Grand Folk Railroad brings on the fun with a quirky, eclectic/eccentric mix of forgotten favorites, 60s and 70s pop gems, one-hit wonders, old-school country, contemporary folk, and the inspiring songwriting of lead singer Susan Schwartz-Christian. With a make-every-note-count approach to performing, a vast eclectic repertoire, and questionable regard for musical traditions, Grand Folk Railroad blurs the lines between pop, rock, folk and singer/songwriter genres.
Click on the tabs and learn more about the band, find out where they're playing next, hear samples from their latest CD True North, and check out some of our videos.
CHECK OUR GIG LIST AGAIN SOON... NEW DATES ARE BEING ADDED ALL THE TIME!
UPCOMING GIGS - 2023
June 16 CORNER GALLEY, MASSAPEQUA, NY
We are so happy to be back at the Corner Galley! It's more than just a neighborhood restaurant... it's a storied institution! There's great food and the friendliest staff around. GFR plays as a trio in the cozy bar area, but you can hear us wherever you sit. It's what a local place should be.
July 16 JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY,
Harry Chapin Lakeside Stage, Eisenhower Park, NY
Each year, since 2005, a tribute is held at the venue where Harry was headed when he died in a motorcycle accident in 1981. And GFR has been honored to take part in this great show many times, helping to raise awareness for Long Island Cares, the food bank Harry Chapin started. Grab a lawn chair, and some non-perishable food to donate, and join us for this evening of togetherness and music in Harry's memory.
July 20 NORTH BABYLON PUBLIC LIBRARY, N Babylon, NY
FORGOTTEN FAVORITES OF THE 60s & 70s
There's nothing we like better than playing our favorite 'Forgotten Favorites' - all those tunes from the 60s and 70s that you haven't heard since forever-ago. You love 'em, and we do, too! So join us for an outdoor dinnertime concert at the North Babylon Public Library from 6-7:30PM.
SOME PREVIOUS 2022 GIGS:
August 4 EMMA S. CLARK MEMORIAL LIBRARY,
Setauket, NY FORGOTTEN FAVORITES OF THE 60s & 70s
Libraries are a great place to enjoy your favorite GFR tunes... especially in the summer at an outdoor concert. Sit back in your lawn chair, listen to some of the best songs ever written, sing along when the spirit moves you... you get the picture! Friday August 4th 6:30 - 8pm (rain date Wednesday August 9th).
August 6 SAYVILLE SUMMER FEST, SAYVILLE, NY
Sayville Summer Fest is one of the most fun events of the summer on Long Island. GFR will be appearing on the Main Stage on Sunday evening from 5:30 to 7:30, playing all your favorite tunes. So come on out and enjoy one of the most beautiful little towns on Long Island!
September 2-3 BRADSTOCK, Camp Pa Qua Tuck
Center Moriches, NY
Bradstock is two days of peace, love and music, with 3 stages, a killer line-up of bands, camping, food, and fun. The best part... it's for a great cause - Camp Pa Qua Tuck for children and adults with disabilities. We'll update what day and time we're playing as we get closer.
November 5 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BACCA
Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, Lindenhurst, NY
Grand Folk Railroad and Josie Bello & The Kit House Band will be joining forces to raise some funds to help keep the BACCA Arts Center going strong. Getting together with Josie and the band will be a totally fun evening of original music and covers that will leave everyone with a smile on their faces and a warm, fuzzy feeling that they contributed to keeping the Arts alive in the Town of Babylon!
October 9 NORTHPORT ART WALK, Northport, NY
In Front of the Northport Historical Society & Museum
GFR will be part of the Northport Art Walk, and you can find us right on the corner of Main Street & Woodside Avenue on the lawn in front of the Northport Historical Society & Museum from 1PM - 4PM. (If you're looking in the flyer, we're listed as Acoustic Apple, Gary's alter-ego!). We will be playing all your fun favorites, so come on by and enjoy beautiful Northport. There will be music all around, as well as lots of artwork on display, great shops and restaurants.
SOME PREVIOUS 2023 GIGS:
September 3
BRADSTOCK, Camp Pa Qua Tuck
Center Moriches, NY
May 19-21 MONTAUK MUSIC FESTIVAL, Montauk, NY
GFR will be heading out to the Montauk Music Festival for our 11th year! We'll let you know the schedule as it gets closer, but we can assure you that everyone will be having a great time dancing and singing along for three wonderful, perfect Montauk days! If you've never been to the festival, we highly recommend you book yourselves a place to stay and join GFR and the other 100-or-so acts that perform all weekend long, in the bars, coffee shops, restaurants, outdoor stages, sidewalks... just about everywhere. It's a blast!
GFR'S MONTAUK SCHEDULE
Friday 05-19:
Georges Lighthouse Cafe from 5:00-5:50
Westlake Fish House from 8:00-8:50
Saturday 05-20:
Marlena's Yacht Club from 12:00-12:50pm
Sunday 05-21:
Tony's Meat Market from 9:00-9:50am
Best Pizza Dive Bar from 3:00-3:50pm
TAUK from 6:00-6:50pm
January 15 LONG ISLAND MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME,
Stony Brook, NY
Grand Folk Railroad will be taking the stage at the new LIMEHoF museum from 3-4PM. Come and check out the brand new museum featuring displays of original musical instruments, famous awards, apparel, and other memorabilia from many of Long Island’s favorite artists. And then take a break to join us in the theater for an hour of GFR-flavored favorites. The museum is open from Noon to 5PM.
We are so excited that Bradstock is back this year! It's two days of peace, love and music, with 3 stages, a killer line-up of bands, camping, food, and fun. The best part... it's for a great cause - Camp Pa Qua Tuck for children and adults with disabilities. Come and join us. We'll be on the Acoustic Stage from 4:45 to 5:45 PM on Saturday. See you there!
September 12 JUST WILD ABOUT HARRY,
Harry Chapin Lakeside Stage,
Eisenhower Park, NY
Each year, since 2005, a tribute is held at the venue where Harry was headed when he died in a motorcycle accident in 1981. And GFR has been honored to take part in this great show many times, helping to raise awareness for Long Island Cares, the food bank Harry Chapin started. Grab a lawn chair, and some non-perishable food to donate, and join us for this evening of togetherness and music in Harry's memory.
September 18 GALLERY NORTH ART SHOW & MUSIC FESTIVAL, Setauket, NY
GFR will be back at this incredible 2-day art show featuring some of the finest art and crafts from regional artists and artisans, food vendors, activities for kids, and of course, lots of great music.
July 30 PORT PALOOZA, Port Jefferson, NY
This is the second annual Port Palooza, a day-long music celebration in Harborfront Park, Port Jefferson, NY. The view of the harbor is spectacular, the park is beautiful, and GFR is so happy to be part of the fun again. The festivities begin at noon and go on until dusk.