Floating Stage Memories to Last a Lifetime

When it comes to music and our favorite summertime fun along the shores of Chautauqua Lake it would be the times we all spent at the Bemus Bay Pops in Bemus Point whether on shore or on water.  It was truly where music met the water for 20+ years.

"I remember the anticipation every summer watching the Pops website for the schedule to be posted.  I'd go through the entire schedule and get all the shows onto my calendar  so I didn't book anything else on those dates.  There was nothing better than the night when Boogie Wonder Band from Montreal, Canada stepped on the floating stage.  It was so much fun to go back to the 70s for an evening with others who shared a love of disco dance music.  The party atmosphere was the best in the area and the location on the lake could not be beat.  It was also home to the best sunsets in the county.  I actually watched Andrew Hill, local radio personality, ride up the lake broadcasting live from the stage the first year it headed to Bemus Point.  It was quite the event leading up to the inaugural Pops concert.  Everyone was so excited about this new music venue that floated on water."

Lori Stearns

"We always looked forward to the summer weekends when we would spend a fantastic afternoon and/or evening enjoying the wonderful music, food, drink and fellowship with our friends and neighbors at the Italian Fisherman and the Bemus Bay Pops.  

Our community always seemed a little closer and more vibrant during these summer events with the presence of a floating stage in our midst featuring many talented musicians which included the Chautauqua Lake Symphony Orchestra.  Interestingly, one of the reasons that we purchased a home in Bemus Point was to be able to walk to the shows being offered on the floating stage.

We truly miss the entire Dalpra family and the Bemus Bay Pops team."

Tom and Sue Brierley