Folk-2-Funk Fest returns

Artists in Partnership, Inc. will hold its fourth annual Folk-2-Funk Festival this weekend, Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6, at the Long Beach Public Library, 111 W. Park Ave.
An eclectic mix of folk, Americana, funk and blues, this year’s festival features Peter and Kim Kuperschmid on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., the Broadway World Award winner for best female vocalist, Pamela Lewis, will be joined by John Hurley, Sean and Donna Gillen, band leaders of Code Bleu and a few of their “funky friends.”
On Saturday at 3 p.m., there will be a special biographical, visual, and musical tribute to Phil Ochs by his sister, Sonny Ochs, and musician John Flynn. Saturday evening starting at 7 p.m. include performances by David Massengill, the Blues and Roots duo of Bill Sims Jr. and his daughter Chaney Sims, followed by the trio “Gathering Time,” who will be performing original songs along with a tribute to the legendary Pete Seeger featuring guests Josh Joffen, Marty Stone and Eric Eaton.
Sunday at 1 p.m. will feature an art gallery on the 2nd floor and a “meet the artist,” event with Shaakir Thomas, where people can view a few of his music-inspired paintings. At 1:30 p.m., the music begins with the Katie Mitchell-Condon Duo, a solo act with Christine Solimeno, followed at 2:30 p.m. by the eclectic and funky sounds of Karlus Trapp & Magumbo and concluding with popular Americana and folk group Spuyten Duyvil from 3:45 p.m.
All events are free, but please bring non-perishable foods to be distributed to local food pantries. For more information about AIP or for a full schedule, visit www.aip-arts.org.