Bill Locke, Pops Announcer .. for the day!

Bill took over duties for Mike Ferguson, the official Pops announcer when Mike was out of town attending his daughter, Lindsey's wedding. Bill is no stranger to holding a microphone so his duties on that day were taken in stride. The Pops presented the 50 year celebration of Woodstock with a 60s era car show and a Back to the Garden concert performed on the floating stage.  It was a day filled with Pops fans dressed in nostaglic clothing listening to nostalgic music and viewing nostalgic cars which included a VW bus!

1963 VW 23 Window Samba Bus

Often referred to as simply a "bus", Volkswagen's iconic forward-control van was initially introduced in 1950.  It was available in a variety of configurations, ranging from a bare-bones panel van for commerical use to a full-on camper complete with a pop-top roof.  

The most popular and desirable of all was the Deluxe Microbu, also known as the Samba.  It was considered the most luxurious version, equipped with a large fabric sunroof, two-tone paint, decorative trim and two pivoting "barn" doors instead of one sliding door.  Most notably, they featured 8 additional panoramic windows in the roof, earning the nickname of a "23-window" in reference to the total number of windows.

Sambas were painted in two colors.  Usually, the upper body was painted white.  The lower painted sections were separated by a decorative strip.  In addition, the bus had a so-alled "hat" at the front of the van where the roof was just a little longer than the bus itself to block the sun for the driver.  The front windows that opened were a particularly unique feature!

1963 was the last year of the 23-window versions as later years only had 21 windows.  The striking 23-window featured above is finished with a top in Classic White and a body in Sealing Wax Red.  The interior is in an attractive cream white.  

No doubt, if you had one of these you know the 1500 engine ran strong and was a fun "bus" to drive and to own!  If you had a restored one today, it would be considered "a desirable collectible" worth far more than the "bus" cost new .. in 1963.

Video by Pat Locke

"I enjoyed filling in for Mike Ferguson on that fun day in August of 2019 for Dan and his Chautauqua Lake Pops!  I am familiar with holding and speaking into a microphone having been the Special Collection Director at a large Corvette show held in Indianapolis Indiana at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each June called Bloomington Gold."

Bill Locke

1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe

Peace,

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse

Dan Dalpra, CEO Chautauqua Lake Pops 

Karen Surkala, President Westfield Memorial Hospital

Allegheny Health Network, Westfield Memorial Hospital and Saint Vincent Hospital announced sponsorship of the Allegheny Health Network Floating Stage in 2019.

The original Bemus Bay Pops brought twenty years of World-Class entertainment to a small lakeside community in Chautauqua County, New York. Twenty three years after it all started, a new page to the history of “Bringing the Arts to the People” has turned!

Officials of Allegheny Health Network, Westfield Memorial Hospital and AHN Saint Vincent Hospital gathered at the last concert of the 2019 Chautauqua Lake Pops Concert Series on August 31 to announce that Allegheny Health Network is the naming rights sponsor for the Chautauqua Pops floating stage for a three-year period.

The stage was developed by Bemus Point businessman, Dan Dalpra and his family who relocated the stage to the north end and gateway to Chautauqua Lake at 16 Water Street in Mayville, New York. During it’s time in Bemus Point, independent studies showed that the Pops performances were responsible for generating between twelve to fourteen million dollars annually to the Chautauqua County Region. The program is responsible for bringing visitors from around the globe to the shores of Chautauqua Lake.

Dalpra reintroduced the newly named Chautauqua Lake Pops concert series in 2019. The series featured performances by the best headliner tribute acts throughout the summer along with the forty-four member Chautauqua Lake Pops Symphony Orchrestra on Labor Day weekend.

With the absence of the 2020 season, beginning in 2021 the stage will be known as the Allegheny Health Network Floating Stage.

AHN will present an official ribbon cutting, celebration and inaugural concert to kick off the 2021 season at the AHN Floating Stage next summer.

Dalpra explained how valuable having AHN as the Chautauqua Lake Pops new major community sponsor would be for the entire Region. “Their hands-on partnership brings an enormous support group and resources to assist our efforts to grow this program along with Westfield and Mayville as an exciting destination for the entire region. We are excited to have AHN join the Pops family and share this great opportunity with the community.”

