Folkie Fest: In the Summertime

Summertime brings Folkie Fest outdoors at Moriches Field Brewing Company. Kicking off our summer season, we are happy to welcome an eclectic gathering of artists – some for the first time, others coming back for a reprise. New to our stage are Syd Swinson and Fred Hintze. We welcome back Ray Lambiase, our emcee, Gregory John Smith, is wearing two hats and performing for us as well as hosting the show. Rejoining us is east-ender Jeffrey Bragman, who performed at one of our shows at LTV studios. We are especially happy to welcome back Shari Yeomans – one of the original performers at Folkie Fest, back from Florida for a visit and to share a few songs.

In 1991, several years after he studied under the great Steve Adelson, Fred launched The Fred Hintze Experience- an infusion of retro folk, jazz, and punk rock. It’s something different for a hip audience. Fred serves up an eclectic mix of originals and covers primarily written by folks that he’s connected with over the years – Tom Paxton, Elliot Murphy and Tom Russell, just to name a few. The act was featured in the NYT in 2015. Fred’s mission has always been to challenge himself and the audience by creating songs that create an engaging vibe- an experience that’s a bit “out of the box” but one they will never forget.

Syd Swinson is a New York–based singer-songwriter whose distinctive sound blends blues, folk, soul, and jazz into a style uniquely her own. Driven by powerhouse vocals and deeply personal songwriting, she has cultivated a musical identity that is both timeless and contemporary. Syd’s journey as a vocalist began in childhood, when she developed the ability to mimic the diverse range of music she was exposed to. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Nina Simone, Bobbie Gentry, Howlin’ Wolf, and Betty Davis, she soon began writing original material that reflected her own voice. Growing up and performing in New York provided opportunities to showcase her genre-defying sound at renowned venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett. Along the way, she has shared stages and collaborated with respected musicians including David Amram and Bakithi Kumalo. Audiences have praised Syd’s voice as a “seemingly physical force powered by emotion” and an “embodied instrument,” capable of creating powerful connections with listeners from all backgrounds. At just 18 years old, she wrote her debut self-titled album, which was later recorded and produced by Andy Falco of The Infamous Stringdusters. Her songwriting explores themes of human connection, contemporary culture, and the natural world, delivering stories that are both introspective and relatable. Today, Syd continues to travel and perform across the country, sharing new original music alongside thoughtfully selected covers while connecting with audiences wherever her music takes her.

Ray Lambiase has recently released his sixth full length CD, Perfume Like a Full Moon. His songwriting has been rewarded with two publishing contracts over the years. He has performed in support of Steve Forbert, Suzanne Vega, Eric Andersen, Marshall Crenshaw and many more. Lanny Sichel, as a member of King Penguin, released a number of recordings on Fruit DeMar Records. Ray has been performing with Lanny on lead guitar and backing vocals steadily for the past eleven years. Together they have recently contributed a cover of Bob Dylan’s It Ain’t Me Babe for the Paradidle Records most recent Uncovered Bob Dylan Vol. 4 release.

After picking up the guitar, over 50 years ago, Greg has always sought out other musicians.

They understand each other. They speak the same language. After 2 tours in the Army, Greg and his family settled on Long Island where he found a vibrant musical community. Over the last twenty years he has played in a several bands including The Shipmates, Godfrey Daniel, The South Country String Band and currently sings with The Hucksters, as close to Peter Paul and Mary as he’s gonna get!

Growing up in Wisconsin, Jeff’s first guitar was a rented orange sunburst which kept him busy through the winter. He first performed in show and tell, some notes on two strings, which met with mixed reception. Eventually, he learned cowboy chords, in time to follow the folk music scene. Some of the notable songwriters were Phil Ochs, Willis Alan Ramsey, later, John Prine, and Dylan. He moved toward Country rock and classic heartbreak ballads, which felt more authentic.He began writing late, and his songs tell stories. His debut album some years back was Goodbye Baby, and he recently released an EP Any Highway (both streamable). His young son once asked why he sang sad songs; he told him it was because they made him happy. The heartbreak songs seem to put things in place, and picking up the guitar and talking old regrets is still soothing.

Shari Yeomans, formerly LI, based is visiting just in time to join our Folkie Fest on July 7th. Shari was one of the performers at the first Folkie Fest.As a singer/songwriter, Shari Yeomans is diversified in her musicianship styles performing Folk, Blues & Rock either Solo or with her band, "Blue Moon Rising".Award winner for her song, "Ode to the Big Duck", she also has performed on the One Guitar CD & performed with her band at Rockin' for the Homeless every year while based on Long Island. Welcome her back…. maybe she will come back more often!

Join us at Moriches Field Brewing, 1 Wilcox Ave, Center Moriches, NY The doors open at 5 pm, music starts at 5:30. 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

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/18nkPhdeZ6/