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Photos: Something Else at Jackson Square

By Howard B. Owens

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The trio Something Else played Jackson Square yesterday evening as part of the summer concert series downtown. There's live music in Jackson Square each Friday at 7 p.m. through August.

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Dozens of acts set to take the stage in annual Batavia Ramble and Arts Fest

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Ramble and Arts Fest is tomorrow in Downtown Batavia.

In the case of rain, performances will take place inside Center Street Smoke House.

Here's the lineups for both stages:

Jackson Square Stage
  • 11 – 11:15 a.m. --  **Opening Ceremony**
  • 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. -- Ghost Riders
  • 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. -- KoKo & The Moon Crickets
  • 12:25 – 12:55 p.m. -- Ryan & Scott
  • 1– 1:30 p.m. -- Gridder
  • 1:35 – 2:05 p.m.  -- Bluesway
  • 2:10 – 2:40 p.m. -- Genesee Ted
  • 2:45 – 3:15 p.m.  -- Me & Red
  • 3:20 – 3:50 p.m.  -- TONK
  • 3:50 – 4:05 p.m.  -- * * * Memorial * * *
  • 4:05 – 4:35 p.m.  -- Sierra
  • 4:40 – 5:10 p.m.  -- PD3 & Co.
  • 5:15 – 5:45 p.m.  -- Rich Lullo Band
  • 5:50 – 6:20 p.m.  -- Lonesome Road
  • 6:25 – 6:55 p.m. -- Loosely Tight
  • 7 – 7:30 p.m. -- Trolls
  • 7:35 – 8:05 p.m.  -- Zero
  • 8:10 – 8:40 p.m. -- Driven
  • 8:45 – 9:15 p.m. -- Noah's Reign 
Center Street Stage
  • 11 – 11:15 a.m. -- **Opening Ceremony**
  • 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. --  Steve Kruppner
  • 11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. -- Kruppner Brothers
  • 12:25 – 12:55 p.m. -- Mark Grover
  • 1  – 1:30 p.m.  -- Ryan Consiglio
  • 1:35 – 2:05 p.m. -- Dave Holnbeck
  • 2:10 – 2:40 p.m. -- Kevin Moyles
  • 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. -- Paul Almeter
  • 3:20 – 3:50 p.m. -- Jim Luttrell
  • 3:50 – 4:05 p.m.  --  * * * Memorial * * *
  • 4:05 – 4:35 p.m. -- Red Creek
  • 4:40 – 5:10 p.m.  -- Mitty & The followers
  • 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. -- Rock Soulgers
  • 5:50 – 6:20 p.m.  -- Bad Luck
  • 6:25 – 6:55 p.m.  -- Audibull
  • 7 – 7:30 p.m. -- Rhythm Collision
  • 7:35 – 8:05 p.m.  -- Eagle Creek
  • 8:10 – 8:40 p.m. -- Nichols Brothers Band
  • 8:45 – 9:15 p.m. -- Open Jam

Photos: Batavia Concert Band opens 2017 season

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia Concert Band opened its 2017 season Wednesday evening in Centennial Park with John Bailey conducting.

The season continues with outdoor concerts at the park every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through Aug. 9.

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Pop rock band Train headlines in Darien Center

By Steve Ognibene

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A midweek show brought music lovers of all ages to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center to hear platinum album artist Train played in front of a lighter crowd of more than 6,000 fans. The band made a few stops of their Northeast tour, including this past Sunday in Saratoga Springs, last night in Darien Center and Toronto, Ontario, Canada tomorrow evening. The roadshow kicks off their “Play that Song Tour 2017.”

The two-time Grammy award-winners won the crowds over on a cooler night in Darien Center.

Some of Train’s top hits included "Drops of Jupiter," "50 Ways to say Goodbye," "Hey Soul Sister," "Drink up," "Marry Me" and "Play that Song." Lead singer (pictured above) Patrick Monahan kept the crowd singing, dancing and also even borrowing cell phones to take selfies with the owners from the stage to pit distance, which many enjoyed.

O.A.R. and Natasha Bedingfield opened for the platinum recording artist. Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide since their debut in the music industry in 1998.

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Some members of O.A.R. pictured below:

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Annual Batavia Ramble expands for the coming year

By Maria Pericozzi

The Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on July 1 this year on Center Street, with music, vendors and activities.

The Ramble is an annual reunion of musicians and artists that at one time or another, called Batavia or the nearby areas, their home. The event includes craft vendors, food vendors, a designated kid zone with rides and activities, and music.

This year, there will be 33 bands and performers at the Jackson Square and Center Street Stage.

Paul Draper III, the event coordinator, said there will be a larger, second stage to look forward to.

“There have also been major expansions for vendors this year,” Draper said. “There’s a duck pond and a dedicated kid zone. It is very family oriented.”

