Published: March 25, 2009 11:40 pm      

Classic rock bands draw crowd to arena

Nearly 4,700 music lovers of all ages packed the Cambria County War Memorial Arena on Wednesday night to listen to classic rock bands Styx, REO Speedwagon and Kansas perform.

“It’s awesome,” said Denny Salem, of Davidsville said shortly after the concert started about Kansas’ performance. “They sound great.”

Mark Britton of Johnstown said he’s been waiting a long time for a performance in Johnstown by such famous bands.

“They’re absolutely awesome,” he said about the three bands.

These types of concerts are what Johnstown needs, he said.

Before the concert started, fans talked about why they admire the three bands.

Donna Dietrick, of Patton, said the music of the three bands reminds her of her younger days.

“I just always wanted to see the bands,” she said.

Kim Banfer, of Richland Township, who was at the concert with husband, Franklin, said she enjoys the music of the three bands. She also said Johnstown needs more concerts to entertain residents.

John Krill, of Conemaugh Township, who was at the concert with his friend, Carol MacEwan, Johnstown, said he likes the music of the three bands.

“It’s from our era,” said the 40-year-old.

Eric Shriver, 32, of Davidsville, who was at the concert with his wife, Richelle, said he was counting on a good concert.

“I could not miss it,” he said.

Bruce and Pamela Drenning, of Scalp Level Borough, said they were expecting a great concert.

Jim Lucero, 29, of Windber, took his wife, Leigh, to the concert to have a great time.

“Both of us like their music,” Mr. Lucero said.

Diane Hanik, of Windber, who was at the concert with her husband, Chip, said they like the bands and have seen live performances the three bands before.

Heather Stager, and Courtney Simmons, both 20, and both from Portage, said they like the music of the three bands because they grew up listening to the band’s while their parents played the band’s hits.

Dave and Sherri Fisher, of Hopewell, Bedford County, said they like the music of the three bands.

“We grew up listening to them,” Mrs. Fisher said.

The concert was being held in conjunction with a trade show at the Pasquerilla Conference Center by McAneny Brothers, a wholesale food distributor from Ebensburg.

Jim Vautar, arena manager, said if it wasn’t for McAneny Brothers and the concert’s promoter, such a huge act would not be able to come to Johnstown. McAneny Brothers is able to guarantee it will be a success, he said.

Company President Steve McAneny said they have been holding such concerts the past five years as a way to thank its 300 customers in Western Pennsylvania by treating them to the event.

He said they always invite the community to enjoy the concert also.