Paper Mill Island will begin rocking this weekend.
Friday night features an opening set by Just Joe, followed by 3 Inch Fury then Under the Gun. These great acts are brought to the venue by Baldwinsville resident Mike Chemotti. While he isn’t the only promoter for Paper Mill Island, he certainly boasts the most extensive resume having easily brought in more than 100 acts over the past 10 years. The Messenger recently caught up with the very busy Chemotti to learn more about the man behind the stage.
What are your ties to the Baldwinsville community?
“I moved here in 1990 and rented a floor in the house that I now own. I was one of those people that left town on the weekends years ago. Along with promoting Papermill Island, I am a partner in The B’ville Diner as well, so I have a strong interest in the success for all local business, here in B’ville.”
How did you start as a promoter?
“Way back in the day, I worked with local bands all through the 80s, travelled the bar circuit, which back then was huge for bands. Then I worked for both a large scale concert lighting and sound production company, travelling regionally doing large scale venues with acts such as Liza Minelli, Rodney Dangerfield, The Robert Cray Band, South Side Johnny, Sam Kinison, Chaka Kahn, Spyro Gyra and lots of one-off dates with bands such as Charlie Daniels, Starship, Phish – when they were just a college band – just to name a few.”
What was the biggest show you brought to Baldwinsville?
“I did a Blues Fest about six years ago. I had The Nighthawks from Maryland and Commander Cody – weather was beautiful, we had over 3,700 people stuffed on the island havin’ a good ole time. I had Mickey Thomas from Starship a number of years ago – not as big of a crowd, but they are a legendary act. Two years ago we brought the Pat Traverse Band from Canada. Recently, though, I would say the last few years has been the 93Q Summer Island Jam. We usually get close to 3,000 people at those shows. We also have another great line up for that show coming up on Monday June 6.”
Why do you do it?
“It’s show business, baby! It gets in your blood, it’s entertainment. You work hard to put on a show, the weather is right, the band is good, people come out and just forget about their everyday grind, and just have a good time. There are two perspectives in this business: being in the crowd, looking up at the band and being on stage and looking out into the crowd. Not too many people experience both, no matter what the size of the venue.”
Why is Paper Mill Island important for the Baldwinsville Community?
“Between the river system and the island, we are the envy of many surrounding communities. We have the resort in our backyards that many people have to travel for in the summer time. We are fortunate. Years ago, I remember people leaving the village on the weekends in the summer, everyone went to the surrounding lakes and camps for their weekends off. People only came to B’ville for the bars, and the Diner, of course afterwards.”
How would you describe the bands you bring to Paper Mill Island?
“In recent years, most of the bands I have promoted on the Island are tribute bands from Canada, New York City area and points south from here. They are typically bands you will not see in this area all the year through, so when they do come to town, people that like to see or hear that band make it a point to come out to our show.”
What can people expect for the coming season?
“Another great summer of talented musicians playing the amphitheater for sure, and lots of dry weather we hope. With such a terrible winter and spring, I think people are ready for a lot of outdoor activities and we hope that our shows are in their plans!”
Where can people find your schedule of events for this summer?
“You can got to www.island-fest.com for updates and show schedules and we also have Papermill Island on Facebook. Don’t forget, Friday July 1 – we have an AeroSmith Tribute band from Boston and we will kick off the Independence Day weekend with a fireworks show sponsored by the B’ville Diner.”
