Can you imagine how hard it was to pare down the list of my favorite artists to five? Well, I did, (but made room for one more) only because the show would go on for days if I hadn’t. There’s so much talent to choose from. We will be welcoming back (in no particular order) Robert Bruey, Kerry Kearney, Bryan Gallo, Maria Fairchild and James O’Malley to the Folkie Fest stage. These are artists who I’ve had the extreme privilege of getting to know personally as well as enjoying their talent. Many of whom I met through the Acoustic Summits, similar events that Kerry used to organize to showcase local original music.
Robert Bruey is local gem. His music is honest and real, raw and meaningful, gritty and naturalistic. His deft, spare and unique finger-picking style -- with notes carefully left alone to be heard in the moment -- provides a perfect complement for his earthy and soulful voice and the meaningful, introspective lyrics of his songs. As a musical artist, he paints with words -- imbuing his songs with imagery that enables listeners to visualize his stories as he sings them.
Kerry Kearney is best known as a slide guitar master. He plays and works his instrument to limits that amaze even the most seasoned musician or cultured music fan. Kerry Kearney’s style, music from the “Psychedelta”, is his own brand containing an upbeat mix of American Blues & Roots, created from writing and performing on the circuit for over 40 years. His wailing upbeat style of blues, driven by tasty, inspired guitar riffs, electrifying slide and infectious rhythms, has allowed Kerry to amass a huge loyal following. What many do not know, is he considers himself as a closet folkie… always interesting and entertaining, let’s see what comes out at this show. Performing with Kerry is Esme White. She is a New York born singer songwriter with a love for storytelling and world building. Drawing on influences from country, folk, punk and poetry, she began writing a collection of songs mid lockdown as a way remain engaged and imaginative with the pulse of existence. Her songs combine characters she has encountered, using everyday life, family history, and various mythologies to process the emotional turbulences of life.
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American roots musician Maria Fairchild, a dedicated “singer-songfinder,” makes traditional music feel new, and contemporary songs, including her own, seem timeless. In addition to guitar she plays the old-time “clawhammer” banjo style and has brought its sound to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and England.
Maria’s solo CD Celebration has been featured on many radio stations. TV and radio appearances include Wes Houston Presents, Long Island Blues Warehouse (with Kerry Kearney), and Buddy Merriam’s Blue Grass Time. Her dry sense of humor can surprise the listeners in her original music… be prepared.
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Bryan Gallo is a Long Island based singer-songwriter inspired by late nights in bars, the backseats of cars, and the pressures and consequences of living life romantically. Intrigued by both the sounds of alternative country-rock and wistful pop music he embarked on a solo career and began to pen songs that would be deeply personal but still readily accessible. Steeped in reflective heartache, the lexicon of Gallo’s lyrics stands as a testament to his raw talent as a musician while weaving a flush and relatable narrative.
Neighbor, James O’Malley is considered by many to be the consummate songwriter; his songs take the listener on an emotional journey of family, relationships, human nature or contemplation of life's choices. O'Malley's songs are universal, often written with a subtle humor. His music and songs have been featured on scores of radio stations nationwide and around the world, including, WFUV, WSHU, WFDU, WNTI, WVIA, WFCR and WUSB, in the east, to KRCL (Salt Lake City, Utah), KZSC (Santa Cruz, Ca.), in the west....as well as, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Germany!
Folkie Fest offers an ongoing concert series with local acoustic artists in the spirit of folk music as envisioned by the late Pete Seeger. We provide a listening space and support live, local, singer/songwriters sharing their original work. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the community center, and a 50/50 raffle is held to benefit Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/1DC5aXGDC
Like "Folkie Fest" on Facebook to keep up with all our events. Past events are on the Folkie Fest YouTube channel.
Join us at the Moriches Community Center, 313 Frowein Rd, Center Moriches, NY 11934
2 pm to 5 pm
$10 donation online at https://morichescommunitycenter.org
$15 at the door
Folkie Fest is an informal organizer of small listening events highlighting local singer songwriters and supporting local 501-c-3 organizations such as the Moriches Community Center and Long Island Cares: the Harry Chapin Food Bank in the spirit of folk music as defined by Pete Seeger.
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If you would like more information, please email folkiefest@gmail.com
