The Huntington Summer Arts Festival is set for a big week at Heckscher Park in front of the Chapin Rainbow Stage, including a tribute performance honoring singer/songwriter Harry Chapin.
Events start at 8:30 p.m., except for the Tuesday Family Series, which starts at 7:30 p.m. This week's lineup includes:
* The Bari Koral Band on Tuesday, July 12. Dubbed “Sheryl Crow for kids” by the NY Post, Bari Koral’s catchy, pop friendly tunes and awesome live shows have gained her thousands of young (and not so young!) loyal fans. Children may pop like popcorn, surf the waves, run like the gingerbread man, and they may even learn to jam with the band.
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* The Huntington Community Band on Wednesday, July 13. For its third evening of band music under the stars, HCB focuses on music written especially for television, with a special guest conductor and instrumental soloist. Come early for pre-concert entertainment at 7:45 p.m.
* The Isotope Stompers on Thursday, July 14. A perennial favorite of festival audiences, this exhilarating high-energy Dixieland Jazz Band will have you celebrating Mardi Gras, New Orleans style, on a mid-summer’s night!
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* The Pine Leaf Boys on Friday, July 15. Louisiana's finest, four-time Grammy-nominated, world-renowned Pine Leaf Boys present their own brand of cajun, creole and zydeco music. The Boys are hailed as "the best new, energetic and fun Cajun band in a very long time" by The New York Times.
* “Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song,” on Saturday, July 16. This date, July 16, marks 30 years since an automobile crash on the Long Island Expressway took the life of singer, songwriter and social activist Harry Chapin.
Two generations of Chapins – Harry’s daughter, Jen; his brothers Tom and Steve; the Chapin Sisters, and others, will gather to honor that anniversary and Harry’s life, music and legacy. This family reunion concert is collaboration among the Huntington Arts Council, the town of Huntington, Long Island Cares and the Folk Music Society of Huntington.
Fittingly, the family will perform on The Chapin Rainbow Stage, which will be rededicated that evening. Please, honor Harry and bring canned goods for Long Island Cares! Sponsor is NBTY Helping Hands Charity.
* The Long Island Dance Consortium No. 1 on Sunday, July 17. The Long Island Dance Consortium is composed of presenters, dance advocates, dance professionals, Arts Councils and dance-related studios. The program will include the Long Island Dance Company performing a repertoire of dance pieces; Circle of Dance and it's unique, modern stylistic approach; and the Red Hot Mamas tuneful variety of "Mack the Knife,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," “Anything Goes," and "There's No Business Like Show Business."
The summer festival is presented by the town and produced by the Huntington Arts Council, with additional support from the New York State Council on the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs and additional corporate sponsorship for designated evening programs.
The festival runs until Aug. 14. Performances are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, or stop by earlier in the day to mark out your space.
The Tuesday Night “It’s Showtime” family performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; all other performances begin at 8:30 p.m.
July performances include "Great Band Music Under the Stars," free concerts at the harbor's edge in Northport from the Northport Community Band under the direction of Robert W. Krueger on Thursdays, July 14, 21, 28 and Aug. 4 at 8:30 p.m.
For directions or more information, visit the Huntington Arts Council's website, www.huntingtonarts.org, call the festival hotline at 631-271-8423 ext. 5, or stop by the Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main St., for a free copy of the Summer 2011 Arts Cultural News, which contains complete listings.
The rain location for Tuesday evenings only is Elwood Middle School, 478 Elwood Road, East Northport. Get directions at www.huntingtonarts.org or call (631) 271-8423 ext. 4.
