TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN) – Wednesday evening marks the return of the popular concert series at Gateway Harbor in the Tonawandas.
The free concert series begins at 6 p.m. tonight with Myster Jukebox headlining the show. Other concerts this summer include Kiss This, The Yachtfathers, Classic Rock All Stars, The Chicago Authority, Nerds Gone Wild, and more.
This year's return of the concert series is the latest sign that culture is returning to normal. The concerts were cancelled last year due to COVID-19 and there were concerns about this year's show due to continued uncertainty.
"It's been a rough year for everybody and the return of the concerts is a small step to a return to normalcy," City of Tonawanda Mayor Rick Davis said. "It's one of the events that a lot of people look forward to attending. We really haven't had live music in the last year. It doesn't matter what genre you listen to. It'll be nice to get out there and listen to some music."
CanalFest was originally scheduled to take place next month.
However, uncertainty over what the rules were be led to Canal Fest organizers cancelling their popular event on May 24.
Businesses near Sweeney Street are optimistic, including the soon to be open Frankie Primo's +39 on Webster Street, which will occupy the former Crazy Jake's.
"I'm excited just in the fact that we're getting to the old normal," Jay Manno, the owner of the restaurant, said shortly after the governor removed restrictions from restaurants. "The fact that concerts are coming back as well as the Riviera looks like it has some things scheduled for the summer, it's a good feeling from a business standpoint but even moreso from a humanitarian standpoint."
There's a chance of the Tonawanda Creek area becoming one of the more popular concert areas in Western New York, especially this year given the lack of Canalside concerts.
"It's definitely turning into a dining destination as well," Manno said, mentioning restaurants like Dwyer's, Remington Tavern, Canal Club 62, Webster's Bistro, Dockside Bar & Grill, and others. "It's that critical mass. You get everybody there and if you're not having a good time at one spot, you head to the next spot."
More details about the Gateway Harbor Concert Series can be found by clicking here
