Musician Gene Casey Taking The Stage For The Turtles

Songwriters Share is nearing its 2019 end. For its second to last performance of the concert series that gives back, singer/songwriter/storyteller Gene Casey will take the stage alongside Tricia Scotti and Pete Crugnale in support of the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons. The concert will take place on Friday, May 3 at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse.

“Bigger than life, with a cowboy hat and boots – Gene fills up the room with his warmth, his tales and his music,” Nancy Remkus, who founded the series, shared. “An amazing performer, Gene plays the guitar with the ease and warmth of melted butter – and a voice that resonates with the angels. On spot harmony by Tricia Scotti, known for her work with the Ronettes, and the stand-up bass of Pete Crugnale – this is sure to be a night of music that will stick with you for a long time.”

Casey, a 30 year plus East End music scene veteran that heads Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks, is known for providing maximum rhythm ‘n’ twang at each outing. And, it’s not just Long Island that loves his tunes. The musician’s original songs have been featured on the soundtracks to feature films, including The Tall Man starring Jessica Biel, Killing Season starring Robert DeNiro, Rob Reiner’s 2016 feature, Being Charlie, as well as television, including FX Network’s Sons of Anarchy and Justified, Cinemax’s Outcast and A Prairie Home Companion.

“Nancy Remkus deserves a lot of credit for herding in a bunch of unruly singer-songwriters into a performance series that is growing each year. I am very happy to be part of it,” Casey revealed.

The Long Island Music Hall of Fame honored Casey’s long-lasting career in 2015 with the coveted “Long Island Sound Award – the “LISA” – for “outstanding contributions to Long Island’s (and beyond) music community.” Earlier this year, Casey and the Lone Sharks headlined their third annual Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center show, which drew a sold out crowd.

Casey, who was born in Queens, now calls Southold home.

Both Scotti and Crugnale are accomplished musicians in their own right. Scotti, who has joined Casey during his last two Songwriters Share concerts, has toured and recorded with notable Rock & Roll Hall of Famer inductees like Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes, Wilson Picket, and Joey Ramone. She has also been a featured performer in the long-running “Loser’s Lounge” variety show in Manhattan. Crugnale, who will play upright bass, is considered one of the best “slap style” bass players on the Long Island rockabilly music scene.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will support Casey’s charity of choice, the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons. “We chose the Turtle Rescue of Hamptons folks last year, and again this year because they are quite active and really got behind the Songwriters Share series and helped promote it,” Casey explained. “There are certainly a lot of causes to support, and we have been associated with many, including the ‘Rockin’ for the Homeless’ concert every January in Riverhead.”

The not-for-profit organization is committed to saving, rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured turtles that are native to New York. “I have great respect and fascination with turtles and I view them as a symbol of something prehistoric, enduring (we hope), worthy of protecting against the tide of over-development,” Casey reflected.

The organization takes in all injured or sick turtles discovered on the East End. “The non-profit relies on charitable contributions. Turtles have no politics, do not use computers, and are not able to launch Go Fund Me campaigns on Facebook. So, why not tip the hat to these marvelous creatures?” he pondered.

“The Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons – folks will be on hand to share the evening as they work to save the native turtles in our area,” Remkus added. “The proceeds of the concert will be shared with this wonderful organization.”

Songwriters Share will begin at 7:30 p.m., and a complimentary reception with the artists will follow. General admission is $20 and $15 for seniors and students.

“Gene Casey – ten gallon hat – 20 gallon heart,” Remkus concluded.

The Songwriters Share Concert Series will wrap up on June 7 with Nancy Remkus and Dan Koontz, who will be playing in support of the Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry.

The Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse is located at 977 Sag Harbor/Bridgehampton Turnpike in Bridgehampton. For more information about Gene Casey, visit genecasey.com. For more information about the Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons, visit turtlerescueofthehamptons.org.