By Kate Bartlett
This Saturday July 26 – Sunday July 27 marks the annual Jazz and Blues Weekend in Ellicottville. The streets come alive with the smooth, soulful notes during this annual celebration weekend. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience Ellicottville in the summer months. As always, the festival is free and open to the public. (For a full schedule check out ‘What’s Shakin’ article on page 9.)
This year, the Jazz and Blues weekend will run a bit differently than years past, in that each venue will be booking musicians individually. “We decided to run it similarly to our Winter Music Festival,” explains Barb Pump, Executive Director for the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “It’s sure to still be a good time, anytime music is in the air. The Chamber is still promoting the village, gathering people and attracting visitors to the area to enjoy Ellicottville during the summer months.”
While the theme is Jazz and Blues, not every band will play solely these styles. “Every musician has their own interpretation,” explains Barb. “Many artists have been influenced by jazz and blues, and will incorporate into their music in their own way.” The final music lineup will be released soon, but in the past, over 15+ musicians have played at over 10 venues in the village. “Most everything is within walking distance,” says Barb. “It’s a great opportunity to listen to a variety of local musicians, while supporting our local establishments.”
“It’s a great opportunity to not only support our local bars and restaurants, but to support the area musicians as well.,” says Barb. “We are fortunate to have so many talented artists in the area, and this is a great opportunity to support live, local music.”
The Ellicottville shops will be open and ready for business. “Our local shops offer a great variety; there’s truly something for everyone,” says Barb. “We invite everyone to come browse the unique selection at all the shops. We have many new shops to the area over the past few years offering a great variety of products including vintage, thrift, apparel, children’s and home goods. Come see what’s new, or come browse your old favorite shops, it’s a great weekend to do so.”
Mill St Sports pub, Thursday, July 24 from 6-9pm. Saturday, EBC Taqueria is
proud to host Jenuine Cello in the garden from 6-9pm. Maria Aurigema alsol
takes the stage this Saturday at the Gin Mill from 8pm-midnight.
In addition to the unique shops, Ellicottville continues to offer a variety of diverse flavors in it’s culinary scene. “There’s always something new to experience in our food scene,” says Barb. “Our restaurants offer something for everyone, from tapas and tacos, to Italian, burgers, farm to table, brunch, craft cocktails, beer and more. We have a wide range of styles ranging from bar bites and axe throwing, to steak dinners and seasonally inspired culinary delights, Ellicottville has it all.” Many establishments will feature live music throughout the weekend, making it a great time to visit.
Barb emphasizes the relaxed vibe that Jazz and Blues Weekend offers locals and visitors alike. “It’s a great time to experience Ellicottville during the more relaxed summer months. The views of the lush green slopes, our main street adorned with flowers (thanks to the Ally Katz) and the fresh mountain air allow everyone to breath a bit deeper. Ellicottville is the perfect day or weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, and if offers a little something special during the summer months.”
The festival is free, with more information at ellicottvilleny.com and full event line up on The Villager Music Calendar at thevillagerny.com (events tab). For those interested in making it a weekend getaway, overnight packages are available at Holiday Valley, Wingate by Wyndham and Air B&B.