By Karen Wolitzer
I'm talking about Nassau Community College's 31st Annual Folk Festival. Don't let the name fool you it's much more than just folk music. There'll be blues and jazz, salsa, children's songs and a capella comedy by Da Vinci's Notebook.
The festivities kick off on Tuesday, April 16, at 11:30 a.m. when Mark Ross, Montana's most famous unknown folksinger, performs songs of America's families. Ross left home at 17 due to illness (his parents were sick of him). He's sure to be lots of fun.
The nighttime fun begins at 8 p.m. with headliner Janis Ian. This multifaceted, talented woman has been making music for more than four decades.
I'll be doing At Seventeen and Society's Child those are probably my best known songs, says Ian. And I'll be staying after the show to meet people and sign the stuff they bring. I like to do that. My fans are good people. I think I'm lucky to make a living doing something that I don't detest.
Tuesday's show also includes Waterson:Carthy, the first family of British folk music, and Oscar Brand (who lives in Great Neck). Brand's credits include over 90 albums, 56 years of his own radio program, on and off Broadway plays, 7 books, and he's the curator of the New York City Songwriters' Hall of Fame. He's written songs for Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte and many others. Musician Jon Pickow will accompany him. Oscar's very talented, says Ian. I've known him since I was a kid. I didn't know he was going to be there. This is going to be a good chance to see some old friends.
Autoharp wizard Bryan Bowers will be performing, as will a young group of dancers from Peru called Estampas Folkloricas Peru. Your host for the evening will be Martha Trachtenberg (who also resides on Long Island). Her performances have spanned 30 years ranging from the Buffalo Gals, the first all-female bluegrass band, to the solo voice for the Folgers Coffee commercials.
On Wednesday, April 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. there will be a program called Music and Fashion of the Roaring Twenties.' The fashion students will take care of the fashion part. And the music will be provided by The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, who will also be performing Wednesday evening.
At 8 p.m., musician Tom Chapin will be headlining. The New York Times called him one of the great personalities in contemporary folk music. Tom's a sweetheart, adds Ian. He's a really great guy. I've known him since the 70s.
The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band will be back. Also on the bill are Tommy Peoples and Sean Tyrrell. Peoples is a great Irish fiddler and Tyrell is an amazing singer deeply steeped in Celtic tradition.
Jumping from Ireland to the Middle East, Pharaoh's Daughter, who just finished working on their third album, will be playing their unique mix of material, exploding with electric energy. Bryan Bowers will be your host for the evening.
On Thursday, April 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a multicultural fair with music, food, dance and exhibits from many cultures.
At 8 p.m., the show opens with adorable salsa sensation Kevin Ceballo. Ceballo is not just another pretty face, in addition to his smooth singing style, he plays piano, guitar, and arranges and writes his own songs.
Christine Lavin will be joining in the fun. Her solo album titles: Getting in Touch With My Inner Bitch, Please Don't Make Me Too Happy and Good Thing He Can't Read My Mind, say it all. Her hilarious yet poignant songs have earned her the respect and love of the folk community. Chris is great. She's very funny, says Ian. Probably the funniest human being on earth right now.
Da Vinci's Notebook will be bringing more musical comedy to the night. Since 1994, the a cappella quartet has been making audiences laugh and cheer with their Bobby McFerrin meets Weird Al Yankovic style.
When you're done laughing, you'll be dazzled by Odadaa a dynamic group of musicians and dancers from Ghana. Led by pioneering drummer, choreographer, composer Yacub Addy, they combine hot African percussion, rich vocals, high-energy dance and lush costumes. Your host for the evening will be Little Toby Walker, Long Island's best blues artist.
In addition to all the music and merriment, there will be a crafts fair all three nights.
