B.D. Lenz will return to this year’s Jazz & Blues Weekend after his Ellicottville debut last summer.
Jazz & Blues Weekend to Showcase the Sounds of The Jim Tudini Band and B.D. Lenz
Summer may be heating up, but Ellicottville, NY is ready to chill out to the smooth, funky sounds of some stellar blues and jazz artists. With the town’s Jazz and Blues Weekend scheduled for July 27-29, there’s no better place to be than strolling through the Ellicottville streets, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
“It’s an event for all ages,” said Heather Snyder, Media and Communications Coordinator for the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “If anyone is looking for a nice relaxing weekend to enjoy the weather, enjoy musicians and enjoy Ellicottville, this is it.”
While the lineup for this year’s weekend is still being finalized, Snyder said the Jim Tudini Band with the Orchestral Strings will once again bring its big band sound to the outdoor stage (tentatively on Monroe Street) and play some great music selections.
Also featured again this year is B.D. Lenz, a guitarist, composer and producer from New Jersey. Lenz discovered the event while passing through during a tour, played the 2011 weekend and is stoked about returning.
“Last year we were touring, I had a night off, was passing through the area and we saw the festival,” B.D. said. “I contacted Dave Elder (Chamber music coordinator), and he gave us the gig. I didn’t know what to expect because we hadn’t been to that part of the state, but we had a great night and a great reception. It was so much fun.”
B.D. and his group will perform at Balloons Restaurant and Nightclub, 20 Monroe Street. Mike Kerns, owner of Balloons, hosts live music every week at the restaurant and is pumped that B.D. is returning.
“I look forward to seeing the band play. These guys are a show you shouldn’t miss. They were here last year; they rocked it and really impressed the crowd,” Kerns said.
Kerns also mentioned that The Chris O’Leary Band, based out of Hudson Valley, will be among the new acts at the 2012 Jazz and Blues Weekend.
“This will be their first time here. I’d seen them on YouTube,” he said. “They impressed me over the internet so they probably can do the same in person.”
Snyder said the weekend, which has been jazzing up Ellicottville since 1998, is fairly intimate but a great event nonetheless, especially if the weather is good.
“It’s great for a sunny afternoon,” she said. “You can walk around the village, grab a bite and listen to the bands. Even if there is rain, the bars have music too. It’s not a complete washout because there’s the village and all it has to offer.”
Kerns agreed. “For a music lover, you’re not going to beat the quality of the acts,” he said. “Not only are there a lot of talented musicians, there are other things going on in the town that will keep you busy - great food, attractions. It’s a cool festival and everything is within walking distance. If you enjoy live music, live blues and jazz, this is the place to be … you don’t want to miss it.”
The complete schedule of bands will be available closer to the event date. Keep tabs at www.ellicottvilleny.com.
