10 Best Performing Arts in Long Island, New York

In summer the campus of Stony Brook Southampton and its Avram Theater hum with such musical events as Pianofest in the Hamptons and the All for the Sea fundraising concert, which draws the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Paul Simon here in July. Throughout the season several organizations sponsor plays, art shows, readings, workshops, and other activities for adults and children.

New plays on their way to Broadway start out here, sharing the season with time-honored classics, holiday shows, comedy, musical performances, and children's and teen programs.

shows independent American and foreign films and hosts lectures by and about filmmakers and actors. A café on the premises serves organic vegetarian soups, salads, Greek spinach pies, hot knishes, and baked goods.

Musical and theatrical performances by local groups and celebrities alike fill the schedule at this 387-seat theater at Guild Hall. The 1931 jewel-box proscenium stage, with an octagonal white and blue striped tent-like ceiling that sweeps up to a chandelier of glass balloons, makes the theater is as spectacular as the shows offered here. It also hosts myriad lectures, film festivals, and family and children's workshops and events. From October through April, Live from the Met screenings bring New York City to the East End. The theater museum houses permanent art collections and hosts temporary exhibits.

The 450-seat which presents mostly musical performances, has hosted the likes of Joan Osborne, The Bacon Brothers, and Christine Ebersole in recent years.

The showcases various forms of entertainment, including rock concerts and family shows.

The a 2,242-seat concert hall, host all kinds of entertainment. The Big Apple Circus, k.d. lang, the New York Philharmonic, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater have performed here.

Just off Main Street, this restored turn-of-the-century performance hall features theatrical performances and concerts year-round on its main or acoustic stage. In addition to serving as showcase for a variety of entertainment since 1881, it also has played an important role in entertainment history—in 1914 Thomas Edison tested out moving pictures here. Today the theater sometimes hosts special matinees of classic movies. Ask about theater tours.

Well-known artists perform in professional theater, music, and dance events here, and the center also screens classic and contemporary films and provides family entertainment and childrens shows.

In addition to its live music, dance, comedy, and special film screenings, this performing arts center run by the Great South Bay YMCA offers educational programs and classes representing Long Island's cultural diversity.