Long Beach to get funky for charity

The 5th annual Folk-2-Funk Music Festival will return to the Long Beach Public Library Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29. Artists in Partnership, Inc., a not-for-profit arts organization that has been providing cultural arts programs to the community for over 15 years presents the event each year. Musical acts span an eclectic mix of folk, Americana, funk and blues.

“We're so excited to once again be bringing such a diverse, talented group of musicians, songwriters and performers to the Long Beach Public Library stage,” festival producer Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer said. “On Friday, opening night of the festival, we are shining a local spotlight on the talents of Long Beach Jazz Festival producer Steve Adelson and trio, along with Pamela Lewis and John Hurley's ‘Funky Folk’ friends.”

Other major folk acts from neighboring Brooklyn and around the country will also be performing. Husband and wife duo and former Nanci Griffith band members, “The Kennedys” will share a bill with longtime James Brown bassist, Fred Thomas and his band.

Singer/songwriter Robin Greenstein will spotlight women's voices in folk music, while Scott Barkan brings a focus to the New York Indie music scene. “Feral Matt Foster,” a regular performer and producer of the Jalopy Theatre’s “Roots and Ruckus” show in Brooklyn, will also be performing, as will the Brooklyn-based Americana group, “M Shanghai,” and the internationally recognized Suzanne Sheridan Band, who will present a special program featuring the music of two famous Canadians: Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen.

Admission to all Folk-2-Funk events is free, but attendees are asked to please bring non-perishable foods as a donation to be distributed to community food pantries. Please consider joining Artists in Partnership, Inc. by signing up online or in-person at the festival.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 3/27

7:30 p.m. — Steve Adelson “Chapman Stick Man” Trio

8:30 p.m. — Funky Folks: featuring Pamela Lewis, Broadway World Award winner for Best Female Vocalist, joined by John Hurley and Sean & Donna Gillen.

SATURDAY 3/28

1:00 p.m. — Children's Art and Music Workshop: make instruments from recycled materials and participate in a music and movement program featuring Robin Greenstein.

3:00 p.m. — Suzanne Sheridan Band: featuring the music of Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell.

7:00 p.m. — Robin Greenstein: Women in Folk Music.

7:45 p.m. — Feral Matt Foster: Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter of the weekly “Roots n’ Ruckus” folk music showcase.

8:30 p.m. — Fred Thomas Band: Former James Brown bass player delivers funk and soul.

SUNDAY 3/29

1:30 p.m. — Scott Barkan: Indie/Folk/Blues/Roots/Jazz guitarist and singer/songwriter.

2:30 p.m. — The Kennedys: The Super Duo of Maura and Pete Kennedy.

3:45 p.m. — M Shanghai: Brooklyn-based folk/Americana collective.

Visit www.aip-arts.org for more information.