Thousands Head to Downtown Rocky Point for Big Shot

An estimated 5,000 gathered Tuesday in the parking lot in downtown Rocky Point to enjoy Billy Joel classics performed by the popular cover band, Big Shot.

Suffolk County Police estimated that around 5,000 hit the downtown as Main St. was closed from Rocky Point Landing Road to Broadway for the Summer Concert Series. Fans brought lawn chairs and blankets and flooded the lot while packing and , two restaurants participating in , and other stores open on the street.

Big Shot, led by Miller Place's has become one of the hottest attractions in the tri-state area. Tuesday night, the band featured saxophonist Richie Cannata from the original Billy Joel band.

Katrin and Artie D'Ambra of Rocky Point have come to the concert the past three years, always making sure to attend Big Shot's performance each year.

"I look forward to it every year," Katrin D'Ambra said. "Big Shot's great, this is the one we usually go to. It's unfortunate we had so many rainouts, but I love the turnout for the Rocky Point community."

Long Island Cares set up a table and tent in the lot with boxes for food donations and handed out pamphlets and bracelets for the kids.

"We would like to thank Legis. Sarah Anker and Saint Anthony of Padua Church for inviting us to this wonderful concert event," said Bruce Gaugler, controller of Long Island cares. "We would also like to thank the people of Rocky Point for the generosity they have shown us tonight.”

While their appearance at Tuesday's concert was unannounced, the organization will be set up once again at the final concert on Aug. 30 and will have multiple boxes set up for donations. They ask that attendees please bring non-perishable items, no perishables and no glass.

The concert series comes to a close on Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. as Dr. K's Motown Revue and Desert Highway perform a dual makeup concert after both band's performances were rained out.

Organizers hope for another big turnout for the dual performance next week, but the Big Shot performance is traditionally the highest attended concert and Tuesday was no different.

“I was so grateful to be able to host Big Shot last night at the Summer Concert Series," Legis. Anker said. "The turnout was tremendous, the band was energetic and everyone in attendance was having a wonderful time.”