The performers include Audibull, Bad Luck, Batavia All Stars, Bluesway, Dave Holnbeck, Driven, Eagle Creek, Genesee Ted, Ghost Riders, Kevin Moyles, KoKo & The Moon Crickets, Kruppner Brothers, Loosely Tight, Mark Grover, Me & Red, Mitty & The followers, Nichols Brothers Band, Noah's Reign, Steve Kruppner, Paul Almeter, PD3 & Co., Red Creek, Rhythm Collision, Rich Lullo Band, Rock Soulgers, Ryan & Scott, Ryan Consiglio, Savage Cabbage, Sierra, Soul Craft, TONK!, Trolls, Unruly, and Zero.

Draper said they are still accepting vendors and sponsorship opportunities. If anyone is interested, contact thebataviaramble@gmail.com

Photos: Marty Stuart at The Ridge

By Howard B. Owens

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For the first time since 2011, Marty Stuart was back at The Ridge tonight along with his band, The Superlatives.

The Superlatives are:

  • Kenny Vaughan, lead guitar
  • Chris Scruggs, bass
  • Harry Stinson, drums

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Free summer concert lineup at Darien Lakes State Park on Harlow Road announced

By Billie Owens

Here is the lineup of 2017 summer concerts for Darien Lakes State Park, located at 10475 Harlow Road in Darien Center. All but the last concert of the season (on Sunday, Sept. 3) take place on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 at Shelter #2. See below for details, including those for Sept. 3 concert.

Day area admission to the park is free after 5 p.m. Please remember that Darien Lakes State Park is a “Carry in/Carry out” park. Please help support park events by supporting the Natural Heritage Trust. Donations to the Natural Heritage Trust for Darien Lakes State Park can be made at the park or online at www.nysparks.com

  • June 27 -- Corfu/Pembroke Community Band

Come and kick off the beginning of the 2017 concert series with the hometown sounds from the Corfu/Pembroke Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the classic concert band ensemble.

  • July 4 -- The Band Anastazja

    Armed with a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, the spoons, eight kids, Mom, Dad and Gramma. The Band Anastazja travels here, there and everywhere to entertain folks with their unique style of music and their genuineness in real life stories that they tell and the songs to accompany them.

  • July 11 -- Ron and Nancy Oneson

 Traditional American music comes alive with Ron & Nancy. They sing vintage country, bluegrass, Western, Rockabilly, '50s & '60s classics, and Gospel.

  • July 18 -- NY Rockin' Revue Gone Country

It’s all country tonight. They will be bringing out the banjo, fiddle and petal steel guitar. It’s Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Hank Sr. and many more…

  • July 25 -- The Batavia Swing Band

Listen and dance to Batavia’s premier swing band as they play the most popular swing, jazz, and Big Band music from over the years.

  • Aug. 1 -- Ghost Riders

The Ghost riders will lift your spirit with drivin’ “Hardcore Country” music with a twang that makes listeners of all ages want to get out and dance and have fun.

  • Aug. 8 -- Auslanders

German night is back with the sounds of the Auslanders! This popular Buffalo band has been entertaining for years. As one of the areas most enjoyed Oktoberfest bands. Authentic German selections & a polka here or there will keep your feet stomping and spirits high!

  • Aug. 15 -- Old Hippies

The music of the Old Hippies is acoustic and a varied brand, be it their own creative songs or recognizable covers from a golden musical era: the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies and on and on…., nostalgic to those who lived it and romanced by those who didn’t.

  • Aug. 22 -- WNY Bluegrass Association

 Come out and listen to the local bluegrass musicians specializing in the old-tyme Bluegrass sounds from Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Ricky Scaggs, the father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe and more!

  • Aug. 29 -- The Swooners

Enjoy the music of every decade, from the '20s thru the '80s and beyond. They will make you want to dance, sing, laugh and cry.

  • SUNDAY Sept. 3 -- *** FINAL CONCERT! NY Rockin' Revue -- 7 to 9 p.m. at Shelter #2

Whether it’s classic rock, country or old-time favorites, the NY  Rockin Revue provides it all. Enjoy a night of great music and dancing. Along with a fireworks show afterward!

Batavia Concert Band announces 92nd season of public concerts in Centennial Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for its 92nd season of public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park. Concerts will be held on June 28, July 5, July 12, July 26, Aug. 2, and Aug. 9, as well as the ever-popular July 4th Picnic in the Park sponsored by GO ART!

The July 12th concert in Centennial Park will feature soloist Dan Kliczar and is part of our new Pam Frisby Concert Series. The July 26th concert will feature ethnic music, sponsored by GO ART!’s “Genesee Orleans Culture Connects” project. The Aug.  2nd concert features a collaboration with Shake on the Lake.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone; marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in between.

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure -- all love to play!

