By Darlene Brace
Get ready for a summer filled with a variety of live music that will entertain you and your family throughout the season. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce (CHQ Chamber) has organized three exciting events, each taking place at different locations on three different nights of the week. The musicians and music genres will vary throughout the summer. The events include “First Fridays” in Westfield, “3rd on Third” in Jamestown and, “Music in the Green” in Mayville, that will all take place from 5pm-8pm unless otherwise noted. With all three of these music event series, local businesses will be extending their hours, and there will be variety of vendors, that will include small businesses, artisans, and food trucks.
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First Friday”, Westfield, Begins June 5
The Westfield community is thrilled to welcome back the “First Friday” live music series this summer. This popular event has been a favorite in the community for several years and will take place on the first Friday of each month from June through September. This series will be held on Main Street, with the blocks between Portage Street and Union Street closed off to allow attendees to stroll, enjoy the music, and soak in the atmosphere. In this area, you’ll find businesses like The Tap Room, Brazill’s on Main, Living Glass Gallery, and CJ’s Pizza and Subs, all open for refreshments and shopping.
The First Friday music series kicks off on June 5th with a performance by Dan Cecil who plays a blend of folk, country, and Americana tunes. This music series will continue July 10th with the unique sound of 23 Skidoo, and on August 7th, Dan Siracuse will be the entertainment for that evening. Dan Cecil will return to close out the series on September 4th.
“3rd on Third”, Jamestown, 3rd Thursdays
Similar to the “First Friday” music series in Westfield, the Chamber has introduced a new event this year called “3rd on Third.” This event will take place in downtown Jamestown on the third Thursday of each month from May through September. During “3rd on Third,” Third Street will be closed between Main Street and Spring Street, creating a safe and enjoyable space for visitors to enjoy the music. While live music is a significant feature of the “3rd on Third” events, a primary goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to shop at local businesses, dine at restaurants, and enjoy the vibrant energy of downtown Jamestown.
The first “3rd on Third” event took place on May 21, that featured performances by Dan Cecil and Dan Siricuse. The June 18th performer will be announced soon. On July 16, there will be cultural dances from the Sukanya Burman Dance Company and an open night at Jamestown’s Farmer’s Market. On August 20, it will be great to see some of the students from Infinity Visual and Performing Arts that will entertain the crowd with a variety of talent. The final performance of this music series will be on September 17 has yet to be determined.
“Music in the Green”, Mayville, Select Wednesdays
The third music series is called “Music in the Green,” and it will take place in Mayville on select Wednesday evenings. This series will be held at the Village Green Park that’s near the county offices on Erie Street. Vendors will be set up in the park, and you are encouraged to stroll down the street to check out some of the nearby local businesses that will be staying open.
The Music in the Green will start on Wednesday, June 1 with performances by Dan Cecil, Adam McKillip, and Bill Moran. On July 22nd, well-known local musician Bill Ward will perform alongside John Cross and Trenton Shutters. To close out this music series, the Kokomo Time Band will play a variety of music that will entertain the crowd.
This summer is full of fantastic live music events for your enjoyment. The Chamber of Commerce has created opportunities for you and your family to experience great live performances, along with vibrant atmospheres featuring local vendors and small businesses that will remain open during these events. There’s no better way to spend a pleasant summer evening with family and friends while engaging with the community and enjoying the live music. For more information, visit chqchamber.org.