06/13/2018
by Gabrielle L. Wheeler
We drove on the back roads, some unpaved and some without telephone lines following along, until we met Rt 414 in Beaver Dams. From there, we followed the black top to Corning, jumped onto 86 and exited in Elmira. Weaving around a few residential turns, we hit State Route 352. Signs directing us to event parking led us to a field. Wooden buildings stood off to our right when we got out of the car; music already blared from speakers within the gates. The music perked us up as we walked: that was why we had come.
Nestled in the hills of Elmira, in all actuality kind of in the middle of nowhere, lies a place that brings the sound of music to the Southern Tier. I’m not talking about choir music either. An entertainment facility that brings nationally known music artists to the region, Tags has been hosting concerts of all genres since 1994. My honey and I went last weekend to see the Gin Blossoms, Tonic, and Vertical Horizon play live on stage.
Also known for their Halloween haunt attractions, Tagsylvania, Tags is an outdoor entertainment venue with good sound. Famous bands and artists that have visited the Tags’ stage in the past are the STYX, Bob Dylan, Jake Owen, and the Beach Boys. Weird Al has also performed on this small stage. In 2016, Tags hosted the Southern Tier Craft Beer and BBQ Festival.
Seating at Tags is on the lawn, which they have divided into different tiers and are available for reservation on their webpage or by phone. VIP seating will put concert-goers directly in front of the stage and provide servers which deliver beverages. Friday’s concert was held on a clear night which was absolutely gorgeous, I guess if it is raining you just bring your rain coat. Food and drink is available for purchase inside the gates. Unbeknownst to me before Friday night, Tags also has a restaurant situated next to the road which offers good old American food.
The line-up for the 2018 year must still be in the works as it consists of only two shows so far, including Alabama with Diamond Rio, some of my country favorites. Now that I’ve got good music in range without a 2-hour drive to the city, maybe I’ll make attending a music concert a more regular mom’s night out.
Click here for tickets and directions.
