‘Surprise’ Billy Joel Show Tonight

Billy Joel will play a surprise concert on Wednesday night (October 16th) at the 1,555-capacity Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island, according to Newsday. The show -- Joel's first Long Island performance in 11 years -- will benefit Long Island Cares. Joel has been rehearsing with his band at the theater for the past week in preparation for a European jaunt and decided on the "spur of the moment" to play the gig. His last Long Island appearance was with Elton John in 2002.

Tickets for Wednesday's concert, which ranged in price from $79.50 to $150 on Ticketmaster, sold out within 15 minutes and are already showing up on sites like StubHub for $500 or more.

A native of Long Island from the town of Hicksville, Joel has reportedly been considering retiring from the road this year, but has continued to tour sporadically.

Joel is set to be honored by the Kennedy Center in December, when he will receive the nation's highest award given to performers for his contribution to popular culture.