All hail Gene Casey, Long Island’s king of “Rock-a-Boogie” who will return to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for a show with The Lone Sharks, his handpicked lineup of top notch musicians, on Saturday, March 30 at 8 p.m.
This will be the third WHBPAC appearance for Mr. Casey and his band (which, by the way, is the most repeat appearances by any local artist) and fans can count on another unforgettable evening of foot stomping, rock, swing, twang and all with his signature rootsy charm. The Sharks include Chris Ripley on drums, sax players Paul Scher and Brian Sears, Pete Crugnale on bass, Andy Burton on piano and organ, vocalist and guitarist Trica Scott, and singer Joe Breen. There may be some very special guests showing up as well.
Mr. Casey formed The Lone Sharks after moving to the East End in 1988, having already braved the stages of the New York City area venues like the Mudd Club, CBGBs and Maxwell’s in the waning days of the punk and new wave era.
By the late 1990s, The Lone Sharks had became a mainstay of the Hamptons music scene, when bars were plentiful and audiences robust and loyal. For years, Mr. Casey and his Sharks were the house band at The Wild Rose Cafe, a swinging Bridgehampton night spot.
In recent years, several of Mr. Casey’s songs have been used on television and feature film soundtracks, including “Sons of Anarchy,” “The Killing Season” starring Robert DeNiro, and Rob Reiner’s “Being Charlie.”
His latest CD, “Guitar In The Rain” came out in March 2017 and celebrated the roots of contemporary Americana.
Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks, Saturday, March 30 at 8 p.m., Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. Tickets $30 at whbpac.org or 631-288-1500.