Winter Music Jam
Winter Music Jam
Live music to take over Ellicottville Presidents Day Weekend
ELLICOTTVILLE - Whether you are here to ski/snowboard, snow tube, or explore our village shops and restaurants (or all of the above!), there’s no denying that Ellicottville creates a vibe that makes anyone visiting want to return … again and again. If you’ve already experienced our slice of snow Heaven this winter, that return trip for you is just around the corner! If you have yet to discover all the fun in our town, buckle up … there’s a lively weekend coming up that will give you the full experience!
Ellicottville’s Winter Music Jam, set for Feb. 18-20th, will feature three days of indoor live music in all the hot spots, complementing the list of outdoor fun you’ll have in our active ski town. With 15+ performers on deck covering a variety of genres, it will prove to be a good challenge trying to check them all out.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate a holiday weekend than right here in Ellicottville,” said Jessica Wallace, business development manager for the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, which produces the event. “The snow at both our ski resorts has been amazing, and to add in a full bill of live music, it’s the perfect pairing!” Here is just a sampling of what you can look forward to:
GROSH: Friday, 7:00pm @ Balloons … Grosh is a high energy rock band from Buffalo, NY featuring Grace Lougen (guitar), Josh English (drums), Megan Brown (vocals), and Dylan Hund (bass). With influences from bands such as Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam, the band writes music that is visceral, heavy, and inspiring. Megan’s acclaimed vocals, teamed with Grace’s intense guitar solos, will leave you with no doubt that these musicians were born to perform.
TUI OSBORNE: Saturday, 6:00pm @ Madigan’s … Ellicottville’s very own Tui is no stranger to the acoustic stage. The St. Bonaventure rugby coach and founder of Rakavii Rugby knows how to handle a guitar just as well as a ball. As a solo performer, Tui’s sound is reflective of the reggae movement and is known for spreading the island vibe throughout western New York.
THE STRICTLY HIP: Sunday, 8:00pm @ Finnerty’s … Masters of the music of The Tragically Hip, The Strictly Hip have spent years and thousands of performances respectfully and accurately recreating the music of Canada’s most popular rock band with painstaking attention to musical detail. Originally conceived in 1995 in St. Catharines, Ontario, The Strictly Hip is now based in Buffalo, NY performing for The Hip’s rabid American fan base. The Strictly Hip regularly perform to sold out venues on both sides of the border and have created a loyal fan base of their own.
Other performances you’ll want to keep an ear out for include The Short Bus (Friday at the Gin Mill), Business Time Trio (Saturday at Ellicottville Brewing Co.), and Maria Sebastian (Sunday at Holiday Valley). After a full weekend of stellar bands, you may just build up your own confidence to perform, in which case Madigan’s will close out the weekend with karaoke, Sunday beginning at 9:00pm. Pure entertainment!
“We guarantee one day isn’t going to be enough for anyone coming to visit during Winter Music Jam,” said Wallace. “Our town has accommodations for all budgets and lifestyles - from hotels and condos to country chalets and bed & breakfasts; why not make it a winter weekend getaway? We’re at the peak of ski season; come out and enjoy the snow, kick back with a glass of wine or a fine craft beer, shop our unique retailers, dance the night away to all the great live music … we’re certain it will be a weekend for the books!”
For a full line-up of this year’s Winter Music Jam, or to view lodging and dining options, go to ellicottvilleny.com. Follow @visitellicottville on IG to stay connected.