Big name bands expected to rock the river front

NORTH TONAWANDA - A great venue for its mass amount of green space and river front view, Gratwick Park was chosen as the location to host one of North Tonawanda’s most exciting events - Cornerstone’s Niagara River Rocks Concert Series.

From 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 15 concert-goers are invited to attend the show with the band, Buckcherry, headlining the evening.

North Tonawanda officials are pleased to host such a large concert, which is sponsored is part by The City of North Tonawanda and Mayor Rob Ortt, Heinrich Chevrolet, 103.3 The Edge, Wattengel Funeral Home, MainStreetHost.com, Collins Marine, Able Agency Auto-Cycle Insurance, Labatt and mostly Cornerstone Federal Credit Union.

Local bands Klear and the Jer Hoyle Band will kick off the event followed by Fuel, which will set the tone for Buckcherry’s headlining act.

Buckcherry, known for popular songs “Sorry” and “Everything,” which were hits on the 2006 album, titled ‘15,’ was formed in 1995. The band puts on a great rock concert. Paired with Fuel, well known for songs “Shimmer” and “Hemorrhage,” the concert should bring a large crowd to Gratwick Park and be an eventful evening for residents.

“We are expecting thousands of people,” said Kathy Paradowski, concert promoter. “We hope this goes well and we can work on doing this again in the future.”

The free concert will be staffed with adequate security and on-site parking will be available for $5.

Paradowski noted bringing Buckcherry to North Tonawanda will hopefully draw a crowd of young people to the park. They have hosted concerts for a variety of different bands, including Charlie Daniels, and chose to focus on a different genre of music this time.

“We wanted to stick with the music you hear on 103.3 The Edge,” said Paradowski.

Residents are welcome to bring the friends and families; however it has been requested that concert-goers leave items such as backpacks, coolers, chairs, blankets and pets at home.

Food and beverage vendors will be at the event and residents are encouraged to support the vendors in order to keep the concerts free in the future.

For those individuals who wish to enjoy the concert with the VIP treatment, visit niagarariverrocks.com to purchase VIP passes.

The evening event is expected to add the finishing touches to the closing of the first day of the 30th anniversary of Canal Fest in the Twin Cities.’