“Residents of this region treasure every day of summer and value every opportunity to enjoy life outdoors during the season, which is why we are so pleased to put the Allegheny Health Network name on this stage and help unite music and the beauty of nature for the people of this region. This stage carries a great tradition that the newly named Chautauqua Lake Pops concert series has brought to Mayville and we at AHN are really excited to help ensure that it continues. At Allegheny Health Network, we know that having a healthy community goes beyond providing top-quality advanced care to people when they are sick or injured and we are committed to helping make the communities we serve a better place to live, work and play.  We believe the Allegheny Health Network Floating Stage delivers on that commitment.”

Karen Surkala, President Westfield Memorial Hospital 

Labor Day Finale Concert 2019

Be Safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

More than a century after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has changed in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics, and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

I could not complete a story about Labor Day without mentioning a silly rule that many have adopted with no idea where it came from in our history.

I found this explanation though 'beautiful brides in white after Labor Day' are excluded!

The "you can't wear white after Labor Day," rule was created to separate the old money elitists from the new money group. For those who had money and could leave the city during warmer months, white was considered vacation attire.



Be Safe.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse 

Joe Gustafson, Chautauqua Lake Pops Official Photographer

Joe @ Work @ the Pops

"My experience working with Dan Dalpra filming and taking photos for the Bemus Bay Pops and now the Chautauqua Lake Pops has always been an amazing time!  The quality of performers are the best in the world, matched up with Raven Sound .. the best in the business.  It's a Win-Win combination!  The high level of organization and communication is obvious.  I get to witness the behind the scenes operation and see all the work involved from start to finish!"

"We truly are blessed to have the arts at this caliber in such a small community."

Joe Gustafson

We Made It Bemus Point Then!

These photos were taken by Joe Gustafson, an FAA Licensed Commercial Drone Pilot, of the Bemus Point area showing the Bemus Bay Pops and the crowds that gathered for many years along the shore in Bemus Bay.

Chautauqua Lake Pops/Mayville with the Chautauqua Belle

On Stage with Boogie Wonder Band

 Chautauqua Lake Symphony Orchestra featuring John Cross

Make It Mayville Now!

These photos were taken by Joe Gustafson in 2019, the inaugural year for the newly named Chautauqua Lake Pops relocated in Mayville NY near the historic train station.

"Music is transforming.  It can carry us to another time and place." 

See you in 2021! 

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse 

Kayakers @ Bemus Bay Pops

Pops fans came by boat, by car and by kayak to Bemus Point and in 2019 many of those same Pops fans came by boat, by car and by kayak to Mayville. Kayaks are a popular mode of transportation in the summer on Chautauqua Lake. When the stage appears you know the kayakers are not far behind!

Pick a color!

Top photo credit given to Mike Ferguson, the official Chautauqua Lake Pops announcer and Co-Producer of the Pops.  Thank you, Mike.


Be Safe.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse

L to R:  Mayville Mayor Ken Shearer, Senator George Borrello, Chautauqua Lake Pops Communications Director Mike Ferguson and Mayville Trustee Ben Webb

In the Spring of 2019, Mayville became the new home of the Chautauqua Lake Pops.  It became the gateway to Chautauqua Lake as the former Bemus Bay Pops program returned as the new Chautauqua Lake Pops.

For over 20 years, the Bemus Bay Pops program became an important cultural and economic engine for the entire region with its summer concert series, programs and special events.  Economic impact studies determined that the Pops generated between $12 to $14 million annually for Chautauqua County in past summers.  In 2019, the Pops became .. poised to do so again!

The not-for-profit organization has been responsible for bringing thousands of hours of regional, national and world-wide entertainment to one of the world's only floating stages on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. 

"We are excited to bring this great program back to the lake.  Mayville has come forward with an opportunity and partnership to make this happen and we are excited to work with them on creating a revitalized destination.  I hope everyone will help us secure the new Chautauqua Lake Pops program and donate to help keep the Pops afloat for years to come.  This affordable program of bringing the arts to the people can only work with public and private community support."

