Bradstock XVII – A Day of Peace, Love and Music

The 17-year-old tradition of peace, love and music known as Bradstock rocked West Sayville this weekend. An all day festival that started in the Bayport backyard of Brad Ringhouse 17-years ago, has since made its home at the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville.

The day featured an eclectic audience nestled amongst baby strollers and hula-hooping participants young and old with everyone singing and swaying along to the beats of many different drums. 

Bob Draffin, a lifelong Bayport resident who served as treasurer of the event, said this Bradstock was probably the most successful yet. "We had a record turnout, it was more than 2,000 people, the grounds were filled to capacity," he said.

As the remaining winds of Earl whirled in over the Great South Bay and the sun shined high, the musical event kicked off at noon as Hydroyum took the stage.  Making their Bradstock debut, this progressive funk band got the party started, getting everyone on their feet and ready to enjoy what the rest of the day was to bring, which was an array of music ranging from P'fesser Rubadub's psychedelic Americana jam band all the way to Taj Weekes afro-folk reggae. 

A staple in the Bradstock lineup, Easy Chief took the stage with a mix of what they're proud to deem 'American Roots Music' blending rock and roll with bluegrass, jazz and country. And as Buddy Merriam and Friends strummed their mandolin and got the crowds a-two-steppin' party-goers enjoyed food - including a less traditional Bradstock meal, – GHT Rolling Kitchen, the Grey Horse Tavern's newly debuted gourmet food truck that provides farm to table catering on wheels.  A new addition to the Bradstock food lineup, the line of patrons waiting for their food surely guaranteed them a regular spot at this yearly event. 

Covering everything from the Grateful Dead to the Beatles, The Reckoning marked the half-way point of this music filled festival, followed by David Amram whose amazing career and incomparable grasp on all that is American music can be summed up as he so thoughtfully put it, "If you haven't turned 80 yet, I highly recommend it!"  And as the sun began to set over the Great South Bay, Amram's collection of instruments and eclectic set of world music came to an end and we were invited to join in with The Electrix's  and their jam band classics, getting the crowd up and dancing, swaying their strobe-light balloons and singing along to familiar sounds. 

The Jerry McDonald Experience brought the show to a close, with a jazzy end to another successful Bradstock.

This day was not all about the music however, as money garnered at the event leftover after bills is donated to the museum. With regard to this year's Bradstock Draffin said they are hoping to "give a record-sized donation" to the facility. "The balance will then go to our local community, civic and environmental groups," he said.

All performers donated their time and services.