Neil Sedaka Coming to Lakeside Saturday

Written by Carisa Giardino

Neil Sedaka will be performing at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre on Saturday, Nassau County executive Ed Mangano announced.

The concert, which is free to the public, begins at 7 p.m. Sedaka is replacing David Cassidy, who was part of the original lineup.

One of the first teen pop sensations of the 1950s, Sedaka is also an accomplished songwriter, composer, pianist and author. He hit stardom after Connie Francis recorded his "Stupid Cupid." Soon after, Sedaka signed a contract with RCA as a writer and performer of his own material.

He topped the charts with hits like “The Diary,” “Oh! Carol,” ”Stairway to Heaven,” “Calendar Girl,” “Little Devil,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Next Door To An Angel” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”

Sedaka, 74, has had numerous honors throughout his illustrious career, including an induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 1983, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He also served as a guest judge and mentor during the 2003 season of American Idol.

The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre is located near parking fields 6 and 6A in Eisenhower Park. The venue has no formal seating so concertgoers are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets. Special accommodations are available for disabled patrons, including reserved parking, easily accessible restrooms and a convenient reserved location on the hill. Assistive hearing devices are also available upon request for the hearing impaired.

For further information, contact the Parks Public Information Office at 572-0200 or visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.