Dan Dalpra, Chautauqua Lake Pops Chairman and President

"I am excited to see the return of the Pops to Chautauqua Lake.  Thank you to all of those who worked so diligently to make this a reality and I am happy that the county can play a part in it.  The return of this popular program will further enhance the positive momentum we are seeing around Chautauqua Lake and throughout our county."

Senator George Borrello (former Chautauqua County Executive)

"I am so glad we could play a role in resurrecting the floating stage and the Pops venue in Mayville.  Once again, Chautauqua County and especially Mayville is capitalizing on its wonderful natural assets as we attract people to live, work and conduct business.  Ken Shearer and the leadership team in Mayville, along with Dan Dalpra and his team are to be commended for making this concept a reality."

Mark Geise, CEO CCIDA 

"We'd like to thank Mayor Shearer and the entire Village Board for their tireless efforts to make this happen.  A lot of time, effort and discussion took place to make sure this was the right fit as we knew it would be."

Mike Ferguson, Pops Communications Director

Be Safe.  See you in 2021. Make It Mayville!

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse 

These 2 ladies are Cindy Capestrani (L) and Anna Fales (R).  If you ever attended a concert at the Bemus Bay Pops, you would have seen both of these women at the entrance to the lawn seating area.  Anna seemed to be everywhere as she was Executive Assistant to the Pops and was in charge of the box office.  She also did whatever was needed to get the job done.  "Anna was a very loyal, dedicated and trustworthy employee who loves her community", said Dan Dalpra.

Anna and her family live in the Jamestown area.  When the Pops relocated to Mayville last summer Anna continued to lend her expertise along with her husband Rick, son Tommy and daughter Katie.  If you were to ask Anna what she enjoyed most about working for the Dalpra family, I suppose it would be meeting the people and making their Pops experience the very best it could be.  Anna was always approachable with a smile and an answer to any question posed to her.  Thank you Anna.

Cindy again joined the Pops team in Mayville greeting 2019 ticket holders and those needing tickets when they entered the historic train depot.  After patrons walked through the building Pops volunteers would show them to their selected seats.  A variety of food trucks were available along with wine and beer from Mazza Winery.  "Jerzy Joyce" who owns and operates the Olde Corner Deli in Hartfield NY offered Italian meatballs, cheese platters, Buckeyes and other selections.  Dan's delicious Italian Fisherman Chips and soft drinks were also available.  Thank you Cindy.


"I enjoyed my summer months working for the Pops as it allowed me to meet with people visiting Chautauqua County from different cities and States.  I also enjoyed the great music and the wonderful volunteers who helped greet guests and answer questions.  I was able to get to know the Dalpra family who are very passionate about what the Pops can bring to our area."

Cindy Capestrani


Be safe.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse

 SHINING STAR

"When I closed my eyes it was like I was listening to Earth, Wind & Fire! The groove this band cranks out is hypnotic!" 


Ten highly talented vocalists and musicians harmoniously join forces to present A TRIBUTE TO EARTH, WIND & FIRE .. a celebration of the four decade strong success, popularity and resilience of one of the most successful musical stories ever told......
EARTH, WIND & FIRE

​ "You will leave this musical and visual extravaganza feeling as though you have been entertained by the legends and most well-known R&B pop bands ever .. EARTH, WIND & FIRE."


This band would have appeared on the floating stage today .. July 19, 2020.  If you love the music of EWF as I do and songwriter, David Foster who wrote After the Love is Gone .. put an EWF CD in your CD player and enjoy the music of one of the most iconic sounds of the 70's!  That of Earth, Wind & Fire!

EARTH, WIND & FIRE

Earth, Wind & Fire, America's seventh top-selling musical group of all-time was born in Chicago in 1969. With a signature sound beyond categories and a groove as deep as the soul of the planet, the band’s legendary journey has set the standard for music of all genres.  Earth, Wind & Fire has staked its claim as one of the most successful, infuential and beloved acts in music history!

