Folkie Fest: Words And Music

Pete Seeger said “You learn another person’s language or his songs and you learn something of the soul of his people.” The language of song brings us into another person’s world, they share their insights, thoughts, and feelings which bring us closer together. This month’s event has some new faces as well as some familiar ones… welcoming back Bob Sinclair and Hank Stone. New to our stage is Conky Nostrand, and Maggie & Mike Mills and a new emerging artist, Taylor Mecca.

Bob Sinclair, a long-time member of Songwriters of Long Island (SLI), has been playing guitar and writing songs since 2016. He regularly performs his distinctive original songs at venues across Long Island. In addition to winning a recent singer/songwriter “Pick of the Crop” event at Benner’s Farm, Bob also had the honor of performing his songs at the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville.Bob’s songwriting teachers and mentors include Jorma Kaukonen, Todd Snider, and local songwriter Fred Raimondo.

Hank Stone was born and raised in Queens, between Idlewild Airport and Aqueduct Racetrack. He picked up guitar before the Beatles hit the airwaves, and started to write songs soon afterwards. He played in rock bands before quitting public performance to raise a family, but never stopped writing. As an empty-nester, he hit the Long Island open mic and folk scenes about 25 years ago and has since acquired a reputation as a prolific and varied songwriter, also no slouch on the guitar.

Conky is a classically trained clarinet player and a self-taught bass player as well as a singer/songwriter with a unique, distinctive sound .She graduated from the High School of Music & Arts in Manhattan and did not pick up a bass until 2010.Wrote her first song in 2012 and has written over 60 songs since with lyrics many people can relate to. Her band is called Conky & Co, with a YouTube channel of the same name. When playing solo, she calls herself Conky & No Co. Conky & Co will be the featured act at Katie’s of Smithtown May 6, also playing the Summer Solstice at Thatch Meadow Farm June 20 and on the acoustic stage at Bradstock at the end of the summer.

Mike Mills is a singer-songwriter and guitar player based in Huntington, NY. His debut album, Leather and Rain, features a captivating mix of 10 tracks that weave narratives of runaway brides, hurricanes, and a junkyard hot rod, exploring themes of love, loss, hope, and redemption. Mike performs with his original band and also partners with Maggie Mills in a popular acoustic duo. To follow Mike's musical journey, visit MikeMillsSongs.com and his YouTube channel, MikeMillsMusic. Maggie Mills is a dynamic singer and performer from Huntington, NY. Her powerful and emotional performances and engaging, upbeat personality have made her a fan favorite on the Long Island music scene, fronting her own bands and supporting others. Learn more about Maggie and upcoming shows at maggiemillsmusic.com. Maggie and Mike Mills recently debuted their self-produced show, Women Who Rock, to enthusiastic reviews

Taylor Mecca is a rising pop artist from Long Island with millions on social media. She's known for her sharp lyrics, emotional storytelling, and unapologetic attitude. Blending catchy melodies with real-life experiences, she turns heartbreak, friendship fallouts, and personal growth into songs that stick. With a growing audience across social platforms, Taylor is building a name as an artist who says exactly what everyone else is thinking.

The doors open at 1:30, music starts at 2. Tickets are available at the gate only, $15 cash only, please. As always, there will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit LI Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

If you want to check out some of the past events and some of the artists we have had on our stage, there are highlights on the Folkie Fest YouTube channel. To keep up with happenings, like Folkie Fest on Facebook, or sign up for our mailing list at folkiefest@gmail.com