An internationally touring folk-rock/Americana harmony trio in the spirit of the ‘60s, performing originals, 20th-century classics and traditional folk music.

"Gathering Time brings seamless vocal harmonies, fine instrumental work, and engaging stage presence to truly inspirational songs. By mixing the finest of ‘60s and ‘70s folk and pop with the trio’s own songs of hope, justice and freedom, Gathering Time doesn’t just keep the flame – they carry it forward."
– Jay Wilensky, NJ Folk Project

Dubbed “The keepers of the flame” of 1960s folk and folk-rock, Long Island-based folk-rock/Americana trio Gathering Time (Stuart Markus, Gerry McKeveny, and since 2022 Christine Sweeney) has performed both in the US and internationally for nearly two decades, mixing faithful interpretations of both '60s and '70s classics and old traditional tunes with their strong original songs. Their sound reflects the harmonies and arrangements of the genre's pioneers: Peter, Paul & Mary, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, brought into today with an acoustic-electric alchemy all their own.        

No less an authority than WFUV's John Platt has written that they are "among the finest performers in the New York metropolitan area, whatever the size of the venue, from a house concert to an outdoor festival," with "harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees, strong original songs, and a savvy repertoire of cover songs, ranging from traditional folk to classic rock. They appeal to audiences of all ages."        

In addition to concerts of original music, Gathering Time performs themed specialty shows of ‘60s and ‘70s classics, written and performed by the icons of the ‘60s Folk Revival and the superstars of the folk-rock movement that emerged from it.

Gathering Time first hit the airwaves in 2007 with a remake of Peter, Paul & Mary’s "Light One Candle," which played on stations from NYC's top-rated WCBS-FM to Israel's Galilee region; their first album, 2009’s Songs of Hope and Freedom, won wide acceptance on folk stations nationwide. Their second, Red Apples and Gold, took #5 on the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ chart in September, 2012 finishing at #19 on for the year; it placed #12 for the month and #76 for the year on the national Roots Music Report.

Their third album When One Door Closes... reached #3 on the Folk DJ chart in January 2014. The trio's 2016 release Keepsake debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ Album Chart for March 2016, with their cover of Sandy Denny’s “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” the #1 song, five more songs in the Top 25, and the group as the #1 artist for the month. The album charted at #4 for the year.

They followed up with four top-5 singles: "Tanglewood Tree" (Dave Carter), #3 in March 2017; and a joint 2-song release with Mara Levine, "By My Silence" (Bukstel/Annis) and "Too Far to Turn Back Now," (Markus), #1 and #4 in September 2017. Gathering Time's most recent release, Old Friends, features interpretations of classic '60s and '70s songs by the artists who influenced them. It too produced a #1 single, “Get Together” (Chet Baker) in July 2020, and took the #1 album and artist slots on the FAI Folk DJ Chart for September of that year.

As the nation began emerging from the pandemic shutdown, founding member Hillary Foxsong retired from her day job and eventually from the trio as well. Stepping into her considerable footprints is Christine Sweeney, a noted singer-songwriter and guitarist on the Long Island scene who is a familiar -- and a powerful! -- voice to many on the wider folk circuit.

"Extraordinary singers who follow in the footsteps of The Weavers and Peter Paul & Mary."
Peter Yarrow

"When they harmonize, some sort of fundamental, cosmic concordance occurs that makes you very happy that you have ears."
 Bob McKillop, mainefolkmusic.com

"Gathering Time is right up there with the ones we all know -- they are the next generation of great trios with meaningful music performed in awesome harmony."
Bill Hahn, WFDU 89.1FM "Traditions"  

"Keepsake... is often philosophical, sometimes sentimental, but ALWAYS wrapped in their magical harmonies! The new CD is certain to incite a goosebumps attack!"
Joltin' Joe Pszonek, Radio Nowhere, WMSC, Montclair NJ

"Tight harmonies, interesting arrangements, not only of their own songs, but of some surprising tunes as well. ... Gathering Time is on the rise.”  
Wanda Fischer, WAMC Hudson Valley Radio, Schenectady NY