This past Fourth of July weekend the 25th Annual Blue Heron Festival drew music enthusiasts from all over the country to Sherman, NY for live acts including Donna the Buffalo, Smackdab, Jim Lauderdale, and The Horse Flies. A summer tradition, the celebration offers original music on three stages as well as instrument workshops, dance lessons, and activities for people of all ages.
What many music enthusiasts may not be aware of is that Chautauqua County is home to great music and entertainment year round. The heart of these happenings is Jamestown, NY where several restaurants and bars feature live musicians or engage in the music community weekly. At the peak of the engagement is Infinity Visual and Performing Arts. They are partnering with Southern Tier Brewing Company to present The Top of the Tier Musical Showdown on August 14th which is a friendly competition for regional bands that contributes to a great cause.
They also host an annual local music showcase, this year on September 10th, where some of the same great names featured at the Blue Heron Festival perform in small, intimate venues for locals and visitors alike to listen to the sweet sounds of alt-rock, Americana, folk and much more. Forté, Mojo’s, The Q, The Pub, and the Wine Cellar are only a few of the locations involved in this year’s showcase and all within a three blocks in downtown Jamestown.
In addition to Infinity’s annual showcase, they offer group classes, private lessons, and music, art, and theater summer camps for kids aged 8-16. August 8-12 is an exciting example, the Galaxy Art Camp, which brings the cosmos alive for children through art and music. At the beginning of next month, Infinity is also involved with the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival by offering classes such as: Intro to Stand Up, Lucy painting, comedy college, and even a Desi conga class for the dancing fanatic in all of us.
The 2016 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival (August 4 – 6) brings headlining comedians like Trevor Noah, Lewis Black, and Brian Regan to the main stages of Jamestown, and although we love that these big names bring recognition to the area, the real fun for music enthusiasts is the block party on August 4 with Jamestown native funk and soul band, Smackdab. Enjoy beer, wine, and live music before and after Lewis Black’s performance – Smackdab takes the stage outside the Reg Lenna Center at 6 p.m.For the fifth year in a row, another free, outdoor concert experience worth your attention is Third Thursday at the Winter Garden Plaza. It began May 19 and features live music between 6 and 9 p.m. every third Thursday of the summer months. With a perfect view of the concert from the Wine Cellar’s patio, thirsty attendees can enjoy a beer or glass of wine without missing a bit of the fun. After the concert, stop by Forté for dinner and Thursday NITE karaoke starting at 10:30 p.m.
For the fifth year in a row, another free, outdoor concert experience worth your attention is Third Thursday at the Winter Garden Plaza. It began May 19 and features live music between 6 and 9 p.m. every third Thursday of the summer months. With a perfect view of the concert from the Wine Cellar’s patio, thirsty attendees can enjoy a beer or glass of wine without missing a bit of the fun. After the concert, stop by Forté for dinner and Thursday NITE Karaoke starting at 10:30 p.m.
It’s worth the drive, walk, or even day trip to Jamestown, NY just to experience and be awed by the musical talent that comes from this area.
