“Foodstock” Music Festival To Support Riverhead-Based Food Pantry

Riverhead-based RISE Life Services, a nonprofit organization that was established in 1980 as Aid To The Developmentally Disabled (ADD), is presenting its first-ever music festival, Foodstock, on Sunday, September 22 at Bayside Clam Bar. Proceeds from the afternoon will support the RISE Life Services food pantry, The Main Street Market.

“We are thrilled to host an event where people come together to enjoy great music, and raise money for an extremely important cause,” Melissa Martin, RISE Life Services Development Manager, relayed.

Doors will open at 12 p.m., and DJs Steven Wickes and Anthony Parra from One Sound NYC will spin before the concerts kick-off and in between acts. Valerie Rose will have the honor of singing the National Anthem at 1 p.m. The soloist, who is inspired by Janis Joplin, Alanis Morissette, Amy Winehouse, The Cranberries, Etta James, Tina Turner, Madonna, The Beatles, Carole King, Carly Simon, Tori Amos, Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Billy Joel, Queen, Muse, Foo Fighters, Aerosmith, and so many more, will also serve as the event’s first headliner.

Bushwick Blues Band, featuring Brother Dave, Chas Rio and David Cornejo, will take the stage at 2 p.m. Tom Smith Quartet, featuring Charlie Busterna, Vinnie Ciaravolo and Mark Marino, is next up at 3 p.m.

The sets will wrap up with a special performance from The Jack Morelli Quartet, featuring Jack Morelli, Dudley Music, Jon Franke and Scott Thomas Ferreira, at 4 p.m. Morelli is one of the co-sponsors of Foodstock. The drummer, bandleader and owner of an uncommon music agency, jack morelli music, has been performing since he was 14-years-old. He organizes groups that highlight jazz, blues, pop, rock, country, swing and hip hop. For Foodstock, the Quartet will showcase jazz and hip hop.

“These musicians are donating their time to benefit RISE’s food pantry as well,” Martin noted.

The goal of RISE is to “recognize and identify the special needs of the mentally and developmentally disabled persons and to provide them with a superior professional system of care and services in a homelike environment.” On Wednesdays, a collection of RISE clients aid with the RISE Food Pantry in Riverhead by assisting community members, stocking inventory – which is mainly donated by Island Harvest, and helping with Pantry visitors.

The RISE Food Pantry hopes to meet growing demands on the East End by launching a second location and also providing additional availability. Funding will also support essential personal care products for those who utilize the Pantry. RISE plans to continue their community outreach, eventually serving beyond the Riverhead area. Currently, RISE is looking to expand to Hampton Bays.

“An event like this was essential to meet the needs of expanding our food pantry availability and continue to work on the goal of a second location,” Martin said. “Our food pantry serves our residents, the Downtown Riverhead area, and hopefully soon, an additional neighborhood!” Just $100 can feed a family of four for an entire month.

Foodstock will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, September 29. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair, as seating is limited. There will be food will be available for purchase at the Bayside Clam Bar. Admission is a suggest donation of at least $10.

Bayside Clam Bar is located at 300 Bayview Avenue in East Islip. For more information, visit riselifeservices.org.