By Darlene Brace
Each year in early September, Fredonia has their Red, White, and Blues Festival. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of this amazing annual community event, taking place on September 11th and 12th. Festivals Fredonia, a nonprofit organization, will once again organize and host the event. Some portions of the festival will take place at Barker Common, located at the intersection of Church Street and Temple Street, as well as at various businesses throughout the village.
Since 1996, Festivals Fredonia has organized this event to celebrate the region’s local wine industry (“red and white”) alongside regional blues music (“blues”), while also promoting local businesses. The festival typically features headlining artists performing in Barker Common. It also showcases other local musicians at various restaurants and bars and invites local food, wine, and craft vendors to participate.
This year the festival kicks off its live music with Rockabilly Steve and BR3. They will be performing at the American Legion Post 59 located at 156 E Main Street starting at 6pm. Later that night, the Jeremy Keyes Band will perform at 8pm at Fredonia Beaver Club on Prospect Street. These two performances will set the stage for the all-day event on Saturday.
On Saturday, there will be two fantastic headliners from Buffalo that will perform at gazebo in the Barker Common. The first headlining band will be the band Grosh. Grosh is a high-energy rock band that includes guitarist Grace Lougren, who was named Buffalo’s Best Blues Guitarist. They will play a fun mix of hard rock, blues, and funk starting at noon.
The second headliner is the powerhouse music ensemble, the Buffalo Blues Express All Star Band, which will perform in the gazebo from 3pm-5pm. This upbeat band is influenced by Chicago and Memphis blues, and they play a mix of their own dynamic original compositions alongside revamped blues classics and danceable tunes. The band features a horns section that ignites the blues and captivates the audience.
In addition to these amazing headliners, some of the Fredonia bars and restaurants will host local musicians showcasing their talents throughout the rest of the day and evening. These performances will start at 1:30pm on Saturday and continue at a variety of locations throughout the day.
Here is the rest of the anticipated music line up schedule: 1:30pm Coughlan’s Pub with Jammin’ Gypsies • 5:30pm, The White Inn with Tommy Z • 6pm, Old Main Inn with Two Towns • 6:30pm, Raven and Thorn with Beer Krate Blues Band • 7pm, Downtown Brew with Mark Winsick Band • 7:30pm, Domus Fare with Growlers Blues Band • 8pm, Mrs. Fred’s with The Freeze • 8:30pm, Mainline Bar & Grill with Screamin’ Est • 9pm, BJ’s with Mock Pepper • 10pm, Valentine’s with Jony James.
Many of these venues offer delicious food options to satisfy your appetite during your busy day. You will also find other area restaurants and food vendors in Barker Common that will be ready to please your taste buds by serving pizza, BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken wings, and more. If you’re yearning for something sweet, you will likely be able to enjoy ice cream, kettle corn, and caramel apple chips. Local vendors will also showcase a delightful selection of red and white wines ranging from dry to sweet, as well as ciders for you to sample and enjoy.
Additionally, artisan and craft vendors will be set up in Barker Common, offering a range of items that may include unique handcrafted goods, original fine art pieces, jewelry, soaps, candles, and other specialty products. You can discover one-of-a-kind treasures for yourself or perfect gifts for loved ones.
As in previous years, the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Run to benefit the Disabled American Veterans will begin at 10am at American Legion Post 59. Riders will visit various locations around Chautauqua County. Registration for the motorcycle run starts at 9:15am, and the cost is $15 per rider.
Join the community for an unforgettable experience at the 30th Annual Red, White, and Blues Festival! At this amazing event, you’ll enjoy live music from headliners and local musicians, savor the flavors of the local wine industry, and indulge in delicious food. This unique celebration is a must-attend and is considered one of the best parties around