California has Coachella, Chicago has Lollapalooza, Tennessee has Bonnaroo and Long Island has the Great South Bay Music Festival. This four-day festival, held July 18-21 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, is celebrating its 16th year with perhaps the most diverse lineup yet.
“My vision was always a festival for everyone — not just one segment of people or musical genre,” says festival promoter-founder Jim Faith. “We believe in a variety of musical styles. Thursday is blues guitarists, Friday is a reggae party, Saturday is filled with jam bands and Sunday is a dream classic rock lineup. Each day can’t be the same because that can get boring.”
More than 50 artists will perform across three stages. Here are seven of the biggest acts being featured on the Main Stage this year.
JIM MESSINA
Jim Messina will perform at the Great South Bay Music Festival on July 18. Credit: George Bekris
Singer-songwriter Jim Messina has an extensive music resume, from Buffalo Springfield to Poco to Loggins & Messina to his solo career.
GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN | WHERE 4:30-10 p.m. Thursday, 4:25-11 p.m. Friday, 1:45-11 p.m. Saturday and 2:30-10 p.m. next Sunday; Shorefront Park, 49 Smith St., Patchogue
ADMISSION Tickets are $72.68-$85.57 per day; VIP: $137.11-$188.66; Ultra VIP: $240.21-$265.98
MORE INFO 631-331-0808, greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com
TIPS Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. No outside food or beverages are allowed. Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable sneakers or sandals. Bring sunscreen for the daytime and a sweatshirt for when the sun goes down. Arrive early to get free parking on the street; otherwise parking is $20 on Rider Avenue. Have your ID with you at all times. Both cash and credit cards are accepted throughout the festival grounds.
“Music has been a way of life since I was 13 years old. It’s all I’ve ever done,” says Messina, 76. “I enjoy playing with musicians who are committed to their music. With this band, I’ve been able to keep my craft alive.”
Messina, on guitar and vocals, is joined on stage by keyboardist-vocalist Jim Frazier, drummer Jack Bruno, saxophonist Steve Nieves and bassist Ben King. Together they deliver a set that spans Messina’s entire career.
“The audience is coming to see and hear the past therefore I give that to them,” says Messina. “I keep the original melodies intact. But I also give them an opportunity to see what’s currently going on.”
Expect to hear L&M staples like “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” “Angry Eyes,” “House at Pooh Corner” and “Danny’s Song” plus solo cuts, “New and Different Way” and “Lovin’ You Every Minute” as well as Poco songs, “Follow Your Dreams” and “You Better Think Twice.”
SET TIME Thursday, 7-8 p.m.
JOE BONAMASSA
Gutarist Joe Bonamassa will perform on July 18. Credit: Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Amy Harris
Bluesman Joe Bonamassa makes his Great South Bay Music Festival debut with a seven-piece backing band. He is coming off sold-out tours of the United States and Europe, plus he recently opened for the Rolling Stones.
“It’s been a pinch-me year,” says Bonamassa, 47. “I’m happy to be in a position to tour when I want to and do it for the right reasons. This band is the best I’ve had in my 35-year career.”
Influenced by guitarists Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin, Bonamassa got into the blues in a unique way.
“I went through London to get to the blues before I got to Chicago. I was listening to Cream’s version of ‘Spoonful’ before I heard about Howlin’ Wolf,” he says. “The English introduced a lot of us to the blues under the auspices of it being heavy rock. Led Zeppelin’s first album is a blues record but the press called it heavy metal.”
Look out for fan favorites “Sloe Gin” and “Mountain Time” plus the current tour showstopper, “The Last Matador of Bayonne.”
“People like the big desperate blues ballads,” says Bonamassa. “We are lucky enough to have fans that come to see us time and time again.”
SET TIME Thursday, 8:30-10 p.m.
THE DISCO BISCUITS
The Disco Biscuits hit the main stage on July 20. Credit: Tara Gracer
Get ready to move when The Disco Biscuits hit the stage delivering their special brand of high-energy dance music.
“Our live show is a mix of dance, funk and storytelling,” says lead guitarist Jon “The Barber” Gutwillig. “It’s fun and heavy on a community vibe with lasers and different ornaments on the stage. The sonic direction is groovy techno with stadium rock choruses.”
Currently, the band is promoting its new album, “Revolution in Motion,” a space opera.
“It has all the trimmings of a dramatic musical affair,” says Gutwillig. “We will drop some new cuts into our normal repertoire.”
The band has rabid fans that follow them from show to show.
