'Dam Show' band carries on

Members of Buddhahood carry on as a memorial to their leader, guitarist and vocalist Tony Cavagnaro (fourth from left), who was killed in a car crash last September.

One of the most popular acts to ever appear at the Dam Show returns this year to fill the Freeman Run valley with the rich blend of horns, drums, vocal harmony and an infectious spirit.

Members of Buddhahood will be performing with heavy hearts, however, as they carry on without their former leader and most visible presence, Tony Cavagnaro.

Last September, just two months after Buddhahood wowed a Dam Show audience with a fun workshop and a spirited performance, Cavagnaro was killed in a car crash on his way to a performance in Rochester, N.Y.

His bandmates regrouped and decided to continue the mission of bringing joyful music to audiences throughout the northeastern U.S.

The sixth annual Dam Show is scheduled July 18-19 at the Austin Dam Memorial Park. Buddhahood will appear on Saturday afternoon at 2:15 for an audience-participation drum workshop.

The group will return for a no-holds-barred set, billed as "A Tribute to Tony C," at 6 pm.

Buddhahood members appreciated the warm reception they received at last summer's Dam Show, according to Art Metzger of Coudersport, an originator and organizer of the eclectic music festival.

They're sharing the top billing with world-class fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band, Flamekeeper, as well as a Virginia bluegrass band that's a festival favorite across the nation, the Hackensaw Boys.

Cleveland is a regular at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and multiple winner of International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.

The Hackensaw Boys are an Americana band blending bluegrass, folk and old-time music with a show-biz style and some humor thrown in for good measure.

Among other notable acts on the jam-packed schedule are Blue Sky Mission Club, Ryan Montbleau Band, Redheaded Stepchild and college campus favorites, The Slant.

Lighting specialist Groovin' Lumens will be back to paint the dam ruins with a colorful light show.

Primitive camping is available at the park. Food and other vendor booths will be set up both days, with painting, beading, sand art, wagon rides and children's games featured.

Austin Dam Memorial Association and the Potter County Fine Arts Council are Dam Show sponsors, in partnership with the Potter County Commissioners and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Details are available on the internet at sunnyhill.biz/DAMSHOWS. html.

Here's the tentative lineup (subject to change)

Friday, July 18: 5 pm: "Dam Jam," with plenty of local folks who sing and play well.

6 pm: Free Grass Union, a young bluegrass group from Long Island.

7 pm: Cherylann Hawk, singer-songwriter with a rich, earthy voice.

7:30 pm: Gail Ayers, a deep and powerful gospel voice from Coudersport's Frosty Hollow Studios.

8 pm: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.

9:30 pm: Blue Sky Mission Club, a listenable/danceable band with a blend of soul, country, zydeco and rock traditions.

10:30 pm: Willy Jack and the Northern Lights, a fun, popular and eclectic band from the Danville/Bloomsburg area.

Saturday, July 19

1 pm: Grateful Floyd, a folk/ country jam band from Maryland.

1:30 pm: Free Grass Union 2:15: Buddhahood World Drum Workshop; hands-on activity for any and all (bring your own hand drums or use the band's).

3:45 pm: Tom Martin, Coudersport's tree specialist, is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and guitarist.

4:30 pm: Freakish Owl Boy, with family harmonies and well-crafted songs.

5:15 pm: The Slant, a popular college campus rock band with local roots.

6 pm: Buddhahood, a powerhouse festival band from Rochester, N.Y. Horns, drums, bass, steel drums, keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars blend with a fun spirit.

7:30 pm: Ryan Montbleau Band, featuring captivating songs and solid musicianship.

9:00 pm: Hackensaw Boys.

10:30 pm: Redheaded Stepchild, a Nashville duo and Dam Show regular. Their music combined with the lights of Groovin' Lumens are sure to be memorable finale.