Folkie Fest: Hot Summer Night
Celebrating the music of Kris Kristofferson, Melanie and local original music
Our second summer event at Moriches Field Brewing Company brings some new and returning artists to our stage. We welcome Robert Bruey, Bryan Gallo and Terry Seidl back to our stage. We look forward to hear what they are working on now. New to our stage, although not new to the local music scene are Frank Cardello, Zoe Speed and Syd Swinson. They are sure to bring a new dimension to our audience. This is a rain or shine event, Mother Nature has been accommodating for the last few years, so fingers crossed! Bring a favorite lawn chair for maximum comfort.
Robert Bruey is a singer/songwriter whose unique fingerstyle guitar playing and distinctive voice take listeners on poetic journeys through the events of life and love. The lyrics of his original works create images not unlike impressionist paintings, moving through the notes he carefully chooses to illustrate the words. He offers his own spin on familiar tunes and brings his own original works to the stage. His concerts are moving and intimate, drawing the listener in as he weaves intricate tales.
Bryan Gallo is a Long Island based singer-songwriter inspired by late nights in bars, the backseats of cars, and the pressures and consequences of living life romantically. Intrigued by both the sounds of alternative country-rock and wistful pop music he embarked on a solo career and began to pen songs that would be deeply personal but still readily accessible. Steeped in reflective heartache, the lexicon of Gallo’s lyrics stands as a testament to his raw talent as a musician while weaving a flush and relatable narrative.
Terry Seidl is a singer/songwriter from the Huntington area. She’s been singing since her arrival on the planet and began playing guitar and writing in high school. After a long writing hiatus, she recently returned to the craft and finds a whole new kind of joy in it and the community that comes along with it. Terry also performs regularly with her cover-trio, T-Bird & the Buzzards.
Frank Cardello Jr. is a Long Island–based singer-songwriter blending folk storytelling with a classic rock edge. Influenced by artists like Tom Petty and Neil Young, his songs focus on honest lyrics, stripped-down acoustic arrangements, and a raw, expressive vocal style.
Zoe Speed is a singer-songwriter from Long Island whose musical career may have begun when she stretched rubber bands across a Frisbee and decided it was close enough to a guitar. Whatever the exact origin story, she has been writing songs ever since. Over the years, Zoe has performed in a variety of musical projects, including Ghost Orchid with longtime collaborator Gina Correira and violinist Dan Martinez. She took a long break from performing to raise her two daughters, a role that brought plenty of inspiration but not always a lot of free time. With her return to writing and performing, Zoe’s songs reflect the winding road of finding her way back to herself. Her music combines rich harmonies, vivid imagery, and a stubborn optimism that people can change the world—starting with themselves. Zoe released her first single, Ripple Effect, in October 2025 and has recently released two more songs, Boxes and Getting Steady. She is currently working toward her first full-length album and is excited to keep sharing songs, stories, and the occasional reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover what makes you come alive.
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.
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
