Erie Community Blood Bank Prepares for Second Annual Bloodstock Festival Featuring Cancer Survivor Ukulele Group
At 2646 Peach Street, the bank’s donor center will open its doors at sunrise and close at 6 p.m., offering a packed schedule of live performances, interactive activities, and educational booths designed to bring residents together and highlight the region’s ongoing need for donors.
A highlight of the lineup is the Uku‑Ladies, a group of female cancer survivors who found friendship, healing, and joy through ukulele music. The ensemble began several years ago when members met for informal jam sessions at the Erie Cancer Wellness Center. Over time those gatherings evolved into a local ensemble that now performs regularly for community audiences.
Guided by instructor Michelle Flaherty, the Uku‑Ladies have grown both musically and personally. The members credit the experience with providing a creative outlet and a source of support throughout their cancer journeys. Their connection to the Bloodstock Festival is especially meaningful, as many of the musicians have first‑hand knowledge of the life‑saving impact of blood donations.
Scheduled to take the stage at 9:30 a.m., the Uku‑Ladies’ set is described as more than a performance; it is a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the healing power of music.
The Bloodstock Festival is organized by the Erie Community Blood Bank, a community‑based nonprofit that collects and distributes blood for local hospitals. The bank’s mission is to maintain a reliable supply of blood products for patients in need, and the festival is one of its outreach initiatives.
According to the bank’s Facebook page, the festival will feature live entertainment throughout the day. While the full lineup is not listed in the source, the Uku‑Ladies’ appearance is confirmed, and the event is expected to attract a diverse audience of donors, families, and community members.
By showcasing performers who have benefited from medical care and who understand the value of donated blood, the event seeks to inspire new donors and reinforce the importance of regular blood contributions.
The Erie Community Blood Bank’s second Bloodstock Festival follows the inaugural event, which also highlighted local musicians and community engagement. Organizers hope that the continued celebration will strengthen the bank’s relationship with the Erie community and encourage more people to become regular donors.
The event is free of charge, and attendees are encouraged to visit the donor center to learn more about how to donate. The bank’s location at 2646 Peach Street is easily accessible, and visitors can also find additional information and the full performance schedule on the bank’s Facebook page.
In summary, the upcoming Bloodstock Festival is a community‑focused, free event that combines live music with a public‑health message. The participation of the Uku‑Ladies, a group of cancer survivors who play ukulele, underscores the personal connection many donors have to the life‑saving work of the Erie Community Blood Bank. The festival’s goal is to bring residents together, celebrate resilience, and raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donors across the Erie region.
As the event approaches, the bank’s staff and volunteers are preparing the venue, coordinating with performers, and finalizing logistics to ensure a smooth, engaging day for all attendees.