So Many Roads Jamboree
So Many Roads Jamboree
New Event Comes to Olean’s Gargoyle Park
Music festivals are an amazing way to spend a hot summer day. And there is a new festival heading to Olean’s Gargoyle Park on June 15th from 2:00-10:00pm. Hosted by Union Whiskey and Friends, it’s going to be a day full of amazing music, food and more.
So how did So Many Roads come together and what is the driving factor behind the jamboree? Renee Williams of Union Whiskey filled us in, “So Many Roads came together from a shared passion for music and a deep appreciation for the vibrant atmosphere of music festivals. As dedicated fans of the Grateful Dead, we've always cherished the communal spirit and sense of adventure these events offer. Reflecting on fond memories of Gargoyle Park's heyday as a hub for live music and camaraderie, we felt inspired to revive that magic. Over the years, we've eagerly discussed the idea of reigniting the park's musical legacy, fueled by a collective longing to recreate those unforgettable experiences and foster a new era of musical celebration.”
The important part is who will be performing, and they’ve got a strong line-up. Starting with:
Jeremy Bunce out of Jamestown, NY, Jeremy works as an instructor at Infinity Visual & Performing Arts and will be playing a great set of rock and blues. https://infinityperformingarts.org/infinity_instructors/jeremy-bunce/
Next up is Charity Nuse, out of Warren, PA. Charity is a percussionist, mandolinist, singer and songwriter and she will be hitting the stage to play her own set of rock and blues. https://www.facebook.com/Charitynusemusic
Then, getting a little funky, Olmstead Dub System out of Buffalo, NY. This band, led by George F. Olmsted, will be knocking it out of the park when they play a great mix of reggae. https://www.facebook.com/olmsteddubsystembuffalo
Diggin' Roots Band out of Buffalo, NY, then steps onto the stage. Digging Roots is a group of friends that play an eclectic mix, ranging from the Grateful Dead & the Allman Brothers, to a mix of funk, rock n’ roll, and blues. Sometimes they even blend multiple genres together. https://www.facebook.com/DigginRootsBand.
And last but certainly not least, the Workingman’s Dead out of Buffalo, NY. Workingman’s Dead is a very popular Grateful Dead cover band. Well-known by locals for their excellent stage performances. https://www.facebook.com/workingmansdead.
That’s a long list of great entertainment. It’s going to be a long day, and what if you get hungry or thirsty? No worries there… foot trucks and adult beverages will be on site provided by Union Whiskey. No outside alcohol is permitted.
Food Vendors will include: 716 Panini, a truck serving up some great pressed sandwiches like The Heater (a super spicy grilled cheese paninis featuring both Pepper Jack and Habanero cheeses); Hoptoad’s REAL BBQ, slinging delicious ribs, chicken and bbq favorites; Sweet Ride Donut Truck, the best way to have a dessert at a festival, with a special selection of mini-donuts and decadent toppings.
This sounds like a pretty epic time. Should you maybe leave the kids behind? Renee stated, “While there aren't specific activities tailored for younger attendees, the venue is located within a local park, complete with traditional park amenities as well as a disc golf course. We encourage parents to exercise their discretion when considering whether to bring young family members. It's important to note that alcohol will be served at the event, which is situated along the river's edge. While all are welcome, including families with children, it's worth mentioning that the ambiance may be more suited to adult patrons. However, in the spirit of inclusivity, some families do choose to attend similar events with their children, akin to the atmosphere at Grateful Dead concerts. We want to emphasize that we do not turn away anyone who brings children, but we do recommend that parents consider the nature of the event before deciding to attend with younger family members.”
You can also get your shopping fix while you’re at the festival, if you need a break between musical performances. There will be a nice sized craft vendor market on-site. Vendors will include: Good Vibes Garden Art, Amity Wood & Ink, One Hit TieDyes, RENegade’s Studio, Chaos & Class Designs, Tangled up in Dyes, Kre Candy, Serenity Craft Shack, Dark Matter Filaments, Conklin Studio, NJ Designs & Cprie tyes and Silversun Dyes & Designs.
With all that going on, it makes you wonder if Union Whiskey has any more awesome events in the works. Renee said, “At present, we're not organizing any larger-scale events beyond this one. This marks our inaugural venture into hosting an event of such magnitude. However, we've cultivated a vibrant tradition of live music at our home base, Union Whiskey, every Friday, occasionally extending into Saturdays. Additionally, we curate a more expansive 'Sunday Funday' affair once a month throughout the summer season. With this event, we aspire to plant the seeds for a recurring tradition, fostering a community of music lovers and enthusiasts alike, and nurturing a legacy of memorable gatherings.”
“Union Whiskey, nestled at 184 N. Union St., Olean, is a proud woman-owned and operated establishment since 2017. Our ethos seamlessly blends sophistication with comfort, presenting a diverse selection of craft beers, signature cocktails, and timeless favorites. Our thoughtfully curated menu, though unassuming in size, showcases tantalizing culinary delights crafted to complement your libations.” Renee continued.
“Experience the vibrant ambiance with live music every Friday, occasional Saturday performances, and our cherished 'Sunday Funday' series during the summer, along with monthly Trivia Nights on select Thursdays. Throughout the seasons, we celebrate themed nights, transporting patrons to the 80s extravaganzas, 90s hip-hop parties, Hawaiian night, and disco fever of the 70s."
She went on to say, “For sports aficionados, five expansive screen TVs ensure an unparalleled viewing experience, especially for our loyal Bills fans. As we look ahead, we're excited to enhance our offerings with events like the So Many Roads Jamboree, promising yet another memorable addition to our repertoire.”
This promises to be a fantastic event. Remember it is happening on Saturday, June 15, 2024; 2:00-10:00pm at Gargoyle Park, in Olean, NY. You can get your tickets now. Tickets are $25 - and can be purchased at the door or at Eventbrite.