At this concert, audience will pick song list

A Youngstown company’s
technology will add to the
Donnie Iris concert experience.

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — What’ll it be? “Love Is Like a Rock” or “Ah, Leah”?

Fans who attend tonight’s Donnie Iris and the Cruisers concert at B&O Station will get to decide the songs that will be played by using radio-frequency response cards. The hand-held electronic devices will provide real-time interaction between the band and the fans.

The use of the high-tech gadgets is believed to be a first for a rock concert, according to the company that makes them, Turning Technologies of Youngstown.

Before Iris takes the stage, the response cards will be handed out to the fans, said Laura Fusselman, director of customer service for Turning.

The band will offer choices, and the song that gets the most votes will be played next. Iris and Co. will also send trivia questions to the crowd, with the winners receiving prizes, Fusselman said.

At the end of the show, fans will return the devices before leaving. About 1,000 response cards will be brought to the show.

Turning approached Iris at least a month ago with the idea. “He was excited about it,” Fusselman said.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22; for more information or to purchase, go to banquetatthebno.com and click on “concert series.”

Turning Technologies, based in the Youngstown Incubator, makes interactive audience response technology.