DINNER-DANCE Sounds of Idora Park to be played

BOARDMAN -- Ron Chick's Friends will hold a Valentine's dinner-dance on Feb. 12 at the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn, U.S. Route 224 at South Avenue.
Chick's big band orchestra will play the sounds of Idora Park, the beloved South Side Youngstown amusement park that closed decades ago.
"Idora Park had one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the country," said Chick. "We'll be playing the actual music from the bands that played at that ballroom."
Some of those big bands include those led by Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and Count Basie and singers Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.
Chick acknowledged that Sinatra never played Idora's ballroom, but added, "he did perform in downtown Youngstown."
What sets this event apart from the last few concerts by Ron Chick's Friends is that it includes dancing.
"The comments we've been hearing from people after our shows is they love the music but want to dance," said Chick. "Our past shows were held in auditoriums where you have to sit, but there will be a large dance floor at this one."
Vocalists for the dinner-dance will be Rachelle Joy, Bill Cessna and Frank Castalano.
Tickets are $33 for dinner and the concert, and $20 for the concert only. Call (330) 788-0494 for reservations. All major credit cards are accepted.
Doors open at 3:30 p.m. with a buffet style dinner served at 4:15 p.m. For those attending the concert only, doors open at 5:30 p.m. The concert and dancing starts at 6 p.m.