WATCH: Annual LI Concert Pays Tribute To Harry Chapin

HUNTINGTON, NY — Singers from across Long Island will pay tribute to Harry Chapin at the annual "Just Wild About Harry" event.

The free concert is the brainchild of Stuart Markus, who launched it 20 years ago as an homage to the beloved singer/songwriter and humanitarian.

"It's been sort of a cultural tradition here on Long Island," Markus told Patch. "I've been so proud every time is comes off well."

Eighteen acts will perform on the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Heckscher Park in Huntington on Sunday, July 27.

"What makes it special is, I tell them, 'Treat the song as if you wrote it. However you hear it in your head, just make it work,'" Markus said. "We've had some amazing interpretations."

Those in attendance are encouraged to bring an item for donation to Long Island Cares and their Harry Chapin Food Bank.

After participating in a Woody Guthrie tribute show in 2002, Markus thought it was time to create one for Chapin, who lived in Huntington.

Although Markus didn't have a personal connection to Chapin when he started "Just Wild About Harry," he's gotten to know the family over the years.

"The thing that I've kicked myself about since is that in March of 1981, he did a concert in Rochester. I had a chance to go and I passed it up," he said. "He died a few months later."

Watch the full interview below with Stuart Markus on the "Patch Weekly Spotlight."