Rockin’ on the River nabs 2nd ‘Best of’

Black River Landing lauded for live music

The Rockin’ on the River weekly concert series has nabbed a regional award for the second year in a row.

Rockin’ on the River again was tapped as Best “Live Music Venue” by the readers of Lake Erie Living magazine.

The periodical covers people, places and events around the circumference of Lake Erie, including northern Ohio along with Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario.

The winners list comes out in September, but this week, the news spread about the repeat award for Rockin’ on the River.

The honor is amazing, given the number of entertainment options along Lake Erie, said Bob Earley, organizer of Rockin’ on the River.

Earley cited places ranging from Detroit’s waterfront to Cedar Point to Nautica in Cleveland to Presque Isle in Erie, Pa.

“We beat them all,” he said. “People in Lorain should be really, really pleased. It’s a big award.”

Earley credited the Lorain Port Authority staff and board for their work creating Black River Landing, Lorain’s waterfront festival site.

“They deserve all the credit in the world for having a beautiful spot,” he said.

Earley added his thanks to Lorain police for their help because the shows have had no security concerns or incidents.

Rockin’ on the River first came to Black River Landing in 2015.

Since then, the site has shown it can compete as a venue with Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Earley said.

The Lorain venue has closer, easier parking; prices are cheaper; and there are walking paths around the site.

Stage visibility is good and the Black River is scenic, especially when the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge rises for sailboats or freighters, Earley said.

RoverFest, the summer party of Cleveland radio personality Shane “Rover” French, has shown the site can hold 20,000 people, he said.

“How can you find a more beautiful spot?” Earley said.

Rockin’ on the River also has proven that people from outside Lorain will come to the city and make repeat visits, Earley said.

Lorain Port Authority Executive Director Tom Brown agreed.

“If it was just a Lorain thing, I don’t think we’d win this award,”Brown said.

Black River Landing has gotten regional attention, he said, and the award is a crowning achievement for current and former Port staff and board members.

“It’s a great, great award,” Brown said. “We’re just really excited to be recognized again.”

Earley invited Lorainites to visit or return for the concerts that will continue through Sept. 2.

“Come see what the fuss is about,” he said.

As for the Best of Lake Erie, readers should look soon for the September issue, said David Dragich of Great Lakes Publishing.

Dragich hinted at a few more nods coming to Lorain for the Lighthouse, Jackalope Lakeside restaurant, Yala’s Pizza and K Cream Korner.

The Lorain Lighthouse also was part of the cover photograph for Lake Erie Living’s 2017 Lake Erie Lighthouse Map, published in the July/August issue.

MORNING JOURNAL FILE Monica Robins and the Ninja Cowboys kicked off the season for Bob Earley and his Rockin’ on the River summer concert series, at the Black River Landing, on May 22, 2016.