Published: March 25, 2008 09:06 am            

Old tunes turn young at annual dance party

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Sure signs of spring are robins, emerging tulips and the annual Oldies Rock & Roll Dance Party.

The 15th edition of this charitable event is scheduled for April 26 at Ace’s, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

The party will feature the dance music of the Johnstown Classic Rockers and CK & the Boomers.

“This is a great time of the year to rock away your winter blues and enjoy a festive tailgate party and dance atmosphere,” said Ron Piljay, vocalist for the Classic Rockers and coordinator of the event.

Doors open at 7 p.m. to give patrons an opportunity to eat, drink and socialize before the dancing begins at 8.

“It’s common for people to start inquiring about the event in January and February,” Piljay said. “People in our community look forward to attending, and unlike other events, we have kept the price of admission at $10.”

Organizers aim to hold down the price because the economy is unpredictable.

“Just look at the price of gasoline and other items,” Piljay said. “We believe that we should hold prices down to give every circle of our society an affordable opportunity to attend.”

Piljay is seeking to attract more than 500 people to the event.

Proceeds benefit radio station WKYE-FM’s “12 Wishes of Christmas” program that benefits the less-fortunate people in our area during Christmas.

Attendees are invited to bring their own snack food if they choose, but items from Ace’s menu will be available at an additional cost.

The Classic Rockers are known for their eclectic mix of oldies and classic rock hits.

CK & the Boomers, which features several former members of Stillwater, a popular band from Ebensburg that disbanded, will provide a program of diverse sounds.

Chuck Bender, a former disc jockey from WCRO-AM who was in the music business for 45 years, will emcee the event.

Jack Michaels, the “Morning Guy” on WKYE-FM, will be on stage to give away some prizes and interact with the audience.

Each band on the bill has a lot to offer the audience, Bender said.

“What is exciting about the Classic Rockers is the fact that they have four talented lead singers who are completely different in their musical style,” he said. “Each singer takes the lead about every 15 minutes, which translates into a remarkable amount of variety.

“There’s no other group like that around here.”

Bender said CK & the Boomers’ appearance at last year’s event was well accepted.

“They do a wide range of oldies from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s,” he said. “Remember, the ’80’s era of music was 20 years ago, which makes those tunes authentic oldies.”

Piljay thinks oldies are new again.

“Oldies are getting older, but they are still a ‘pop’ in our culture,” he said.

Piljay points to the constant exposure of oldies used as background music in commercials and movies.

“Even ‘American Idol’ is featuring songs from the ’50s through the ’80s,” he said.

“Ironically, the oldies dance party draws a segment of young adults who are discovering and loving oldies and classic rock hits.”

Reserved tables are available for 10 for an additional $20 at Ace’s by calling 536-4176.



Rockin’ the night away

What: 15th annual Oldies Rock & Roll Dance Party.

Who: Johnstown Classic Rockers and CK & the Boomers.

When: April 26; doors open at 7 p.m. followed by dancing at 8.

Where: Ace’s, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

Reservations: 536-4176.

Admission: $10 per person; a table of 10 can be reserved for an additional $20. Individual tickets also available at the door.

        

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