BY Stephanie Specchio
PENN YAN--It’s time for the annual Keuka Arts Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 10 to 11, in Penn Yan. Parking and admission are free, although donations are appreciated to keep the event going and growing. Festivities are in full swing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Parking is available in a number of lots in and around Penn Yan, including the lot at the ballfields, limited spots at the boat launch park for those with accessibility issues, and smaller lots along Water Street and Lake Street in the village.
“One of the most exciting things about this festival is the breadth of artistry on display and available – everything from painting to sculpture to jewelry to pottery to wood to gourmet foods and handcrafted specialty items,” said Kris Pearson, executive director of the Arts Center of Yates County. “There is top-notch, free entertainment all weekend long. Area nonprofits provide activities for children and share their knowledge of and service to local residents. It’s a wonderful place to purchase unique gifts for everyone on your list and to gain inspiration for creative endeavors of your own.”
For first-time goers, the festival can be accessed from Water Street near the Liberty Street bridge that leads to Keuka Street; from a path from the ball fields; from Lake Street past the Verizon Store; over the footbridge behind Water Street Wines and Spirits; or from the Main Street bridge. People are also invited to hike in from the Outlet Trail behind Birkett Mills or arrive by boat up the Outlet from Keuka Lake and tie up at the public docks.
This year’s musical lineup includes:
• Steve Grills featuring Joe Beard - Blues artist Steve Grills has been thrilling audiences with his music for over 30 years, playing venues from New York City to San Francisco and festivals in the US as well as Canada including the Chicago Blues Festival. Joining him at the festival is Rochester Music Hall of Fame musician Joe Beard, widely regarded as the king of the Rochester blues scene. Both Steve and Joe have performed with and for some of the biggest names in American blues, including Johnny Rawls, Muddy Waters and BB King.
• Claudia Hoyser - hails from Fairport and has written or co-written more than 200 songs and released an album, Light’s Turning Green. She has opened for some big names in country music including Blake Shelton, Mitchell Tenpenny and Miranda Lambert.
• The Ende Brothers - Tom and Kenny, have been singing and playing together for most of their lives. After years of playing in bands, touring, writing and rocking, they became the brother duo you see today, offering original music as well as favorites from John Fogerty and John Mayer.
• Black Robin Band - features Glenn Litwiller (guitar and vocals), Doug Amey (bass and vocals), and Tim Benedict (drums and vocals) steeped in the great rock, pop and blues traditions of the last 60 years.
• The Daniel King Band with Anthony Sanago Canchini - returning due to popular demand with their blend of riveting Latin rhythms and soulful vocals.
• Feedback - a high-energy five-piece band featuring the dynamic lead vocals of Vernette Hill, will perform classic rock, blues, Motown, country and contemporary hits. Feedback has opened for national acts such as Eddie Money, Rik Emmett (of Triumph) and Steve Augeri (of Journey).
• Sammy Viamonte - formerly from Laguna Beach, presents her unique blend of Reggae, indie, rock, and folk. A singer-songwriter and one-woman band, Sammy uses a loop pedal to weave multiple instruments together into layers of sound. In addition to her original music, Sammy also brings a unique twist to beloved classics and contemporary hits from Bob Marley to Fleetwood Mac.
• Brian Donat - is a full-time freelance cellist who moved to Rochester after a decade of living and working in the Adirondack region. His music transports listeners to a relaxing comfort zone. John Bolger with the Eastman School Jazz Band offers a full spectrum of jazz with John providing acoustic and electric guitar and vocals.
• Three Stone Fire - will bring Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Whether playing an energetic slip jig or singing an emotive broadside ballad, the four-piece band based in rural New York infuses traditional music with modern energy. The band pours their heart into every performance, featuring powerful vocals and engaging melodies.
Food trucks at the festival will include:
• Salt City Sweet Spot, Wendy Pendergast, Thelma’s Food Truck, Sprinkle Starship, 3 Rivers Hots and Brats, Food by Delea/Ciao Down, Area 315 and The Dainty Donut Factory.
This is a rain-or-shine event. For more information, visit www.keukaartsfestival.com or call the Arts Center of Yates County at 315-536-8226.
