BLANK SLATE MEDIA February 14, 2020
YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING
STILL A BELIEVER BY D AV I D HINCKLEY
A
mong other things in an eventful life, Micky Dolenz has been a child television star, a producer, a director, a songwriter, a stage actor, a morning radio DJ and a fund-raiser. But when he comes to My Father’s Place in Roslyn on Feb. 23, he’ll just basically be a Monkee. “I’ve always thought you should give the people what they want,” says Dolenz, who locked in his primary identity more than half a century ago when he, Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork became the Monkees. They had a hit TV show for two seasons, and even more memorably they blanketed pop radio with the likes of “Last Train To Clarksville,” “Daydream Believer,” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “I’m A Believer.” Hey, hey, they were the Monkees, and if their legacy is deceptively complicated, Dolenz says their continuing appeal is no mystery. “We had great songs,” he says. “They’re still great songs. Look who wrote them: Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Neil Diamond, Jeff Barry. And they had great production. “People still want to hear them today. So I sing them as close as possible to the way the
PHOTO COURTESY OF MY FATHER’S PLACE
Micky Dolenz records sounded.” Dolenz sang lead on most of the hits, starting with “Last Train to Clarksville,” but that’s just one reason he likes faithful replications. “I’m a huge music fan, too,”
he says, “and as a fan, that’s what I’d want. “Growing up, I was a huge Everly Brothers fan. They were like my Beatles. I was in London in 1983 when they got back together and were doing their first
reunion show at Royal Albert Hall. As my wife and I were filing in, I was saying to myself, oh please, I hope they do ‘Wake Up Little Susie’ and ‘Bye Bye Love’ and all the songs I loved. “They did. And I said to myself that if I were ever in that position – this is before the Monkees resurgence of 1986 – I would do that, too.” Since ’86, he’s done it with his own show and with everchanging mix-and-match combinations of Monkees. Jones died in 2012 and Tork last year, but starting in April, Dolenz and Nesmith will be doing another Monkees tour out West. “It’s been good to me,” says Dolenz about the Monkee biz. If Dolenz and the Monkees always exuded innocent fun on camera, they’ve had their share of well-publicized differences off the stage. They have also woven one of the most complicated legacies in rock ‘n’ roll. They had a hit TV show and millions of fans. They also had skeptics who said that because they formed at a TV show audition, they were a manufactured band. Because they didn’t play instruments on some of their early recordings, they were not authentic rock ‘n’ rollers. Rock critics have tended to dismiss their music as catchy, but featherweight. Despite selling 80 or a hundred million albums, they have never received serious consideration for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Dolenz says he had a simple response when he heard those dismissals back in the day. “I told them I didn’t give a s—,” he says. “We were too busy being successful.” These days, he’s diplomatic. “I respect the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” he says. “Their foundation does great work. I’ve worked with them to raise money. But they’re a private club. They can invite who they want.” The real problem, he suggests, is that 53-plus years later,
“A lot of people still don’t get the Monkees. “No one had done a TV show like this before. The year I auditioned for the Monkees, there were at least four ideas out there for TV series about music. The other three felt like they were created by guys in suits saying, ‘Let’s make a show for the kids.’ The Monkees got it. It was like the Marx Brothers. It was a confluence of rock ‘n’ roll, TV, radio stations. It was a new paradigm.
I
“ ’ve always thought you should give the people what they want,”
Micky Dolenz “The characters we played weren’t successful musicians. That’s what they wanted to become. This wasn’t ‘Help’ or ‘A Hard Day’s Night.’ On the show we never made it – and that’s one of the main things that endeared us to the audience. All those thousands of kids playing guitars in their garages, we were just like them. “Look at all the shows that came after us. To me, the closest one was Glee, and by then people got it. No one watched Glee and said, ‘That’s a fake glee club.’ ” Whatever the nuances, Dolenz does not sound unhappy. Monkee life had many upsides, such as hanging out with folks like the Beatles. “After a while you felt like a peer with a lot of the musicians,” Dolenz says. “But with the Beatles, I always felt like a fan. Heck, I ran into Paul a couple of years ago and I realized, heck, I’m still a fan.” Like the folks who will see him in Roslyn. (Micky Dolenz at My Father’s Place, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn, Feb. 23 at 3 and 7 p.m. 516-413-3535, www.myfathersplace.com. Tix $75.)
