SALAMANCA, N.Y. — Allegany State Park’s eighth annual Rock the Park offers visitors a chance to listen to live music while relaxing by the Red House Lake
This year’s event takes place on July 19 at the Red House Beach area.
The day kicks off at 3 p.m. with a local vendor showcase. Various merchants and organizations will be on hand to familiarize park patrons and local residents with the things available to them in the surrounding area.
At 5 p.m., park naturalists will host an “Ask the Naturalist” program that will feature several interactive nature displays including a nature themed photo booth. At 6 p.m., a sandcastle building contest will take place; participants can sign up at the “Ask the Naturalist” table.
Also at 6 p.m., “Rock the Park” opening act and Allegany’s own Artist in Residence, Tyler Calkins, will take the stage. This 31-year old singer-songwriter set out to create a sound reflecting the songwriting techniques of the ’60s and ’70s, while utilizing modern and alternative rock.
In the years since, Calkin has developed his skills in rhythm guitar, piano, harmonica and vocals. Having achieved his master’s degree in music performance from Pennsylvania State University and a PhD in music education, Calkin’s musical knowledge and songwriting are growing each day. Backed by his band Marshmellow Overcoat, he has five albums under his belt in addition to solo and side projects, including MMOC’s upcoming album for summer 2019, featuring the singles “Smoke Screen” and “We’ve Got to Roll.”
He will be followed at 7:30 p.m. by headliner Pressure Sensitive, which is sometimes referred to as a rock and roll time machine due to the variety of songs they play. They take audiences on a wild ride that stops anywhere between the 1960s and the new millennium.
On the drums/vocals is Pressure Sensitive founder/creator Gary Welcome of Jamestown. On lead guitar/vocals is Joe Spano of Jamestown, and on bass guitar/vocals is Craig Terry of Lakewood. On keyboard, guitar and lead vocals is Dave Ahlquist of Jamestown.
For more information on this event, contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at 716-354-9101 ext. 236 or check out the park’s Facebook page.
