Ryan Mont Bleau Band at Vitale Park

Conesus Lake from the air

Just about a 40-minute drive south of Rochester is one of the most accessible of the Finger Lakes - Conesus Lake.  The town of Lakeville sits at the northernmost end (the bright lights right at the edge of the lake on the left).  One of the nice things about the lake, besides its proximity, is the number of parks and restaurants located right on the lake, giving non-residents, as well as those with waterfront homes, the opportunity to enjoy the scenery.  Unfortunately, the North Shore Grill's view is better than its food or service;  the Conesus Inn, on East Lake Road, has closed (tax reasons?);  and the Beachcomber, on West Lake Road, is fine for a very casual meal or drinks...  (The best dining in the area is the Ember Woodfire Grill, in Livonia (the lights in the middle of the photo), unfortunately not on the lake.)

boats lined up to enjoy the music

However, on Sunday evenings from 6-8pm in the summer, there are free concerts in lovely Vitale Park, in Lakeville (this is the 18th season).  Our friend Tim, of Livonia, books the bands, and invited us to join him and his wife, Kathy, this past Sunday, which was a lovely evening - cool and clear - for what he said was the best band of the season.  The budget for the entire season is $15,000 for 10 concerts, and is funded by the town and about 50 local individuals and businesses, including Wegmans, Les Cole (owner of many local businesses including the

the "bandshell"

North Shore Grill), and Livonia Music Supply.  We brought a picnic dinner and a couple bottles of wine, and Charlie's nephew Yair, his sig-ot, Sheila, and their 2-year old daughter, Fiona, also stopped by.  The park was pretty packed with people dancing, or, like us, just sitting and enjoying being outside listening to some good music by the lake (Fiona entertained us with some boogying to the beat).  The inlet was also full of boats and people wading in the water.

Looking over the series program, I am sorry to have missed It's My Party, a teen girl singing group!  Upcoming concerts include:
8/11   Derek Davis & The Tasty Groove
          (contemporary country)
8/18   Maria Gillard Band (fun folk)
8/25   Sim Redmond Band (either they
          ran out of room on the program
          or this band defies description?)
What an enjoyable way to spend a lovely summer evening and return to Rochester before dark!