By: Jason Scheer
"I love his music -- I'm a huge fan," Rockville Centre resident Mary-Ellen Korndoerfer said.
The West Hempstead Civic Association sponsored the event, dubbed the Music in The Park concert. It was the first in a summer-long series and featured 17 artists doing their best renditions of Chapin's most famous songs.
In addition to providing listeners with good music, the concert also served as a means to raise money and awareness for Long Island Cares, an organization dedicated to eradicating hunger on Long Island that was founded by Chapin himself in 1980.
Stuart Markus of Malverne, a songwriter known for his "Ballad of Malverne Mel," coordinated the event. Markus thought of the idea of a Harry Chapin concert series years ago, but the idea finally came to fruition when members of the Civic Association approached him seeking ideas for a concert. "The civic association wanted to get a concert together, and I had this idea waiting," said Markus.
Doug Kwarlter, currently touring the country promoting his album, "Halfway House," opened the concert by performing "Remember When the Music." He said that it was an honor to open the concert and to perform for such a good cause.
"It's a huge turnout," said Kwelter. "And it's a wonderful cause."
The duet of J.C. Cob and Doc Butler performed one of Chapin's biggest hits, "Taxi."
Cob, a Baldwin resident, said that he would like to see more community events like the concert. "It's always gratifying to be able to be part of a cause such as this one," he said. "There should be more of these kinds of events. People should have the opportunity to come out and meet each other and enjoy a fun time in an informal setting like this."
Irene Quere, a lifelong West Hempstead resident, was certainly enjoying her time in the park, along with her husband, Yannik, and their 3-year-old son, Steven. "I love this. I think there should be one every week," she said.
According to West Hempstead Civic Association President Rosalie Norton, the next concert in the Music in the Park series will take place on Sunday, July 25, and feature music from the '50s and '60s. The concert will again be held in Hall's Pond Park. "It's a perfect spot for a concert, and West Hempstead is a great community," said Markus.