One of the most important innovative and commercially invincible contemporary forces of the 20th century .. Earth, Wind & Fire has released a total of 23 albums. They have recorded eight #1 R&B singles and eight Double Platinum Top 10 Pop Albums. Earth, Wind & Fire has earned more than 50 Gold and Platinum albums and sold over 90 million albums worldwide earning them a solid spot on the list of all-time best selling music artists.

Earth, Wind & Fire's career achievements and their music influences impacted music history.  In 2000, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and The National Academy of Recording Arts & Science (NARAS) bestowed its highest honor, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 totaling nine Grammy Awards for the group. The ensemble has also earned Lifetime Achievement honors from ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, NAACP, and the BET Awards.

Many contemporary artists and superstars--including Usher, Beyoncé and Prince —are self-proclaimed Earth, Wind & Fire fans. Alicia Keys has said that EWF is "the best band ever" while Mary J. Blige showed her love for the band in her own version of the band's hit Imagination. The Black-Eyed Peas took the stage with Earth, Wind & Fire with a performance at the XXIX Super Bowl and, again, when Earth, Wind & Fire opened the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

On April 15, 2014, lead singer Philip Bailey released his energetic memoir entitled Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. Shining Star is a story of triumph and challenges chronicling the band’s iconic rise to the top.  Bailey has chronicled the group's meteoric rise to stardom and his own professional and spiritual journey.

Three of the group's principle members are Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson.  They have each earned honorary doctorate degrees from Columbia College in Chicago. Philip Bailey and the late vocalist/founder, Maurice White earned doctorate degrees from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.

Shining Star would have appeared on the floating stage .. July 19.

Be Safe.  

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse 

July 21, 2017

From Meatballs to Mozart
By Elizabeth Carey

Meatballs to Mozart – that more or less describes the journey of Dan Dalpra who owns the Italian Fisherman in Bemus Point. The Ohio native opened the restaurant in his wife’s hometown in 1982. He has since expanded multiple times, spurred development in Chautauqua County and created the popular Bemus Bay Pops concert series. As he celebrates 35 years in business, Dalpra, a licensed pilot, has no regrets about giving up his aviation career for a high-flying stunt in the restaurant business. And he has more plans in the works, including a creative effort to bring love to Chautauqua Lake.

Question: What do you think is extra special about the Italian Fisherman?

Dalpra: The fact that we have multiple restaurants in one - we have the main restaurant specializing in Italian food. The lower Watergrill has more lighter fare. The Fish Tank is an offshore, floating clam bar where boats can tie up. This year we opened up Lago di Vino, which is an Italian wine garden where you can sit, looking at the lake, and have light Italian street food out there.

Q: What have you learned after 35 years in the restaurant business?

A: I’m Italian and I love to eat so I thought, ‘how hard can that be?’ But it was quite an education. It’s a whole different world than having 15 or 20 relatives over to your house.

Q: Where do most of your customers come from?

A: Ohio, Pittsburgh, a lot more people taking day trips from Buffalo and the Southtowns. We’re coming to Canalside and they’re coming here. People want to get out of their backyards.

Q: You’ve also seen a lot of changes in Bemus Point. How has your restaurant evolved?

A: We stimulated the economy and expanded a lot of things and opened the doors for a lot of people and economic development. We employ 140 people. We are seasonal, but we are a major boon to the area. In 1982, fishermen were on the water, but I couldn’t get over the fact that there was none of this.

Q: Why don’t you stay open all year long?

A: We tried it a few times couldn’t make it work. We found out we could lose less money by being closed. It’s pretty intense when you get all your business over 110 days. That’s crazy. You have to gear up fast and hire seasonal people.

Q: Along with the restaurant, you developed a program that’s music to the ears of the community. Can you explain?

A: Bemus Bay Pops became a huge hit. It generates $12 or $14 million a year in economic development for the area. We set that up as not-for-profit and we do almost 50 shows a summer.

We bring the music to the people. It’s up close and personal and nice. People feel connected. We’re a restaurant, but we’ve really become a destination.

Q: What do you have planned for the future?

