3rd Annual Kickin' Country Music Festival and LI CARES Food Drive- 11/6-9th

Artists in Partnership, Inc. and the Long Beach Public Library, present the 3rd Annual Kickin’ Country Music Festival and Long Island Cares Food Drive at the Long Beach Public Library and other venues, from Thursday November 6th through Sunday, November 9th.

Music Festival Producer Johanna Mathieson stated that, “the 1st Kickin’ Country Festival was scheduled to coincide with Veteran’s Day because Country, Americana and Bluegrass music are so reflective of the American family, our Spirit and ideals of freedom. We partnered with Long Island CARES to organize a food and personal items drive to collect items that would be distributed to Veterans and their families living in Nassau County. Though we lost a year to Superstorm Sandy, the tradition continues. Four days of FREE music, dancing and children’s events at the Library and other venues- all we ask is that you bring along some canned or packaged food goods and/or personal toiletries for those who served our country over these many years.” All food and personal items collected in boxes located in the Long Beach Public Library lobby at 111 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, N.Y. (516) 432-7201, will be donated to the Long Island Cares Mobile Initiative for disabled Veterans.

Kicking off the event at 7:00 on Thursday, November 6th at the Hub Billiard Club Concert Hall in Island Park will be family-friendly Country Line Dancing and Lessons with DJ Lyndy, Live Country music featuring musician/teacher, Benoir, students and local musicians.

Join us at the long Beach Public Library for live Country, “Alt” Country, Americana and Bluegrass music by the Wes Houston Trio and Small Town Sheiks on Friday, November 7th at 7:00. On Saturday, November 8th, we are proud to present the Country Blues of Piedmont Bluz followed by the music of The Last Hombres. Following the Library show, head over to LOLA’S at 9:30 for some dancing and kickin’ country tunes by the duo “Unwined”.

This year we’re back with Kidz Korral on Sunday at 1:00 - face-painting, card-making with Jen, kids crafts, and free Cowboy Hats to the first 25 youngsters. Join us in the Library Auditorium for the Brooklyn based groups: Dubl Handi Trio at 2:15 followed by Alex Battles and the group, Whisky Rebellion.

Remember, all events are free, but we ask that participants bring non-perishable food and personal care items for our Food Drive to benefit Long Island Cares home-bound Military Veterans. Please visit our website for detailed schedules and band bios at www.aip-arts.org for more information or you can call (516) 432-6342.