Skip to main content

darien lake

Photos: Falling in Reverse headlines five act night at Darien Lake

By Staff Writer
falling in reverse darien lake
Falling in Reverse

The rock band Falling in Reverse headlined a night on Tuesday, supported by Jeris Johnson, Tech N9ne, Dance Gavin Dance, and Black Veil Brides.

Photos by Philip Casper

falling in reverse darien lake
Falling in Reverse
darien lake
Jeris Johnson
darin
Jeris Johnson
darien lake
Tech N9ne
darien lake
Dance Gavin Dance
darien lake
Black Veil Brides
darien lake
Black Veil Brides

Pitbull, T-Pain brought a night of unstoppable energy to Darien

By Steve Ognibene
 Pitbull with his dancers on friday evening at Darien Lake.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Pitbull with his dancers on Friday evening at Darien Lake.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

On a cooler rainy September Friday night, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing and grooving to T-Pain, who opened for Pitbull at Darien Lake Amphitheater. 

A sold-out 22,000 plus crowd packed the venue to greatest hits by both performers including a few dressed up Pitbull outfits.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
T-Pain, opened for Pitbull.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
T-Pain opened for Pitbull.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Jason Aldean packs a sold out performance at Darien Lake

By Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean packed a sold out performance at Darien NY Thursday evening.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean packed a sold-out performance at Darien Lake Performance Arts Center on Thursday evening.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Jason Aldean performed Thursday evening at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, starting out with one of his smash hits, "Burning It Down," and continuing with more of his hits throughout the evening.

All the performances were amazing, including openers Austin Snell, Chase Mathew, and Lauren Alaina, who all put on great shows. Each one played their top songs at a sold-out show enjoyed by all ages who attended.

Jason Aldean  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean and band  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jason Aldean and band  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Lauren Aliana  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Lauren Aliana  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Chase Matthews  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Chase Matthews  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Austin Snell  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Austin Snell  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Red Hot Chili Peppers enthrall packed house at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
A kaleidoscopic, psychedelic video of drummer Chad Smith plays above him and Flea during the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Darien Lake on Friday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers hit the stage hot at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on a steamy Saturday night with an instrumental jam that featured Flea's funky slap baselines, Chad Smith's pounding beat, and John Frusciante's sizzling fretwork.

Then Anthony Kiedis took the stage and kicked things up a notch.

The LA-based punk/funk band ran through 18 songs on the night, both hits and deep tracks, pulling material from most of their 13 studio albums released since 1984, including Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, Stadium Arcadium, and their two most recent releases, Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen.

"Eddie" is Frusciante's tribute to one of his guitar heroes, Eddie Van Halen, and it is a standout track on Dream Canteen. From the same album, they also played "Carry Me Home." From Unlimited Love, they featured the opening track "Black Summer" and Kliedis's name-dropping ode to the LA music scene of his youth, "Aquatic Mouth Dance," which opens with one of Flea's greatest bass riffs.

Reliable fan favorites in the set included "Suck My Kiss" and "Californication."

The Peppers also included two covers of the Ramones: "I Remember You" and "Havana Affair."

The biggest hits, "Under the Bridge" and "Give It Away," were saved for the encore.

The opener on Friday was LA-based psychedelic rock band Wand, which is currently on tour supporting its fifth studio album, Vertigo. 

Singer and lead guitarist Cory Hanson, with a David Byrne-like wiryness, is an impressive musician and strong presence on stage. Unfortunately, the set was marred by a poor mix.  The bass guitar and kick drum dominated and overwhelmed everything else coming from the stage, making the mix muddled and suppressing most sense of melody from the songs. That's a shame because a check of a couple of the band's releases indicates they strike the right tone to potentially win over Chili Pepper fans.

red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
Chad Smith, John Frusciante, and Anthony Kiedis
Photo by Howard Owens.
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
Chad Smith, Flea, and John Frusciante.
Photo by Howard Owens.
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
Frontman Anthony Kiedis
Photo by Howard Owens.
red hot chili peppers flea
Flea
Photo by Howard Owens.
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
Chad Smith
Photo by Howard Owens.
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
John Frusciante
Photo by Howard Owens.
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante.
Photo by Howard Owens.
red-hot-chili-peppers-darien-lake-2024
Flea, Anthony Kiedis, and Chad Smith
Photo by Howard Owens.
wand at darien lake
Cory Hanson, frontman for the band Wand.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Photos: Chris Stapelton, Marcus King, and Nikki Lane live at Darien Lake

By Staff Writer
chris stapelton darien lake
Chris Stapelton
Photo by Philip Casper.

