Summer Music Festival
Summer Music Festival
Ellicottville’s Biggest Event of the Summer Will Be Rocking July 5 -7
This July 4th holiday, our scenic ski slopes are set to come alive with the return of Ellicottville’s most anticipated summer event, the Summer Music Festival. Nestled against a backdrop of rolling hills coupled with a vibrant downtown, the festival promises to deliver a full bill of live music, one-of-a-kind art, and a patriotic parade of beloved pets.
THE MAIN ACT: Organized by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Summer Music Fest will welcome headliner, One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel on Saturday, July 6th with opening act Caitlin Koch. On Sunday, July 7th, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by Jeans n’ Classics to perform the music of Led Zeppelin and The Who. Both concerts will take place slopeside at Holiday Valley Resort. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
"We're thrilled to bring this celebration to our community each Independence Day weekend," said Brian McFadden, Executive Director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. "The combination of live music, the stunning scenery of our ski slopes, and a four-block walkable downtown village creates a unique experience that's sure to resonate with festival-goers.”
SUMMER FEST KICKOFF: The holiday weekend will kick off Friday evening, July 5th with the Gazebo Series, which invites the community to the Village Gazebo each week through summer for free, live entertainment. Sponsored by Niagara Label Company, the Gazebo Series is a popular celebration and attracts families and visitors to gather together. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, your frosty beverages and a snack, and enjoy the sounds of SON THE BAND from 7:00-9:00pm.
About the band: Sabrina GustafSON and Jed ThomSON have been playing together for 2 years as SON (deriving from their last names) at stages around Ellicottville, Chautauqua, Jamestown and Buffalo. Their soulful covers with jazz undertones set the scene for any occasion. As a duo, Sabrina’s soulful voice melds perfectly with Jed on bass guitar, putting a new spin on the songs we all know and love. When they aren’t playing as a duo, Sabrina is the front woman for SON THE BAND, with Jed on guitar, Elton Craig on drums and Alex Overton on bass - they are a force!
ICONIC PET PARADE: One of the most entertaining and crowd pleasing events of the weekend is the annual Pet Parade Saturday morning, which will march down Ellicottville’s main drag to the gazebo, where awards are given in many different categories. If you’ve never witnessed the Pet Parade and you plan to be in Ellicottville for Summer Music Fest, you’re in for a treat! Pets range from the typical dogs to the more unusual marchers - baby calves, goats, hermit crabs, hamsters - all pets are welcome!
Arrive early so you don’t miss out on seeing all the four-legged, six-legged, no-legged animals as they make their way down Washington Street at 11:00am. If you’d like to join the fun, meet in the parking lot of Katy’s Cafe between 10:15-10:45am to complete your registration. Entering the parade is free! This year’s Pet Parade is being Grand Marshaled by Batman and his Batmobile, and donations will be accepted with proceeds benefiting our local animal rescue, E.A.R.S.
FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET: Immerse yourself in a world of local art both Saturday and Sunday of Summer Fest. Thanks to the efforts and organization of the Tri-County Arts Council, the lawn of the 1887 Building will be filled with talent from painters, mixed media, photographers, fiber artists, jewelers, wood carvers, sculptors, glass artists, potters, and more. Over 30 artists are expected to showcase in this intimate, boutique setting, and all works will be available for sale. The list of participating artists, along with examples of their wares, can be viewed at www.evlartshow.com.
As the festival draws to a close and the last notes fade into the night, let the memories of this music and art extravaganza serve as a reminder of the power of music to uplift, unite, and inspire, especially in times when community connections are more cherished than ever.
To learn more about this year’s Summer Music Festival, Gazebo Series, Pet Parade and other events and festivals produced by the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce, go to ellicottvilleny.com or call 800-349-9099. Follow the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce on Facebook (@Ellicottville, NY) and Instagram (@visitellicottville) to stay up-to-date on all the latest event information.
