by Mike Jaquays
Guitarist/vocalist Scott Tofte of Sherrill with bring his Fredonia College-based band, Amadeus, to the Reilly-Mumford Memorial Park Gazebo on June 28, offering mostly original material in a rock/folk/jazz style. The Amadeus show, the second in the Open Mike-hosted Sherrill Summer Concert Series 2005, kicks off at 7 PM. (photo courtesy of Scott Tofte)
SHERRILL - The music of the Fredonia College-based band Amadeus defies labeling, says lead guitarist/vocalist Scott Tofte.
"I try not to describe it," the Sherrill-based VVS Central School Class of 2003 graduate said when pressed for a description of their music. "We draw on a lot of singer/songwriter influences, and play a lot of different styles of music, from blues, pop, and fusion to jazz and rock. We want people to judge for themselves."
Also featuring John Schmitt on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Mario Vinti on drums, Jon Wantuch on piano and keyboards, and Brandon Warren on bass and vocals, the group will hit the stage at the Open Mike-hosted Sherrill Summer Concert Series 2005 on June 28 with their showcase of original songs. They first got together this past January at Fredonia, and since then have built a good following at the college, Tofte said. They played 10 live shows last semester while busy with their studies and hope that by next summer they will be able to spend their vacation on a tour of the state and beyond.
Next year they also hope to record their first CD together, although you can sample some of their music right now over their website. Tofte said he expects the band to be around for a long time, because they genuinely enjoy playing together and the camaraderie of the group is infectious.
"We like playing together. I think this is a good group of guys, putting on a show that all ages will like," Tofte said.
The free concert, which is made possible by the Sherrill-Kenwood Community Chest, starts at 7 PM at the Reilly-Mumford Memorial Park Gazebo located between Kinsley Street and Sherrill Road next to the ice skating rink. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella in case of light rain, and don't forget to support the Boy Scouts at the Rotary Club-sponsored refreshment stand.
For more information on Amadeus, check out their website at get-me.to/Amadeus.com or call 264-4260, and tell em Open Mike sent you!
To get your own entertainment news in the Open Mike spotlight, drop a line to 104 W. Hamilton Ave., Sherrill, NY 13461; e-mail to tcweekly@dreamscape.com; or call (315) 366-0564.