Folk-2-Funk Festival coming to the barrier beach

Artists in Partnership, Inc., the Long Beach Public Library, Lola’s and Salvage Chic have all teamed up to bring the antidote to cure that “funky feelin.”

From Thursday, Feb. 9 to 12, the group will be presenting the 2nd Annual Folk-2-Funk Festival in Long Beach. The event kicks off Thursday at 7 p.m. with live music and models, and a folksy, funky vintage Fashion Show by Salvage Chic. After the show, Lola’s will host the AIP’s “Ladies Night Out” event, featuring live music, raffles and specialty items.

On Friday at 7:30 p.m., the hugely popular Gathering Time brings their three-part vocal blends to our favorite folk music. The music continues after the show at Lola’s with the popular band Breakaway, headed up by Howie Haber and Lou Carollo.

On Saturday at 7:30 p.m., enjoy the music of newcomer singer/songwriter Christine Sweeney, followed by the eclectic alt-country, reggae an d soul sounds of The Other Shoe. At 9:30 p.m., cross the street and head over to Lola’s for the funky, sassy, bluesy sounds of the F&G Blues Band featuring Edlene Hart.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., take a musical journey with Pamela Lewis and John Hurley and Friends as they perform classics from the Folk 2 Funk genres with folk favorites from Joni Mitchell, Crosby Stills & Nash and building up to Face Blasting Funk at its best with chart toppers of Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder. Special guests include power couple Sean & Donna Gillen, band leaders of Code Bleu and owners of skylineorchestras.com

As part of the “Progeny of the Blues: Roots Music Series”, Artists in Partnership, Inc. is honored to bring to the Long Beach Public Library stage, The Ebony Hillbillies! Hailing from the New York City Subways to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, The Ebony Hillbillies will be bringing their unique sound and musicianship in two special programs on Sunday. At 2 p.m. the Hillbillies will be conducting a hands-on and educational Young People’s workshop in the Youth Services Room-all instruments welcome. At 3:30 p.m., join the Ebony Hillbillies for a concert of American Roots Music, sure to delight the whole family.

All programs are free, but AIP is requesting donations of personal and food items to be distributed to Long Island CARES disabled Veterans’ programs (bins are at the Long Beach Public Library, 111 West Park Ave.) Seating limited to 200.

Additional info at www.aip-arts.org oremail aip4arts@gmail.com or call (516) 432-6342.