The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and everyone’s out and about enjoying all that Ellicottville has to offer … and there’s plenty of music to add to the mix of summer fun! July packs a jammin’ schedule of exciting events produced by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce.
SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Begin the month off right during the weekend of July 5-7. Head out to Holiday Valley Resort and Ellicottville’s Downtown District for a weekend of eclectic music, arts, crafts and comedic relief.
“It’s Ellicottville’s first event to kick off the summer, and the concerts are always a blast,” said Heather Snyder, Media and Communications Coordinator for the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “With the arts & crafts show, a pet parade, comedy night, and two national recording artists - and children 12 and under admitted free - there really is something for everyone to enjoy during this family-friendly, weekend-long event.”
That’s right, this year’s Summer Music Festival features Grammy Award-winning artist Gretchen Wilson, as well as Creedence Clearwater Revisited (the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section from the legendary group Creedence Clearwater Revival.)
“This year is the first year we are having a country performer on stage,” Snyder said. “It’s also the first year that we are having a Comedy Night on the main stage sponsored by the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.”
Be prepared to laugh the night away with Tammy Pescatelli and Tony Deyo, a dynamic-duo that regularly performs on Comedy Central, VH1 and E! Entertaiment Networks. Pescatelli won Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Showdown and placed as a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing 2, while the New York Post named Deyo as one of the year’s best stand-up comedians in 2011.
Tickets for the weekend’s events can be purchased on the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce website (www.ellicottvilleny.com) or at any Wegman’s location. (Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.) VIP Ticket Packages for the full weekend’s entertainment bill with Sponsor’s Dinners are available for $325 a couple.
GAZEBO SERIES
When mid-July swings in, gather around the Village Gazebo on Thursday nights to enjoy a little rock, a bit of bluegrass, amazing a’cappella and more.
“It’s another fun, family-friendly thing to do here in Ellicottville,” Snyder said. “And it’s free!”
The Gazebo Series, sponsored by Five Star Bank, offers the public a weekly dose of free live musical performances in an outdoor setting. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring you lawn chairs, blankets, and maybe even a little snack, kick back and enjoy some good tunes.
“This series runs for six consecutive weeks with an eclectic mix of bands, so you won’t want to miss any of the performances,” Snyder said.
This year, The Boomers, a classic rock band, will kick off the Gazebo Series on July 11. The following week, The Grace Stumberg Band of Buffalo will perform original tunes and stylized covers. A complete list of performances can be found at www.ellicottvilleny.com under the Events tab.
JAZZ & BLUES WEEKEND
As July nears its end, stretch out, cool down and relax during Ellicottville’s Jazz and Blues Weekend, scheduled for July 26-28.
“If anyone is looking for a nice, relaxing weekend to enjoy the weather, enjoy musicians and enjoy Ellicottville, this is it,” Snyder said. “It’s offered in a laid back setting. You’re not walking into a performance where you’re locked in. You can move around.”
Ellicottville Brewing Company owner Peter Kreinheder added, “It’s not a hard-core, off-the-wall party weekend. It’s a nice, soft, comforting, relaxing weekend.”
Kreinheder said the Brewing Company has been involved with the event since it’s inception and plans specials to help create a more authentic experience.
“Our bar staff arranges some traditional cocktails, and, from a culinary standpoint, we always do a New Orleans theme,” he said. “There are some menu items that are blues and jazz oriented to make it sync and tie it all together.
While the lineup in many of the establishments for this year’s weekend is still being finalized, B.D. Lenz, a guitarist, composer and producer from New Jersey, said he’ll definitely be back. (B.D. Lenz will be performing at Balloons Restaurant & Night Club.)
“It’s always great to get out of town and play for different audiences, but there’s something special about Ellicottville and the surrounding area,” Lenz said, noting that he appreciates the beautiful scenery and festival atmosphere during the weekend. “And the people are always so gracious and appreciative; that’s what really keeps us coming back.”
For Lenz and his band, it’s not about “entertainment” but great music, and he said the group aims at connecting with everyone, including those who might not listen to jazz and blues.
“We have a unique mix of old and new jazz and contemporary styles,” he said. “You don’t need to love jazz to enjoy this band, and that’s always been the goal. Our set is so eclectic. We’ll follow a jazz standard with a Pink Floyd tune, then maybe a latin tune followed by something funky. It keeps people guessing!”
“People can walk around and check out different bands,” Lenz continued. “They come out to LISTEN to music. There really seems to be something for everyone at Jazz & Blues Festival. If you love music, you’ll find it. If you want a party, you’ll find it.”
Jazz & Blues Weekend, which started in 1998, has become very popular, especially when the weather is nice. And with plenty of talent expected to join Lenz during the festival this year, the Jazz & Blues Weekend will be a must-go-to this summer. For more information on Jazz & Blues Weekend, visit the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce on the web at www.ellicottvilleny.com. You can also check out B.D. Lenz at www.bdlenz.com.