PENN YAN--It’s time for the annual Keuka Arts Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 10 to 11, in Penn Yan. Parking and admission are free, although donations are appreciated to keep the event going and growing. Festivities are in full swing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail. Parking is available in a number of lots in and around Penn Yan, including the lot at the ballfields, limited spots at the boat launch park for those with accessibility issues, and smaller lots along Water Street and Lake Street in the village.
“One of the most exciting things about this festival is the breadth of artistry on display and available – everything from painting to sculpture to jewelry to pottery to wood to gourmet foods and handcrafted specialty items,” said Kris Pearson, executive director of the Arts Center of Yates County. “There is top-notch, free entertainment all weekend long. Area nonprofits provide activities for children and share their knowledge of and service to local residents. It’s a wonderful place to purchase unique gifts for everyone on your list and to gain inspiration for creative endeavors of your own.”
For first-time goers, the festival can be accessed from Water Street near the Liberty Street bridge that leads to Keuka Street; from a path from the ball fields; from Lake Street past the Verizon Store; over the footbridge behind Water Street Wines and Spirits; or from the Main Street bridge. People are also invited to hike in from the Outlet Trail behind Birkett Mills or arrive by boat up the Outlet from Keuka Lake and tie up at the public docks.
This year’s musical lineup includes:
• Steve Grills featuring Joe Beard - Blues artist Steve Grills has been thrilling audiences with his music for over 30 years, playing venues from New York City to San Francisco and festivals in the US as well as Canada including the Chicago Blues Festival. Joining him at the festival is Rochester Music Hall of Fame musician Joe Beard, widely regarded as the king of the Rochester blues scene. Both Steve and Joe have performed with and for some of the biggest names in American blues, including Johnny Rawls, Muddy Waters and BB King.
• Claudia Hoyser - hails from Fairport and has written or co-written more than 200 songs and released an album, Light’s Turning Green. She has opened for some big names in country music including Blake Shelton, Mitchell Tenpenny and Miranda Lambert.
• The Ende Brothers - Tom and Kenny, have been singing and playing together for most of their lives. After years of playing in bands, touring, writing and rocking, they became the brother duo you see today, offering original music as well as favorites from John Fogerty and John Mayer.
• Black Robin Band - features Glenn Litwiller (guitar and vocals), Doug Amey (bass and vocals), and Tim Benedict (drums and vocals) steeped in the great rock, pop and blues traditions of the last 60 years.
• The Daniel King Band with Anthony Sanago Canchini - returning due to popular demand with their blend of riveting Latin rhythms and soulful vocals.
• Feedback - a high-energy five-piece band featuring the dynamic lead vocals of Vernette Hill, will perform classic rock, blues, Motown, country and contemporary hits. Feedback has opened for national acts such as Eddie Money, Rik Emmett (of Triumph) and Steve Augeri (of Journey).
• Sammy Viamonte - formerly from Laguna Beach, presents her unique blend of Reggae, indie, rock, and folk. A singer-songwriter and one-woman band, Sammy uses a loop pedal to weave multiple instruments together into layers of sound. In addition to her original music, Sammy also brings a unique twist to beloved classics and contemporary hits from Bob Marley to Fleetwood Mac.
• Brian Donat - is a full-time freelance cellist who moved to Rochester after a decade of living and working in the Adirondack region. His music transports listeners to a relaxing comfort zone. John Bolger with the Eastman School Jazz Band offers a full spectrum of jazz with John providing acoustic and electric guitar and vocals.
• Three Stone Fire - will bring Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Whether playing an energetic slip jig or singing an emotive broadside ballad, the four-piece band based in rural New York infuses traditional music with modern energy. The band pours their heart into every performance, featuring powerful vocals and engaging melodies.
Food trucks at the festival will include:
• Salt City Sweet Spot, Wendy Pendergast, Thelma’s Food Truck, Sprinkle Starship, 3 Rivers Hots and Brats, Food by Delea/Ciao Down, Area 315 and The Dainty Donut Factory.
This is a rain-or-shine event. For more information, visit www.keukaartsfestival.com or call the Arts Center of Yates County at 315-536-8226.
