Folkie Fest: Train of Thought

Before we move on to the fun, we would like to announce that the August 20th Folkie Fest will be dedicated to the memory of Kathleen Johnson, former director of the Moriches Community Center. We will be collecting contributions to the MCC do be donated in the name of Folkie Fest at her memorial on August 25th at the MCC.

Folkie Fest, in celebration of trains and train songs, salutes the passing of the LIRR trains across from the venue. The custom at Moriches Field Brewing Company is to salute the LIRR trains as they pass by lifting a drink. Every artist will play at least one song about trains, some covers and some originals. Bring your favorite chair (there is seating but never hurts to have your own as it fills up quickly) to Moriches Field Brewing Company (located at 1 Wilcox Ave, Center Moriches, NY) Joining us for this event: Hank Stone, Grand Folk Railroad, Marian Mastrorilli, Tom Fitzgerald, Henry & Kristi Diaz, and Rob Europe.

If you know Hank Stone, you know he has train songs! He has been writing songs for over 50 years, but only started bringing them out to audiences in 2001. He quickly made a name for himself in the Long Island, New York music scene, and has since recorded 3 CDs of his original tunes, and is now performing often, as a solo act and occasionally with a band. Solo, Hank Stone calls to mind the diverse songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s, from Donovan to Paul Simon, Van Morrison to Jackson Browne. Walt Graham, of Acoustic Connections on WSHU in Fairfield, Connecticut, called Hank "a unique and wonderful songwriter." His albums are available on all digital platforms. Hank is currently recording a new album with Paradiddle Records.

Grand Folk Railroad brings on the fun with a quirky, eclectic/eccentric mix of 60-70's pop gems, one hit wonders, old-school-country, contemporary folk and the inspiring songwriting of lead singer Susan Schwartz-Christian. With a make-every-note-count approach to performing, a vast eclectic repertoire and questionable regard for musical traditions, Grand Folk Railroad blurs the lines between pop, rock, folk and singer/songwriter genres.

Rob Europe is a young blues guitarist mesmerizing audiences wherever he appears. He has represented the Long Island Blues Society twice at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Rob plays with an expertly executed Piedmont style upstaged only by a voice so soaked in soul. “He made old originals his own,” one judge wrote on Europe's score card, noting a “hot” slide ability that captivated the audience. “Very authentic blues.”

Marian Mastrorilli has been writing and performing in the NY area since her late 20's. After claiming Huntington as a new hometown in 2018, she's been making headway in Long Island’s acoustic community. She’s been a featured performer at North Shore Original Open Mic, Folkie Fest and Music from the Hive; and has appeared at the L.I. Fall Festival, B.J. Spoke Gallery, Bellmore Bean, Finley’s, and Shandon. Marian is recording a new mini-CD and releasing singles along the way. Diversity and the element of surprise are cornerstones of Marian's approach to music. Songs can be moody, sensitive or playful; built with a keen melodic sense; dynamics; and rich harmonies. Lyrics are poetic, introspective or witty, delivered with a distinctive voice that tries on different personas: sensitive balladeer, sultry chanteuse, rocker chick. She’ll be appearing at Folkie Fest with her husband Glenn Govier on bass, and Spencer G. on guitar and vocals.

Tom Fitzgerald is a Long Island born singer/song writer with Americana rock roots. Tom has played several festivals and singer/ songwriters shows in places throughout upstate New York and Long Island. Most recently he played Bradstock XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXVII and 5 times at the Cabin Fever Festivals. Whether you see him solo or surrounded by his band Trailer Park Gigolos it’s bound to be a foot stompin’ good time.

Henry Diaz is a guitar/bass player and singer/songwriter from Suffolk County He has done everything from solo performances to 8 piece bands, entertaining audiences throughout the Tri-state area. He and his wife Kristi run 2 Worlds recording studio and have recorded/produced three full length albums and a remake of the 1985 hit, We Are The World. He is currently working on an original album of mixed vocal and instrumental pieces for piano and guitar. One of his instrumental pieces has already become the latest Folkie Fest Theme song.

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 50/50 raffle is held to benefit Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

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Join us at Moriches Field Brewing Company, 1 Wilcox Ave, Center Moriches NY 11934

5:30-8:30 PM

$10 at the door