24 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 14, 2020
THE TOP SEVEN EVENTS Long Island Boat Show Friday, Feb. 21, 12 p.m. One of the largest boat shows on Long Island will be taking place at Nassau Coliseum. There will be several boats, both new and used, for sale at the event. Additionally, there will be retailers on hand selling boat supplies. Standard tickets are $11.70 each, while senior tickets for those 65 or older are $8.70. Where: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale, New York 11553 Info: 516-231-4848 or nycblive.com
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Artie Lange Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Comedian Artie Lange will be performing at the Space at Westbury. Lange was a cast member on Mad TV from 1995 to 1997 and was on the third mic for The Howard Stern Show from 2001 to 2009. Additionally, he had a recurring role on the HBO series Crashing. His 2008 book, Too Fat to Fish, entered the New York Times Best Seller list at the number one spot. Tickets to the event are $29 for loge and balcony seats and $39 to $49 for reserved orchestra seats. Tickets purchased on the day of the event will cost an extra $5. Where: The Space at Westbury 250 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590 Info: 516-283-5566 or thespaceatwestbury.com
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Seinfeld Trivia Night Sunday, Feb. 23, 6 p.m. Test your knowledge on the show about nothing in this trivia contest. The ďŹ rst 15 people to register for the event can do so for free. Participants will be paired up into teams of no more than four. In order to participate in the event, attendees must purchase at least two total foods or drinks. Where: The Vine Wine Bar 2259 Merrick Rd., Merrick, NY 11566 Info: 516-812-7883 or socialevents123.com
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Making Memories With Music– The LI Banjo Society Monday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. Making Memories With Music will give participants the opportunity to sing, clap and laugh along with the trained musicians on hand. The Long Island Banjo Society was created in 1963 as a means to preserve the instrument and entertaining those listening. Tickets are $5 per person. Where: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington NY 11743 Info: 631-423-7610 or prod3.agileticketing.net
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STALLER CENTER Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 14, 2020
FOR THE COMING WEEK Beach-nesting Birds of Long Island
DRUM TAO 2020
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m. The North Shore Audobon Society will be meeting and have a presentation by wildlife biologist Amanda Pachomski regarding beach-nesting birds of Long Island. The unique biology and behaviors of these birds will be explored. Pachomski will also provide an overview of the research and conservation work conducted by Audobon New York exploring coastal stewardship, productivity monitoring, migratory shorebird surveys and human disturbance mitigation. Admission to the event is free. Where: Manhasset Public Library 30 Onderdonk Ave., Manhasset, NY 11030 • Info: 516-883-2130 nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com or northshoreaudobon.org
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SAT FEB 15 • 7:00 PM “Extraordinarily talented percussion artists, and they're seductive, alluring performers.” - Chicago Tribune 5
Long Island Career Fair
Gala 2020
Thursday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. Meet face-to-face with some of the Long Island area’s top employers for an interview. It’s important that attendees dress appropriately for the event and bring several copies of their resumes. Registration for the event is free. Where: The Marriot 1350 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747 Info: 631-423-1600 or eventbrite.com
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Tayari Jones
SAT MAR 7 • 8:00 PM VIP Gala Tickets available
A CAPPELLA LIVE
Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. Author Tayari Jones will be at Adelphi University to discuss her book, An American Marriage: A Love Story Torn Apart by Social Injustice.The book was a New York Timesbestseller and selected as part of Oprah’s Book Club. Additionally, the book included by former President Barack Obama as part of his summer reading list in 2018. Tickets for the event are $5 for the public. Adelphi students, alumni and staff can get in for free. Where: Performing Arts Center, Olmsted Theatre Adelphi University, One South Ave., Garden City, NY 11530 Info: 516-877-4555, events@adelphi.edu or events.adelphi.edu
KELLI O’HARA & SUTTON FOSTER
Performing together for the first time!
SAT MAR 14 AT 7:00 PM
From the vocal producer of Pitch Perfect, comes this high-energy musical celebration featuring four internationally recognized, award-winning rising stars.
Blake
Lewis
7 Women o
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TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT IN THIS SECTION, GO TO WWW.THEISLANDNOW.COM/ LOCAL-EVENTS
The F
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stallercenter.com
(631) 632-ARTS [2787]
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LIMITED ENGAGEMENT - GET TICKETS NOW! “A HOT NEW PLAY! One of the most touching plays on the New York stage.” - WNBC TV
THE TOP EVENTS FOR KIDS FOR THE COMING WEEK Children’s Pre-K Winter Workshop Friday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. In this workshop, kids will discover information about owls as they build their own sculptures of the wise creatures. There will also be animal dioramas and galleries of collected items. Registration for the event is $20 for the public or $18 for museum members. Where: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport, NY 11721 Info: 631-843-5539 or vanderbiltmuseum.org
DENNIS GRIMALDI PRESENTS
Photos: Maria Baranova
LEN CARIOU CRAIG BIERKO WRITTEN BY
GEORGE EASTMAN DIRECTED BY
KAREN CARPENTER
Sometimes it’s harder to like someone than it is to love them
New York City Center Stage II, 131 W 55th St, NYC 212-581-1212 - NYCITYCENTER.org
HarryTownsendsLastStand.com
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Maple Sugaring Friday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. The Science Museum of Long Island will be kicking off the maple sugaring season with this workshop. Kids will learn how sap is collected from a tree and how farmers turn that into maple syrup. It’s recommended that parents or guardians drop off their kids with a packed lunch and have them dressed for the outdoor weather. The event is $75 per child for the public or $65 for museum members. Where: Science Museum of Long Island, 1526 North Plandome Rd., Manhasset, NY 11030 | Info: 516-627-9400 or smli.memberzone.com
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Family Sleep Over – Penguins and Pajamas Friday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. Kids will be able to participate in several penguin-themed activities throughout the night. There will be a penguin presentation and several arts and crafts activities. Dinner and a continental breakfast will be served as part of the event. As the kids prepare to go to sleep, they can set up their sleeping bags next to exhibits like the 120,000-gallon shark tank, the colorful Best Buddies tank or under the watchful eye of the giant Pacific octopus. This overnight experience is $64.95 for the public or $58.45 for aquarium members. Where: Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main St.,Riverhead, NY 11901 Info:631-208-9200 ext. 426 or longislandaquarium.com
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Children’s Music Hour Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.” “
-THE NEW YORKER
The Sunshine Music Duo will have an interactive performance for preschool and elementary school children. Comprised of Diane Menzel and Helen Kotzky, the duo will be performing songs by artists like Raffi, Fred Penner and Peter, Paul and Mary, among others. Additionally, songs from popular Disney movies will be played too. Children will also be encouraged to participate in the music by trying to play the musical instruments and props on hand. Light refreshments will be on hand following the conclusion of the concert. Admission is free, though there is an optional $10 donation available at the door. Where: Glenwood Life Center,71 Grove St.,Glenwood Landing, NY 11547 Info: info@sunshinemusicduo.com or sunshinemusicduo.com
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Blippi Live Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.
Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200 For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849
New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.
GazillionBubbleShow.com G azillionBubbleShow com
The titular character comes to life in this play. Blippi will be teaching the kids lessons throughout the play. Kids can sing and dance along to the musical numbers throughout the performance. Ticket prices for the event are $19.50, $39.50, $49.50 and $69.50, depending on seating. Where: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY 11548-1300 Info: 516-299-3100 or tillescenter.org
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 14, 2020
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40 Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, February 14, 2020
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
NHP goes ‘Riding with the Outlaws’ As the 1970s dawned, the corridors of power in Nashville were shaken by a new kind of music called “outlaw country,” and a new kind of singer who sang it. Names like Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson roared to the tops of the charts with a back-to-basics country than shunned the “countrypolitan” style known as the Nashville Sound in favor of a return to the country of Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, and Hank Williams. Now Tennessee Walt is offering Tennessee Walt’s “Riding with the Outlaws,” an all-new show that looks at the outlaw country movement with a fresh eye, appearing at the Hillside Public Library in New Hyde Park on Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. Tennessee Walt’s “Riding with the Outlaws” is a one-man concert featuring plenty of songs by Jennings, Kristofferson, and Nelson, of course, but it also includes classics and underappreciated rarities from lesserknown outlaws such as David Allan Coe, Tompall Glaser, and Billy Joe Shaver, plus borderline-outlaw greats like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, all arranged by Tennessee Walt for voice and piano. It comes with plenty of fascinating information about the outlaws, their songs and their world, along with still-familiar classics such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Me and Bobbie McGee,” and “On the Road Again.” “People think of the outlaw movement as country’s version of the counterculture, and I get that,”
Country singer Tennessee Walt will be presenting a concert of Outlaw Country songs on March 15 at the Hillside Public Library in New Hyde Park. said Gayden Wren, the musical-theater veteran who performs as Tennessee Walt. “They dressed like rock stars, sometimes, and they messed around with drugs. If you really look at the music, though, the outlaw movement was more of a conservative backlash against the Nashville Sound, a slick, pop-oriented style that wasn’t very country at all. The outlaws wanted to get back to the heart of classic country—singers, songs, and stories about country life played on country instruments—and that’s what they did. “People who come to hear ‘Riding with the Outlaws’ will learn some things they weren’t expecting to learn,” Wren said. “These were guys from the ‘30s who had grown up with Rodgers and Acuff and Williams, and their heyday in the 1970s is in some respects the last hurrah for the country music they’d heard and loved growing up. When the outlaw movement ran out of steam, in a certain sense real country ran down with it.” “If people enjoy hearing the show as much as I enjoy
playing it, we’ll all go home happy,” Wren added. As for his own performance, Wren noted that this isn’t necessarily what people think of when they hear the words “country music.” “It’s voice and piano, not fiddles and steel guitars, and I won’t be yodeling,” he said. “And this isn’t the country of Garth Brooks or Shania Twain—it’s the older, purer country music that inspired those people and everybody from Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley to Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr. This show is about the roots of 20th-century American music, not to mention about hearing some of the most brilliant, funny, moving and musically powerful songs ever written.” Tennessee Walt’s “Riding with the Outlaws” will be presented on Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. at the Hillside Public Library, 155 Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park. Admission is free. For further information, call (516) 355-7850 or visit www.hillsidelibrary.info. Submitted by Hillside Public Library
‘Snow White’ at the Bellmore Movies This fast-paced musical retells the timeless classic, set during the California Gold Rush. In true fairytale fashion, it all ends well thanks to the handsome Prince and the seven dwarfs. Don’t miss this exciting family musical starring Snow White at the Showplace at the Bellmore Movies. Performances will begin on Saturday,
Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. with performances to follow on Sunday, March 1 at noon, Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m., Sunday, March 8 at noon, Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m., and Sunday, March 15 at noon. Reserved seating tickets are available for $12 and can be purchased at the box office (516) 599-6870 or online at www. plazatheatrical.com.