By Shawn Huestis
On Friday, July 3rd the grounds of Southern Tier Brewery will be the site of a growing one-day music festival, honoring our Nation’s birthday and joining all the events surrounding it. This year the tradition continues with several bands and small acts taking the stage to keep the party dancing. Beginning at noon and stretching into dusk the stage will alight with a variety of ensembles. The venue will be open at 11am, and beginning at 3pm Rochester’s “That Ted,” “Juvenile Characteristics,” a Northeast PA and WNY favorite, Nashville recording artist Sean Patrick McGraw, “Beard and the Bird” from San Diego, and Western New York’s Uncle Ben’s Remedy are all slated to perform.
That Ted is a musician and elementary school teacher from Rochester, NY. He has been in and out of several groups since the early 90s, but nothing stuck. Now he shows up solo and rocks cover songs with the sole purpose of facilitating a good time at the party for everyone.
Juvenile Characteristics is a 5-piece acoustic/electric band committed to playing their own original music and their favorite covers. Original members, Jason Hummell, Kris Chapman, and Jason Sample started the band in early 2009 and played together for most of 5 years. In early 2014, the band added its first new member, Mitch Adelman on electric guitar and pedal steel. Upon Mitch’s departure in 2025, James Willaman was added as the newest member of Juvenile Characteristics. The rhythm section of the band found its completion in 2019 when percussionist Geoff Marenchin was added to complete the band. Many changes have accompanied their musical growth over the course of 18+ years including the addition of new instruments, percussion and more intricate harmonies, but one thing has never changed…the shows are fun, and the atmosphere is always filled with love!!
The Beard and the Bird is a bi-coastal musical duo formed by husband-and-wife Jon Hasz and Cathryn “Cat” Curry Hasz. They are well-known for their soulful, vintage renditions of 1920s western swing, jazz, and folk, alongside unique twists on modern pop covers.
Sean Patrick McGraw is an American independent country music singer-songwriter known for his gritty, traditional sound influenced by artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Steve Earle. Raised in the working-class town of Dunkirk/Fredonia, New York, he began playing music at a young age, performing in local bands before moving to Los Angeles and eventually Nashville to pursue a career in country music. After gaining national attention as a semi-finalist on Nashville Star, his breakthrough came in 2009 when a standout performance at the Stagecoach Festival led to a spot on Toby Keith’s “America’s Toughest Tour.” McGraw has since built a successful independent career through relentless touring, often performing more than 150 shows a year, while releasing albums including My So Called Life, Hard Way to Make an Easy Living, Hillbilly Hippie, and A Contender. His songwriting has been recorded by artists such as Montgomery Gentry and Aaron Pritchett and featured in television shows including True Blood, Sons of Anarchy, and Nashville. Known for his authentic storytelling, blue-collar themes, and grassroots approach, McGraw has earned a loyal fan base and a respected place in the independent country music scene.
Uncle Ben’s Remedy is a Western New York–based Americana, alt-country, and roots rock band known for its heartfelt storytelling, high-energy performances, and deep connection to small-town life. Formed in 2014, the group blends traditional country, folk, and rock influences into a sound they describe as “music as medicine,” drawing inspiration from the people, places, and experiences that shaped them. Led by vocalist and guitarist Ben Westlund, the band features Harmony Griffin, Shawn Huestis, Brendan O’Connor, and Josh Mullin, and has built a loyal following through original songs, festival appearances, and six studio releases. Their music combines relatable lyrics, strong musicianship, and a community-centered spirit that reflects the roots and culture of Western New York.
Since 2023 the Lakewood NY Brewery has been hosting a summer party on the eve of Independence Day to commemorate the occasion, and steer clear the myriad of other events and family gatherings happening on the 4th of July.
In the last two years the management collaborated with a regional music publishing company to put together a docket of musical acts to entertain the crowd throughout the day. Beginning at noon and stretching into dusk the stage is alight with a variety of bands, solo artists and small ensembles. Southern Tier Brewery is located at 2072 Stoneman Circle Lakewood NY 14750. Admission is free and food and beverage will be available for purchase.