OSWEGO – Blood Sweat & Tears, the iconic band that successfully fused jazz and rock music into chart-topping songs, will perform on opening night of Harborfest, 8:45 p.m. Thursday, July 25 on the Constellation Energy Stage in Breitbeck Park, Oswego. The performance follows opening ceremonies at 8:15 p.m. Jimmy Buffett tribute and beach music group Gary Roland and the Landsharks Band, hired by Buffett himself to be the house band at Margaritaville, opens the evening at 6:30 p.m. Eagle Beverage sponsors the evening’s entertainment. These shows, like all of Harborfest, are free of charge. The festival runs from Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28.
The band’s best-known songs, “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” and “And When I Die,” each reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart, while other Top 40 singles “Hi-De-Ho,” “Lucretia McEvil,” and “Go Down Gamblin’” have been concert staples throughout the band’s history, now in its sixth decade. Former contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” Keith Paluso, is the vocalist for the band, for which original founding member Bobby Colomby still provides musical direction.
“There aren’t many opportunities left to see for free one of the iconic groups that performed at Woodstock. We’re thrilled to be able to kick off our 35th Harborfest with a band of the stature of Blood Sweat & Tears. It will be a great night,” said Dan Harrington, Harborfest Executive Director.
Novelis sponsors Breitbeck Park, which is the heart of the Harborfest celebration. It features the stage with daily entertainment, food and drink vendors, childrens’ activities and more. It is also the prime viewing area for the annual fireworks spectacular, sponsored by Pathfinder Bank.
Harborfest returns July 25 – 28, 2024 with the food, music, fun and fireworks that has drawn families and friends together along the Lake Ontario shore to make unforgettable memories. The free-to-attend festival’s signature event is its spectacular fireworks show over the lake while its stages feature top national and regional performers. The annual Harborfest Children’s Parade, Friday, July 26 is one of many family-friendly events for young people to enjoy with their parents. Great food, exciting rides and games and interesting artwork, crafts and products round out a festival that has been a destination since 1988.