A LEGACY BORN

Between 1978 and 1979, Dean Hoag renovated the former Green Lantern restaurant at 6775 State Route 415, in Bath NY, to open the Fireside Chat. Featuring a variety of area and regional live entertainment, it quickly became a premier destination in the Southern Tier.

Whether hosting acts like John Valby (Dr. Dirty), Glasshead, or various country western bands, the venue was a local staple for meeting friends. Friday and Saturday nights were famously standing room only, supported by a loyal community of regulars such as Gremlin Joe.

By the end of 1983, Dean, who had his hand in other successful business ventures, along with a racing career that would eventually land him in the hall of fame, turned over the reins of the Fireside Chat to Robert Finney. Under Bob's tenure, the Fireside gave us the hazy memories of Buster Crab, Ice Water Mansion and many more.

Dean never did get back into the nightclub business but he and his son Alex would occasionally kick around the idea of holding a Fireside Chat Reunion.

In the Spring of 2023 we lost Dean after a hard fought battle with cancer, and with that loss came a few unfinished "some days".

The following year, in July of 2024, Alex with the help of family and friends put together a Celebration of Life For Dean Hoag and Fireside Chat Reunion. The event was hosted on the deck of Dean's cottage overlooking the former Fox Run Golf Course property. We enjoyed an evening of spectacular weather, great songs, laughter, and connecting with friends new & old. All of this thanks to The Variables and John "Dr. Dirty" Valby. The reviews were positive and the small event affirmed our desire to grow into something a bit larger. Perhaps something a bit different from the local wine trails usual music-on-the-deck format we've all become accustomed to.

July 2025 brought us the Echos & Embers Music Festival. Attendance was admittedly on the light side, but those who joined us, made it a weekend to remember! We enjoyed two nights, eight bands, fireworks, food trucks, pro wrestling, vendors, camping, VIP seating, VIP parking, RAIN and SHINE! (And well, some more rain, like sideways rain). We had it all, and thanks to the enthusiastic support and positive feedback it was well worth it.

With July of 2026, we focused further on community, music and memories. We circled back to our roots, and are more dedicated than ever to providing an affordable place where you can come and enjoy music with your people, your neighbors, and your new friends to build those memories that will be carried with us through the years to come. The Fireside Festival, each year the last full weekend in July. Mark it on your calendars now and we'll see you at the Fireside.