This year’s conductor will be John Bailey, instrumental music director at Lyndonville Central School. The July 4th Picnic in the Park and July 5th concerts will be conducted by Joshua Pacino.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except World War II. Concerts are currently supported and funded in part by GO ART!, local businesses, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The City of Batavia supplies chairs for musicians.

The Band also sponsors 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales, and other fundraisers. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a Board member at any concert.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park, Batavia. (* In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park, announced on WBTA radio AM1490, posted on http://TheBatavian.com, the Batavia Daily News website, http://www.thedailynewsonline.com), on the Batavia Concert Band’s website http://bataviaconcertband.net, and the Band’s Facebook page.)

All concerts are fully funded by local businesses and sponsors and are open to music lovers of all ages.  Light refreshments are available.  Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs or a blanket, and enjoy.  We’ll meet you in the park!

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

Sponsored Post: The Ramble Music & Arts Festival is Saturday July 1st

By Lisa Ace

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District has partnered with The Batavia Ramble this year to bring a summer festival to downtown. Anyone interested in being a vendor, the Business Improvement District is still taking applications until next Friday, June 23rd. Contact Beth Kemp at bkemp@downtownbataviany.com or 585.344.0900.

BHS Drama Club to perform songs from Les Miserables

By Howard B. Owens

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The Batavia High School Drama Club is staging a showcase concert featuring songs from the musical "Les Miserables" at 7 p.m., Thursday, at John Kennedy School on Vine Street. Free-will donations will be accepted at the door.

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Lonestar headlines first 'Rockin' the Downs'

By James Burns

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Batavia Downs was the luckiest place in town today. Against all odds and predictions, the weather was great for tonight’s  opening of a six-concert series “Rockin’ the Downs."

Four acts took the stage in a festival atmosphere in the center of the Batavia Downs track. The track estimated that more than 3,000 were in attendance. Food and beverage vendors lined the viewing area for those who came to see tonight's headliner, Lonestar.  

The band met with Batavia Downs VIP players backstage before the show and signed a guitar that was auctioned off after the concert. The proceeds of the guitar auction raised more than $600 for the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

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Former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas, below, elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, made an appearance at the concert to speak to the crowd. Afterward, he hung around to see Lonestar and take pictures with some of his fans. 

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Next up, on Friday, June 23rd, is Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx.

Veterans honored and celebrated in two-day music festival at Frost Ridge

By Howard B. Owens

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Dan Clor, a military veteran, and frontman for Los Angeles-based Weapon-X, took the stage this afternoon with D-ZL, the band he started his career with in 1997 when it played its first show at the Eagle Hotel in Le Roy. 

Clor and Weapon-X have been holding an annual music festival in Southern California for five years and this year, Clor brought it home, to Le Roy, and The Ridge Campground.

The American Warrior Concert, with more than 60 musical acts taking the stage, opened today and continues tomorrow (for tickets, click here).

The music starts at noon tomorrow, on two stages, with Weapon-X scheduled to play at 8:15 p.m.

The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford is sponsoring the weekend of music.

Proceeds benefit the Warrior House, which supports wounded veterans.

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Two-day music festival to benefit veterans opens tomorrow at The Ridge

By Howard B. Owens

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The American Warrior Concert, a music festival with more than 60 acts performing, opens tomorrow at noon tomorrow at The Ridge in Le Roy.

The festival is a celebration of our troops, veterans, and the American way of life, according to event organizers. There is one main stage, plus a side stage, an acoustic stage, VIP tent, music lesson tent, open jam tent, camping, craft beer, BBQ, and vendor booths. Proceeds benefit Warrior House of WNY Inc. 

Sponsors include Red Osier Landmark Restaurant.

For the past four years the event was held in Southern California, but going into its fifth year Strength In Numbers Entertainment owner Dan Clor insisted on going back to his roots and producing the festival in his hometown.​

The American Warrior Concert headliner is Weapon-X, frontman Dan Clor's military-inspired heavy band. Other acts scheduled to date include D-ZL, Audibull, Diana Zinni, James D Jackson, Jason Wallace, Ryan Whyman, Black Valentine, Invictra, Kenny Drury, Johnny Bauer, The Dirty Bourbon Blues Band, Delano Steele, 1916, Danny B, Le Roy High Marching Band/Chorus, Dave Riccione Blues Trio, Shawn T, Greg Chako Jazz Trio, Woody Dodge, Ball Cheeze Psychotics and Justin Williams. 

To purchase concert tickets click here.

To rent a campsite click here.

Free concert tonight at Batavia Downs with Joey Belladonna's Chief Big Way

By Howard B. Owens

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Joey Belladonna and his band Chief Big Way play the Paddock Room at Batavia Downs tonight.

The lead singer with Anthrax, nominated five times for Grammy awards, Belladonna is playing in Batavia for the second time this year. The show is free and starts at 9 p.m.

