JONES BEACH PARTY: Three million gallons of sea water. Hundreds of tons of debris. Massive structural and equipment damage. Superstorm Sandy did a number on the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, Long Island. But after a massive restoration effort—in collaboration with various vendors and the N.Y. State Parks Department—Live Nation today opened the venue's doors again, and Rascal Flatts will take the stage tomorrow to kick off its summer concert season (which also features Pitbull and Ke$ha, Fleetwood Mac, Rush, One Direction, Maroon 5, Bob Dylan, Blake Shelton and Lil Wayne, T.I. and 2 Chainz, as well as other major acts). The 14,000-seat restored theater (previously hailed as a top concert venue by Rolling Stone, among other publications) will boast new concessions operations, and expanded VIP area, new orchestra seating and an upgraded box office, among other improvements. What's more, the renovation was undertaken with future big storms in mind, with its electrical system moved above the floodplain, to name but one example). In addition to making this historic place look brand new, the cleanup gave a boost to the local economy, which was as battered by Sandy as were the region's buildings. "It was a priority for Live Nation to return this historic venue to working order," reads a quote from LN CEO/prez Michael Rapino, who added, "We actually started preparing for the potential clean-up and reconstruction efforts before the storm even arrived. It's a testament to the single-mindedness and dedication of the entire reconstruction team that we were able to put Jones Beach back together in time for this summer's great lineup of shows." (5/30p)
THE RISE OF CHAPPELL ROAN: BEHIND THE SCENES
Here's how it happened. An oral history by Craig Marks. (8/30a)
A SIZZLING HITS LIST
Hot off the grill. Pairs well with your brewski of choice. (8/30a)
GUY MOOT AND CARIANNE MARSHALL: THE HITS INTERVIEW
Publishing's dynamic duo (8/28a)
THE COUNT: A LABOR (DAY) OF LIVE-MUSIC LOVE
Your other option is staying home and watching college football. (8/30a)
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THE GRAMMY SHORT LIST
Who's already a lock?
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
ALL THE WAY LIVE
The players, the tours, the enormous beers.
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