2023 Distilled & Chilled Music Festival
2023 Distilled & Chilled Music Festival
Ellicottville Distillery Hosts Annual Event August 19th
Summer is almost over (dang it!) and we all want to get in that last hurrah before autumn arrives. What better way to do that than to get outside, have some drinks, eat some food and hear a little music? Does that sound like your thing? Then gear up and come out to the Ellicottville Distillery on August 19th from 1:00-9:00pm for their annual Distilled & Chilled Music Festival.
The Distillery has a knock-out line-up of live performers this year and they are planning to do something a little new as well. Co-owner Renee Scharf was excited to let us in on that “new” something. They will have not one but two stages this year, so you can expect constant tunes from some of the area’s favorite acts, which are as follows…
THE MUSIC
Headlining the event is Ten Cent Howl. This 5-member group has been playing music for over two decades together and have been making waves in the Buffalo Americana scene. They believe that their genre really embodies the American experience through passionate harmonies and rockabilly funk.
Locally renowned favorite Kody and Herren will also be taking the stage. Based out of Springville, NY, this duo of multi-instrumentalists uses guitars, violins, mandolins, harmonicas and more. Their original works pay deep tribute to roots music and their duets are full of great chemistry. Their motto is “Music, plus adventure, plus food and dogs equals happiness.”
For a unique sound, don’t miss the performance by The Beard and the Bird. This duo presents themselves as talented musicians and socially-awkward introverts who play sweet music together. They’ve done shows across the U.S. from San Diego, CA all the way to Ellicottville, NY and you’ll be sad if you don’t catch them live. (Trust me. I know!)
It wouldn’t be a great festival without a live performance by Porcelain Train. This Buffalo, NY band is well-known to play a Folk/Roots/Americana variety of music and is a local’s favorite that’s played at the Distillery on more than one occasion. Always ready to entertain a crowd with their upbeat energy.
Last but certainly not least is Jason Mirek, a singer/songwriter from WNY. He blends a wide range of musical influences and plays them with great skill. His newest single, “Our Time”, is out on streaming platforms (including Spotify) and showcases his softer side, with a balled done with violin, piano and cello.
THE FOOD
Now, the music line up is superb, but this isn’t just about the show. The Distillery will be slinging tasty cocktails and cold beverages for guests. (We recommend anything with the Maple Bourbon Creme in it. So smooth and delish!) And there will be two food trucks on-site to soak it all up. (Rumor has it there may be an ice cream truck as well.)
The first food truck is The House of Munch will serve up fair snacks straight to you. From cotton candy and ice-cold lemonade to fried dough, corn dogs, and Olde Time Birch Beer, they’ve got the best fair foods for everyone to enjoy. It’s a little bit of nostalgia and a little bit tradition and the greatest way to enjoy a festival meal.
The second truck is Two Buckaroos and they are purveyors of that classic Canadian favorite, poutine. Indulge in the original with crispy fries, cheese curds and gravy, or be adventurous and try one of their specialty options. They rotate flavors like BBQ Pork Poutine, Reuban Poutine, and Smoked Turkey Poutine. Or you can always just opt for regular fries and maybe a deep fried Oreo.
THE VENDORS
Walk off those calories with a stroll through the Vendor Village, where you can find plenty of unique items. Casey’s Pantry will be set up with her Gourmet Cupboard mixes and seasonings. She’s all stocked up on wine slushy mixes so you can make your own icy adult beverage. CJ’s Sweet Surprises will be back again this year selling a variety of baked goods, like lemon bars, pepperoni rolls and even some great gluten-free options. You’ll also see maple syrup, pottery, laser wood cuts, skincare, soaps, candles, jewelry, alpaca products and more!
Admission to Distilled & Chilled Music Festival is $15 and gives you access to all the live entertainment and vendor market. (Food trucks and vendors will have prices for their goods listed at their stands.) If you stop up to the Distillery beforehand, grab a pre-sale ticket for just $10.
Renee said, “This is a family friendly event. Everyone is welcome. One price gets you a wristband for the whole day. Just bring a chair to sit in and come out to enjoy a wonderful afternoon at Ellicottville Distillery.”
Ellicottville Distillery is located at 5462 Robbins Road and is open Thursday 3:00-7:00pm, Friday 1:00-8:00pm, Saturday 12:00-9:00pm and Sunday 12:00-6:00pm. You can preview some of the live music as their Sunday Summer Music Series continues with crowd-pleaser “The Chillbilly’s” on August 13th. The Distillery will also be set up at the Attica Railroad’s “Whiskey on Wheels” August 26th, and you can’t forget about their Motorcycle Showcase event Sept. 16th. More information on these and other upcoming events can be found at ellicottvilledistillery.com or on their Facebook page.
