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Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

Pop rock band Train headlines in Darien Center

By Steve Ognibene

A midweek show brought music lovers of all ages to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center to hear platinum album artist Train played in front of a lighter crowd of more than 6,000 fans. The band made a few stops of their Northeast tour, including this past Sunday in Saratoga Springs, last night in Darien Center and Toronto, Ontario, Canada tomorrow evening. The roadshow kicks off their “Play that Song Tour 2017.”

The two-time Grammy award-winners won the crowds over on a cooler night in Darien Center.

Some of Train’s top hits included "Drops of Jupiter," "50 Ways to say Goodbye," "Hey Soul Sister," "Drink up," "Marry Me" and "Play that Song." Lead singer (pictured above) Patrick Monahan kept the crowd singing, dancing and also even borrowing cell phones to take selfies with the owners from the stage to pit distance, which many enjoyed.

O.A.R. and Natasha Bedingfield opened for the platinum recording artist. Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide since their debut in the music industry in 1998.

Some members of O.A.R. pictured below:

Five arrests reported at Georgia Line concert on Friday

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

A 17-year-old, of Seeley Road, Williamson, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Tyler D. Pemberthy, 22, of Lillybrook Court, East Amherst, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

A 16-year-old, of York Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Brandon M. Erskine, 24, of State Route 21, Hornell, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in a fight while exiting the concert.

Jaymi R. Seitz, 26 of Whitney Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly using a key to scratch another person’s vehicle.

Two arrests at Jason Aldean concert on Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Brandon Guevara, 27, of Montana Lane, Clifton Springs, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after allegedly causing a disturbance at the concert venue, striking a Live Nation security officer and then resisting arrest. Guevara was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

James M Craft II, 42, of Baxter Avenue, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing and shoving a Darien Lake security officer in the venue parking lot.

Man who climbed on roof of concert venue among 18 arrested at Chance the Rapper concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Chance the Rapper concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Brandon T. Sanzo, 20, of Favara Circle, East Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing on top of a concert venue building.

(Name redacted), 16, of Harwood Avenue, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted), 16, of Chatham Woods, Pittsford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Adam N. Dudek, 18, of Helmsford Way, Penfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Daniel V. Avetisyan, 19, of Simone Terrace, Webster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Sophia I. Ricco, 20, of Westminster Circle, New Hartford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

David M. Koeppel, 21, of Flohr Avenue, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Drake A. Franciosa, 19, of Cooper Street, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Johnathan R. Kyte, 19, of Spencer Road, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joseph R. P. Aronson, 32, of Starboard Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted), 18, of East Park Road, Pittsford, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return, and being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(Name redacted), 17, of Hollingson Road, Clarence, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly being found inside the backstage area of the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then provided another person’s identity.

(Name redacted), 17, of Heise Road, Clarence, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal Impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly being found inside the backstage area of the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then provided another person’s identity.

Kevin M. OBrien, 20, of Valais Court, Fairport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping over a fence to enter the concert venue.

Anthony T. Sanzo, 22, of Lauren Court, Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd (two counts), after allegedly being found inside the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return, and he also allegedly punched and kicked two Live Nation employees.

(Name redacted), 19, of Pinegrove Avenue, Irondequoit, is charged with grand larceny, 4th, criminal mischief, 4th, and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly stealing a wallet and damaging another person’s property after elbowing them in the face.

Robert M. Helbringer, 18, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Maria M. Mankowski, 19, of Sunset Drive, Grand Island, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Law and Order: Concertgoer charged with assault in bottle throwing incident

By Howard B. Owens

Roberto James Echevarria, 19, of Laurelwood Drive, Rochester, is charged with assault, 3rd. Echevarria is accused of recklessly causing injury to another person while after a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. At about 11:10 p.m., Echevarria allegedly threw a glass bottle from a moving vehicle that struck another person, hitting the victim in the face resulting in a cut. Echevarria was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

18 Darien Lake concertgoers have court appearances in their future

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Future concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Jessica Ross, 31, of Jasper Parrish Road, Buffalo, is charged with two counts of trespass, second-degree harassment and resisting arrest after allegedly attempting to entering the concert venue after being ejected twice and told not to return. Ross allegedly punched and kicked deputies while being taken into custody. Ross was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Alex M. Gonzalez, 20, of Premption Road, Geneva, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joshua R. Dauer, 19, of Steven Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(name redacted because of age), 16, of Marvin Hill Road, Springwater, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Noah J. Klumpp, 19, of Buffalo Street, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Jonothan S. Daley, 19, of Miles Allen Boulevard, Elkland, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Rae M. Warner, 19, of Calm Lake Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Roberto J. Echevarria, 19, of Laurel Wood Drive, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault after allegedly throwing a bottle, striking another subject in the face, causing a laceration.

Alexander Labor, 21, of Peach Street, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.

Dewayne E. Johnson, 55, of Westside Drive, Chili, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.

Nathaniel T. Welnhofer, 18, of Colvin Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in public while in the crowd at the concert venue entrance.

