It was the reading of several names of former musicians who have died over the years.
"You couldn't help but listen to it and be moved," the Albion resident said during the second annual Ramble Music & Arts Fest in Jackson Square. "I heard some names and thought, 'yeah, I knew them.' This was a wonderful gathering of the community. It pulls from Orleans County as well. It's a wonderful family event."
At its peak attendance, the Ramble brought in some 600 visitors, downtown manager Don Burkel said. People drifted in and out of the square all day, he said. As musicians entertained, Extreme Streetwear staffers sold T-shirts with a Ramble logo and nearby restaurants Jackson Street Grill and Center Street Smokehouse sold refreshments.
LuAnne and Jim Kujawski Sr. worked the stand for their son, owner of Jackson Street Grill. They were there last year, but thought some improvments had been made this time.
"There are more groups; there's never been a moment when someone wasn't playing," Mr. Kujawski said. "They seem more organized this year."
Although many of the event's musicians were former Batavians, there were those, such as Bonafede, who came from Orleans and Wyoming counties as well. Bonafede sat in as drummer for a few songs, including one as a tribute to The Humans, an old-time Orleans County group.
Bill Pitcher, a member of Ghost Riders and The Buffalo Road Show, led the memorial ceremony.
"We're celebrating these folks because we know they're watching us and we know they want us to have a good time," he said. "This is in celebration of our departed Ramblers."
It didn't seem to matter where musicians grew up or now live. Many spectators said they saw a lot of familiar faces.
Carol Stamp of Byron reminisced about her family's ties to the local music scene. As she sat and listened to Pitcher and other well-known city natives, she remembered her son's involvement. Michael Stamp was just 16 years old when he started playing at bars and clubs. Since he couldn't have entered places that served alcohol without a parent, Carol and her husband volunteered to accompany him.
Michael later formed his own Christian band, PS100. Neither he nor his dad could make the Ramble . That's why his mom came, she said.
"I'm representing them," she said. "It's a great atmosphere, great weather. It brings back memories. They played quite often."
Teresa Kowalik Wood came from Churchville to see her brother, Wally Kowalik, play with The Buffalo Road Show. But she also had a confession of her earlier years.
"I knew all these guys that played in Sierra," she said. "We were groupies."
Her brother said it was an honor to play with Jim Catino, who Kowalik likened to "the best guitar player."
"This has been awesome," Kowalik, of Byron, said. "Jim has been like an idol to me."
Sierra, a band formed a few decades ago, still performs. Saturday it featured Kevin Moyles, Paul Tye, Mike Murray, Steve Holnbeck and Greg Gridder Houseknecht.
Moyles missed the event by a day last year. This time around he planned ahead and arrived from his San Diego, Calif., home by mid-week.
He was glad he did.
"This has been great. I'm losing my voice ... but the show must go on," he said after the Ramble and hours before a gig at Ri-Dan's. "I'm going home to take a nap."