Suffolk Theater Has a Banner Second Summer Planned
The Suffolk Theater is thriving in its second year.
The circa 1933 Art Deco theater, which underwent extensive renovations, now serves as a cultural beacon in Riverhead. Artistic and General Director Dan Binderman fills the historic landmark with lively performances—and sell-out crowds. “This theater has the potential to become one of the great concert halls, like the Fillmore East in New York or the Whiskey A Go Go in L.A.,” he says.
The summer fun begins on Friday, May 23, when the Long Island Comedy Showcase returns to the theater with an all-new lineup of Long Island comedians. Hosted by WALK 97.5’s Paul Anthony, the evening will feature Comedy Showcase director Chris Davis, “Long Island’s #1 Impressionist” John Santo and Chris Roach, who had a recurring role on One Life to Live as “loveable mental patient” Rodney. On Friday, June 13, head to Riverhead for the Georgia Satellites’ southern rock night. Their unique mix of country and classic rock styles are guaranteed to get audiences dancing the night away. Get your “groove on” with the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band on Saturday, July 5. On Saturday, July 12, Ashley Monroe of the Country Music Award-winning Pistol Annies perform. On Friday, July 25, Arlo Guthrie performs, and on July 26, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes return to the East End, followed by an evening with Grateful Dead songwriter Robert Hunter—his first-ever Long Island appearance!—on Sunday, July 27, then on Friday, August 1, listen to some amazing blues by Grammy-winner Rick Derringer. Beloved singer-songwriter Joan Osborne, known for the hit “(What if God Was) One of Us,” performs on Friday, August 8, followed by contemporary folk artist Dar Williams on Saturday, August 16.
Dance the night away with the “Dance Dance Thursdays” series starting on Thursday, May 29, with East End favorite Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks and a Rockabilly dance party. The party continues on Thursday, June 12, with Bee Gees tribute band Stayin’ Alive playing the iconic band’s biggest hits, like “You Should Be Dancing.” On Thursday, June 26, Mambo Loco performs its signature Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican-style jazz music. The iconic Lovin’ Spoonful combines the best of folk, country and rock with their show on Thursday, July 3. On Thursday, July 24, alt-rock icon Everlast will perform, followed by a repeat performance by Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks. Mambo Loco returns on Thursday, August 7, and the Dance Dance Thursdays series concludes with the New Millennium Swing band on Thursday, August 21.
On Wednesday, June 18, Coney Island Burlesque makes the first of two appearances at Suffolk Theater. Their bawdy, adults-only vaudeville act, which includes sideshow freaks and upbeat music, will also perform on Sunday, July 20, as part of the Hamptons LGBT Comedy Fest, which begins on Friday, July 18, with gay icon Sandra Bernhard. On Saturday, July 19, Scott Thompson, known for The Kids in the Hall, will have audiences in stitches.
Suffolk Theater also has a full bar and restaurant. Doors typically open 90 minutes prior to performances, with an a la carte menu offered throughout the evening.
The Suffolk Theater is located at 118 East Main Street in Riverhead, 631-727-4343. For more information, including dates and times for all events, go to suffolktheater.com.