If you’re looking on the North Fork for a sweaty, ear-ringing club or theater where bass drums pulsate through a rickety, beer-soaked floor, you may be out of luck.
There are, however, plenty of venues that offer their own unique, ineffable potency through intimate performances from fan-favorite Long Island musicians.
Here are some of our favorite spots to catch some live music on the North Fork this winter:
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., Peconic
Greenport Harbor books up-and-comers and local favorites of all genres every weekend throughout the winter.
“They run the gamut from folk to the Grateful Dead, from to hard rock, to soft music and country,” co-owner Betsy Liegey said. “We try to do a lot of variety and it’s such a nice, warm, cozy spot in the winter.
“We have the fire going, there’s a lot of seating for people. If you want to dance you can get up and dance, there’s room for that. You can stand at the bar, you can sit at a table.”
All starting at 3 p.m., here are some performances on tap:
- March 4 – NY Frets & 234 After Hours Music Series with Julia King
- March 5 – Eagle River Band
- March 11 – Lisa Polizzi Band
- March 12 – Eastbound Freight Band
- March 17 – Dinny Keg
- March 18 – Stone Blue Rising & 234 After Hours Music Series with Robin Sidor
- March 19 – Rob Europe Band
- March 25 – Greg Humphreys & Friends Band
- March 26 – East End Trio
Lieb Cellars, Cutchogue
Every Friday evening throughout the winter, Lieb Cellars invites acts from the North Fork and beyond for cozy, candle-lit musical performances.
“We have lot of local musicians like Julia King and Rob Europe,” marketing manager Alice Falcone said. “And some favorites who aren’t quite local like Jeff LeBlanc and Paris Ray.”
On these Friday evenings, Lieb Cellars also offers a $15 raclette special, boasting melted Alpine-style cheese served with baguette and fig jam.
Here are upcoming performances that kick off at 5 p.m. each Friday:
- March 3 – Cassandra House
- March 10 – Robin James
- March 17 – Julia King
- March 24 – Jeff Le Blanc
- March 31 – Paris Ray
Twin Fork Beer Co., Riverhead
Saturdays and Sundays, beer drinkers can catch cover bands like The Frayed Knots and original singer-songwriters like Alyson Faith at Twin Fork Beer Co.
“We have solo acts, we have four or five piece bands,” co-owner Pete Chekijian said. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. We have a nice little fireplace and we have beer bites.”
Here’s what’s on tap this month:
- March 4 – The Frayed Knots
- March 5 – Rick Anzalone
- March 8 – Karaoke Night
- March 11 – The Tom Killourhy Project
- March 12 – Alyson Faith
- March 18 – Dan Donnelley
- March 19 – Erin Chase Duo
- March 25 – Who Are Those Guys
- March 26 – Denise Kean
Corey Creek Tap Room, Southold
Corey Creek offers the east enders a chance to catch acts like Barely Acoustic, singer-songwriter Bryan Gallo and roadhouse warrior Gene Casey in a laid-back setting.
“It’s a calm environment,” event manager Delaney Macchirole said. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere where people can drink wine and listen to music.”
Here’s the next batch of “Friday Night Flights” that kick off at 4 p.m. at Corey Creek:
- March 3 – Jeff LeBlanc
- March 10 – K & R Music
- March 17 – The Como Brothers
- March 24 – Haig Mathosian
- March 31 – Dinny Keg
Bistro 72, Riverhead
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Bistro 72 offers live music up close and personal.
“We have a little alcove by the bar, and it’s a close, tight setting, it’s very intimate,” Dave Deturris, Bistro 72’s director of food and beverage, said. “They’re right there in the mix with the crowd and it’s pretty lively. It’s not a somber, just background music type of atmosphere, it’s a great performance.”
The restaurant typically hosts solo acts or small groups such as Cassie House and the East End Trio Thursdays 6-9 p.m., Fridays 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays 6-9 p.m.
Here’s the next slate of Bistro 72 musical acts:
- March 2 – Gail Storm
- March 3 – Terry Meigel
- March 4 – Jeff Le Blanc
- March 9 – Dave March
- March 10 – Rick Anzalone
- March 11 – East End Trio
- March 16 – Alex Alexander
- March 17 – Michael Duca
- March 18 – Dinny Keg
- March 23 – Vanessa Trouble
- March 24 – Cassandra House
- March 25 – Danny Kean
- March 30 – Rick Anzalone
- March 31 – Bruce MacDonald
Riverhead Ciderhouse, Calverton
Riverhead Ciderhouse showcases one performer every Friday and two performers every Saturday and Sunday.
“We see a wide array of acts from solo acoustic performers to small bands,” Nick Picataggio, one of the managers of the ciderhouse, said. “The crowd and performers definitely feed off of each other, which is a blast to watch,” he continued. “We often see major group sing-alongs and dancing break out.”
Here’s what’s brewing this month:
- March 3 – Cmonty
- March 4 – Mike Duca & Howie Seal
- March 5 – Brian MC & Fred the Human Ipod
- March 11 – Steve’s Off the Couch
- March 12 – Brian MC & James Puccio
- March 18 – Fred the Human Ipod
- March 19 – Brian MC & Double Play
- March 24 – Lis & Jim
- March 25 – Christiaan Padava & Bear of the Bell
- March 26 – Brian MC & Double Play
Clovis Point Wines, Jamesport
Come listen to live music every Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 5:30 pm at Clovis Point Vineyard and Winery.
This month’s lineup includes:
- March 4 – Haig Mathosian
- March 5 – Frank Palmeri
- March 11 – Erin Chase
- March 11- Winterfest Nighttime Music with the Hoodoo Loungers
- March 12 – TJ Brown
- March 18 – Bob Blatcheley – Perfect Strangers
- March 19 – Evan Miller
- March 25 – Country Music with Casey Wayne
- March 26 – Deanna Hudson
