For those who are looking for entertainment under the stars on Long Island, the Nikon Theater is your best bet. For decades, people from both the city and the island have been making their ways to Jones Beach for the best summer concert series in the northeast. While dates for the 2012 summer season are slowly but surely being released, some of the biggest names in the industry are already committed to playing the Nikon Theater at Jones Beach, if tickets are already going fast.
One of the first artist’s performing at the theater this summer is Neil Diamond, who is set to make his Jones Beach debate on June 8th and 10th playing his greatest hits. In between those dates, on June 9th, the theater is set for Yanni Under the Stars, featuring a live performance by the classic new age musician. On the Tuesday and the Wednesday of the following week, June 12th and 13th, Dave Matthews comes to the New York area on his annual summer tour, with blues-rock buzz band Fitz and the Tantrums opening.
The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour is set to stop at Jones Beach on June 24th, marking the first time that the full band has played the area in decades. Two days before that, on June 22nd, another classic artist, Beatles-drummer Ringo Starr brings his All-Star band for a night at Jones Beach. Ringo and the band will play both classic Beatles tunes, as well as solo work as well.
Following dates by the metal duo of Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper on June 27th, Phish is set to take over the theater for two dates, July 3rd and 4th. While Phish tickets are always quick sellers, the fact that they are Independence week concerts will only up the ante on how fast they disappear.
While there are many more dates to be added to the schedule, music lovers can also head to the theater to check out Jones Beach concerts by the Scorpions on July 7th, Big Time Rush and Cody Simpson on August 17th and a twin bill of Chicago and the Doobie Brothers on August 17th. Check out the website for more info on upcoming dates and tickets.