By Carol Fisher-Linn
When is the beloved Evl Gazebo Series not the Gazebo Series? When it is now called Thursday Night Live. Live Concerts in Ellicottville Thursdays, June 18-July 23, 7-9pm.
Summer Thursdays. Ahhh, lazy, easy-going Thursdays. A good time to load up the lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers, bug spray and even well-behaved family pets and head to the center of Ellicottville for Thursday Night Live, once called The Gazebo Series. Head over early (starts at 7, goes to 9) to get the choicest spots, although each patch of grass is truly perfect.
Back in the beginning, when the Chamber of Commerce first sponsored the Gazebo Series many local bands that we knew were featured. These days, Dave Elder, who many of you may know from the popular band Party Squad which he founded in 1985, brings us entertainers who have broader backgrounds. Take for example, The FAR Trio, the opening act entertaining Ellicottville from our Gazebo Stage, on June 18. Three Buffalonians who met at Fredonia, the trio has performed across Northeastern US for over five years: Ethan Fox (drums), Drew Azzinaro (vocals, guitar) and Eamon Rayhn (vocals, bass) hence the name The FAR. They write their own music and come up with their own interpretations of songs by their favorite singers like John Lennon and the Allman Brothers. In their online bio, they note that they have produced several albums and describe their music as earthy-fusion. Find them on Facebook at The FAR, Instagram @the farband and their website www.thefarband.com
Thursdays, 7-9pm
June 18 – FAR Trio
June 25 – Jess & The Mess
July 2 – Rabbit Jaw
July 9 – Tommy Z Band
July 16 – Rock Angel
July 23 – Siren’s Echo
One of WNY’s top cover bands is Jess and the Mess (Jess Bennett) who will be onstage on June 25th. The lineup of Mess musicians includes a Some of you may have seen them this past spring at HoliMont or in top clubs around Western New York. If you like music from the 60’s, you will enjoy this trio. Find them on Facebook at Jess & the Mess and Instagram @jessandthemessband.
On July 2 enjoy Rabbit Jaw and be prepared for a bit more than a standard rock and roll band. Vocalist Erin Bahn may appear in a ballet outfit, perhaps something one would wear at the Met Gala or even in a onesie made of canvas with an artist painting her as she sings. She brings more than her voice to the performance. One thing for certain, she won’t stand still. Here’s where you’ll find Dave Elder playing guitar, Bob Price on drums with Jack Kulp. You can find more about Rabbit Jaw on Facebook, www.rabbitjaw.com
Put away the fireworks until next summer and hit the Gazebo turf on July 9 to be entertained by the Tommy Z Bandwho produce musical fireworks of their own. Buffalonian and Buffalo Music Hall of Famer, Tommy Z and his band have been across the globe entertaining with his unique style of guitar. They have performed to audiences at international festivals and has done numerous tours for US troops around the world. The band is known for its classic and contemporary blues, pop, jazz and funk with several records produced on the Blossom Records label. To read more fully about this amazing artist and his group, please go to his website at – https://tommyzband.com/home
Rock Angel hits the stage on July 16. – “Rock Angel is turning up the heat with thier Funkalicious Summer Tour! This premier, high-energy five-piece band brings an electrifying mix of funk, rock, blues, and dance hits that everybody knows and loves. From sing-along anthems to groove-heavy crowd favorites, they keep the party going all night long. Featuring powerhouse vocals by Maureen Gambino, blazing guitar from Bob Ruszanowski, rock-solid bass by Roger Zimmerman, and dynamic keys from Joe Mergler, Rock Angel delivers a show that’s as tight as it is unforgettable. Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and get ready to feel the funk! Check out their website www.rockangelband.com.
We round off the season with a July 23 performance by the high-energy band, Siren’s Echo. These are singers and story tellers whose memory will linger long after the performance of soulful ballads and high-octane anthems. Look for them on Facebook.
Barbara Pump, President of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce is delighted to acknowledge Crosby’s as the series sponsor for this season. Please support them. Pump affirms that there is a Port-a-potty available behind the Village Hall. Reminder to pet owners – please be sure to bring cleanup bags and deposit in containers, or lacking them take puppy’s offerings home to dispose of. Pump also reminds that you keep an eye on the Chamber’s Facebook page for weather updates in case weather looks “iffy.” Please enjoy the series. Again, many thanks to Crosby’s for their generous sponsorship.