“We draw a great group of people that have an incredible perspective on life,” says Gutwillig. “They all know each other and get along well together. It’s a big family feeling.”
SET TIME Saturday, 6:55-8:25 p.m.
DARK STAR ORCHESTRA
Dark Star Orchestra will pay tribute to the Grateful Dead on July 20. Credit: Bob Minkin Photography
Deadheads will unite as Dark Star Orchestra pays tribute to the Grateful Dead by recreating a set list from one of the Dead's old shows.
“The set list is a surprise every night,” says lead guitarist-vocalist Jeff Mattson. “One night we might focus on a set from the late ‘80s then the next night it might be a set from 1969. People try to guess and at the end of the show we announce the show we just recreated. Other times we make up our own fantasy set.”
Songs like “Scarlet Begonias,” “Shakedown Street,” “Sugar Magnolia” and “China Cat Sunflower” flutter in and out of the set depending on the night.
“The songbook has really held up over time. These are good songs with strong melodies and interesting lyrics,” says Mattson. “The music has a spirit of adventure because it’s never played the same way twice. It’s always different. The songs never sound exactly like the record.”
SET TIME Saturday, 9-11 p.m.
MARTIN BARRE
Former Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre performs on July 21. Credit: Hungry Ear Agency
Those craving a dose of Jethro Tull can see the band's former guitarist Martin Barre rip through a series of Tull tracks.
“It’s a full-on rock show cranked to 11,” promises Barre, 77. “I’ve never had an audience walk away disappointed. They will get a good selection.”
Barre likes to change his set from night to night pulling out Tull anthems “Aqualung” and “Thick As a Brick” to more obscure material like “Acres Wild” and “Under Wraps.”
“I always want to surprise people and take them to places that they were not expecting to go,” says Barre. “As long as fans want to hear me play, I’ll be there for them. Nothing will stop me.”
Backed by a trio of guitarist-vocalist Dan Crisp, bassist Alan Thomson and drummer Terl Bryant, Barre is tight with his band and likes showing them off.
“We get a huge buzz out of playing together,” says Barre. “In our show, there is a lot of space and opportunity to share the spotlight. Everyone needs to be highlighted.”
SET TIME Sunday, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
JUSTIN HAYWARD
Justin Hayward, formerly of The Moody Blues, will perform at the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue on July 21. Credit: John Nichols
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist-vocalist Justin Hayward brings the good vibes of The Moody Blues, his former band, along with a deep catalog of hits.
“I don’t ever leave a venue without playing things that people want to hear,” says Hayward, 77. “There are songs that bring a certain kind of magic in the room, such as ‘Tuesday Afternoon,’ ‘Your Wildest Dreams’ and ‘I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.’ They evoke such feelings from me as well as the fans.”
No Hayward set list would be complete without a performance of his biggest hit, “Nights in White Satin.”
“The song has a life of its own,” says Hayward. “It has been in the Martin Scorsese film, ‘Casino’ as well as a TV commercial for Bleu de Chanel with actor Timothée Chalamet. I wrote it at age 19 and recorded it when I was 20. I was at the end of one big love affair and at the beginning of another.”
Hayward will also include a new track, “Living for Love,” which is a nostalgic look back on his teenage years.
“It’s about realizing what music meant to me and my brother,” says Hayward. “The records we bought spoke for us. They said everything we wanted to say better than we could say it.”
SET TIME Sunday, 7:05-8:05 p.m.
JON ANDERSON
Jon Anderson, Yes' former lead vocalist, will play with The Band Geeks on July 21. Credit: Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Amy Harris
The original voice of Yes, Jon Anderson has formed a union with the Band Geeks. This partnership turned into a new album, "True," which will be released on Aug. 23. From the nine songs on the record, Anderson will include the first single, “Shine On” as well as “True Messenger” in his set.
“It’s high and mighty sounding. This is the Yes album that never got made,” says Anderson, 79, of the new material. “It’s filled with joyfulness, gratefulness and thankfulness.”
However, there will be a healthy helping of classic Yes such as “Perpetual Change,” “Yours is No Disgrace,” “Close to the Edge,” “Awaken” and “Heart of the Sunrise.”
“The energy you create on stage with an audience is priceless,” says Anderson. “Playing the old Yes songs with these guys is magic. It evokes a beautiful feeling inside that life is powerful and that universal love is still out there.”
SET TIME Sunday, 8:40-10 p.m.
