Summer isn't over yet at Artpark!

Guest editorial by Dave Wedekindt

President, Artpark & Company

We're deep into our 53rd season, and even as the calendar turns toward fall, Artpark's schedule shows no signs of slowing down. Artpark is a place where this region comes together, and the weeks ahead prove that in a big way.

Before I look ahead, I want to pause on what July and August gave us.

“Legacy in Motion,” our Miles Davis centennial celebration, brought the capacity crowd to its feet, and the Candlelight Concert with members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra delivered another intimate afternoon on the Mainstage. Cole Swindell closed out July with one of the larger crowds we've had all summer, and August kept that momentum going. Tori Amos and Gov't Mule with JJ Grey & Mofro both turned in standout nights on the Mainstage and Amphitheater, and our ’80s night, with Howard Jones, Wang Chung, The English Beat and Modern English, had the crowd singing along to songs three generations know by heart. Turnpike Troubadours and Andy Grammer drew enthusiastic crowds in the weeks that followed. “Analog Rewind” reunited five beloved Buffalo bands from the ’80s and ’90s while benefiting our Memory Café, and just this week, The Rock Orchestra: Arena of Fire reimagined rock and metal classics with theatrical flair.

September opens strong before it even reaches its biggest nights. Sierra Ferrell brings her one-of-a-kind blend of country, folk and old-time sounds to the Mainstage on Sept. 2, and the very next night, Jason Bonham's “Led Zeppelin Evening” brings a real family connection to some of the most important rock music ever recorded. Then on Sept. 12, perennial favorites O.A.R. return to the Amphitheater, this time with Gavin DeGraw and KT Tunstall.

Our free community programming is shifting into its fall rhythm as well. “Arts of Mindfulness” continue through the end of the season; the popular “Better Off Read” festival returns on Sept. 5; “Indigenous Stories by the Fire” is back on Sept. 18; and our Memory Café keeps its regular schedule into the cooler months.

But the show I keep eyeing on my own calendar is Sept. 17, when Roger Daltrey brings “A Great Night Out” to our Mainstage. As the voice of The Who, Daltrey is connected to some of the most important rock music ever made, and this performance blends Who classics with solo songs, rare cuts, and stories from a career most artists can only dream of. This isn't just a concert. It's a chance to spend an evening with a rock legend on his final tour.

We’ve been working on bringing Roger to Artpark for two years, and confirmed this show weeks before the Buffalo Bills announced their home opener for the same night. Due to his brief yet packed tour schedule, changing to a different date was not an option. We certainly understand the disappointment of his fans who already have tickets to the game and will have to miss this concert. But for everyone else – there will be many more opportunities to watch the Bills play in the new stadium, or on TV. This will be your last chance to see Roger!

Five days after that, on Sept. 22, Ray LaMontagne returns to the Mainstage to perform his album “Trouble” in full for its 20th anniversary. That record introduced a lot of us to LaMontagne's soulful voice, and it has aged remarkably well. Hearing it performed front to back, in a room built for that kind of intimacy, should be one of the most memorable nights we host all fall.

And then on Sept. 23, join us for an evening of celebration, laughter and philanthropy at the Artpark Gala at the Niagara Falls Country Club. Distinguished guests, community leaders, and friends will gather for a memorable evening dedicated to advancing the mission of Artpark and honoring the legacy of Lewiston resident Dickie Smothers. The Gala is chaired by Lyn Dyster and Honorary Chairs are Dickie and Marie Smothers. Table sponsorships and individual tickets are available.

September wraps up on the 29th with Charley Crockett, whose old-school country, blues and soul sound never feels like it's simply copying the past. If you like roots music with real soul behind it, this is the one to circle.

Why this all matters

I say this often, but it bears repeating. Artpark is a nonprofit, and every ticket you buy this season does more than get you into a great show. It helps fund the programs that don't come with a price tag – Wonder Wednesdays, Mindfulness Mondays, our Memory Café, and free community events throughout the year. The grounds themselves are free to enjoy, and they always will be, but keeping that true depends on the support of this community through ticket purchases and contributions.

Come see what September has in store. This is your park.

Artpark is located at 450 S. Fourth St., Lewiston. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, and extended hours on event days. Find tickets and registration at www.artpark.net or by calling 716-754-4375. More information at www.artpark.net.