Harry Chapin tribute concert returning to Heckscher Park

The songs of Harry Chapin live on thanks to a number of local musicians who will perform his works at the annual "Just Wild About Harry" tribute concert, which returns to Heckscher Park in Huntington on July 27.

Nearly 30 Long Island-based performers will put their spin on Chapin's songs for the free concert on the park's Chapin Rainbow Stage, which is named for the singer-songwriter who was only 38 years old when he died in a crash on the Long Island Expressway in 1981.

Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable food to support Long Island Cares Inc., the regional food bank founded by Chapin in 1980. The event is presented by the Huntington Arts Council as part of the 60th annual Huntington Summer Arts Festival.

Among the acts on the bill are the folk trio Gathering Time, which will perform Chapin's biggest hit, "Cat's in the Cradle." The group's lead singer, Stuart Markus, organized the show and will serve as the master of ceremonies.

“All the performers are pro-caliber, full-time and part-time musicians who perform regularly at local venues and/or on the folk circuit,” Markus said in a statement. “Throughout the show’s two decade-long history, I’ve always encouraged them to treat the songs as their own — however they imagine them. This has resulted in some very creative interpretations.”

Showtime is 8 p.m. and attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, visit the Folk Music Society of Huntington website at fmsh.org.