Cross Creek Band Reunites for Second Annual July 4 Show

June 9, 2011 - PRLog -- CAZENOVIA, NY – Cross Creek Band, legendary Central New York country rockers with an enduring fan base, will regroup for their second annual free July 4 reunion concert.

   The durable band returns to Lakeland Park in Cazenovia for an early evening performance as part of a Concert in the Park series sponsored by Oneida Savings Bank, several local businesses and the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce. At that site last July 4, Cross Creek attracted hundreds of longtime followers from around the region and other states for its first show in 12 years.

   "We were surprised and inspired by the turnout after all this time," says Cazenovia guitarist Dave Novak, who formed the original group in 1972. "Many of those who came, and some who couldn't make it, urged us to get together again."

   He'll be joined on the Monday holiday this year by the same lineup as in 2010: guitarist John Cadley of Fayetteville, bassist John Dancks of Syracuse, drummer Jimmy Johns of Manlius, pedal steel guitarist George Newton of Syracuse, keyboardist Fred Lawrence of Nashville, TN, and bassist Tom Carr of Harrisonburg, VA.

   In addition to the headliners, three other groups will be featured during the event that starts at 4 p.m. and ends with fireworks at night: John Cadley and the Lost Boys, Route 66 and the FabCats, also led by Novak.

   Cross Creek also performs at 8 p.m. July 1 at the Nelson Odeon, 4035 Nelson Road in Cazenovia. A limited number of $20 tickets remain available by calling (315) 663-9193 or visiting http://nelsonodeon.com.

   Cross Creek, which stopped playing regularly in the early 1980s, first reunited in 1999 at a Syracuse Area Music Awards show. During its years of region-wide popularity, the band opened concerts for national artists such as Frank Zappa, Earl Scruggs and Poco.      

   The pioneering group's original songs, up-tempo country classics and hits from emerging influences such as the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Flying Burrito Brothers and Eagles introduced a crossover style during a decade of dramatic cultural and social change.

   When members began planning a 2010 summer get-together, a Facebook page surged to 250 fans in three months. It now has 350.

  One fan, Patti Fowler of Chittenango, commented after last year's reunion: "The best 4th of July ever! I'm still smiling, singing, celebrating old friendships renewed, [being] transported back in time." Tony Fallico of Syracuse posted: "These guys have not lost a thing."

   Bass guitarist Carr, an audio engineer at James Madison University, says: "I was blown away at how many folks attended the 2010 gig who were steady CCB fans from long ago. I reconnected with old friends I hadn't seen in at least 35 years. What a gift!"  

   For his part, Novak comments: "I know how important the band was to us, and it's amazing that it touched other people in much the same way. It makes us proud."

   Lakeland Park is at Routes 13 and 20, alongside scenic Cazenovia Lake. Admission is free. Bring lawn chair or blankets and refreshments, which also will be available for purchase.

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About Cross Creek Band

Cross Creek, a pioneering country-rock band in Central New York during the 1970s, inspires lasting bonds among members and fans. Its song list, then and now, includes John Sebastian's "Do You Believe in Magic?" -- a phrase that fits its decades-spanning appeal.