A: We are expanding Pops - it takes a great deal of time. Remember The Dating Game, the old TV show? We call it LOL - Love on the Lake. Dating starts Wednesday, July 19. You can find your love connection and win over $1,500 worth of prizes, including a flight over Chautauqua.

Q: All in all, after 35 years, how do you feel about the venture?

A: I’m very proud of it. We came during a time when the things we wanted to do weren’t accepted. There was no outside eating or decks and now there are decks everywhere you look. We’re a family-owned company and my family has worked hard with it and done a great job. We’re inspiring others to make investments and get involved. The brew pub across the street (EBC) and the condos wouldn’t have been built without us. We were the catalyst.

Though the restaurant under the name, the Italian Fisherman is no longer in Bemus Point nor is the Bemus Bay Pops, the memories created during the years Dan Dalpra and family were in Bemus will be remembered forever.  It was a place that provided delicious food and drink along with the exciting Pops that created a special summer package wrapped in the Italian colors with a red, white and green bow for all of us!

Thank you, Dan and Sue for all you did for all of us .. in Bemus Point!

The Chill Lounge Stageside

Dan & Sue Dalpra

Now a new chapter has been written for the Pops under the name, Chautauqua Lake Pops By The Shore with the first concert season having been held in 2019 .. in Mayville.  Make it Mayville!

Be Safe.

Pat Locke
Maestro Muse

A Finale Salute to Bemus Bay Pops Fireworks Through The Years!

Thank You For All The Colorful Skyward Memories!

Fireworks from Three Bemus Bay Pops Barges!

Katy Perry's Firework

Be Safe.  

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse

The Chautauqua Lake Pops Volunteers

An Economic Impact Beyond Dollars:  Volunteerism

While volunteers may not have an economic impact as defined in a study they clearly have had an enormous impact by helping the Pops Concert Series through the years functioning as a viable cultural organization.  Volunteers provide a significant contribution.  During the 2012 Bemus Bay Pops concert series a group of volunteers donated a total of 1,800 hours!  

"What a great 2019 summer at the Pops!  Everyone was so nice! They loved the Fisherman Chips.  The flavor is out of this world!"

Nancy Bryse, Pops volunteer, Fisherman Chips Vendor

Nancy Bryse

"Volunteering at the Chautauqua Lake Pops in Mayville afforded me the opportunity to connect with people from around the county and beyond.  I enjoyed seeing familiar faces and making new friends while being able to enjoy exciting shows on beautiful Chautauqua Lake.  I was happy to be a part of this wonderful memory and look forward to more Pops seasons!"

Dianne Ferguson, Pops Volunteer 

Mike and Dianne Ferguson

Mike Ferguson

Arianna Vanderlip and Zoey Bryse

"Dan did me the favor when he asked me to be a Pops volunteer.  I think the world of the Dalpra family, the Ferguson family and all of my fellow Pops volunteers.   I have made so many nice new friends such as the Lockes.  I love all kinds of music and being around folks who make music.  I have always wanted to wrap my arms around something and enjoy it.  Thanks to the Pops I found that something."

Michael Clark, Pops Volunteer

Mike Clark, #1 Pops Volunteer

Celebrating a Birthday with Sue and Dan Dalpra

Mike and Mike with Rick Fales

Rick manned the parking lot in 2019.

The Hard-Working Team of 2019 Chautauqua Lake Pops Volunteers.

Michael Ferguson

Dianne Ferguson

Olivia Ferguson

Anita Lancor

Patrick Lancor

Karen Davis

Bob Davis

Diane Krystofiak

Katie Krystofiak

Kay Rickard

Bill Rickard

Jill Lundin

Minday Waag

Erin Alexander

Jen Sam

Judy Metzger

Beth Mulkin

Gail Gagnon

Alice Shurt

Nancy Bryse

Zoey Bryse
Arianna Vanderlip
Mike Clark

Rick Fales
Tommy Fales

Katie Fales

Larry Eidens

Cindy Eidens
Joanie Denn

Other volunteer names were John, Kyle, Julia, Seb, Jake and Jody.

Thank You Volunteers!

You all provide a significant contribution!

Be Safe.

Pat Locke

Maestro Muse