New banquet room a hit
The sixth annual "Super Jam," a confab of more than a dozen top musicians, will take place this weekend at the Sunset Bar & Grill in Wilson. The music kicks off with a preview from 7-11 p.m. Saturday featuring the Jack Thurman Band.
On Sunday, the sixth annual "Super Jam" runs from 3-11 p.m. Musicians slated to perform - by invitation only - include a veritable "who's who" of area talent: Jamie Holka, Ron LoCurto, Nori Bucci, Jack Civiletto, Tom Ryan, John Larsen, Ray Barry, Paul Yates, Robert "Freighttrain" Parker, Tom Scime, Dave Mohkiber, Justin Lacki, Chuck DeRose, Jack McArdle, Jon Dretto, Chris Marzelle, Rod Nickson, Keith McDougald, The Thurman Brothers and Maria Aurigema.
There is no cover charge for "Super Jam." Event sponsors include Shelly Elia Evans and Dan Evans, and Michael and Karen Elia. The concert series was created by Steve Goodman, who also serves as the music, entertainment and event coordinator for the Sunset Bar & Grill and the Wilson Boat House. He is assisted by Barry, who doubles as a stage manager/producer. The sound equipment will be courtesy of Lewiston Music's Tony Petrocelli and MLG Audio/Matthew Garcia.
Sunset's popular "Blue Wednesdays" continue outside from 6-9 p.m. through Sept. 27.
Inside the restaurant, the brand-new banquet room, which debuted this past spring, has been a resounding hit with the Western New York community.
General Manager Michael Olszewski said, "We did our first wedding on April 8, and then May 20, and then, before you know it, we were doing weddings almost every single weekend."
"It is a beautiful room," he said. "The food, the venue, is superb, as well."
The black walnut and oak-trimmed banquet room can seat 150, and boasts a private upstairs sitting room with a large couch, plus changing and drink stations for the bride and groom. It also offers a small balcony that overlooks the banquet room.
The bar is double-sided, with the far side outside on the patio facing the harbor. The outdoor deck areas have awnings, access to a fire pit, and plenty of space for additional seating or a band.
"There's pretty much not a crevice that hasn't been thought out in great detail," Olszewski said.
While the banquet room is ideal for wedding receptions, "We're doing a lot of social events," Olszewski said. "We did two commodore's balls already, probably seven bridal showers, and luncheons, some family reunions. It's taking off."
Menus and seating configurations can be customized. Those interested in booking the room are encouraged to visit the Sunset's website,
http://www.sunsetgrillwilson.com/, for more information and a video, and then to contact Olszewski and his staff.
Wilson's Sunset Bar & Grill is located at 3 O'Connell Island. For more information, call 716-751-6868.