Rockin’ on the River, Palace Theater collaborate

Musical acts to begin in September

The Rockin’ on the River weekly summer concert series and the Lorain Palace Theater will join forces to bring musical acts to Lorain later this year.

Bob Earley, promoter of Rockin’ on the River, and Chris Pataky, executive director of the Palace Theater, announced the collaboration on shows scheduled to start in September.

The lineup includes the Broadway musical “A Night with Janis Joplin” on Sept. 27.

Traveling with the actual Broadway cast, it is thought to be the first Broadway show to appear at the Palace, Earley said.

The play received critical acclaim and lead actress Mary Bridget Davies was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Janis Joplin.

Space Oddity — The Ultimate David Bowie Experience is scheduled for Sept. 14; the show features David Brighton, who was a friend of Bowie while the singer was alive.

Shining Star — A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire will play Oct.

12, with Hollywood Swinging - The Ultimate Tribute to Kool & the Gang.

Space Oddity and Shining Star have performed during the summertime Rockin’ on the River schedules.

But for the concerts later this year, the timing is deliberate, Earley said.

The season will be finished for Rockin’ on the River’s outdoor performances at Black River Landing, Earley said.

But he and his wife, Sandy, who also works with the concerts, want to stay in Lorain.

“The big thing for us, and this is the truth, with all the stuff that’s going on, when summer is over, we’re sort of done; I want to be part of it more,” Earley said. “We approached the Palace, the board. We worked out a fair deal for both of us.”

Casinos and other musical venues are hiring tribute bands, which has affected the market and pricing for quality acts, he said.

In Lorain, Earley said he wants to keep the shows accessible and affordable for people.

“A Night with Janis Joplin” tickets will cost $40 to $60; Space Oddity tickets will range from $20 to $30; and Shining Star tickets are $15 to $30.

“If Lorain supports us the way they’ve supported Rockin’ on the River, there will be much more to come,” he said.

The affiliation between Rockin’ on the River and the Palace has grown in recent months, Pataky said.

“He’s been real friendly to the staff, he’s bringing us some shows, we’re doing some stuff that’s a little bit different than he’s doing with Rockin’ on the River, some Broadway productions, and there’s a lot more to come on the schedule,” Pataky said.

The Palace Theater is booking shows now into 2020 and will continue to offer stage time for youth theater and local companies, along with traveling, regional and national acts that come through Lorain, he said.

The Palace is benefiting from recent revitalization of the city, Pataky said.

“We’ve been fortunate,” Pataky said. “The place is busier than it’s been in 50 years, and I’m proud to be involved with it.”

The affiliation between Rockin’ on the River and the Palace has grown in recent months, Pataky said.