Covelli takes it outdoors for three-concert series

Youngstowners like to grab as much outdoor fun as possible in the summer.

We’re almost neurotic about not wasting a nice day — because we know another long and miserable winter is getting closer.

Covelli Centre knows it, too. To that end, the arena will break its annual summer slowdown with a series of outdoor concerts in its parking lot.

The three shows — which represent a variety of genres — will be squeezed into a five-day span.

Eric Ryan, executive director of Covelli Centre, sized up the situation.

“Traditionally, indoor arenas do not produce outdoor events,” he said. “However, Youngstown is unique in its demand for outdoor entertainment. Events such as Party on the Plaza, Vexfest and Rock the Block have proven to be very successful. We are excited to be able to offer a different caliber of entertainment for our patrons.”

First up are rockers Saving Abel on Aug.10. Also on the bill is promising Nashville band American Bang (“Wild and Young”), along with Taddy Porter and Sugar Red Drive.

Next is Rick Springfield (“Jesse’s Girl” and a bunch of other songs you’ve heard somewhere before), on Aug. 13. Springfield’s heyday as a pop star (and soap opera actor) was in the early ’80s, but he must have retained a solid core of fans. His show includes premium-priced Gold Circle tickets for those who want to be closest to their heartthrob.

The third concert might be the coolest one. Rising hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa will headline a show that also includes Supa Blanco and Dorrough on Aug. 14. Wiz is the first rapper to break out of Pittsburgh.

Tickets for all Covelli shows can be purchased through Ticketmaster outlets and the Covelli Centre box office. Go to Covellicentre.com for ticket info.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY, B.o.B. ON THE HORIZON

Other shows coming to Covelli (indoors) include Christian acts Max Lucado, Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith and Third Day on Sept. 30; and country stars Montgomery Gentry on Sept. 18.

Covelli hasn’t had many country concerts, which is something they are trying to change, said Ken Bigley, assistant director of the arena.

Also, red-hot hip-hopper B.o.B. (“Nothin On You,” “Airplanes”) will come to Club Gossip Aug. 11, in a show that was originally scheduled for June 17.

The promoter is Michael Krieger, co-founder of national hip-hop website Higher Plane (thehigherplane.net) and a 2002 Boardman High School graduate.

KING COOL REACHES FOR THE HIGH NOTES

Donnie Iris is over 60, but he still comes close to hitting those near-falsetto screams that are his trademark.

Iris and the Cruisers gave a concert at Club Gossip last Thursday to mark the official roll-out of his new beer, King Cool Light, in the Youngstown market. Iris’ voice, perhaps aided by a King Cool, was about 80 percent of what it once was on the all-important wails at the end of “Ah, Leah” and “That’s the Way Love Ought to Be.”

BLUE STREAK PROJECT IS PICKING UP SPEED

A few weeks ago, I mentioned in this space that a project to renovate the Blue Streak roller coaster at Conneaut Lake Park is in an online contest to win $50,000.

Since then, the Blue Streak has roared into 19th place (out of more than 300). But that’s not good enough. It has to finish in the top 10 to get the money.

Voting is online, and it costs nothing. Go to refresheverything.com. Click on the $50,000 button. Find the Blue Streak project and vote for it (you will first have to sign up to be eligible). The contest ends July 31.

In other Conneaut news, the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pa., is seeking memorabilia from the amusement park, which it will display. An open house is planned for Aug. 7.

To loan souvenirs, memorabilia and photographs of CLP, contact George Nowack at 814-373-3022 (e-mail: gnowack@windstream.net). All items will be returned and will be insured.