Folkie Fest: I Am I Said

Folki Fest's I am, I said will take place on Sunday, May 19 from 2-5 p.m. at the Moriches Community Center.

Folkie Fest aims to introduce the audience to a variety of artists, genres, and “new music,” and hearing original music from the artist is particularly exciting. Each of the performers will share a song that they feel defines them as an artist. Taking our stage this month are: Gregory John Smith, Visco & McNeil, Nick Russell, Fred & Greta, and Gathering Time.

For over a decade and a half, Long Island-based folk-rock harmony trio Gathering Time (Stuart Markus, Gerry McKeveny, and since 2022 Christine Sweeney) has toured both in the US and internationally, mixing new interpretations of both '60s and '70s classics and old traditional tunes with their strong original songs. Their sound reflects the voicings and arrangements of the genre's pioneers: The Byrds, Peter, Paul & Mary, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, brought into today with an acoustic-electric alchemy all their own. No less an authority than WFUV's John Platt has written that they are "among the finest performers in the New York metropolitan area, whatever the size of the venue, from a house concert to an outdoor festival," with harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees, strong original songs, and a savvy repertoire of cover songs, ranging from traditional folk to classic rock. They appeal to audiences of all ages." The trio's 2016 release Keepsake, and their 2020 album Old Friends both debuted at #1 on the International Folk DJ Album Chart and both had #1 singles and multiple songs in the top-20. Their two previous albums, When One Door Closes... and Red Apples and Gold both landed in the top-5 on the chart. "Extraordinary singers who follow in the footsteps of The Weavers and Peter Paul & Mary." Peter Yarrow
Fred Raimondo and Greta Quezada’s musical partnership draws upon their uniquely differently backgrounds. Greta is a performer, actor, and playwright who grew up in New Mexico. She is a graduate of the The American Academy Of Dramatic Arts, and has sung and acted throughout the Southwest and California. Fred is a Long Island native who grew up in Port Jefferson and has performed regularly form Montauk to Manhattan for over 40 years, most notably with the acoustic Americana trio, Damaged Goods. He has recorded 3 independently produced CD’s and along with Greta most recently recorded Cinema with Grammy winning producer Cynthia Daniels. His 2014 release Stories From The Dark Heart Tavern was selected as one of the top 3 releases of 2014 by WPPB’s Bonny Grice and Greta has just completed writing a play based on its music. For Fred and Greta it is a shared love for the art story telling that lies at the heart of their musical and life journey, they are honored to be on this stage to be able to share those stories with you all.

Chris Visco and Pete McNeill are both retired high school teachers. Chris was a science teacher, and Pete a physical education teacher and track coach. They both began their musical careers separately in the 1970's while in college, doing the "Coffee House" scene. Although they continued to be interested in their music, it wasn't until their recent retirement that they met, and began performing again. They play of variety of music, but central to their sound are their acoustic guitars, blending rhythms and leads with great songs and harmonies. Frequently found performing at restaurants and coffee houses, where people can carry on a conversation while listening to great music. They have both written a wealth of original songs which they love to share with their audience. Many of these originals can be found on their recently released album, "I'm not so old".

Nick Russell is a singer songwriter from Long Island, NY. Nick released his latest full-length album in January 2019, Talisman was well received by the Long Island community, and since Nick has been hard at work sharing these songs with a broader audience. Consistently noted for his sincerity, it is often said that you can get a grip of the good person Nick is deep down, through his writing. When asked why he started writing songs, Nick replied “I always wanted to be a storyteller and music is most joyful way one can pass a story on”. The bliss Nick feels by sharing stories through his songs is undeniable. His music and attitude towards life will leave you hanging on to every word and walking out with a renewed inspiration.

After picking up the guitar, over 50 years ago, Gregory John Smith has always sought out other musicians. They understand each other. They speak the same language. After 2 tours in the Army, Greg and his family settled on Long Island where he found a vibrant musical community. Over the last twenty years he has played in a several bands including The Shipmates, Godfrey Daniel, The South Country String Band and currently sings with The Hucksters, as close to Peter Paul and Mary as he’s gonna get!

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.