It’s no secret that Ellicottville is famous for its eclectic festival schedule, truly offering something for everyone. One of the biggest weekends of the summer is nearly upon us … Summer Music Festival will take over the village and Holiday Valley Resort July 5-7. Need a rundown? Let’s go!
NEW THIS YEAR: COMEDY NIGHT
Of course, the big draw for the weekend revolves around Holiday Valley’s slopeside main stage, where big musical acts perform live over the duration of the three days. Traditionally, the Summer Music Festival has featured two classic rock acts, as well as a performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. However, the Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer a revamped approach, with some exciting new additions, not to mention a powerful line-up of artists.
Friday night kicks it all off this year with a totally new act taking the stage. Those in attendance will treated to “Comedy Night,” featuring performances by Tammy Pescatelli and Tony Deyo. Sponsored by the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, these aren’t your typical ‘knock-knock’ jokesters - this dynamic duo has the track record of performing regularly on Comedy Central, VH1, and the E! Entertainment Networks.
Star comedian Tammy Pescatelli, winner of Comedy Central’s Stand-up Showdown and finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing 2, is considered by her national following as “the kind of woman you wish was your sister or best friend.” Tammy borrows from her rich Italian upbringing in Cleveland, to share advice on everything from drinking tips to ways of keeping you grounded.
Rising young talent Tony Deyo, known for his sharp wit and comedic timing, was named one of the year’s best stand-up comedians by the New York Post in 2011. Tony was thrust into the limelight in 2007 when he participated in the 2007 HBO Aspen Comedy Festival.
You can be these two will bring a tremendous level of “fun-factor” to Ellicottville during Summer Fest weekend.
GRETCHEN WILSON: REDNECK WOMAN
Arguably the artist who has drawn the most attention to the Summer Music Festival bill this year, is the one who will undoubtedly rock the stage Saturday night. She made her debut in 2004 with the Grammy Award winning single, ‘Redneck Woman’, a number-one hit on the Billboard country charts.
Ring a bell? If you said Gretchen Wilson, then you are spot-on. That song served as the lead-off single of her debut album, ‘Here for the Party’ as well as a feel-good anthem for spitfire country gals across the country. Her track record doesn’t stop there, however, as Wilson followed this album one year later with ‘All Jacked Up’, the title track of which became the highest-debuting single for a female country artist upon its 2005 release. A third album, ‘One of the Boys’ was released in 2007.
As you can tell by her titles, including ‘When I think About Cheatin’ and ‘Homewrecker’, this ‘chick doesn’t mess around, and will without question hold the attention of the audience Saturday night beginning at 7pm. With over 8 million records sold worldwide and 13 singles crushing the Billboard country charts, it’s safe to say you’ll be familiar with a few of her songs. Check out more about this charismatic and talented artist at gretchenwilson.com.
CCR: BAD MOON RISING
One of the most sure-fire memorable line-ups to hit Ellicottville’s Summer Music Festival culminates Sunday evening as Creedence Clearwater Revisited takes center stage. Without a doubt, each and every one of you reading this knows a handful of CCR anthems, including ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Bad Moon Rising’, ‘Susie Q’ and countless others.
Formed in the mid 60’s, CCR experienced a great deal of success with front-man John Fogerty penning hit after hit, all giving voice and character to a generation. Unfortunately, fame became a bit of a ‘flash in the pan’ if you will, with CCR disbanding by the early 70’s. With members of the band all going their separate directions, including Fogerty’s solo career, others were left to flounder around for the better part of two decades, until two of the founding members of CCR formed their own project in 1995.
Stu Cook and Doug "Cosmo" may not have intended it, but their ‘new’ band, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, has taken on an amazing life of its own. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rhythm section (bass and drums, respectively) from the legendary group Creedence Clearwater Revival launched this project to once again perform live Creedence Clearwater Revival hits that will still strike a chord with young and old fans today. Surprisingly, the pair initially only planned to play private parties, yet Creedence Clearwater Revisited now performs up to 100 shows a year, and has even released the certified platinum album, "Recollection."
Not bad for a casual side project, huh? More information about the band and their history can be found at www.credence-revisited.com.
PRE-SALE CONCERT TICKETS
Purchase your tickets in advance and save! Pre-sale tickets for Friday’s Comedy Night with Tammy Pescatelli and Tony Deyo are $15 apiece; tickets for Gretchen Wilson can be purchased for $35 in advance; and tickets for Sunday’s Creedence Clearwater Revisited are $30 in advance. Children 12 and under are free. VIP Ticket Packages for the full weekend’s entertainment bill with Sponsors Dinners are available for $325 per couple.
Pre sale tickets are available through June 16 and can be purchased on the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce website, www.ellicottvilleny.com, or at all area Wegmans stores. Tickets will increase $5 for the Comedy night and $10 per ticket for Gretchen Wilson and Creedence Clearwater Revisited after June 16 and will also be available at the gates.
DOWNTOWN FESTIVITIES
Ellicottville’s business district will play host to a variety of activities throughout Summer Fest weekend. An Arts and Crafts show will set up from 10am-5pm both Saturday andSunday on Jefferson Street (beside the post office) and will spotlight close to 50 vendors on-site, with everything from jewelry to woodworking. (The Arts and Crafts show offers an amazing variety of shopping opportunities … you’ll want to fill your wallet for this trek through town.)
One of the most entertaining (and crowd pleasing) events of the weekend is the annual Pet Parade, which will march down Washington Street at 11am on Saturday. If you’ve never seen this, you’re missing out, with pets ranging from the typical dogs to the more unusual marchers - baby calves, ferrets, hermit crabs … (boa constrictors are highly discouraged however, per Fido’s request). Sunday will feature the ever-popular Strawberry Festival from 12-3pm at the gazebo located in Town Square.
So there you have it … The Summer Music Festival here in Ellicottville, NY. If you don’t frequently visit Ellicottville, this is definitely the one weekend not to be missed. With something for everyone, there’s no excuse to be anywhere else. Come out and enjoy a sunny weekend filled with great music and unique art, all nestled amongst our two great neighboring ski areas.
For a complete schedule of this year’s Summer Music Festival happening July 5-7, click over to the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce website at www.ellicottvilleny.com.
