Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 27th 2008, 12:36pm By Sandra Williams Gordon

One of summer's most anticipated events in Buffalo is the popular Elmwood Village Association's Free Summer Concert Series in Bidwell Park at Elmwood.

For many, summer doesn't officially begin until the BPO opens this series. It's a great place to meet up with folks you haven't seen in a while for great music, great food and great fun.

Come with just yourself, or the whole works. No time to plan a picnic? No worries! Grilled food, wine and beer will be sold at the concerts, with proceeds benefiting the EVA. And with the variety of eateries in the area, it is just a short walk for a quick, yummy picnic to go.

A fun community spirit takes over as kids and adults of every age get up to dance to OCO's driving rhythms, the Latin Jazz Project's jams, or the sweet sounds of Neville Francis and the Riddim Posse. (I remember an elegant older couple dancing to a BPO waltz one summer, while children tried to imitate them.) Concertgoers are welcome to bring folding chairs, blankets, and picnics.

The schedule for this year's 7PM concerts is as follows:

July 1 - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
One of Buffalo's great cultural treasures opens our series. Sponsored by M&T Bank & Hodgson Russ LLP Attorneys

July 8 - Neville Francis & the Riddim Posse
Reggae with two-time Juno Award winner Neville Francis Afro-Caribbean music from one of Western New York’s favorite party bands. Sponsored by Cantor, Lukasik, Dolce, Panepinto

July 15 - Babik
Gypsy-Swing Jazz at is best, Babik has quickly become one of the hottest acts in Western New York. Sponsored by Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP Attorneys at Law, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of WNY & Taco Bell

July 22 - Outer Circle Orchestra
Always a Buffalo favorite, dance to some World Music on a sultry Elmwood summer night. Sponsored by Dansa & D'Arata LLP

July 29 - Latin Jazz Project
A spicy blend of Zydeco, Cajun, Caribbean, Blues, Tex-Mex, and New Orleans sounds Sponsored by Walsh Duffield

August 5 - Doug Yeomans and the Lo Blu Flame
Doug Yeomans has won the North American Guitar Championship, Best Buffalo Guitar Player and numerous other awards. He is a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. He works as a solo artist, with his Rock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues band, the Lo Blu Flame. Sponsored by Hurwitz & Fine, P.C. Attorneys at Law

August 12 - Steam Donkeys
For more than a decade, The Steam Donkeys have delivered rip-snorting ballads and swinging lullabies to audiences throughout Buffalo, Western New York and the whole dang country. A roots-music extravaganza. Sponsored by Mr. Steven Deitz & Mr. Eric Stenclik

Tuesdays, from July 1st - August 12th from 7 to 9PM