Rock fest at Royal Oaks features 10 bands

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Ten local and regional rock bands – including the Jellybricks, the Cheats and Turbo Lovers – will team up for It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll, an all-day rock festival Saturday in the street alongside the Royal Oaks bar, 924 Oak St.

The event takes place from 3 to 11 p.m. Admission is free, but patrons are asked to donate $5 for a wrist band that will allow the purchase of food and drinks.

It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll will have a familiar flavor to local fans.

“It’s a great group of rock bands who all have some sort of connection to Youngstown or the Royal Oaks,” said festival booker B.J. Lisko.

“The idea was to do a simple, fun rock show for a good cause, and we’re very fortunate to have some of the best bands in the area participating.”

The bill includes the Jellybricks (Harrisburg, Pa.), the Cheats (Pittsburgh), Turbo Lovers (Youngstown), the 8 Balls (Youngstown), Album (Rogers), Wild Wings (Youngstown), Idle Shades (Youngstown), Volcano Dogs (Pittsburgh), Radd (Youngstown) and Harnessing the Sun (Youngstown).

It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll is the first of two outdoor benefit rock festivals taking place at the Royal Oaks the summer. The second, the ninth annual Pabstolutely, takes place Aug. 13.

“Pabstolutely is such a successful event, but because of its popularity and the limited availability of slots to play, many local and regional bands aren’t able to participate,” Lisko said.

“[It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll] is a great way to accommodate more artists with the focus being on popular musicians that often play either Youngstown or the Royal Oaks at other times throughout the year.”

Sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Company and the Royal Oaks, the It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll festival will benefit the Rich Center for Autism.

Set times are as follows:

3-3:30 p.m.: Harnessing the Sun

3:45-4:20 p.m.: Radd

4:35-5:10 p.m.: Volcano Dogs

5:25-6 p.m.: Idle Shades

6:15-6:50 p.m.: Wild Wings

7:05-7:40 p.m.: ALBUM

7:55-8:30 p.m.: The 8 Balls

8:45-9:20 p.m.: Turbo Lovers

9:35-10:10 p.m.: The Cheats

10:25-11 p.m.: The Jellybricks