Country music superstar Chris Stapelton's All-American Road Show passed through Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday. Also on the bill, Marcus King and Nikki Lane.

chris stapelton darien lake
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Marcus King
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Photo by Philip Casper.
chris stapelton darien lake
Nikki Lane
Photo by Philip Casper.

Sheriff's Office reports four people charged at Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following individuals were charged at the Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on June 27:

  • Joseph A Stephany, 18, of Le Roy, charged with possession of alcohol under 21.
  • Joseph A. Dirisio, 18, of Batavia, charged with possession of alcohol under 21.
  • Emily J. Schlabach, 19, of Clarence, charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.
  • Marissa T. Peters, 22, of North Tonawanda, charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly striking another person while inside the venue.

All four individuals were issued appearance tickets.

At Darien Lake, 'Tommy had it under control'

By Howard B. Owens
sanfratello darien lake

These are file photos of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello working on one of his favorite details -- law enforcement at Darien Lake concerts.

In 2012, I did a "ride along" with patrols at the concerts to get a first-hand perspective of what went into dealing with all the issues that used to arise on concert nights.

While I had run into Tom on patrol before, working with him at Darien Lake was really my first chance to get to know him a bit.  He struck me as kind, professional, caring, and dedicated.

He took the job seriously without taking himself seriously. There was a complete absence of ego in his approach to enforcing the law.

When two young people climbed up a communications tower, I remember him being simultaneously amused by the folly of it and sincerely concerned about their safety.

At Saturday's funeral service for Sgt. Sanfratello, Sheriff William Sheron spoke of "Tommy" taking charge at Darien Lake.

"As we all know, Tom was the guy out at Darien Lake," Sheron said. "He was the first one there, and he was the last one out. He oversaw that venue for years and years. And again, when Tommy was on, I didn't worry about anything. Tommy, I knew, had things under control. We were dealing with tens of thousands of people and many, many officers. Tommy had it all under control."

Unrelated from Darien Lake, we received two more tributes to Sgt. Sanfratello to share.

Eric Olson, retired from the Sheriff's Office:

I’ve known Tom for a long time.  He is a true friend and law enforcement brother.  I will miss the 4th of July gatherings and the occasional conversations here and there.

From Deborah Shea, principal financial clerk, Sheriff's Office:

As we navigate through these next few days, I’ve thought a lot about my boss, my friend, my co-worker and most of all, my annoying “big brother” this week. 

That’s what comes to my mind when I think of Sgt. Tom (Tommy) Sanfratello.  We worked 50 feet from each other for 12 years, and we argued and teased one another just like brother and sister, even crying once in a while. He was so maddening at times, but at the end of the day, we were friends, and tomorrow was another day. And when he walked out of the office last Friday and said, as always, “See you Monday, maybe,” it was not supposed to be goodbye! 

I would sing along to the radio, and he’d say, “Don’t quit your day job,” and of course I’d say, “You wish!” He’d also say, every day, 10 times a day, “Whatever, Shea!” And on occasion, in typical Tommy fashion, he’d tell you, “Sink or swim!” I never thought I’d ever miss these words!

His presence In our office was larger than any of us could have imagined until we walked back in Monday morning and the loss hit me immediately.  

He had his quirks, his funny habits and definitely a Hot Wheels and Lego fetish, but it was him and who he was.  He loved to read and joke around and make his funny comments.  He loved having his annual Easter egg hunt and fantasy football league.  He wore many hats in our office and has big shoes to fill, and it will be a hard act to follow. No matter what he did in his life and career, his biggest accomplishments are his 3 amazing kids, Ian, Kyla and Lexi. He loved them more than life itself.  He was not a fall-all-over-you or mushy kind of guy, but he honestly had a big heart and really cared for the people closest to him, especially his family, friends and our department for sure. 

Thanks for your friendship and all the laughs.

You will be, as they say, forever missed and never forgotten!

