By Kate Bartlett
Rail Rider Jamboree was a smashing hit in its inaugural year in Ellicottville last March. Event planner and nationally renowned festival producer Jennifer Brazill is proud to again bring the music to the slopes of Holiday Valley on Saturday March 18. The lineup features a talented variety of local and nationally known bands that capture the Grateful Dead vibe including Gantzer + Friends, Eggy, Folkfaces, Buffalo Brass Machine and headliner Dark Star Orchestra.
Last year’s event was a sell out with almost 2,000 attendees. “We were so welcomed by the com-munity; the festival is such a great fit for Ellicottville,” 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.”
This year, Rail Rider will open with Folkfaces at the Cabana Bar to get the vibe going with Bluegrass music and Bloody Mary’s from 11am-1pm. Folkfaces is a New York State based roots music quartet playing a mix of original and traditional music. Acclaimed as “an energetic variety show and traveling music review, exploring a wide range of genres including country blues, traditional jazz, rock and roll, honky tonk, western swing, bluegrass and oldtime, jugband music and more.”
The music on the main stage at the festival is located just steps away from Holiday Valley Lodge, and kicks off at 1:30 with Grub, an up-and-coming jam/rock band with Buffalo roots. Described as a multi-genre trio capable of delivering funk-driven madness, improvisational bliss, and electronic soundscapes, Grub is “a true wildcard in today’s music scene”; they intend to draw in music-lovers of all sorts, and push the envelope in modern musical expression.
Next, Eggy takes the stage. This national touring band is very quickly gaining recognition in the mu-sic scene having recently played with The Black Crows and Sheryl Crow. “Eggy’s music traces the full spectrum of emotions evoked by a life well-lived alongside friends well-loved.”
Ganter + Friends plays next, a ‘supergroup’ of nationally known musicians formed by Mike Ganter from the band Aqueos. Also with Buffalo roots, Aqueos has sold out throughout the country for over a decade. Mike Ganter assembled a band just for Rail Rider for a unique rock experience. The “super group” includes members of various jambands such as Twiddle, Eggy and Turquaz. This group is a unique combination of musicians coming together for a special set.
Headliner Dark Star Orchestra takes stage next for two sets. “We decided to bring back Dark Star because they are such a great fit for the area,” says Jennifer. “They were such a hit last year, that we wanted to bring them back to keep the vibe going. The crowd and the energy was awesome last year, we wanted to keep building on that sense of community.” Dark Star Orchestra is a Grateful Dead band tribute that has been touring for 20-30 years selling out wherever they play. “By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.”
Between bands, Buffalo Brass Machine will be traveling throughout the crowd playing New Orleans Style party music to keep the Mardi Gras vibe alive. “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.”
Tickets include entry for all music events, essentially 11-12 hours of non-stop music and partying from 1 until about 11pm. The event has a new and (much) improved location this year in the paved lot at Holiday Valley Basecamp. The venue will be closer to the slopes, lodging and the resort allowing for improved flow and convenience.
Local vendors including Board Room, City Garage and Mud Sweat and Gears will have tents on site with merchandise for sale. Food vendors include Villaggio Food Tuck, Cheesy Chick (with vegan options), Greens BBQ, Misters Food Truck and Copper Horse Coffee from Ithaca. Southern Tier Brewing will keep your cup full as the beer ad distilling sponsor.
As Jennifer’s events focus on sustainability, 90% of beverages will be sold in cans as it is fully recyclable. 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.
“Ellicottville is such a great destination, and Rail Rider is a great fit with the community. We are organic and grass roots as a festival and we naturally connected and immersed in the vibe that already exists in the community. The scenery is beautiful being surrounded by the mountains, and everyone here is so welcoming. The community embraced us right away last year, and we are thrilled to be back for another great festival. Holiday Valley has been awesome to work with; we honestly couldn’t ask for a better venue or a better crowd!”
Jennifer invites readers to experience Rail Rider Jamboree on March 18. Tickets 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.