Music kicks off summer schedule

By Jon Moffett

The music event kicked off the city’s downtown summer festival series.

Nationally acclaimed bands and local music acts transformed downtown Youngstown into an outdoor music festival Saturday.

People of all ages planned their evening around “Rock the Block,” the unofficial kickoff to the city’s downtown schedule. They filed onto Federal Street between Phelps Street and Wick Avenue to hear acts perform on the outdoor stage.

“It’s a good way to get out of the house with my kids and listen to some music while supporting the local people,” said Joe Valentino, 46, of Campbell.

Valentino brought his two sons, Tyler, 13, and Joe Jr., who was celebrating his 17th birthday. Valentino said the event was a great way to spend time together in a fun atmosphere downtown.

“There’s still life down here, and there are still things to do locally, and it’s good to stay local,” he said.

The show featured four nationally acclaimed bands. The acts, Burn Halo, Since October, The Veer Union and headliner Halestorm, have all had a single on the Billboard charts this spring. Several local acts also performed, both on the main stage and inside Barley’s bar.

Melissa Carney, 17, of Youngstown attended to see local band Asleep. Guitarist Jon Dean is Carney’s guitar teacher at New York Music in Boardman.

Carney said events such as “Rock the Block” bring people downtown to have a good time and enjoy good music from a variety of artists.

“These kind of events are closer and they’re outside, so they’re fun to go to,” Carney said.

Also at the show with Carney were Cassie George, 17, and her niece, Sadie Pasquale, 14, both of Youngstown. The pair said they’ve been to many concerts and attend as many downtown events as possible. George said the music festivals and events prove downtown is still alive with culture.

“It shows that there are still places we can all go and hang out and have a good time,” she said.

Rock the Block and similar events also boost the local economy. A modest $5 entrance fee greeted patrons at the gates, and numerous vendors sold food, beer and band merchandise.

Dan Sweeney, owner of Barley’s, said events such as “Rock the Block” help generate profits for local business by bringing in new customers.

“I have people walk in here and ask me where the bathroom is,” Sweeney said. “That means they’ve never been here before. Hopefully they come back.”

Sweeney used the music festival as the perfect opportunity to introduce a new eatery within the bar. He, along with partner Carmelo Morales, had the grand opening of Papa’s. Morales said the eatery specializes in “New York-style pizza and authentic Puerto Rican food,” as well as other favorites, including chicken wings and pepperoni rolls.

Valentino agreed with Sweeney, saying the events, especially one with national acts, bring more positive attention to downtown, which in turn will “keep more people coming to the city.”

Sweeney said increased foot traffic downtown will help the city’s reputation and image.

“My parents won’t go downtown because they think it’s not safe,” he said. “But it is safe. It’s probably safer than some of the suburbs. There is so much to do in this downtown entertainment district.”

Carney, George and Pasquale agreed and said they felt safe in the downtown environment.

“Events like this show there are still safe places in the city,” Carney said.

jmoffett@vindy.com

Rock the Block | Outdoor music festival

The concert took place on Federal Street between Phelps Street and Wick Avenue and featured nationally acclaimed bands as well as local talent on an outdoor stage.

National acts: Burn Halo, Halestorm, Since October and The Veer Union

Local performers (main stage): 5 Elements, Asleep, Haven and Wake the Lion

Local performers (inside Barley’s): Acoustic Juggernaut, Denny London, Donovan Rice, Subourbon Son and Triple Threat