44.0°,
Mostly Cloudy Hot tunes on a late summer evening
Squirrel Nut Zippers at Tilles Center
In Concert
Squirrel Nut Zippers
The eclectic fusion band stops in the area on its latest tour celebrating the release of its acclaimed album “Hot.” It was about 20 years ag,o when NPR’s Morning Edition said: “It’s not easy to categorize the music of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, except that it’s hot.” The album, originally released in the summer of 1996, was the follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed debut “The Inevitable.” Their fusion of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, 1930s–era swing, klezmer, and other styles makes the ensemble hard to categorize; their unique sound found a niche in the late 1990s, after the release of “Hot” — sometimes associated with the Swing Revival of the same period. Squirrel Nut Zippers’ visionary creator Jimbo Mathus, along with founding member and partner Chris Phillips (drums), have crafted a new stage show, including several leading musicians from New Orleans to serve up the band’s unique musical flavor, which owes its roots to that city. They are now touring for the first time in over seven years, with plans underway for the Zippers to record a new album, which would be their first new studio album in 17 years.
Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Rte. 25A, Brookville (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.tillescenter.org.
Stepping Back in Time
Old Time Festival
As summer winds down, enjoy those waning days the old-fashioned way, in the spirit of the mid 19th century. Music fills air in Old Bethpage Village’s historic setting when a brass band, fiddler, and fiddle and dulcimer duo share some compositions from 150 years ago. Wander throughout the village with some sounds of fiddle music in the backdrop. The Old Bethpage Village Military Band Sextet will play some rousing tunes, while contra dancers perform the dances of the day. Also enjoy a vaudeville show. Villagers are on hand to greet visitors, along with activities for the kids, of course. Bring a picnic lunch and visit the Noon Inn for an old-style beverage.
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12, $8 children and seniors. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8401.
