Tribute to Harry Chapin

Singer-songwriter-activist Harry Chapin may be long gone, but his life and works continue to make an impact. His legacy lives on in his words and music, and his many philanthropic contributions to Long Island.
As most everyone knows by now, Chapin, who resided in Huntington Bay, died in a car accident on his way to perform a free concert at Eisenhower Park in July 1981. That concert that he intended to give, now takes place in the form of an annual tribute, with local musicians and bands, on Monday, Aug. 9, at the theater in Eisenhower Park that now bears his name.
“Just Wild About Harry,” is a yearly concert organized by singer-songwriter Stuart Markus, of Malverne. He is joined by many members of Long Island’s folk music community for a festive evening of music-making. Scheduled to appear are Hillary Foxsong, Joe Iadanza, Doc Butler & JC Cob, Lisa Itts, Josh Joffen, Debra Lynne & Chris Tursi, Russ Seeger, MediaCrime, Christine Solimeno, Frank Walker, Kenny Forgione, Hank Stone, Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg & Andy Huenerberg, Cecilia Kirtland, and Kendall & Korb.
“There’s so much wonderful musical talent on Long Island,” said Markus. “We have an ever expanding group of singer-songwiters who want to honor an outstanding musician and Long Islander”
Markus and the musicians who participate aim to keep keep Chapin’s music and legacy alive. “The Long Island folk community has really embraced him,” said Markus. “The opportunity to hear his music played live again means a lot.”
In all, 17 acts will perform, each giving a special interpretation to Chapin’s songs.
In some cases, the performers have chosen their own songs; others are performing songs Markus suggested to them, but the musicians have carte blanche with respect to interpretation. “A lot of times performers will have something they connect to and that gives added authenticity to the song,” he said. “The result has been some really creative treatments and performances.”