Sunday, November 9, 2025
Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.
Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.
Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”
Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.
“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”
Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.
“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”
Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.
"Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”
The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.
“I’ve always encouraged everyone to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”
Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of “Sunday Morning Sunshine.”
“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.
Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”
“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.
The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.
As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.
Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.
“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.
Just the way Chapin would want it.
More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.
Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.
