‘Folk Fest for Food’ Benefit Kicks Off on Thursday, August 13

CHERRY VALLEY—Roughly 20 years ago, Phil Zenir and his son, Luke, built a crude stage on top of a hay wagon frame for the purpose of holding benefit concerts for the newly-formed Daily Bread Food Pantry. The concerts soon became the organized music festival now known as “Folk Fest for Food.”

For the first few years it was just Phil Zenir and a handful of local enthusiasts playing on the stage three different Thursday evenings every August. As the years passed, the list of local talent began to grow, and Phil—along with Cooperstown native Jeff Phillips—formed a band called Field Stone Pickers, which later was changed to Gravel Yard. Gravel Yard was, and still is, the anchor band of Folk Fest. Sadly, Phil passed away in 2019, but the festival carried on in his honor.

Folk Fest for Food is a family-friendly event with food vendors donating their time and profits to the pantry as well. The concerts this year will be held on the last three Thursdays in August: August 13, 20 and 27. Food service begins at 6:30 p.m. Bands will start at 7 p.m. and play until approximately 10 p.m.

Organizers say this year’s lineup of bands is the best they’ve had yet. Starting the festival on August 13 will be The Cajzh Farmers, featuring Sam Whedon, followed by area favorites Becca Frame and the Tall Boys. August 20 will feature Eddy Lawrence, a prolific singer/songwriter/producer, followed by the festival’s anchor band, Gravel Yard. The third and final concert on August 27 will feature the ever-popular Scattered Flurries.

According to a press release, the all-volunteer board and staff of the Daily Bread Food Pantry are working tirelessly to help mitigate food security issues that affect Cherry Valley residents, including school-age children, their families, and seniors. The pantry maintains a discrete location at the Old School at 2 Genesee Street, where food is disseminated to qualified recipients every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Non-perishable food items and monetary donations can be made at the festival or checks can be mailed to Daily Bread Food Pantry Inc., 2 Genesee Street, PO Box 328, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.

“Please come out and enjoy the music and food and help us to alleviate hunger in our community,” organizers urge.