Well known artist Don Duga was on hand to do some face painting and drawings.

Cutchogue - Peconic Bay Winery and BIG SUGA Productions held the first NOFO Rock & Folk Fest on July 31 and Sunday, August 1 in the open fields of Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue. The two-day landmark event raised funds and awareness for the East End Arts' Council to expand music and art programs offered at Brecknock Hall located on the Peconic Landing campus in Greenport.

The NOFO line-up included Jorma Kaukonen (of Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane), the legendary Richie Havens and rock 'n roll guitar hero Leslie West. West performed with both of his popular bands - Mountain and West-Bruce Jr. and Laing (a 1970s rock 'n roll collaboration between members of Mountain and Cream). Bastards of Boom, The Subdudes, aternative rock pioneer Pat Dinizio of The Smithereens and Devon Allman with his band Honeytribe also took to the stage. Devon often tours, opens for and plays with his father - modern music trail blazer, Greg Allman. The venue accommodated both a main and acoustic stage.

Patricia Snyder, Executive Director of East End Arts Council.

Prior to the weekend festival Peconic Bay Winery General Manager Jim Silver stated, "Quality music and interesting cultural events go hand-in-hand with the North Fork Wine Country. This festival will celebrate artists, writers, musicians and the North Fork as a cultural destination while providing support for cultural youth programs in our community."

Founder of BIG SUGA Productions, Josh Horton also stated, "I am proud to be a part of this festival. It is a family-friendly event designed to promote the arts. We're bringing great music, music fans and East End Arts Council together for a quality show and an important purpose."

Fans turned out in large numbers to enjoy the beautiful weather and the full bill of well known musicians during the two-day event. Each day offered a "headliner" with a strong, large and loyal fan base which drew attendees from all over the East End and beyond. On Saturday Havens reminded everyone why "Freedom" stills rings clear and true, and on Sunday the musicianship of former Hot Tuna member Kaukonen kept fans enthralled. All the performers kept the crowd humming, singing along, dancing and foot tapping, or just sitting quietly and having a few 'I remember when moments.'

Pat Dinizio of the Smithereens makes some sweet sounds for fans.

Among the tents spanning the outer perimeter of the main stage, there was something for everyone to enjoy from kettle corn to wine to booths selling jewelry, instruments, houseware, and numerous vendors offering enough retro and tye-dye clothing to make even Jerry Garcia blush. Right on!

The festival also included a farmers market showcasing locally grown produce, plants and farm-related items. The event was kid-friendly and offered activities that kept young ones entertained. It was refreshing to observe the popularity of the Hula Hoop again among the youngsters, although a few adults appeared surprised that their middles were perhaps a bit rounder than the last time they twirled the iconic hoop.

The grounds offered plenty of room for kids to run, play or toss a ball, and even offered a "Misting Tent" which proved delightful for the kids and refreshing for the adults who opted to work on their tans while sitting in the sun on folding beach chairs.

Fans enjoyed the beautiful weather and great music.

If there were any complaints it might be that the distance from parking to the entrance was a bit of a hike for any age. Although when exiting a Jeep was offered to transport attendees back to the parking spot - clever and necessary for many.

Bravo to all the organizers, sponsors, musicians and producers of this event who delivered a two-day fest of entertaining musicians in a comfortable, clean and lovely setting. Kudos to all of you - and let's hope this becomes an annual summer event.

Vendors with food, clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts items and plenty of retro clothing made the scene at the Fest.