rock and emo music. Here’s a taste of the artists on the bill:

SATURDAY

PUPPYBROTHER

Supporting its 2017 EP, “Leave It Where It Lays,” expect to hear alternative pop/rock songs such as “Kokeshi Keshi” and new tune “Bad Trip.”

“The original idea of the band was to make enough money so I could afford to get myself a dog,” says singer/guitarist JD “Neev” Delnevo, 25, of New Hyde Park. “I’m not there yet.”

SET TIME 2 p.m.

TIDAL WAVES

The alternative rock/emo quartet likes to keep the vibe mellow with lyrics from the heart. “Our goal is to be as tight and entertaining as possible,” says singer/guitarist Fernando Sancho, 24, of West Babylon. “We go for a real authentic feel.”

SET TIME 3 p.m.

WHEATUS

Hailing from Northport, this seven-piece unit plays crowd favorites “Lemonade” and “Hey Mr. Brown,” plus new songs “Tipsy” and “Lullaby.” Prepare for an explosion of nostalgia when they kick into the 2000 anthem, “Teenage Dirtbag.”

“The crowd takes it away from us. It’s become their song,” says singer/guitarist Brendan B. Brown, 44. “You feel like you are on a roller coaster. You just kind of let go and let them tell you what to do.”

SET TIME 8 p.m.

PATENT PENDING

These stage veterans are headlining to set an example for the younger bands with their power-pop delivery, playing an upbeat mix of old and new songs. “It’s been a little while since a generation of kids have come around that want to help nurture the scene on Long Island,” says lead singer Joe Ragosta, 34, of Port Jefferson. “To me this festival is important. It’s mayhem, it’s madness and it has to happen!”

SET TIME 8:50 p.m.

SUNDAY

STRAWBERRY BLONDE

Call it emo with a pop edge. Songs from their debut EP, “Better Still,” are filled with catchy hooks, and the party will continue on the upcoming five-song EP, “Maybe,” due this fall. “Our live show is more raw and real than our records,” says singer/guitarist Liam Connors, 22, of Astoria. “We put a lot of emotion into it and our set is different each night.”

SET TIME 6:30 p.m.

SUBURBAN ZOMBIE

Sum 41, Green Day and New Found Glory are some of the forefathers of this pop-punk outfit. Last year’s “New Year, New Tears” EP set the bar while current hot single, “Dog Days,” brings things to a new level. “We take it seriously but at the same time not too seriously,” says singer/guitarist Dan Labbato, 22, of Lake Grove. “Our goal is to make sure everyone has a blast.”

SET TIME 8 p.m.

SUMMER HOMES

Most of the band’s songs start sad but turn brighter in the end. The current post-hardcore/emo album, “Post Human,” grapples with some heavy issues. “It’s all very emotional and deep,” says bassist Nikki Esposito, 22, of Baldwin. “You can dance to it or cry to it.”

SET TIME 8:30 p.m.

JOHN NOLAN

The Taking Back Sunday and Straylight Run guitarist/vocalist goes solo for this show, headlining the second day with his backing band. The Rockville Centre-raised musician will debut some new music from his upcoming solo album mixed with some Straylight Run classics such as “Hands in the Sky (Big Shot)” and “Existentialism on Prom Night.”

SET TIME 9:50 p.m.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.