In these tough economic times, hunger is an even greater problem than usual on Long Island, with local food pantries and soup kitchens struggling to keep up with the need.

Harry Chapin (Photo: Robert Berkowitz)

On Monday evening, August 9, many talented Long Island musical artists will gather at East Meadow, New York’s Eisenhower Park to present a concert and food drive in tribute to the late singer-songwriter and anti-hunger activist Harry Chapin — playing his songs for the cause to which he dedicated himself.

“Twenty-nine years after Harry Chapin’s death, the need to fight hunger is still as urgent as ever,” says Stuart Markus, a LI-based singer-songwriter who has been organizing Harry Chapin tribute concerts on Long Island for seven years. Although the Aug. 9 concert is free, guests are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items for distribution to needy Long Islanders through Long Island Cares, a food bank founded by Chapin in 1980 that works to relieve hunger on Long Island. Over the years, the concerts have raised about three tons of food and several thousand dollars for the nonprofit organization.

Chapin, who resided in Huntington Bay, was killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway on his way to perform a free concert at that same stage in July 1981. His music and his giving, community spirit have lived on, and the concert venue has been renamed the Harry Chapin Lakeside Stage in his honor.

This year’s concert will include a ceremony during which Long Island Cares Director Paule Pachter will present a special commemorative plaque to Nassau County for installation near the stage. Chapin’s widow, Sandy, and daughter Jen, herself a touring singer-songwriter, are expected to attend the 7 p.m. unveiling.

More than 3,000 people, on average, have attended the Eisenhower Park concerts during the past five years, according to Markus, who anticipates another good showing this year. Entitled “Just Wild About Harry,” the concert, set to begin at 7:30 p.m., will include 18 of Chapin’s story songs — ranging from hits like “Cat’s In the Cradle” and “Taxi” to lesser-known numbers like “Sunday Morning Sunshine” and “Jubilation.” Besides Markus, artists slated to perform include Hillary Foxsong, Joe Iadanza, Doc Butler & JC Cob, Lisa Itts, Josh Joffen, Debra Lynne & Chris Tursi, Russ Seeger, MediaCrime, Christine Solimeno, Frank Walker, Kenny Forgione, Hank Stone, Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg & Andy Huenerberg, Cecilia Kirtland, and Kendall & Korb.

Stuart Markus (Photo by Robert Berkowitz/RSBImageWorks)

In some cases the performers have chosen their own songs; in others Markus suggested them, but the performers have carte blanche with respect to interpretation. “The results have been some really creative treatments and performances,” adds Markus.

Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets to the park, which is located off Merrick and Stewart Avenues in East Meadow. The event is scheduled rain or shine, barring lightning storms. For more information about summer concerts and other events, call (516) 572-0200.