Stepping Out

Pure Prairie League's distinctly American sound

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In Concert

Pure Prairie League
Pure Prairie League hasn’t missed a beat since their beginnings in mid-’60s Ohio as a group of friends playing cover tunes. The present-day unit — featuring founding member/pedal-steel innovator John David Call, veteran bassist Mike Reilly, propulsive drummer Scott Thompson and guitar ace Donnie Clark — continues to embellish the rich 43-year history of one of country-rock’s pioneering forces. The band’s name came from a 1939 movie called Dodge City, featuring a women’s temperance society called the Pure Prairie League. Their eponymous RCA debut LP in 1971 featured a 1927 Saturday Evening Post cover showing an old cowboy, surrounded by mementoes, wistfully listening to an LP on his Victrola. Their music is as vital and fresh as ever, featuring their trademark vocal harmonies and razor-sharp instrumentation. Now in their fifth decade, Pure Prairie League continues to lead the way for the new generation of country rockers such as Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Wilco, Counting Crows and so many others that cite PPL as a major influence.
Friday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m. $75. My Father’s Place at the Roslyn Hotel, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. (516) 413-3535 or www.myfathersplace.com.

Seasonal Delights

AOH Feis & Festival
The Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians once again welcomes fall with its annual AOH Feis & Festival. Experience all things Irish at this most traditional celebration of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language and athletics, presented by the Nassau County AOH. The 18th century tradition lives on here, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions join to organize competitions of dance and piping and present awards to the best. There are competitions in Irish singing and art as well, Gaelic games for children, and much more, including a performance by Bangers and Mash, and other Irish bands. Enjoy a day chock full of activities, along with an Irish marketplace to browse. Bring a picnic lunch and settle in for the day, ready to experience the age-old traditions that are showcased at this fascinating event.
Sunday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. $10. Children under 16 free. Nickerson Beach, Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach. For more information, visit www.nassauaohfeis.com or call (646) 481-3347.