Will Delfest return to Allegany County for good? According to the McCoury’s Del Yeah.  For a short time the fate of Delfest was up in the air after allegations were made by the Chairman of the Allegany County License Commission that Delfest officials violated the terms of their liquor license at this year’s Delfest during Memorial Day weekend. No formal complaints were ever filed by the board and after about a month and a half  on July 9^th the Chairman Gerald Delaney resigned. Shortly after Delaney’s resignation the Allegany County Commissioners released a statement expressing their full support for Delfest. The McCoury’s will be back in Allegany County at the end of August to meet with members of a strong grassroots group self titled the Pale Ale Army who worked to make sure Delfest stayed in the region. The McCoury’s will also dole out the more than 20 thousand dollars in funds raised during Delfest for local charities. Delfest is a bluegrass festival that began in 2007 and is held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Since Delfest began in 2007 about 20 percent of beer sales have been set aside to be donated to local charities totaling close to 40 thousand dollars over that 3 year time period. That includes about 5 thousand dollars the first year, 12 the second and more than 20 thousand this year. Officials with Delfest believe this year’s economic impact could be about half a million dollars for Allegany County.

Sherrod Presents "A Saxxy Summer Night III" Featuring World Renown Keyboardist, Bob Baldwin and Vocalist Lolita Chambers Lamkin

WHO: Urban jazz saxophonist Art Sherrod Jr. has shared the stage or co-headlined with world-class artists such as Natalie Cole, Angie Stone, Raheem DeVaughn, Roy Ayers, Slim Man, Cuba Gooding Sr. and the Main Ingredient, to name just a few. Sherrod has shown himself to be not just a great musician, but also a true entertainer and a definite crowd pleaser. Art released a live CD and DVD project titled “Art Sherrod Jr. Live” in 2004 that was quickly followed by his debut CD “All 4 Love” in 2005. Sherrod proves on his latest CD, ”Seasons,” that he has established himself as an impressive artist with a magical style like no other. Laced with urban jazz, R&B, and the traditional smooth jazz sounds the CD manages to bring together a “who’s who” list of great musicians Sherrod has performed with during the years including: (his mentor) Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Tracy Hamlin, Marcus Johnson, Chuck Loeb, Frank McComb, U-Nam and his long time associate and the producer of his last project, Eric Valentine. Please visit: http://www.artsherrodjr.com/

NY native Bob Baldwin is unquestionably an unsung hero when it comes to the Contemporary/Smooth Jazz genre. From production to performance, Baldwin's understanding of his craft and God-given talent have caused him to record with high-powered guests like Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Marion Meadows, and Najee. Baldwin's natural ability to weave life's experience into music while creating inventive harmonies will build an experience you won't soon forget.

Lolita Chambers Lamkin is a gospel singer/songwriter & actress from Annapolis, MD. Her work includes elements of R&B, hip-hop, gospel, and jazz. Lamkin said she is a vessel of God’s love and sings effortlessly about his awesome power in her life. She recently channeled all of her time, thoughts, energy and emotions into her songwriting to create her latest work “Think On These Things.”

WHEN: July 31, 2010
TIME: 6:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
TICKETS:  www.ramsheadonstage.com
Call (410) 268-4545
 

To hear the interview with Sherrod click here

Are you a fan of education and the open road? Then this new Chamber Foundation Fundraising Event is just for you! The Poker Run Ride for Education - Skyline Tour is the first in a series of annual motorcyle rides to benefit the Foundation's educational programs.  This year's ride is a 100-mile jaunt through the rolling hills of beautiful Bedford County. It begins August 1st at   Bedford Ford and Bedford Motor Sports Honda Kawasaki, The route will take riders over some of the county's historic covered bridges, past historic landmarks, and and includes special stops at schools. There will even be a drive by an elephant farm. Lots of great food is being cooked up for the festivities, with plenty of time for enjoying the company of other motorcycle enthusiasts. The ride concludes with lunch at 3pm and 4pm award ceremony and prize drawings. Cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger. Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Sunday, August 1, 2010 Registration Begins: 10:30am Last Rider Out: Noon Lunch Begins: 3pm Awards Begin: 4pm Start/End:  Bedford Motor Sports Honda Kawasaki For more information, please download the forms from this website  http://www.bedfordcountychamber.com/pokerrun.html or call the Chamber Foundation: 814-623-2233 Or E-Mail Director@BedfordCountyChamber.org

To hear the interview with Kellie Goodwin Executive Director of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce