Gathering at Chaffee’s Preview

Preview: The 35^th Annual Gathering at Chaffee’s

By Laura Beth Miller

It began as a backyard picnic with a host passionate about good music. Now in its 35^th year, the annual Gathering at Chaffee’s has grown into an intimate 2-day, 2-night music festival. On the beautiful Chaffee farm in Girard, Pa., the Gathering is full of good vibes and good music. This year’s headliners include Consider the Source, The Heavy Pets, Spiritual Rez, BIG Something, Conehead Buddha, and the Hornitz. A number of other area bands (the festival is in Erie County, Pa., 90 minutes from Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh) are also on the lineup.

As in years past, proceeds from the Gathering at Chaffee’s are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Bradley H. Foulk Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County.

Appalachian Jamwich asked Chaffee’s talent buyer Ryan Bartosek what else is important for us to know about the festival. “It’s very intimate setting. At Chaffee’s, it’s all communal. You’re going to know everyone by the end of it. Many people have been coming for many years and generally, when we get newbies, they like it and they come back. We’re all family,” he said.

When asked to describe the Gathering at Chaffee’s in three words, Bartosek immediately replied: “Best. Party. Ever.”

Last call tickets for the Gathering at Chaffee’s are available online until July 20 for $60. A Saturday-only ticket is also available for $35. Primitive camping and parking is included in the ticket price. Campfires and well-behaved dogs on leashes are permitted. Visit www.thegatheringatchaffees.com for more information.