The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Rockin’ on the River delays start
The Rockin’ on the River weekly concert series in Lorain will begin July 3 this summer.
Lorain, the state of Ohio and the entire nation are looking for ways to remain safe from the novel coronavirus while resuming business and public gatherings.
As part of the spring and summer in Lorain, Rockin’ on the River creators Bob and Sandy Earley on May 8 announced the new opening date.
“It is still our intention to move forward with concerts now beginning July 3rd,” the announcement said. “This of course means we have had to postpone May & June shows except for WYWH which has been moved to Aug. 22.
“There are openings moving forward and into September and beyond that we hope to reschedule these in as we follow state guidelines for the safety of all,” the Rockin’ on the River update said. “We realize we may end up not getting this season in but we’re not giving up at this point, that’s not what we do! We still have hopes we will see you a little later this summer and we can Rock Out!”
The Rockin’ on the River statement referred to the June 13 show of Wish You Were Here - 25 Years of Celebrating Pink Floyd, which will be rescheduled to Aug. 22.
The May 22 season opener was to be a double bill with Dirty Deeds - Extreme AC/DC Tribute and the Ultimate Ozzy Tribute. May 29 had booked Kings Highway - Tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Revival - The Music of the Allman Brother Band.
The other shows postponed include Living on a Bad Name - A Tribute to Bon Jovi, with The Michael Weber Show on June 5; Face 2 Face - The Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John and Evil Ways - A Tribute to Santana on June 12; and 7 Bridges, the World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band and Freebird Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute on June 19.
The shows take place at the Lorain Port Authority’s Black River Landing waterfront festival site.
“Like Bob and Sandy we are hopeful to provide a season of good times and entertainment that everyone is accustomed to,” said Port Executive Director Tom Brown. “We actively await local and state recommendations that will allow for us to be able to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds of Rockin on the River.”
The announcement was published via Rockin’ on the River’s e-newsletter and Facebook, where fans reacted with disappointment but understanding due to the circumstances. It helped that Rockin’ on the River confirmed that 2020 season passes will be good for shows during this summer and in 2021.