SIDE ATTRACTIONS
There’s more than just music to enjoy throughout the four-day festival. All your needs are taken care of from hunger to thirst to shopping to entertaining kids.
FOOD COURT
Don’t expect the generic festival fare. This food court rocks with choices that range from fun to funky. Get ethnic with Ruta Oaxaca Mexican, G&L Gyros, grilled Polish kielbasa, Crepe Suzette de France and Mordisco Empanadas. Don’t miss Imperial Pizza, lobsters rolls, barbecue from Bobbique, chicken and waffles from The Waffle Chic or Knot of this World’s giant pretzels. Thirsty? Sip Leo’s Lemonade or some Subtle Tea. For dessert go for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Ralph’s Italian Ices or Kona Ice of Long Island.
BEER TENT
Those 21 and over (with valid ID) can get a brew at the beer tent, which will be pouring Voodoo Ranger, Blue Moon, Samuel Adams Summer Ale, Coors Light and Modelo. There will also be White Claw hard seltzers for the non-beer fans.
MERCHANT VILLAGE
Take a break from dancing and playing air guitar to stroll through the merchant village where artisans will be selling a variety of handmade goods, such as tie-dyed clothing, henna tattoos, crystals, cork bags and more.
KIDZONE
Head over the KidZone tent for some children’s entertainment opposite the merchant village. On Saturday, be amazed by “Magic with Jeff” from 1:15-1:50 p.m., enjoy Funky Town Playground from 2:25-3:05 p.m., take in the Greg Milstein Circus Show from 3:40-4:20 p.m. and hang with the Kiddle Karoo & her Kool Krew from 5:10-5:45 p.m.
On Sunday, do children’s yoga during “Getting Zen with Erin” from 2:45-3:20 p.m., listen to the kiddie tunes of Keri Wirth from 4-4:40 p.m., watch juggler Lou Johnson from 5:25-6 p.m. and witness Bewitching Magic from 6:55-7:35 p.m.
— DAVID J. CRIBLEZ
CATCH SOME HOMETOWN FAVORITES
Support our Long Island artists who are peppered in throughout the Great South Bay Music Festival schedule. Here are five local acts not to miss.
KERRY KEARNEY & THE KINGS OF THE PSYCHEDELTA
Kerry Kearney and company will give the audience a sneak peak of some new material from their upcoming album, “Psychedelta Moon,” which drops in the fall.
“We’ve been playing the Great South Bay Music Festival for 10 years now and it’s our favorite concert of the summer,” says Kearney. “I’ll be bringing an eight-piece band this year and the energy will be great as always.”
PERFORMING On the Main Stage Thursday, 4:30-5:10 p.m.
BRANDON 'TAZ' NIEDERAUER
This guitar hero from Dix Hills is prepping a set with his four-piece band that will include material from his upcoming debut album as well as an assortment of covers including some Jimi Hendrix songs.
“Playing for the Long Island crowd is the best,” says Niederauer, 21. “I see so many familiar faces, including friends, teachers from my schools and family. It is like playing in my backyard!"
PERFORMING On the Main Stage Thursday, 5:40-6:30 p.m.
OOGEE WAWA
The party starts with the reggae rockers Oogee Wawa who will deliver staples “Waiting On the Sunrise” and “Spliffs” as well as brand new single, “Everything I Need.”
“We look forward to this festival every year,” says frontman Jesse Lee Roenbeck of Center Moriches. “We have toured the country many times over and the energy we feel from the home crowd is second to none. Long Island, New York, represent!”
PERFORMING At the Bandshell Friday, 8:55-9:30 p.m.
CASSANDRA HOUSE
Patchogue’s own singer-songwriter Cassandra House will make her ninth appearance at the festival. This year, she will deliver a set of original material from her album, “The Roam,” including crowd favorite, “Little Flower.”
“I grew up going to summer camp at this same park where the festival is held,” says House. “It feels full circle in the best way.”
PERFORMING At the Bandshell Saturday, 4:45-5:20 p.m.
MILES TO DAYTON
Expect an eclectic mix of original music from this folk-rock band, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The group's set will draw from its four independent releases, “A Long Way Back,” “Rise,” “Pass It On” and “Forces Unknown.”
“The energy and atmosphere of the festival is centered around a deep appreciation for music and the arts,” says vocalist-guitarist Jonathan Preddice of Port Jefferson Station. “It is great to be among people that continue to value and celebrate the art form of live music.”
PERFORMING On the Main Stage Sunday, 2:40-3:20 p.m.
— DAVID J. CRIBLEZ
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
