By Kate Bartlett
Saturday, August 16, marks the annual Mayville Bluegrass Festival at Big Inlet Brewing, with a bonus Bluegrass event on Sunday, August 17. Proceeds from the festival will benefit Chautauqua Rails to Trails. Doors open at 10am with a full day of local and nationally known musicians continuing the tradition of Bluegrass, Folk and Old Time in WNY. Food trucks will be on site and camping is available and included in ticket price.
Bill Ward, WNY singer/songwriter and supporter of local musicians, helped organize the first Mayville Bluegrass Festival in the early 2000’s as a way to promote music and provide a family-friendly music festival in the area. “Having attended several Bluegrass Festivals, we knew these festivals typically had the nicest, friendliest musicians and attendees,” explains Bill. “I’ve always been a fan of bluegrass music and frequently incorporate into my music. We wanted to share this music with our community here in Mayville.”
The first festivals were held in the early 2000s in Mayville Lakeside Park as a three-day event in early summer. Although that Festival ended after 7 years, Bill saw the opportunity to relaunch the festival at Big Inlet Brewing a few years ago. “I sought to restart the festival on a regional level, to support the incredible local talent and showcase their talent. We’ve begun to reintroduce national acts to the festival and it’s been well received.”
Prominent Bluegrass player, also with connections to the area, Gene Johnson (of Country band Diamond Rio) is returning for the second time this year. Local artist and multi state and national banjo winner Gregg Welty will perform along with The Beard and the Bird, Creek Bend, Doug Yeomans and Mountain Run and many more. “It’s an incredible lineup, which will make for an amazing day celebrating bluegrass,” says Doug.
for the second time this year with the group “Gene
Johnson and Night Sun”.
Big Inlet Brewing lends itself to be the perfect venue for this event, with a covered outdoor stage and capacity to hold a large crowd. Located on Elm Flats Road in Mayville, NY, the property was once an actual working farm, complete with horse and cow stalls. It has been fully converted into a small batch brewery with farm-related décor. The brewery uses all NYS and locally grown/produced ingredients and boasts 2,000 square feet of tasting and gathering space plus a large outdoor entertainment area with several events and live entertainment throughout the year.
Food trucks will be available on site, and camping is included with ticket price. “We invite everyone to come for the day, or stay overnight. It’s an incredible place to camp, which is rare for a festival like this. The property is spacious and scenic, adjacent to the actual Big Inlet to Chautauqua Lake.
Beginning this year, the Mayville Bluegrass Festival is presented by Chautauqua Rails to Trails. This nonprofit corporation’s mission is to acquire, develop and maintain multipurpose recreational trails for public use on or near abandoned railroad rights of way. Their vision is to develop and connect a network of safe and accessible trails for all Chautauqua County families and visitors to the area. “CHQ Rails to Trails is thrilled to be a part of this event,” states Bill, also President of CHQ Rails to Trails. “Not only is it a fun day of incredible music and community but it supports a great cause that directly impacts our area.” All proceeds from the festival will go to fund Chautauqua Rails to Trails projects.
The Mayville Bluegrass Festival is the longest running bluegrass festival in the county attracting visitors from far and wide. It’s unique venue and family friendly atmosphere make it the perfect summer music festival for all ages with both regional and nationally known musicians.
For more information visit CR2T.org, follow on Facebook or call (716) 743-2800. Tickets are available at Zeffy.com or in person at Big Inlet Brewing. This is an outdoor event, there are some seats and tables, but it’s advisable to bring lawn chairs. Please, no coolers and no pets.