WESTFIELD - For the first time in its 40-year history, the Westfield Arts & Crafts Festival will feature a program of live music on Friday and Saturday. Throughout both days of this annual event, visitors will be entertained by a diverse assortment of musicians performing in a wide array of musical genres.
The music will originate from the gazebo in Moore Park, located within sight of the intersection of Routes 20 and 394 in Westfield. The performers also will be offering CDs and other merchandise for sale on the grounds.
Hosted by the popular folk music duo, Doc & Bill (John "Doc" Hamels and Bill Drellow), the two days of music will range from veteran Chautauqua County singer-songwriter Bill Ward, to a group of music students from the Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Center in nearby Jamestown. Whatever the direction of one's taste in acoustic music pop, folk, jazz, celtic there will be plenty to be enjoyed.
All of the performers are donating their services to the festival, which serves as the primary annual fund-raising event for the non-profit Westfield YWCA.
The shows on Friday will start off with Doc and Bill at 11 a.m., followed by the Bonnie Loch Fiddlers, Jim Turner, the Infinity Performing Arts Showcase and Bill Ward. The day will end with a 4 p.m. show from Doc and Bill.
On Saturday Doc and Bill will open the day with a 10 a.m. performance, followed by Dave Issler, Dan O'Connell, Doc and Bill and Crippled Fingers. The 3 p.m. slot remains open and the lineup for both days is subject to change.
"Each of these musicians and groups is donating their time and talent for the weekend; allowing the YWCA to offer entertainment without additional expense," reported YWCA Executive Director Katie Smith. "This is another example of the support the YWCA receives from the community. We couldn't do this without the generous support of the musicians, Blair Koss who is helping with the sound and everyone else who has pitched in. We appreciate all they are doing! In addition to the music we will have Dick Marshall on site both days; making balloon animals and shapes for the crowd."
