Classical music, outdoor concerts, and 1970s sounds fill Island stages with delights

by Jessica Jones Gorman

IN PRAISE OF THE LONGEST DAY
The summer solstice, also known as the “estival solstice” or simply “midsummer,” is the day when one of the planet’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun, and has been marked by holidays, festivals, and rituals (many associated with fertility) for more than 5,000 years. To those of us who aren’t historians, June 21 simply marks the beginning of summer, and the day with the longest stretch of daylight (the sun sets at 8:30)

Staten Island will celebrate the solstice with a concert and beach walk at the Conference House Park on the 21st. At an associated music event, The Staten Island Snugs, a five member, four part harmony outfit, will perform some original songs along with old favorites from The Beatles and other classic rock legends. A narrated guided walking tour with NYC Parks and Conference House Conservancy will take place along the shoreline after the show. The event is free. nycgovparks.org

CLASSICAL SHOWCASE
The New York Philharmonic will host a free show at the St. George Theatre on June 16. Led by Philip Smith, conductor, host, and lead trumpet, the show is part of the organization’s Concerts in the Parks series, which is now in its 54th season. The program will include Rossini’s La gazza ladra Overture, Copland’s “Hoe Down” from Rodeo, Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2, and various works by Very Young Composers of New York City. Tickets are free, but required. 35 Hyatt Street, stgeorgetheatre.com, nyphil.org

HAPPY TOGETHER
This summer, The Turtles formed in 1965 in Los Angeles and with several Top 40 hits will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Happy Together Tour, and makes a stop at the St. George Theatre on June 12. The show also features Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classic IV, and the The Cowsills, and will showcase classic tunes like “Happy Together,” “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Young Girl,” “Stormy,” and “Love American Style.” Tickets for this show, which starts at 8 p.m., range from $49 to $89. 35 Hyatt Street, stgeorgetheatre.com