Woodlands Folk Festival Plans Song Competition, Open Mic

An open song competition – thought to be the first of its kind on Long Island this summer – is planned at the upcoming Woodlands Folk Festival, to be held at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook on June 29.

In addition to the song competition, in which prizes will be awarded, the annual festival will also feature an open mic session and sing-alongs that feature the songs of Beatles as well as traditional folk music.

"We’re really encouraging people to join in making the music this year," festival spokesman Tom Pelletier said in a release.

This year's festival features a performance by Joe Crookston, the 2008 winner of "Album of the Year" from the International Folk Alliance. The Amigos Band will make its second Woodlands appearance and the duo of Chris James and Annie Mark will perform. Celebrated local musicians including Jon Preddice of Miles to Dayton, Johnny Cuomo, Greg Galluccio, Dr. Dan, and Tom Ryan will come together as CB Jacobs and the Soul Fire Revival. 

“Our goal with the Soul Fire Revival – and with the festival as a whole – is to rock your soul, shake your body, and warm your heart," festival director Claudia Jacobs said.

The festival runs 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information on the festival, visit www.woodlandsfolkfest.org.