Great South Bay Festival's closing day features new wave, yacht rock

This year's Great South Bay Music Festival will feature its most diverse roster to date. The event, which is scheduled for July 24-27 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, has announced its closing day lineup: Men at Work, Naked Eyes, Ambrosia, Yacht Rock Revue and Strangelove — the Depeche Mode Experience. On a day usually reserved for classic rock, this year the festival is blending new wave with yacht rock.

"We wanted to go in a different direction. The late ’70s, ’80s and ’90s music is having a resurgence and that’s where people’s heads are at," says founder and promoter Jim Faith. "In the past, we’ve missed the demographic. But it’s something people have asked for over the years and we wanted to dive into it."

Fans of the legendary Long Island radio station WLIR might feel some strong nostalgic vibes with Australian band Men at Work ("Down Under," "Who Can It Be Now?"), which hasn't played Long Island in 24 years, and Britain's Naked Eyes ("Always Something There to Remind Me," "Promises, Promises"), which last performed here seven years ago.

"I think it will bring the WLIR crowd," says Faith. "We are even going to have former WLIR DJ/current SiriusXM DJ Larry "The Duck" Dunn serve as host of the day. I’m excited about it."

The yacht rock craze has increased the popularity of Ambrosia, known for hits like "Biggest Part of Me," "How Much I Feel" and "Holdin’ on to Yesterday." Meanwhile Yacht Rock Revue pays tribute to the entire genre.

"Typically, we wouldn’t put on a cover band, but Yacht Rock Revue are well loved and they do a great job," says Faith. "I think it will be more fun and a party. That’s the kind of groove we are trying to set up."

Previously announced line-ups include: Long Island’s own Taking Back Sunday, Say Anything, Gym Class Heroes and Head Automatica on July 24. Rock-reggae rules July 25 with Damian and Stephen Marley, sons of late reggae icon Bob Marley, plus the Elovaters, J Boog and local band Oogee Wawa. Jam Band Day is July 26, featuring moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Eggy.

"The festival began with blues and rock then started to move into other genres," says Faith. "This year there is something for everybody and it’s all good music."

For tickets (general admission: $62-$69.50) or more information, visit: greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com. Prices will go up as the festival draws closer.

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.