| Specials Announced |
The Christmas Sessions, a 2008 recording by Bill Ward and the Doerfels, will once again be
featured as a live performance at a series of specials throughout WNY this holiday season. The project
features all original Christmas songs written by Ward, and was recorded by him and the popular
touring family band last winter. The specials will performed live this season by Ward, a veteran
Western New York singer/song-writer, and two other well-known area performers. The album has been
re-released this year with previously unreleased material.
While the Doerfels won't be there in person, Ward has again enlisted the help of Amanda Barton and
Matt Homan to present at least two performances prior to Christmas. The CD is already on sale, and
proceeds from each purchase will help benefit Project Chacocente, an organization which exists to help
the extremely poor in Nicaragua. The recording will also be available at the concerts.
Ward is a respected Chautauqua artist, having performed throughout the country for nearly four
decades. A community developer and promoter, he founded and organizes the Mayville Bluegrass
Festival, and was recognized by the Chautauqua County Music Hall of Fame as Promoter of the Year
in 2007. It was that same year that he was inducted in the Hall.
Homan is a relative newcomer to the Western NY music scene, but has made an impact. Forming the
Haybalers in 2006, he quickly became a mover and shaker in the local acoustic music scene. He is now
the leader of the Bluegrass Disciples, a virtual 'who's who' of WNY bluegrass musicians.
Barton is, at her young age, the reigning queen of Southern Tier acoustic music. Her sweet, smoky
vocals and touch-perfect fiddle playing with groups like Big Leg Emma, the Steve Johnson Band, and
with Ward have long been a favorite of many, many fans.
The Christmas Sessions performances will be held at the following locations:
Dec. 15 - Hurlbut Memorial Community Church Vespers, Chautauqua, 6 p.m.
Dec. 19 - Westfield First Presbyterian Church, Westfield NY, 6 pm
For more information on the recording or performance locations, visit billwardband.com or call
753-2800. To learn about Project Chacocente, visit outofthedump.org.
featured as a live performance at a series of specials throughout WNY this holiday season. The project
features all original Christmas songs written by Ward, and was recorded by him and the popular
touring family band last winter. The specials will performed live this season by Ward, a veteran
Western New York singer/song-writer, and two other well-known area performers. The album has been
re-released this year with previously unreleased material.
While the Doerfels won't be there in person, Ward has again enlisted the help of Amanda Barton and
Matt Homan to present at least two performances prior to Christmas. The CD is already on sale, and
proceeds from each purchase will help benefit Project Chacocente, an organization which exists to help
the extremely poor in Nicaragua. The recording will also be available at the concerts.
Ward is a respected Chautauqua artist, having performed throughout the country for nearly four
decades. A community developer and promoter, he founded and organizes the Mayville Bluegrass
Festival, and was recognized by the Chautauqua County Music Hall of Fame as Promoter of the Year
in 2007. It was that same year that he was inducted in the Hall.
Homan is a relative newcomer to the Western NY music scene, but has made an impact. Forming the
Haybalers in 2006, he quickly became a mover and shaker in the local acoustic music scene. He is now
the leader of the Bluegrass Disciples, a virtual 'who's who' of WNY bluegrass musicians.
Barton is, at her young age, the reigning queen of Southern Tier acoustic music. Her sweet, smoky
vocals and touch-perfect fiddle playing with groups like Big Leg Emma, the Steve Johnson Band, and
with Ward have long been a favorite of many, many fans.
The Christmas Sessions performances will be held at the following locations:
Dec. 15 - Hurlbut Memorial Community Church Vespers, Chautauqua, 6 p.m.
Dec. 19 - Westfield First Presbyterian Church, Westfield NY, 6 pm
For more information on the recording or performance locations, visit billwardband.com or call
753-2800. To learn about Project Chacocente, visit outofthedump.org.