Published: May 05, 2009 09:38 am      

Local bands combine for YPA fundraising concert

BY TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Music lovers will want to mark their calendars so they don’t miss the multifaceted sounds of two of the area’s most popular bands during a “Motown, Soul and Rock’n’ Roll Concert.”

The Johnstown Classic Rockers and Flood City Brass will perform at 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Richland Township.

The event is sponsored by the Young Professionals of the Alleghenies (YPA) and radio station Cool 101.7.

YPA has been in existence for about a year, and organizers are looking at this concert as a way to grow membership and use it as a foundation for future concerts.

“If we get a nice turnout, it may lead to this becoming an annual event,” said Jim Bilitski, vice president of YPA and vocalist for Flood City Brass.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to come out and hear two phenomenal local bands and support the YPA.”

YPA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of young professionals in Johnstown and the surrounding areas through social, business networking and community service activities.

“We have been aiming to recruit people ages 21 to 45, but we are contemplating opening the organization to everyone in some fashion,” Bilitski said.

Zak McDowell, disc jockey for Cool 101.7, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The eight members of Flood City Brass will play such classics as “You Make Me So Very Happy,”‘ by Blood, Sweat and Tears; “Vehicle,” by The Ides of March; and “Dance to the Music,” by Sly and the Family Stone.

“As a member of Flood City Brass, I know firsthand that each band has a loyal following,” Bilitski said. “Just by looking at each band’s name tells people we are rooted in the community and strive to make this a better place to live.”

The Classic Rockers use four lead vocalists as front people, with each one delivering a matchless style and stage presence.

“It keeps the audience guessing as to who will be singing what next,” said Ron Piljay, a vocalist for the group. “The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center is an absolutely fantastic place to showcase a journey of Motown, soul and rock ’n’ roll music.”

Given the Classic Rockers’ range of musical sounds, the audience can expect clothing changes to reflect the past.

“The performance includes a rock presentation of Alice Cooper with makeup and costume, a 1960s presentation of Janis Joplin’s ‘Bobby McGee,’ a little of Elvis, a disco hit and our usual eclectic mix of rock ’n’ roll hits,” Piljay said.

The organization and the bands are relishing a good turnout.

“There are 1,000 seats at Pasquerilla and we’re hoping to fill them,” Bilitski said.

Piljay said the audience is in for a surprise ending.

“Both bands will join on stage to perform a finale of a highly recognizable rock hit,” he said.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the arts center box office or by calling 269-7200. There is a $2 per order handling fee.

Proceeds benefit the YPA general operating fund.

Bilitski is inviting concertgoers to a post-performance gathering at Nyko’s Restaurant, 935 Scalp Ave. in Richland Township, to unwind and learn more about YPA.



On stage

What: Motown, Soul and Rock ’n’ Roll Concert.

Where: Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Richland Township.

When: 7:30 p.m. May 16.

Tickets: Arts center box office or call 269-7200.

Cost: $10. $2 per order handling fee.