HooDoo Loungers Headlining Launch Of Fourth Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series

Update: This concert has been postponed to Friday, January 12.

The New Year brings the return of the Fourth Annual Songwriters Share Concert Series, which will launch on Friday, January 5 with the HooDoo Loungers playing for The Island Gift of Life Foundation, a Shelter Island-based non-profit that offers a wide range of services, including financial assistance, to East End residents with life threatening illnesses.

Founded by local musician Nancy Remkus, the series features local talent who not only perform their beloved hits, but also share insight about their songwriting process and even dish about what led to their favorite tunes, and each performer picks a local charity to share the proceeds of the concerts with.

“I’m so excited that the fourth annual Songwriters Share Concert Series will be beginning soon,” Remkus reflected. “We have an incredible line up of amazing local musicians playing for great charitable causes.”

HooDoo Loungers, a New Orleans Mardi Gras style party band, has played at festivals, nightclubs, and concert venues across the East Coast since 2009. The band’s follow up to its 2013 Hoodoo Lounge, a mix of originals, the Loungers’ adaptation of traditional New Orleans anthems and reworked covers, will be released this spring. Trimmed down tracks from the untitled album will be showcased during Songwriters Share, which will feature David Deitch on keyboards, guitarist Michael Schiano, vocalist Dawnette Darden with Joe Lauro on acoustic bass and David Giacone on percussion.

“This is such a fun evening where the audience gets a glimpse into the songwriter’s process, what has inspired them, their journeys, what’s in their hearts and how it all comes together in song,” she explained. “People that are new to the series often comment that they wish they had known about it sooner- it’s a great night to come together to celebrate our local musicians, share conversation with our neighbors and support wonderful causes. Capped off with a complimentary reception it’s a night that makes memories.”

Concerts take place at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse of the South Fork in Bridgehampton at 7:30 p.m. Following the intimate set, attendees can stick around for a complimentary reception where they can chat with the guest of honor.

The Songwriters Share Concerts will take place on the first Friday of each month – January through June. This year’s lineup includes Inda Eaton playing for Project Most on Friday, February 2, Caroline Doctorow playing The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreation Center on Friday, March 2, Fred Raimondo, with opening act Steve Skoldberg, playing for The Retreat on Friday, April 6, Gene Casey accompanied by Tricia Scotti playing for Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons on Friday, May 4, and The Songwriters Share Showcase featuring five local songwriters – Job Potter, Sarah Azarra, Klyph Black, Sarah Greene, and Cynthia Daniels on Friday, June 1.

“I hope we can encourage many more people to come to these wonderful events!” Remkus concluded.

General Admission is $20and $15 for students and senior citizens.

Update: This concert has been postponed to Friday, January 12.

Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse of the South Fork is located at 977 Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton Turnpike in Bridgehampton. For more information about The Island of Life, visit www.islandgiftoflife.org.