Where to see 3 Frank Sinatra-themed shows on Long Island

Frank Sinatra’s music has become a large part of America’s soundtrack. His music is often played in the background at family dinners, weddings and even Yankee games. Although he died in 1998, Sinatra’s presence looms larger than ever.

“Sinatra transcended generations,” says Thomas Manuel, president and founder of The Jazz Loft in Stony Brook. “People loved just how cool he was — the tuxedo, the Vegas vibe and Jack Daniel’s in his hand. He almost had a James Bond mystique. But behind that, Sinatra was a consummate entertainer who knew how to connect with an audience.”

Dec. 12 will mark the Chairman of the Board’s 110th birthday. In celebration, three shows will be held throughout Long Island. Here’s a rundown of the performances scheduled.

'A SINATRA CHRISTMAS!'

Singer Pete Caldera, of Manhattan, grew up listening to “The Sounds of Sinatra” radio program with Sid Mark.

“I fell in love with that music. It spoke to me more than anything,” Caldera, 59, says. “To me, Sinatra’s voice is the greatest sound to ever be put down on record because of what he brought to every song.”

Caldera will perform two sets of Sinatra material at The Jazz Loft on Dec. 4, backed by a six-piece band featuring Manuel on trumpet.

“We will strike the balance of up-tempo holiday songs as well as some ballads plus the usual Sinatra tunes people know and love,” Caldera says. “You’ll hear ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin,’ ‘My Way,’ ‘New York, New York’ and ‘Witchcraft’ as well as ‘Let It Snow,’ ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas.’ ”

However, Caldera doesn’t do a Sinatra impersonation.

“Pete approaches the music with respect. He’s not schticky,” Manuel says. “But he has the same vocal tone and timbre as Sinatra. Put that all together and it’s as close as you can get.”

Caldera says he enjoyed how Sinatra had a singular way of conveying like he was singing directly to you.

“Frank had a sense of rhythm, musicality and a real respect for the lyrics,” he says. “His performances were nuances with signature inflections. Add to that his extreme vocal abilities and it's magic. He was one of a kind.”

WHEN|WHERE 7 p.m. Dec. 4, The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook

INFO 631-751-1895, thejazzloft.org

TICKETS $40

'MARK TREMONTI SINGS FRANK SINATRA — CHRISTMAS SPECIAL'

Many may be wondering: What is the lead guitarist of the hard rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge doing singing the music of Frank Sinatra? As it turns out, Mark Tremonti is not only a legendary axman, but he’s quite a crooner as well.

“This has been the most well-received and highly regarded thing I’ve ever done in my entire career,” Tremonti, 51, says. “Growing up as a kid in Detroit, my parents would play Sinatra around Christmastime. I’d hear it in the car and at the dentist. It’s hard to escape him.”

Tremonti is set to deliver a show at The Paramount in Huntington on Dec. 11, blending signature Sinatra songs with Christmas classics using a 17-piece orchestra featuring members of Sinatra’s touring band — including saxophonist Mike Smith and guitarist Dan McIntyre.

“There’s not many opportunities left for us on this earth to see people who shared the stage with Frank Sinatra,” Tremonti says. “These musicians are some of the top performers in the business and I’m honored to share the stage with them.”

This Sinatra kick all began when Tremonti stepped onto a karaoke stage during a friend’s Christmas party.

“Somebody had picked Bing Crosby’s version of ‘White Christmas’ and I sang it. It fit my range so I moved onto Sinatra’s rendition of ‘Jingle Bells,’ ” Tremonti recalls. “It felt like it suited my voice more than the rock stuff. I began to go down the rabbit hole with Sinatra and got deep into his catalog. I learned as much as I could.”

WHEN|WHERE 8 p.m. Dec. 11, The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com

TICKETS $43.75-$108.75

'AN ELEGANT EVENING OF SINATRA'

When The New Millennium Jazz Band returns to The Suffolk in Riverhead on Sinatra’s birthday, Dec. 12, it will be an interactive evening.

“We get a lot of dancers. There’s a big dance floor in front of the stage and it is always packed,” says band director-saxophonist Steve Perrillo, 71, of Ronkonkoma. “The energy is unbelievable. Some people arrive with their dancing shoes in a bag.”

On the mic is singer Alex Sonera, of Bayside, Queens, who likes to keep things upbeat.

“We play tunes with a little swing in it so people can get moving,” says Sonera, 66. “Songs like ‘Come Fly With Me,’ ‘It Had to Be You,’ ‘Summer Wind,’ ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and ‘That’s Life’ keep the party going.”

Expect a few Christmas tunes as well as a special guest appearance by singer Laura Laureano. Meanwhile, the band will be in the holiday spirit, donning tuxedos with red bow ties.

“I’ve always admired the way Sinatra sang. He was the voice for me,” Sonera says. “Sinatra is the original crooner who changed the way it was done. When Frank sang to you, he spoke with his eyes, his arms and his heart.”

WHEN|WHERE 8 p.m. Dec. 12, The Suffolk, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead

INFO 631-727-4343, thesuffolk.org

TICKETS $66-$76