The best music of the 2021 season is happening on Chautauqua Lake in August: concerts on August 17th and August 20th. But it’s not happening at a club, a bar, a stage, or even at the acclaimed Amphitheater on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution. Good music is definitely happening at all of those places in August, and the Innkeepers can fill you in on some details. But the BEST music is happening on The Chautauqua Belle.
Visitors to the Inn are used to hearing the low chug-chugging and haunting whistle as the Chautauqua Belle makes it’s way up the lake. The most unique vessel on Chautauqua Lake, the Belle is a replica of an old paddlewheel steamship – one of only five such ships in the country. Guests at the Inn and visitors to the lake enjoy lunch or dinner cruises, fireworks and cocktails throughout the season on the Belle. But on special nights since 2013, passengers can take a ride on the Belle with outstanding musical acts on a Belle Bash. And the music this year is truly special.
Must-See Events
Legendary blues guitarist and performer Ana Popovic will be entertaining guests on the Belle on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Called “one helluva a guitar-player” by Bruce Springsteen and nominated for six Blues Music Awards, she is not to be missed. Tickets are $59.00 in advance and $69.00 the day of the show.
Amy Helm and her band are appearing on Friday, August 20. The boat will depart the dock in Mayville at 7:30 p.m. Amy has spent her life in music. She is the daughter of Levon Helm, the drummer for The Band, and rose to prominence in her own right as the lead singer in the gospel/rock band Ollabelle. She continues to make her own music as she remains involved with managing The Barn, a music venue started by Levon Helm in Woodstock, NY. Tickets are $69.00 in advance and $79.00 the day of the show.
Taking in a concert on the Belle is a unique experience. The venue is quite intimate, and the performers really connect with the audience. People can move about to grab a drink, stretch their legs or take in the view. There is no such thing as a bad seat. Perhaps the most fun is watching the expressions on the faces of the performers as they get a view of our beautiful lake or watch a magnificent sunset.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.chq.bellebash.com. It’s always fun to combine a stay at the Inn with a wonderful event like a Belle Bash. If you can’t make it this year, stay tuned for more wonderful music next year!