Dunkirk’s summer season of events is sponsored by platinum level donors DFT Communications and Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. National Grid is the overall stage sponsor.

Pedro and the Smooth Cats cover a variety of American music styles, including country rock, blues, and R&B. Singer, sax player, keyboardist Pete Howard is a 35-year veteran of the Western New York music scene. He was voted the Buffalo Music Award for top sax player in 1999. As a songwriter, his music has been part of numerous sound tracks for Hollywood films and TV programs. He is a Fredonia native and currently teaches ELA at North Chautauqua Catholic School.

Guitarist Greg Lay led the renowned Native American blues band Red Rhythm for over thirty years until the band’s recent retirement. He lives on the Cattaraugus Territory (Gowanda) and works for the Seneca Nation Conservation Department.

Fredonia native Doug VanDette has drummed in the area for most of his life. He has worked with numerous bands, most notably Red Rhythm, Doctor Z and the Blues Remedy, Hooman, and Fast Horses. He is a semi-retired construction project manager, currently with La Bella Architects P.C.

Pictured above is Carl Dixon and the Last Buffalo. Below is Pedro and the Smooth Cats.

Jeff White of Jamestown is a veteran bass player and songwriter who has worked with some iconic Jamestown bands, including the Rockin Rick and the Homewreckers, Diving Duck Blues Band, and The Jimmytown Rockers. He recently retired from Jamestown Scientific.

Carl Dixon’s powerful vocals and songs have put him at the forefront of the Canadian rock industry for three decades.

He’s renowned as both a solo artist and band member of groups such as Coney Hatch, The Guess Who and April Wine.

After barely surviving a shocking car crash in 2008, he tours as an inspirational speaker to corporations across Canada and the USA sharing his inspiring comeback story. His solo rock album Unbroken was released in Canada in early 2020.

Dixon’s early music career saw him in Coney Hatch opening for Iron Maiden (40 shows) and Judas Priest (27 shows) for their North American tour — an impressive training ground for the young Canadian rockers. Hatch also opened for Triumph, Ted Nugent, Accept and Krokus.

Dixon scored a staff songwriting deal with Rondor Music (Universal) in New York in 1990. Carl wrote “Taste of Love” with Brett Walker for Jimi Jamison. That version was featured on an episode of “Baywatch” and in the feature film “Jersey Girl.” His recent music can be heard on Netflix (Tornado Hunters), Spotify, and Amazon, Google and more.

Local vendors and merchants will be open on the Dunkirk Pier and the Boardwalk Marketplace.

For more information about Dunkirk’s summer schedule of events or how to become a sponsor or event vendor, please visit www.cityofdunkirk.com, Facebook at Dunkirk Festivals & Special Events, call Ryan Hall (716) 366-9886 or Scott Mekus (716) 366-9848 or via e-mail at rhall@cityofdunkirk.com.