Fly high GS 9

Finally, retired Batavia PD lieutenant James Henning had this to say about Saturday's service:

What a tremendous outpouring of support shown today for the family, friends, fellow citizens and coworkers of GS-9!

The entire wake and funeral service was incredibly organized and a fitting tribute to a great man and public servant.

GCSO, BPD, LPD & NYSP did a fantastic job of working shoulder to shoulder to make this all possible, along with the numerous fire departments and EMS in Genesee County.

Also, the entire staff of GCC for hosting this memorial and area restaurants for catering the gathering at the college afterward.

The police and fire agencies present were amazing from as far away as Chicago PD and NYPD.

R.I.P.  GS-9

sanfratello darien lake
sanfratello darien lake
sanfratello darien lake
sanfratello darien lake

Three arrests announced at Odesza concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were announced by the Sheriff's Office on Wednesday in connection with the Odesza Concert on Sept. 1 at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. 

Kaylee N. Laird, 24, of Chapel Street, Canandaigua, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly reentering the venue area after being told she could not enter.

Peter M. J. Karrkos, 24, of Seneca Drive, Canandaigua, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly reentering the venue area after being told he could not enter.

Nicholas T. Ortiz, 18, of Hamlin Parma Townline Road, Hilton, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and disorderly conduct after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then knocking over a section of fencing while leaving.

One arrest reported for Lumineers concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrest was made by the Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Lumineers concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Nicholas J. McKee, 27, of King Avenue, New Castle, Ontario Canada is charged with criminal Trespass 3rd after allegedly jumping over a fence into a restricted area of the concert venue.

Six people arrested at Nickelback concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following were arrested by the Sheriff's Office at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center during the Nickelback/Brantley Gilbert Concert on Aug. 16.

William J. Oatman, 23, of Liberty Street, Adams, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly hitting a Live Nation security guard.

James R. Rogers, 24, of County Road 189, Adams, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly hitting a Live Nation security guard.

Matthew J. Morano, 28, of Harrison Street, Blasdell, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing the leave the concert area after being told numerous times to do so.

Mitchell H. Simon, 22, of Lillyridge Drive, East Amherst, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly pushing another person.

Harry K. Elliott, IV, 23, of HSY 2 Troy, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and harassment 2nd after allegedly climbing over a fence to enter the concert venue and hitting a Live Nation security guard in the chin.

Matchbox Twenty returns to Darien Lake after 2020 show scratched by COVID

By Steve Ognibene
Matchbox Twenty Band headlined Darien.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Matchbox Twenty Band headlined Darien.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

American Rock band Matchbox Twenty headlined at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on a cooler Tuesday night in front of 9,000 fans, playing songs on their Slow Dream Tour.  

Some popular hits include 3 A.M., Unline and Push.

The band originally was first scheduled to play on Aug. 29. 2020. That show was canceled because of restrictions on large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The supporting act was Matt Nathanson.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Lead singer Rob Thomas, MB20.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Lead singer Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Fan Club behind band on stage, Matchbox Twenty.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Fan Club behind band on stage, Matchbox Twenty.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Matt Nathanson  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Matt Nathanson  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Matt Nathanson  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Matt Nathanson  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Four arrests reported at Luke Bryan concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following were arrested at Six Flags Darien Lake during the Luke Bryan Concert on June 16.  The defendants were issued appearance tickets.

Jaxson R.W. Larsen, 21, of Lakeview Road, Lakeview, is charged with two counts of disorderly conduct after allegedly spitting on a Darien Lake security guard and knocking over a fence and threading security in the parking lot.

Cole L. Friend, 18, of Winfield Avenue, Lancaster, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly jumping a fence into the venue.

Ryan A. Miller, 22, of Bailey Road, East Aurora, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Derek J. Goodwin, 27, of Sherman Avenue, Hamilton, Ontario, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly punching another subject in the face.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos: Pitbull at Darien Lake

By Steve Ognibene

Hip Hop entertainer Pitbull took to the stage last evening in front of a sold-out crowd of 22,000-plus fans at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

The laser light LED show and smoke billowing up from the stage were in beat to the rap star's hits like, "Don't Stop the Party," "Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor)," "Hotel Room Service," plus many more.

Iggy Azalea opened for Pitbull.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Authentically Local