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 June 2007 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Arts & Letters Outdoor Music Abounds in the Summer By Christopher Schobert Is there any more perfect summer scene than enjoying the sounds of great music while the sun is shining? Probably not, which is why each summer sees more and more opportunities for Western New Yorkers to get outside and listen to the sounds of local and internationally recognized performers. Here are just a few of the musical festivals and events to check out this summer: • THURSDAY AT THE SQUARE: Still the most well-known and beloved of local music festivals, Thursday at the Square seems to grow a little more each year. This year’s schedule runs every Thursday from May 31 to September 1 in its usual spot, Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo. The music kicks off at 5 p.m. and usually finishes up around 9 p.m. • BPO 2007 SUMMERFEST AT ARTPARK: The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Artpark in Lewiston are two of the region’s jewels. Each summer, the two come together for wondrous outdoor entertainment. This is the fourth consecutive year, and might include the most diverse and eclectic lineup yet. July 7 features a performance of Holst’s The Planets, along with violinist Lara St. John, while July 8 features Gershwin’s “greatest hits” from pianist Kevin Cole. One of the most popular folk groups of all time, the Kingston Trio, joins the BPO on July 14, while the Philharmonic takes on another classical favorite, Beethoven’s 9th, on July 15. Summerfest runs through July 29, and will feature performances from pianist Christopher O’Riley and the acclaimed Neglia Ballet, among others. • ARTPARK: Summerfest isn’t Artpark’s only summer highlight. The Tuesday in the Park series runs every Tuesday evening from June 5 through August 28 and features many well-known artists, including Kenny Loggins, Pat Benatar, John Kay and Steppenwolf, and America. Even more interesting is the lineup for Wednesdays on the Gorge. Like Tuesday in the Park, these are free outdoor concerts for young and old. Running from July 11 to August 22, the lineup features solo artists like Richie Havens and the great Lucinda Williams. This is in addition to Artpark’s long list of other concerts, including a patriotic performance from the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas on July 4. On Artpark’s main stage, summer performers include the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on June 25 and the Glenn Miller Orchestra on August 6. • ELMWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Located on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway, the Elmwood Summer Concert Series is a local favorite, held just off of one Buffalo’s most bustling streets. • M&T BANK’S PLAZA EVENT SERIES: One of Buffalo’s longest-running concert series, the M&T Bank Plaza Event Series is held from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday in front of One M&T Plaza in downtown Buffalo. It’s an ideal place to bring a lunch and partake in the unmistakable ambience of Buffalo. • CANALFEST OF THE TONAWANDAS: Obviously, music is just a small part of the annual Canalfest, scheduled from July 15 through July 22. But concerts have become a very important and eagerly anticipated part of the festival, which is held along the historic and stunningly beautiful Erie Canal. • ELLICOTTVILLE SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS: On June 30 is a treat for the young at heart, as the BPO performs Super Heroes and Legends, featuring the music of such comic book favorites as Superman and Batman. Two popular performers from the sixties and seventies will take the stage on July 1 — Eric Burdon and the Animals, followed by Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. • ELLICOTTVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL: This annual weekend of cool jazz will be held from July 27-29 at various venues around Ellicottville. • POLISH HERITAGE FESTIVAL: This year’s festival, scheduled for June 8-10 at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, will feature a performance from Peter Cetera. The concert will be held on June 9. • AMERICA’S FAIR: America’s Fair in Hamburg will see visits from Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, Foghat, Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone, and more this August. • JAZZ AT THE ALBRIGHT-KNOX: One of the nicest spots to enjoy live music during the summer months is on the steps of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Free jazz can be enjoyed on Sundays from July 8 through August 19. • KINGDOM BOUND: The Kingdom Bound Christian Music Festival will be held from August 5-8 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. This is just a small taste of what concertgoers can expect this summer. There are also big-name concerts at Darien Lake, including legends like Rush, Roger Waters and Meat Loaf. Seneca Niagara Casino is bringing in such artists as Steely Dan and Lynyrd Skynyrd, while the Niagara Fallsview Casino hosts Aretha Franklin, Grand Funk Railroad and Peter Frampton. Christopher Schobert is managing editor of Forever Young. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |