SMF Just Got Bigger!
SMF Just Got Bigger!
The BPO teams up with Strange Magic for this year’s Summer Music Festival
ELLICOTTVILLE - Ellicottville continues its long-standing tradition of hosting the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) during its annual Summer Music Festival. This year’s performance is set to take place Sunday evening, July 3rd on the slopes of Holiday Valley. This will be the BPO’s 28th Summer Music Fest engagement, and for 2022’s venue, they have an extra special stage presence in the works.
Strange Magic - A Tribute to Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) will join the BPO for a showcase of highly trained musical talent that will surely deliver a sound like no other. Guest conductor Ron Spigelman of the Fort Worth Symphony will lead the evening’s concert as they perform some of ELO’s top hits from the past. The evening will conclude with everyone’s favorite 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes forever, choreographed to a majestic fireworks extravaganza in honor of America’s birthday.
“We are ecstatic to have two highly orchestrated groups come together for one special night that families of all ages can enjoy,” said Brian McFadden, executive director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “To have the Buffalo Philharmonic paired with one of the world’s greatest tribute bands … we can’t wait to hear them together! It will be dynamite!”
Indeed, Strange Magic is nothing less than dynamite. The band was chosen to represent ELO on the AXS TV show, “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” in 2017 (the same year that key members of the original ELO were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). The concert was broadcast live across the nation from the world famous ‘Whiskey a Go Go” in Hollywood, California. Now performing at theaters and outdoor venues across the country, Strange Magic delivers the sound and spectacle of a classic ELO show! Not only do they sound just like ELO, but the band members even LOOK like the original cast!
Not familiar with ELO? Surely you’ve heard a few of their songs over the years … Electric Light Orchestra is an English rock band that formed in Birmingham in 1970 by songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood with drummer Bev Bevan. Their music is characterized by a fusion of pop, classical arrangements and futuristic iconography. During the 1970s and 1980s, ELO released a string of top 10 albums and singles, including two LPs that reached the top of British charts: the disco-inspired Discovery (1979) and the science-fiction-themed concept album Time (1981). Some of their biggest hits from over the years include ‘Mr. Blue Sky’, ‘Livin’ Thing’, ‘Evil Woman’, ‘Do Ya’, and of course, ‘Strange Magic’.
Get ready to time-travel back to the classic rock era of the ’70s … it doesn’t get any closer than this!
Want to pack in more music during your holiday weekend in Ellicottville? On Saturday, July 2nd, The Voices of Classic Rock will take the stage at Holiday Valley. Rock out to the sounds of Practically Petty - a Tribute to Tom Petty, who will open for Asia featuring John Payne, with special guests John Elefante, former lead singer of Kansas, and Lou Gramm, founder and former lead singer of Foreigner. Whoah! That is a LOT of music, making this year’s July 4th weekend in Ellicottville one you’ll want to book NOW!
Pre-sale tickets for Saturday’s “Voices of Classic Rock” and Sunday’s BPO featuring Strange Magic are on sale and can be purchased through the Chamber’s website, ellicottvilleny.com. Tickets are $45 for each evening 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.
For additional information on this year’s Summer Music Festival, including VIP packages or to purchase your tickets, go to ellicottvilleny.com or contact the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce at 800-349-9099 or info@ellicottvilleny.com.