ROCK MUSIC Cherry Monroe proves its appeal

About 1,600 fans turned out for a show in the Mahoning Valley.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
Not a bad week for Cherry Monroe.
The band's debut album, "The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful," went on sale Sept. 13. Ken Cooper of Universal/Rust Records was expecting sales of at least 5,000 units for the first seven-day period.
The hometown rockers also got plenty of love from Mahoning Valley fans over the weekend.
McMenamy's in Niles proved to be a more-than-adequate replacement venue for the band's Youngstown CD release party, which was Saturday. About 1,600 turned out for the concert, which was originally booked at B & amp;B Backstage but was moved because of B & amp;B's financial troubles.
Threatening skies gave way to a warm, clear evening, and a full moon hung in the sky. Of course, to Cherry Monroe's loyal fans -- a majority of whom are teenage girls -- it wouldn't have mattered if it had snowed.
Jumping on a radio promotion, many sported cherry-red lipstick "kiss" temporary tattoos on their cheeks and got to meet the band before the show.
Lovefest
Saturday's show started as a rock festival -- four other bands were on hand -- and ended as a lovefest, as Cherry Monroe brought the promotion-winning girls on stage to sing backup vocals on the encore, "Satellites."
"It's good to be here," lead singer Matt Toka, a Youngstown native and Ursuline High School graduate, told the crowd, who made it clear the feeling was mutual.
Sincerity
For a high-gloss band with rock-star swagger to spare, the members certainly were sincere. Toka and drummer Jason Levis even helped man the merchandise tables after the show.
The band will make two more area appearances in the near future. It'll be at Mr. Small's in Pittsburgh on Friday; and The Odeon in Cleveland on Oct. 30.
On Tuesday, they'll perform as part of a special program for students at Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, Pa. -- Levis' alma mater. Opening the program will be teen psychologist Dr. Jill Murray, who will speak on issues that affect all teenagers.