Pictured with Belladonna are his friend Tom Mazurkiewicz and band members Dave Michelson and Joe Precourt.

GSO will journey through the stars with Sunday's concert in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

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The Genesee Symphony Orchestra performs in Elba Central School at 4 p.m., Sunday, in its final concert of the season.

The program is called "Escaping Gravity: A Journey Through the Stars," and features "And God Created Great Whales," by Hovhaness, "Music from Apollo 13," arranged by John Moss and featuring the String Workshop, "Suite from Close Encounters of the Third Kind," by John Williams, and "The Planets," by Holst.

Musical Director S. Shade Zajac conducts.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students, $10 for seniors and families are $35. Tickets can be purchased online at GeneseeSymphony.com.

Photos are from Monday's rehearsal.

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Batavia Downs announces 'Rockin' the Downs' concert series

By Howard B. Owens

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The Marshall Tucker Band

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for this year’s Rockin’ the Downs concert series, and classic rock and country music fans will be very excited.

Kicking off the series on Sunday, June 4th is country powerhouse Lonestar. Known for merging their country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals, Lonestar has sold over 10 million albums, and achieved 10 #1 country hits including "No News," "Come Crying to Me," and their crossover smash "Amazed," which was also #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band's awards include the 2001 CMA Vocal Group of the Year.

Next up, on Friday, June 23rd, is Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx. DeYoung was the songwriter of the band Styx’s hits like "Come Sail Away," "Babe," "Mr. Roboto," "The Best of Times," " Don’t Let it End," "Show Me the Way," and "Lady."

On Friday, June 30th, the money man, Eddie Money, will rock the house with his slew of massive hits that includes "Baby Hold On," "Two Tickets to Paradise," "Think I’m in Love," "Shakin’," "Take Me Home Tonight," and "I Wanna Go Back." Along with having sold more than 28 million records, Money’s songs have appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, and have recently been included in hit video games like Grand Theft Auto and Guitar Hero.

Founding member of Foreigner, Lou Gramm will be bringing down the house on Friday, July 7th. A native of nearby Rochester, Gramm has brought his amazing voice to the rock scene for more than 40 years. Gramm performed vocals on such hits as "Hot Blooded," "Feels Like the First Time," "Cold as Ice," "Double Vision," "Dirty White Boy," "Head Games," and "Juke Box Hero." With Gramm at the helm, Foreigner's first eight singles cracked the Billboard Top 20, making them the first band since The Beatles to achieve this.

Southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band bring their 40 years of hits to Batavia Downs on Friday, July 14th. With hit singles like "Heard it in a Love Song," "Fire on the Mountain," "Can't You See," and "Take the Highway," The Marshall Tucker Band earned seven gold and three platinum albums while they were on the Capricorn Records label. During the '90s, the MTB scored four hit singles on Billboard's country chart and one on Billboard's gospel chart. Their music has also been featured on the soundtracks of movies such as "Smokey and the Bandit," "Blow," "The Pursuit of D.B. Cooper," "Shipwrecked," "Crank 2," "Don’t Mess with Zohan," "Stop Loss," "Swing Vote," "Taking Chance" and many others as well as many TV Shows.

On Friday, July 21st, Lee Greenwood brings his chart-topping music to the Downs. His hit song, "God Bless the USA" has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America. Greenwood has won numerous industry awards including, Male Vocalist of the Year for the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, 1983 and 1984 and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.” With seven number-one songs and 25 charted singles, his hits include "It Turns Me Inside Out," "Ring on Her Finger Time on Her Hands," "She’s Lyin'," "I don’t Mind the Thorns if You’re the Rose," and "Dixie Road."

Tickets for all six concerts are available at www.BataviaConcerts.com and sales began at 10 a.m. today (April 21). Individual tickets to each concert are $10 for General Admission while VIP tickets are $25. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at their “Made in America” store located in the lobby.

“We are very proud to offer our loyal patrons and the people of this region an amazing lineup of music legends that are sure to electrify Batavia Downs with their hits from today and yesterday,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing at Batavia Downs Gaming. “The fact that we are able to keep General Admission ticket prices at just $10 ensures that local music fans aren’t priced out of seeing their favorite artists.”

Hotel room/ticket packages will be available for each concert. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Lady Antebellum added to packed lineup of concerts at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

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The concert lineup for the 2017 season at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center continues to fill out, with a total of 23 shows schedule after the latest addition, Lady Antebellum.

Other shows added over the past few weeks: Goo Goo Dolls, Train, Zac Brown Band, Third Eye Blind, Nickleback, One Republic, Kings of Leon, and John Mayer.

This is the 25th season for Darien Lake PAC and to celebrate, concert tickets are also good for admission to the theme park.

For a complete concert lineup and ticket information, click here.

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