By Kate Bartlett
This July marks the 26th annual Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce Jazz & Blues Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 26 -28. Join locals and visitors alike in this one-of-a-kind ‘boutique’ jazz festival, offering over 20 musical acts all within walking distance in the village. As always, the festival is free and open to all ages.
Jazz & Blues Festival this Friday, Saturday and Sunday
July 26 -28. Join locals and visitors alike in this one-of-a-kind
‘boutique’ jazz festival, offering over 20 musical acts all within
walking distance in the village. As always, the festival is free
and open to all ages
The Jazz & Blues Festival was started in 1999 by then owners of Madigan’s, Grace and Kevin Kell, along with Brian McFadden from the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “It was started as a way to bring the community together to celebrate the season with great music, as well as a way to attract visitors to the area,” says Brian. “Now, 26 years later, the festival is still going strong, and has evolved into one of the most unique music festivals in the area.”
The festival features over 20 musical performances across various stages, with headlining acts at the Winery of Ellicottville outdoor Main Stage on both Saturday and Sunday. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening at 6:30pm. Saturday starts strong with headlining act JJ Swing 1-4pm at The Winery of Ellicottville Main Stage. This renowned band plays everything including Steely Dan, Genesis, Earth Wind & Fire, and will have the crowd singing along to fan favorite songs. The band features a full horn section and has a great, strong jazz sound. Kat Jones takes the Winery’s inside stage at 5pm, with various musicians playing throughout the village venues all evening.
Sunday’s indoor music kick off at noon and then at 1pm The George Scott Big Band takes the stage at The Winery of Ellicottville Main Stage. This incredible band is impressive in the local jazz scene and the famous Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo, with their authentic sound and vibrant talent of instrumentals and vocalists. The music continues throughout the afternoon and evening.
“We’re so honored to be hosting these talented musicians,” remarks Brian. “We have such a wealth of musical talent in the area, and this festival is such a great way to showcase some of them.”
As mentioned, all acts are within walking distance in the village of Ellicottville. “It couldn’t be simpler. Park your car in our new outdoor lot on the corner of Mill and Monroe Street (for free) and stroll the streets enjoying these wonderful musicians in our beautiful town.” Chairs will be set up outside The Winery main stage, and guests are welcome to bring their own. Come enjoy all our town has to offer: the shops, restaurants, nightlife and more,” added McFadden
While enjoying live music, stroll through our many amazing and eclectic shops before indulging in the unique culinary scene of Ellicottville. “Our restaurants have really raised the bar,” remarks Brian. “We’ve always had an outstanding mix, and the menus have such a wide variety food, craft cocktails and more that there is undoubtably something for every taste bud,” he went on to say.
Overnight accommodations are available and full lineup is online at https://www.ellicottvilleny.com
