Long Island - where should I stay?

I'm going to a concert on a Sunday night at Jones Bach Island on Sept.8th. I'm thinking of making a weekend out of it and staying a couple of nights so that I can spend a day in NYC too. Where is a good place to stay, so that it's close to NYC (want to take a train) and a short drive to the Nikon at Jones Beach (we'll be driving a car from Boston, so will drive to the concert)? Just looking for a convenient decent place for a reasonable price. Or is it easier to stay in Wantagh/Freeport and take the train to the Penn station?

Google the Availability of motels in Freeport. THAT would probably be Your BEST Bet. Enjoy the Concert at the Beach!

Freeport sucks
You're much better off staying in Rockville Centre which is 5 miles west of Freeport
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g48509-d601460-Reviews-Ramada_Inn_Suites_of_Rockville_Centre-Rockville_Centre_New_York.html