EAST OTTO — Griffis Sculpture Park announces Smilo & the Ghost as the headlining act for its annual summer festival set to kick off at noon Sunday, Aug. 17.
The festival is a memorable day filled with music, creativity, nature, exploration and much more. Since 2013, the festival has become one of Western New York’s most beloved summer events.
“Festivals have been part of the Griffis Sculpture Park’s history since the very beginning,” said Nila Griffis, executive director of the park. “Our summer festival is always a beautiful day to enjoy art, music and nature, while also supporting the park. Funds raised from the concert help the foundation maintain our massive park.”
Headlining the 2025 edition of the festival, Smilo & the Ghost is a rockin’ folk-bluegrass band from Erie, Pa. They are rising regional stars that are getting attention in other parts of the country, sharing the stage with Dan + Shay, Railroad Earth, 10,000 Maniacs and more.
Smilo & the Ghost combine songs meant for singing and dancing with charismatic, high-energy performances on stage.
Also performing at the festival are Olmsted Dub System (reggae), JGB Shibuki (Japanese taiko drum group), Tsavo Highway (jam/indie rock), Benjamin Perello (singer/songwriter) and Patricia Griffis (singer).
The annual Summer Festival has become a major fundraiser for the Ashford Hollow Foundation, which owns and operates Griffis Sculpture Park. The festival will be held at the Mill Valley Road section of the park. Patrons are allowed to bring chairs and coolers. There is a school bus shuttle that takes attendees to the concert site.
The event also features a vendor village, a kids’ crafts area, food stands, beer and wine service and more. Tickets are $25. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
The Griffis Sculpture Park is owned and operated by the Ashford Hollow Foundation, which also owns the Essex Arts Center in Buffalo. The mission of the Ashford Hollow Foundation is to promote the visual and performing arts as well as construct a dynamic relationship between the arts and education in Western New York to better its young people and the greater community.
