It was 32 years ago that Long Island troubadour and anti-hunger activist Harry Chapin died in a crash on the Long Island Expressway.
On Monday evening, July 22, one week after the anniversary, many Long Island musical artists will gather at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow to perform in the ninth annual concert and food drive in tribute to the late singer-songwriter – playing his songs for the cause to which he dedicated himself.
“Once again we have a chance to rotate in some new or returning players and some songs that haven’t been heard before,” said Long Island-based singer-songwriter and concert organizer Stuart Markus, who as a high-school student in 1981 was just getting to know Chapin’s music beyond the hits.
Although the concert is free, guests are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items for distribution to needy Long Islanders through Long Island Cares, the food bank founded by Chapin that works to relieve hunger on Long Island. Over the years, the concerts have raised about four tons of food and several-thousand dollars for the organization.
Entitled, “Just Wild About Harry,” the concert is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will include 18 Chapin songs.
These will range from his hits “Cat’s In the Cradle” and “Taxi” to fan favorites like “Shooting Star,” “Mr. Tanner” and “Jubilation.”
Besides Markus’ trio Gathering Time, artists slated to perform include Josh Joffen, Debra Lynne, MediaCrime, Christine Solimeno, Frank Walker, Folk Goddesses, Cecilia Kirtland, Kendall and Korb, Wonderous Stories, Russ Seeger, Grand Folk Railroad, Rorie Kelly, Katie Pearlman and alt-rockers Jackknife Stiletto.
New to the show this year will be East End-based singer-songwriter Sid Cherry. Noted local children’s performer Patricia Shih returns to the lineup to sing “Flowers Are Red,” a song about the impact a teacher can have – good or bad.
In some cases the performers have chosen their own songs; in others Markus suggested them, but the performers have carte blanche with respect to interpretation.
“The results have been some really creative treatments and performances,” according to Markus.
Chapin, who resided in Huntington Bay, was killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway on his way to perform a free concert on that same stage and the concert venue has been renamed the Harry Chapin Lakeside Stage in his honor.
“It’s always as if the Long Island original music community comes together to give the concert he had meant to,” Markus said.
A commemorative plaque was dedicated in his honor at the concert in 2010.
Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to the park, which is located off Merrick and Stewart Avenues in East Meadow.
The event is scheduled rain or shine, barring lightning storms.
