Where to listen to reggae music on Long Island
King Wellington plays a live set at Flynn's in Ocean Bay Park, a restaurant and bar for both young and old, offering dockspace for those who venture out on their boats, a dancefloor, and a waterfront dining room. (June 23, 2013) Photo by Johnny Milano Credit: Johnny Milano
Reggae is synonymous with outdoor summer fun. The island sounds exude feel-good vibes. Let the Rasta rhythms become the soundtrack of the season by hitting up one of these reggae-themed nights:
MOON CHASER
Climb aboard this party boat and you'll find a hot Caribbean buffet on the bottom deck and a live reggae band performing beside a bar on the top deck. Beer, wine and soda are included with your ticket while mixed drinks are $8.
The Soul Junkies present "roots rock reggae with a bluesy edge" June 12, while the Next Level Band brings dance hall reggae July 10.
"Reggae always has a positive vibe to it," says Soul Junkies lead singer-guitarist Michael Martin. "The rhythm is so danceable, everyone can move to it."
WHEN | WHERE 8:30 p.m. June 12 and 8:30 p.m. July 10 from Captree State Park, 3500 Ocean Pkwy., Babylon. 21 and older
ADMISSION $49
INFO 631-265-1848, themoonchaser.com
"Sunset Sundays" involves hanging out on the sand overlooking the Patchogue River as reggae and tropical rock bands play. Watch a monster 4-foot burger get cooked on an open fire pit, then toast the sunset from an Adirondack chair with a frozen drink in hand.
"People have a resort mentality when they are here," owner Michael Bruemmer says. "It's very laid-back and friendly."
WHEN | WHERE 1-9 p.m., Sundays, 31 Baker Pl., Patchogue. 21 and older
ADMISSION $10
INFO 631-475-1723, offkeytikki.com
Known primarily for blues and jazz, this modern New Orleans-style venue branches out with indoor reggae nights on Fridays in the summer.
"We wanted to do something different and fun. There's a big appetite for reggae on Long Island," co-owner Eric Bruno says. "Reggae fits naturally with what we do. It's just the blues slowed down a little bit."
Each week features a different band -- there's Project Vibe June 12, Baked Potatoes June 19 and King Jango on August 28. Jamaican treats like jerk chicken are on the menu along with an array of craft beer.
WHEN | WHERE 9 p.m., Fridays, 553 Main St., Islip. 21 and older
ADMISSION $10
INFO 631-277-2008, tremeislip.com
For the past 25 years, "Sunday Funday" has been a tradition on Fire Island, a day party before the masses head home on the ferry. King Wellington mixes covers and originals on Flynn's outside deck overlooking Great South Bay. Sip a Rocket Fuel ($15) -- a pina colada topped with amaretto and rum -- while sitting among the live palm trees by the tiki bar.
"Sunday Funday gets more popular each year," co-owner Tim Flynn says. "It started out as a nice Sunday afternoon and now it's a big party."
WHEN | WHERE 1 p.m. Sundays, 1 Cayuga St. in Ocean Bay Park, Fire Island. 21 and older.
ADMISSION $5
INFO 631-583-5000, flynnsfireislandny.com
Reggae is the focus of Sunday nights in Amagansett -- that's when bands like New Kingston (June 28) and the Inner Roots (July 5) help fill this indoor dance floor. Presidente and Red Stripe beers and shots run $5.
"We've had just about everybody come through the doors over the years, from Jimmy Cliff to Burning Spear to Black Uhuru," says booking manager and promoter Nick Kraus. "We are the place people go to close out the weekend with some reggae."
WHEN | WHERE 10 p.m. Sundays, 161 Main St., Amagansett. 21 and older
ADMISSION $10-$20
INFO 631-267-3117, stephentalkhouse.com
The outdoor deck has been newly transformed into the South Shore Surf Club, offering live reggae on Friday nights. Jahstix sings and plays guitar using a loop pedal, making himself sound like a full band.
"I want the crowd to feel like they are on vacation somewhere away from the madness of the city," Jahstix says. "Some people vibe out dancing while others just chill in the corner."
On the menu: coconut shrimp ($10.95); The Mexican, an avocado/salsa burger ($9.95); hawg wings (roasted pork on the bone in bourbon barbecue sauce) ($10.95); frozen drinks ($5), and Coronita beer buckets ($6).
WHEN | WHERE 6 p.m. Fridays, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh. 21 and older
ADMISSION $10
INFO 516-783-7500, muls.com
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
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