Summer Music Fest Update
Summer Music Fest Update
Lou Gramm joins the lineup for this year’s slopeside concert
ELLICOTTVILLE - Since announcing a stellar lineup for this year’s Summer Music Festival just last month, the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce has already experienced an influx of ticket sales, and it’s no surprise as to why. With Practically Petty (a Tom Petty tribute band) as the opening act, and Asia featuring John Payne coming in hot as the headliner with two very special guests, this year’s venue is well on its way to hosting a record crowd.
Dubbed as “The Voices of Classic Rock”, Summer Fest also invited John Elefante, former lead singer of Kansas, and Alex Ligertwood, former lead singer of Santana, to join Asia featuring John Payne on stage, showcasing a dynamite mix of top hits from all three bands. However, just last week, Brian McFadden, executive director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, received the news that Alex Ligertwood will not be able to perform.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alex Ligertwood has withdrawn from this year’s Summer Music Festival bill,” said McFadden. “We were excited for the opportunity to host him, but we’re just as excited for the musician that we’ve secured to take his spot.”
Does the name Lou Gramm ring a bell?
Lou Gramm is an American rock singer/songwriter, best known for being the lead singer of the band Foreigner from 1977 to 1990 and 1992 to 2003, during which time the band had numerous successful albums and singles. Gramm has signed on to perform at this year’s Summer Music Festival, joining John Payne and John Elefante.
Foreigner’s legendary songwriting partners, Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, together propelled an arsenal of ten multi-platinum albums and multiple Top 30 hits. Universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, the band is responsible for some of the greatest rock anthems of our time, including the worldwide No. 1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” which today remains one of the 25 most performed songs in the ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Catalog.
Other iconic songs include “Feels Like The First Time,” “Cold As Ice” and “Long, Long Way From Home” from their self-titled 1977 debut album. The Gramm/Jones catalog also includes major hits “Juke Box Hero”, “Hot Blooded” and “Waiting For A Girl Like You.”
Ticket holders for this year’s Summer Music Festival will be treated to perhaps one of the most jam packed lineups the event has seen in its history. It all takes place Saturday, July 2nd, slopeside at Holiday Valley Resort. In addition to these star-powered acts, the Ellicottville Chamber is proud to host the return of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra the following evening, Sunday, July 3rd, which, like in years past, will include a spectacular fireworks display orchestrated to the music of the BPO.
Pre-sale tickets for each evening of entertainment are on sale now and can be purchased through the Chamber’s website, ellicottvilleny.com. Tickets are $45 if purchased before June 1st. (Price bump takes effect June 1st, with the final price increase at the gate.). Kids 12 and under are free to attend. VIP Packages are also available, which include a Gala Dinner and tickets for two to the Saturday concert, VIP Sponsors Reception and tickets for two to Sunday’s BPO concert, VIP seating and reserved VIP parking both nights, VIP lounge access stage-side, and recognition in the event program.
For additional information on this year’s Summer Music Festival, including VIP pricing or to purchase your tickets, go to ellicottvilleny.com or contact the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at 800-349-9099 or info@ellicottvilleny.com.