By Kate Bartlett
The Ellicottville Summer Music Festival has notoriously brought in nationally acclaimed acts, and this year is no different. The Headliner act for Saturday, July 1 is the renowned band The Players formerly of Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire. Not to be confused with a tribute band, “The Players formerly of Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire includes legendary members, Keith Howland, two-time Grammy Winner Bill Champlin, Jeff Coffey and Gorden Campbell.
Kim Reilly of Seaside Music Management is the band manager for The Players, and recounts how the band formed. “It was quite the fortunate happenstance. I was in need of a band with limited time to play at the Preakness Race in Maryland in 2022. “I called band members individually that were former members of Chicago and asked if they’d be interested in getting together to do a show. They said yes and the rest is history. The show far exceeded our expectations; the musicians had a blast and wanted to do it again. ‘The Players’ were born.”
The Players, formerly of Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, began selling out shows across the country. They’ve played in numerous cities across Florida, selling out venues of 4,000+ and are currently in the midst of routing the east coast including various stops in New York, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and of course, Ellicottville. “The band has really taken off. They have so much fun playing together; their energy is contagious to the crowd. The music is timeless, and the vibe is just awesome. The Players are bringing an era of music together with original, award-winning artists. It’s an indescribable experience.”
Each band member has their own impressive accolades, but all are connected in their love for music and as original band musicians. Bill Champlin is a two-time Grammy winner and was a member of Chicago for 28 years. Bill has worked with legendary artists including Elton John, Neil Diamond and Kenny Rogers. Multi-talented lead guitarist and producer Keith Howland played with Chicago from 1995 – 2021. Racking up over 100 shows with the band each year, Keith tenured himself to lead vocals, guitar duties and writing many songs for the band. Jeff Coffey is former lead vocalist and bassist of Chicago. With singles in the Top 20 charts, Jeff currently tours with several national shows including Don Felder and has played with renown artists including Hootie and the Blowfish, Six Pence None the Richer, Earth Wind and Fire and The Doobie Brothers. Multi-talented drummer Gorden Campbell is also the musical director Ne-Yo and has worked alongside top entertainers including Earth Wind and Fire, Mary J Blige and Jessica Simpson.
Not to be overshadowed, the horn section is compiled of world touring writers and musicians and the band is complete with background vocals and percussionists. “They are the real deal,” says Kim. “I absolutely love working with original, credited artists. Cover bands are a dime a dozen these days, and they can be great. But there is no substitute for the original. To work with the original musicians, in concert, bringing the music they created back to life, it’s simply incredible Nothing compares.”
With Chicago hits like “You’re the Inspiration,” “If You Leave Me Now,” and “Make Me Smile, “25 or 6 to 4”” also “Boogie Wonderland” and “September” from Earth Wind and Fire, the night is sure to have the crowd singing and dancing the night away.
For more information on The Players visit https://seasidemusicmgmt.com/the-players/