Russell Patrick Brown will delight the crowds this Saturday: Lily Dale Auditorium welcomes the two-time world championship competitor for a one-night only performance

Written for The Villager

   Ever seen a show where one man performs the harp, organ, piano, keyboard, the flute and sings? All while mixing in Celtic dances? Yeah, I haven’t seen it done either. However, that will all change after this weekend!

   On Saturday, July 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Russell Patrick Brown will perform to a crowd of up to 10,000 people for only $10 each (gate fee not included).

   Born in Cleveland, Ohio, the 28 year old has been dancing his entire life.

   “I’ve really be dancing since the womb,” Brown explains “my mother was always dancing and when I was a baby my parents would hold me while they were out on the dance floor.”

   At 3 years old, Brown started to waltz and at 5 he started learning other kinds of dances, including Irish dancing.

The Second Annual Corn Moon Dinner returns for another great evening for a good cause

Written for The Villager

   Coming back after a successful run last year, the Corn Moon Dinner will be held on August 13 on the grounds of Green Heron Growers in Sherman, N.Y. raising money for Slow Food Southern Tier.

   The Corn Moon Dinner derives its name from the full moon in August called “Corn Moon” by Native Americans. “Even though there may not be a full moon the night of the dinner, it is still a really cool name,” Bares said.

   The Corn Moon Dinner will consist of only naturally grown foods by seven different local farms and wineries.  This fundraising dinner will feature food and drinks from Abers Acres, Busti Cider Mill, Farm Market and Munsee Farm, Good Grass Farm, Green Heron Growers, Lapp Farm Dairy and Johnson Estate Winery.

   However, a great four-course meal with passed hors d’oeuvres beforehand won’t be the only thing you’ll enjoy that night. This year, the Corn Moon Dinner has partnered with Green Heron Growers to bring you a night lights display.

Taryn Miletti opens a new world for water lovers

Written for The Villager

   Born in Jamestown, N.Y. and raised in Lakewood, Taryn Miletti has brought a new outdoor adventure to Chautauqua Lake.

   Returning to the area after living in New York City for three years, Miletti brought her new passion for stand-up paddle boarding back with her.

   “Right after I tried it (paddle boarding) I thought it would be a great thing to do in this area,” Miletti said.

   Miletti had just tried paddleboarding in May on a visit to Naples, Florida.

   “I fell in love with it,” Miletti said. “I was going to buy a board for myself, but then I decided to take it further … it’s a great sport to get going in the area.”

10th Annual Scandinavian Folk Festival

Written for The Villager

   How often do you get to transport yourself into another culture right in your own backyard? Once again this year you’ll get that chance when you attend the Scandinavian Folk Festival at the Gerry Rodeo Grounds.

   Next weekend, the 15, 16 and 17, more than 3,000 people will fill the Grounds to enjoy the 10th annual Scandinavian Folk Festival, said Don Sandy, Festival Coordinator.

   This year, the festival will be featuring more than just local Scandinavian talent, but world-renowned artists from Scandinavia itself! Scandinavia technically covers Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Lapland region, which the Sami people inhabit.

14th Annual Antique Boat Show

Written for The Villager

   Splashing through the water the 14^th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show anchors in town Friday July 8^th and Saturday 9^th.

   Next Thursday evening, the 7^th, boats from all over the region will begin to dock in Bemus Bay, but most will arrive throughout Friday morning and afternoon. Last year almost 70 boats came to the boat show and Bill Reynolds, president of the Chautauqua Lake Twin Tier Chapter, hopes that they will get just as many this year.

   “So far we have 43 registrants, but if the weather is good I hope we’ll get more,” Reynolds said.

   Boat shows are very weather dependent, Reynolds said. If the weather is nicer, then more boats are likely to come to the show.

   “If we match the 60-70 boat range of last year, then the remaining boats will be docked on land,” Reynolds said.

Ellicottville's Summer Music Festival 2011

Written for The Villager

   Even though summer technically started on the 21^st, the summer season really begins with Ellicottville Summer Music Festival. This year’s festival starts on Thursday, June 30^th and runs until Sunday, June 3^rd, giving you the perfect way to celebrate the holiday weekend.

   This music-filled weekend is sure to excite everyone’s musical taste buds. The eclectic mixture coming to Ellicottville will definitely be one to talk about. The genres covered throughout the four-day festival will have all the crowds singing to their favorite songs, maybe even introducing people to some new favorites they’ve never heard before.

   “This year, we literally have something for everyone, including families, the over-40 crowd and even younger, edgier audiences,” said Brian McFadden, the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce president.

   The festival weekend starts a day early this year on Thursday as Sudden Urge – Gettin’ Down with Dance & Disco –ushers in the festival from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the free Ellicottville Gazebo Series. Then on Friday, July 1^st, the festival will move down to Holiday Valley’s Main Stage where it will welcome Rusted Root at 8 p.m.

Starry Night in the Garden: Three stars come to rock the Botanical Gardens

Written for The Villager

   Do you ever dream of a sitting outside at night as the stars light the sky and beautiful plants surround you as you listen to great music? Well, you don’t have to keep dreaming about it too much longer. Star 102.5 and The Buffalo Botanical Gardens are making your dreams come true June 29.

   The gates will open for Starry Night in the Garden 6 p.m., but the night really gets started once Secondhand Serenade’s John Vesely wows the crowd around 6:15 p.m.

   After Vesely, Michelle Branch will perform, followed by the headliner Hanson.

   Some of you may be shocked by the line up because Christina Perri was to perform but had to cancel on Tuesday because of a vocal cord injury. However, Star 102.5 was able to keep a great show going with Grammy Award-winner Michelle Branch.