After 4 years, fans still excited to jam

Rockin’ on the River gains following

At Rockin’ on the River weekly summer shows, the stand-up section in front of the stage fills with fans most devoted to the bands.

It helps if they have the ears to withstand the chest-pounding blast that roars out of the amplifiers when the musicians play.

On July 14, the play bill featured Bostyx, with former Boston lead singer David Victor and the band performing songs of Boston and Styx, with opener Straight On — A Tribute to the Music of Heart.

The heat would be the biggest challenge of the night for Straight On, said lead singer Monique Orban.

Orban and guitarist Karen Bright portray Ann and Nancy Wilson, the core of Heart, which may be classic rock’s best known sister act.

“When you’re up on stage, it’s so warm,” she said. “We were all super toasty, but we stay hydrated and put out our best despite the heat and so did the audience.”

After their encores, including a performance of the Led Zeppelin classic “Rock N’ Roll,” the band gave away their set lists.

Orban signed the papers in black marker to sign the sheets, then took them backstage to collect signatures from her bandmates.

The six-piece act included Kevin Bennett, Ron Abrahamsen, Drew Sodee and Jerry Olinger.

The band members love it when the fans enjoy the show, Orban said afterward.

“And we thoroughly enjoy meeting people and giving autographs if they want them,” she said. “Honestly, it’s a little odd to get used to because the band members in Straight On are just regular people.

“We have normal jobs just like the people that come to see our shows. It’s very humbling to think that people think that much of our band and our performances to ask us for an autograph.”

Orban delivered the signed set lists to Mark Slaby, a season passholder from North Royalton, and Roger Stout, a Cleveland native who moved to Lorain via West Virginia.

“I thought it would be cool to fit in with my memorabilia,” Stout said about the song list. “I’ve seen the band three times, twice here. I know they’re really good. I’m really impressed with the lead vocalist.”

“They’re excellent; they’re excellent,” Slaby said. “These people sound just like Heart tonight. Every show that I’ve been to has been excellent.”

It’s a 50-minute drive from North Royalton to Lorain, said Slaby, who also plays bass and drums.

“I wouldn’t come all that way if it wasn’t a great show,” he said.

While the band was playing, a number of people were visible holding up their cell phones to get photos and video of the performance.

Pete Esposito of Elyria caught the moments with his Canon Eos 6D Mark II.

“It was just a delight to be able to shoot them, to listen to them,” Esposito said. “She can pass for Ann Wilson, easily.”

It’s a fun hobby, said Esposito, who used his cell phone to show photos of Edgar Winter at his 2016 Rockin’ on the River performance.

Esposito said he was in Winter’s face and the rock legend could have said enough, but just kept right on playing.

It’s like that every week for $5 a show, he said.

“You can’t get entertainment like this,” Esposito said. “It’s the next best thing to free. This is the best kept secret going. You get good quality music out under the stars.”

When the music ends, the crowds tend to head for the bathrooms, the beer stands and the food trucks.

By the Slab Catering, specializing in ribs, chicken and beef brisket, has been at the shows since the first season, said owners Jeff and Renee Smith of Elyria.

“We do this because we love it,” Jeff Smith said. “We do it because, first of all, the commitment and then the people. It’s a good environment, a very good environment.”