By Kate Bartlett
Rail Rider Jamboree Music Festival is back for its third year March 23 at Holiday Valley. This year’s lineup features a talented variety of locally and nationally known bands that capture the festival jam vibes including The Infamous Stringdusters, Karina Rykman, Wild Knights, and more.
Jennifer Brazill started Rail Rider Jamboree 3 years ago as she saw the opportunity for a successful music festival on the slopes in Ellicottville. As an event planner and nationally renowned festival producer, Jennifer had experience coordinating festivals in the ski towns of Colorado and saw the potential here in Ellicottville. “The vibe here is perfect for these music festivals,” says Jennifer. “Everyone here embraces that outdoor adventure vibe and knows how to have a good time. You’re surrounded by the mountains, good music, and good people. Last year it was magical when the snow fell while the headliner played into the night. It was beautiful and so special.”
The first 2 years were a huge success, with over 2,000 attendees each year. The event takes place at Holiday Valleys Base Camp Parking lot, allowing easy access to the lodge, accommodations, and the slopes. This year, the music festival will be the same day as Pond Skimming, which makes for a huge day at Holiday Valley. “The resort is so amazing to work with and I feel like the 2 brands just really work well together. We moved to the new space at the Bear Lot for the 2nd year and it’s the perfect place, right next to the mountain. You really feel like you are all just one big synergistic party, the mountains and the music.”
This year, features a new headliner, two-time Grammy Award Winner for best Bluegrass Album, The Infamous Stringdusters. “They are incredible,” says Jennifer. “So high energy, so much fun and honestly some of the best musicians out there playing live music. Their music is accessible to everyone and I am really excited to bring them to Ellicottville.”
The festival features up-and-coming female rocker, Karina Rykman and her band. “Karina is from New York City and completely shreds on the guitar; you don’t want to miss her show,” says Jennifer.
Also on the line-up is the Wild Knights, performing the Grateful Dead and Allman Bros. music and more. “This band is comprised of some of the best musicians out of the city of Buffalo.” The show will open with Dirty Blanket, an incredibly talented band from Central New York, with Bluegrass and Bloody Mary’s to follow at the Cabana Bar.
As always, Buffalo Brass Machine will be traveling throughout the crowd between bands playing New Orleans Style party music to keep the Mardi Gras vibe alive. “We just love this! They are such a fun band and they really keep the energy going. The music is great, and the interaction with the crowd is awesome.”
Attendees can peruse and shop local vendors on site including Board Room, City Garage and Mud Sweat n’ Gears. Food vendors will be a ‘plenty and Southern Tier Brewing is returning for another consecutive year as the beer and distilling sponsor.
All of Jennifer’s events focus on sustainability, striving for minimal environmental impact from the festival. 90% of beverages will be sold in cans and zero plastic will be sold. “These little things make a big difference,” says Jennifer. “We all have the opportunity to make an impact with small changes every day. We try to make as little of an imprint at possible from the festival; create experiences not impact.” Money collected from can recycling at the festival will be donated to a local non-profit.
Jennifer invites readers to experience Rail Rider Jamboree on March 23. “I love creating ‘a vibe’. My favorite thing to do is to take a space and build it out so when people walk through the gates they feel like they are in a whole different place, ready to just let go of the day and enjoy the music.”
Tickets include entry for all music events, essentially 11-12 hours of non-stop music from 1 until about 11PM and are expected to sell out quickly. Visit https://railrider.frontgatetickets.com/ to purchase tickets, and to find out more information about the event, and listen to each band to get a feel for the music.