Uncertainty surrounds Cosby show

The protests over Bill Cosby are not going away.

The comedy legend — who resumed his tour in Ontario last week — is facing sexual-assault allegations from more than 15 women, with some claims dating back decades. He has denied the allegations through his lawyer.

Although the Canadian shows took place, theater officials in Worcester, Mass., this week canceled the Feb. 6 concert in that city, succumbing to public pressure.

And on Tuesday, Ticketmaster announced it will give refunds for the two shows scheduled in Denver this weekend. Both shows will still go on as planned, but protests are planned. Chuck Morris, president of AEG Live, the promotion company hosting Cosby, told a Denver TV station that he understands the concerns some have regarding Cosby’s visit. But he added that because the comedian hasn’t been charged with a crime, he has a moral obligation to allow the shows to happen.

There are still more than 20 performances left on Cosby’s tour, including a March 13 show at Packard Music Hall in Warren, which is still a go.

It’s a touchy situation for Eric Ryan, the chief of JAC Management, which operates Packard.

Ryan, who was tight-lipped on the matter this week, is going to hang fire until he knows more.

“We have been closely following the situation and have been in constant communication with the promoter,” he said, declining to comment further.

SOME FOLKS WERE SEEING RED ON THE WAY TO BLUE MAN GROUP

About a quarter-century in, Blue Man Group has become an entertainment icon, with permanent shows in theaters in a handful of U.S. cities and a touring production that came to Warren this week.

The oddball comedy-percussion act played to sold-out houses Tuesday and Wednesday night at Packard Music Hall. About 1,900 folks packed the Pack each night, said Jim Bugos, manager of the facility.

The start of Tuesday’s show was delayed by 25 minutes due to a parking problem caused by snow. As usual, cars were sent through the winding lanes of adjacent Packard Park after the front lot was filled. But the park was covered with snow, which eliminated at least 200 parking spots. That meant that frustrated folks had to drive — crawled is a more accurate word — right back onto Mahoning Avenue, where traffic cops sent them down side streets to find parking spaces.

Bugos addressed the problem first thing Wednesday morning, working with the city to provide free additional parking at the downtown deck.

VIKING FESTIVAL WILL RAGE AT RUST BELT TAP HOUSE

I know you’ve been scratching your beard and wondering why Icelandic Viking culture doesn’t have its own mid- winter holiday in Youngstown.

Well, scratch no more.

Rust Belt Tap House will present its inaugural Thorrablot Festival on Friday. It begins at noon and runs until closing. Rust Belt is at 112 W. Commerce St., downtown.

The festival started with a conversation the folks at Rust Belt were having about whether there was a Viking holiday. Research proved that there was — Thorrablot, an old Icelandic festival that was resurrected in the 19th century and continues to this day. Icelanders gather in the middle of every winter to celebrate their heritage. It’s believed the fest began as a way to honor Thor, the Norse god of thunder.

Rust Belt’s Thorrablot will adhere to the traditions of eating, singing, dancing and storytelling (but no pillaging), said Jeff Brayn, manager of the establishment. There also will be Best Beard and Best Viking Costume contests.

Representatives from the Viking Historical Society (I didn’t know there was one, either) will be on hand.

Because no self-respecting Viking bash is complete without mead, Brothers Drake Meadery of Columbus will send representatives who will answer questions about the go-to brew of the Vikings, and offer samplings of their beverages.

The band Twelve Gauge Justice will take the stage at 9 p.m.

Admission to the festival is free. Rust Belt is also offering a roasted lamb and turkey leg dinner at 6 p.m. for $18, which includes a logo pint glass. For reservations, call 234-855-0609.

STRANGE FAMILIAR with strings

The Strange Familiar, the Akron-based pop band that includes Nick Sainato of Youngstown on drums, will give a special concert Jan. 24 at Akron Civic Theater (Ticketmaster).

The melodic act will be backed by a string quartet and will perform songs from its new album, “The Day the Light Went Out,” as well as fan favorites from past efforts. The act is led by the husband-wife duo of Jeff Andrea and Kira Leyden.

POOBAH IS BACK WITH NEW ALBUM

Psychedelic rockers Poobah return to the area Saturday for a show at Los Gallos, 685 Boardman-Canfield Road (U.S. route 224) in Boardman at 8 p.m.

The West Virginia-based band led by Jim Gustafson recently released its 13th album, “Cosmic Rock,” which is available at all online music retailers. Vinyl copies of the new record, as well as CDs of all 13 Poobah albums, will be sold at Saturday’s show.