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Dylan Performance Cements Covelli Centre's Status
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – If there was any question as to the Covelli Centre's ability to draw some of the most influential acts in the history of popular music to this city, it was answered Monday.
"Last week we got the call," said Eric Ryan, executive director of the arena, referring to yesterday's announcement that music icon Bob Dylan would play the Covelli Centre Aug. 28. "There were some final negotiations and we got it done."
Dylan's decision to play Youngstown on a short, 14-city tour of North America this summer speaks volumes of the Covelli Centre's status as a top-notch venue where performers of Dylan's caliber want to play, Ryan said.
"People want to play places that sell tickets," he noted. "And, we sell tickets."
Ryan said that he met with Dylan's agent in February while attending a conference in Los Angeles. "I had the opportunity to talk to him," he said, and then pitched the attributes of the Covelli Centre and all that it's accomplished since Ryan's company, JAC Management, took over operations nearly five years ago.
"That's the best thing you can do -- to tell your story," Ryan said. "This was something we've been working on for awhile."
Tickets for the show go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
Dylan's appearance in Youngstown demonstrates that other big-name artists that have stopped to play Covelli – namely, Elton John – were no flukes, Ryan said.
Ryan reported that the Covelli Centre is on track to record its best year ever. The first quarter numbers were strong, he said, and the second-quarter revenues should also be very good.
What's even more heartening is that the Dylan show is scheduled at a time when indoor venues such as the Covelli Centre draw in the least amount of business.
In addition to Dylan, the Covelli Centre is hosting its "Tangled Up in Bluesfest" this summer featuring George Thurogood and the Destroyers.
"It's really exciting for us, especially in the summertime," he said, noting that for the Covelli Centre to land an indoor show in August when most acts are gravitating to outdoor venues is a major accomplishment. Plus, the competition for these artists is intense, and there are two very popular outdoor amphitheaters within a 90-minute drive from the Mahoning Valley.
"We don't take it for granted," Ryan said. "There are arenas in tons of cities vying for shows. You might get 10 tours out there that are doing 30 dates and there are so many arenas that want those dates."
Another factor that worked in favor of the Covelli Centre is that Dylan has a reputation for playing smaller concert halls. In 1992, the singer/songwriter performed at Youngstown's Stambaugh Auditorium. "He played here some 20 years ago, so I don't know if that really had any weight since he's never played the arena before."
Dylan's Youngstown date is part of the music legend's "Never Ending Tour," so dubbed because he has played live just about every year since 1992. Dylan recently wrapped up legs in South America and Central America and is now touring Europe. He is slated to kick off his North American tour in Canada August 10 in Alberta.
According to his website, bobdylan.com, Dylan's first U.S. date is Aug. 14 in Missoula, Mont., and has also scheduled performances in Fargo, N.D., Sioux Falls, S.D., Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Johnstown, Pa.
"Dylan is one of those who will play a smaller arena, and that's good for us," Ryan said.
Dylan burst upon the folk music scene in 1962 with the release of his self-titled first album. Since then, he's embarked on a musical odyssey that's transcended 50 years and along the way incorporated blues, country and western, rock, folk and other genres into a portfolio that includes more than 600 songs and 11 Grammy awards.
His 1965 masterpiece "Like a Rolling Stone" was voted the best rock n' roll song of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine three years ago, and his music, lyrics and style inspired artists such as The Beatles to stretch their songwriting talents to new heights.
And, in May, President Barack Obama conferred the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the songwriter.
"The response has been really overwhelming," Ryan said of the Dylan show. "We've got a ton of emails and phone calls," adding that the Cleveland and Pittsburgh markets took notice almost immediately after the announcement.
"Even the media there is picking it up," he said. "It's always good when you get the buzz going."