|
Published: August 15, 2008 10:50 pm
CONCERTS: REO Speedwagon draws thousands to Ulrich City Centre
By April Amadon E-mail April
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
A crowd of thousands filled the Ulrich City Centre on Friday to welcome classic rockers REO Speedwagon to Lockport.
The band — known for hits like “Keep on Lovin’ You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take it on the Run” and “Time for me to Fly” — rocked the city in the second-to-last event of the Molson Canal Concert Series.
The festivities started long before showtime, with the band arriving in a large tour bus and riding around the city in limousines.
Mayor Michael Tucker said he was backstage before the show when he heard REO Speedwagon’s lead singer, Kevin Cronin, was interested in learning more about Lockport.
“He said he wanted to know where the locks are,” Tucker said. “He was very interested in the canal. ... I took him on a tour.”
Tucker and Cronin took a walk down to the locks.
The singer asked a lot of questions and was interested in the old buildings downtown, like the Old Post Office and the Old City Hall, Tucker said.
Some people recognized Cronin, and he gladly took pictures with fans.
“It’s fantastic,” Tucker said, watching the crowd.
The crowd began to fill the Ulrich City Centre long before REO Speedwagon took the stage.
Opening acts — The Common Kings and Tres Bien! — drew generous applause and cheers throughout the evening.
In the minutes before REO Speedwagon took the state, the crowd began to chant: “REO! REO!”
Mike Rutkowski and his brother, Rick Rutkowski, came to the show from Orleans County.
“It’s good old music,” Mike said.
“We enjoy these kind of bands,” Rick said. “They bring back the old music ... music you always like.”
The crowd sang in unison with Cronin, cheering loudly as each song finished.
Jeff Fire, of Wilson, came to the show wearing an REO Speedwagon T-shirt. He said he’s seen them in concert at least four times before Friday.
“Kevin Cronin, he’s an unbelievable singer,” Fire said. “I’m really excited.”
Fire said he’s come to several of the Molson Canal Concert Series shows, and he’s glad they moved to Lockport.
“I was a little skeptical at first, but now I got here, it’s awesome,” he said. “The sound is excellent.”
The Aug. 21 show, the last in the series, will feature Jeff Martin and openers Johnny Nobody and Mother Red.
Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.
|
|
|
|
 |
Facilities Director
Facilities Director Strategically manage commercial and residential portfolios onsite in US and Canada. Exe...>MORE
Cook Manager
COOK /Manager full time exp. req. Call for appt. 297-2500 ask for general manager. ...>MORE
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant for busy dermatology office. Resume to PO Box 61, E. Amherst, NY 14051...>MORE
Customer Service
Customer Service CARPET CLEANING $400-$600/week Our customers have cleaning fever. Openings for men & wom...>MORE
INSURANCE - CSR with Personal Lines exp., for Lockport area. $25,000 salary. 433-7504...>MORE
Instructors
Join Our Team! Would you like to work on a top performing team who is ranked 17th in the nation and have the opport...>MORE
Substitute School Nurse
SUBSTITUTE SCHOOL Nurse, Lockport City School District, Up to $20/hr. 478-4820 ...>MORE
Nurses
NURSES
RN - LPN
Join our progressive health care team
FT-PT - Per Diem ...>MORE
Certified Pharmacy Tech's & Certified Medication Tech's
Certified Pharmacy Tech’s & Certified Medication Tech’s Competitive wages. Call Lisa McKensie Ransomville Manor 79...>MORE
Assistant Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Alumni Relations (ft) sought by the Alumni Relations Department of Niagara University, a private...>MORE
See all ads |
Chevy 2003 Impala
CHEVY 2003 Impala 25,600 miles, loaded Exc. Cond. $10,000/bo 297-2199...>MORE
VW 2001 Beetle
VW 2001 Beetle, loaded, GLX turbo, exc. cond, all service records, fun to drive, blue bk $5600, take best offer, 990-06...>MORE
Chevy 2007 Impala LT
CHEVY 2007 Impala LT 25,800 mi, ext. warranty Exc. Cond, $16,500 297-2199...>MORE
Mercury 1999 Grand Marquis
Mercury ‘99 Grand Marquis 4 dr, leather, all options, 49k org mi., showroom cond. $6000. 860-2854, ...>MORE
Mazda 1995 Millenia
Mazda 1995 Millenia loaded, leather, only 26k mi. exc. cond. $2995. Best Offer 531-3548, 297-1526...>MORE
Dodge 2001 Neon
Dodge 2001 Neon 4 dr, auto, a/c, new tires, c/d no rust, inspected, $3900. white 860-2854...>MORE
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria
Ford 1995 Crown Victoria 4 dr, loaded, new tires must see & drive $3500. red. 860-2854...>MORE
Buick 2005 Lesabre
BUICK 2005 Lesabre Custom, excellent condition, fully loaded, $6700 or best offer, 754-4540...>MORE
See all ads |
|
See all ads |
|
 |
|