Folkie Fest presents an afternoon of original music with a bluesy feel. Seasoned performers and emerging artists will provide something for everyone. This show was originally scheduled for January but was postponed until now. We have a fantastic lineup with some surprises in store! Josie Bello, Maria Fairchild, Jonathan Evensen and Peter Hansen teaming up with Frank LaTorre will provide some serious blues! In order to protect those who may need it, we ask the audience to wear their masks while indoors.
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 will be held to benefit Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank.
Meet our artists:
Josie Bello’s music is a mix of Americana genres including folk, country & blues. Her songs are “…grounded in truth and speaking from the heart.” (Americana Highways). Her second album, Have Purpose Live Long (2020), received numerous positive reviews in the U.S. and the U.K., and has appeared on domestic and International radio charts. Her upcoming album, Resilience, will drop 2/2/22. Josie performs solo and with her “Kit House Band”, as well as on SongBreak — a monthly FB livestream with fellow Singer-Songwriter Linda Sussman. She resides in Huntington with her husband Frank Bello, and their dog Spunky. You can find her at JosieBello.com
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.
J. Peter Hansen has teamed up with Frank ‘Kingbee’ Latorre to unleash their original acoustic based blues. The material ranges from personal reflections to ongoing issues in society. They call themselves ‘Kingbee & The Hand’. J.Peter Hansen runs the Songwriters of Long Island and the Poets & Lyricists of Long Island Facebook groups, and is a Board member of the Long Island Blues Society. He has taught Music Education in public schools for over 30 years and has a Master’s Degree in Music. He has performed at Tootsies and The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville as well as thousands of other venues over the last 50 years. Frank ‘Kingbee’ Latorre is a noted Grammy winner who has toured with the likes of Johnny Winter and many other great Blues/Rock artists. He has been a finalist in the International Blues Challenge (IBC). He is also a world class Painter/Artist and runs art classes. And finally Frank is a renowned chef!
Creating music for nearly two decades, Jonathan Evensen is a singer songwriter hailing from Long Island, NY. Armed with an acoustic guitar and his voice, Jonathan introduces introspective lyrics to catchy melodic tunes. He has performed throughout Long Island, New York City, and the east coast with artists ranging from Mewithoutyou to Gavin Degraw. Jonathan is still writing and playing, even if it has been mostly for his cat Rubble during quarantine. He looks forward to getting back to live music.
There is another special artist in negotiations! Stay tuned….. you won’t be disappointed.
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