Zachary P. Liberatore, 20, of Stonehedge Drive, Orchard Park, is charged with trespass and criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue and then being found inside the concert venue.

(name redacted because of age), 17, of East Ravenside Lane, Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly crawling under a fence to enter the concert venue.

Nadia M Jones, 20, of Magee Avenue, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Andrew JW Delles, 20, of Black Creek Drive, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Jake R Viza, 20, of Webster Road, Webster, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Olivia I. Flink, 19, of Marlbank Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Jennifer M. Abbott, 20, of Bostwick Road, Phelps, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Live Nation ready to open 25th concert season at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Since 1993, Darien Lake Amphitheater has been bringing the biggest stars to Western New York. Over its history, well over 400 concerts have played its stage and in its 25th season, the lineup is proving to be one of its best yet.  The ceremonial season kicks off next Wednesday, May 24th, with Future and special guests Migos, Torey Lanez,  ASAP Ferg and Zoey Dollaz.

Not only does the venue have a great lineup to celebrate its 25th season but LiveNation is also rolling out some upgrades and special offers to make this concert season one to remember.

Great new things to enhance the concert experience at Darien Lake Amphitheater for its 25th season include:

Updated Aesthetics: Darien Lake Amphitheater’s concession stands and plazas are getting a new, updated look in 2017!  The updates include displays for photo opportunities & selfies, plus additional seating within the main plazas. Our concession buildings will receive a façade renovation and new TV displays.

Fans will even be treated to a beautiful starlight display projected under our amphitheater tent.

Free Theme Park Access: As previously announced, in celebration of Darien Lake Amphitheater’s 25th concert season, Live Nation is partnering with Darien Lake Theme Park to offer an amazing deal to concert ticket buyers for this season. Each ticket purchased for a concert at the amphitheater will include complementary same day admission into Darien Lake Theme Park!  The offer will be valid for all tickets purchased for any concert at the amphitheater that occurs during the theme park’s operating schedule.

The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other Darien Lake Theme Park offer and is non-transferrable. Free Theme Park access is only valid the same day as the concert ticket and is only valid on purchased tickets and not valid on complimentary concert tickets. Go to darienlake.com/concerts for full details.

More Concession Locations: Darien Lake Amphitheater will have a wide range of new food and beverage offerings this year. New selections include humanely raised food offerings and handcrafted show specialty cocktails, plus a savory selection of local food trucks including House of Munch, Center Street Smoke House and Buffalo’s Best. We will also feature craft beers on tap! Additionally, we will have more points of sale in our concession plazas and at our lawn points of sale to better serve our guests.

Public WiFi: New during the 2017 season, public WiFi will be available for guests within the venue grounds. WiFi accessibility at the Darien lake Amphitheater has never been available to concertgoers before now. During the 2017 season, guests will be able surf the Internet, access their mobile concert tickets and enjoy their favorite apps like theLive Nation app, all from the comfort of their seat or while exploring the venue grounds. This will become available later this summer.

Preferred Lawn: The Preferred Lawn is back for 2017! Each preferred lawn ticket includes a complimentary lawn chair rental, beverage cart access, as well as Early Entry with a hassle-free quick access into a separate, secured area. 

This summer’s spectacular 25th Season at Darien Lake Amphitheater lineup includes:

  • Future – Wednesday, May 24th
  • Chance The Rapper – Wednesday, May 31st 
  • Jason Aldean -  Saturday, June 3rd 
  • Florida Georgia Line  – Friday, June 16th
  • Train with O.A.R. – Tuesday, June 20th
  • Zac Brown Band  – Sunday, June 25th
  • Third Eye Blind  – Thursday, June 29th
  • Nickelback with Daughtry – Wednesday, July 12th
  • Vans Warped Tour – Thursday, July 13th
  • Chris Stapleton  – Sunday, July 16th
  • Chicago & The Doobie Brothers – Tuesday, July 18th
  • Foreigner with Cheap Trick  – Friday, July 21st
  • Kidz Bop Kids – Saturday, July 22nd
  • OneRepublic – Tuesday, July 25th
  • Brantley Gilbert  – Sunday, July 30th
  • Kings of Leon  – Wednesday, Aug. 2nd
  • Dierks Bentley with Cole Swindell  -- Friday, Aug. 4th
  • Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips – Saturday, Aug. 12th
  • Luke Bryan with Brett Eldredge – Friday, Aug. 25th
  • Green Day – Saturday, Aug. 26th
  • John Mayer – Sunday, Aug. 27th
  • Matchbox Twenty / Counting Crows – Monday, Sept. 11th

Lady Antebellum added to packed lineup of concerts at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The concert lineup for the 2017 season at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center continues to fill out, with a total of 23 shows schedule after the latest addition, Lady Antebellum.

Other shows added over the past few weeks: Goo Goo Dolls, Train, Zac Brown Band, Third Eye Blind, Nickleback, One Republic, Kings of Leon, and John Mayer.

This is the 25th season for Darien Lake PAC and to celebrate, concert tickets are also good for admission to the theme park.

For a complete concert lineup and ticket information, click here.

Darien Lake season tickets holders will have option for concert tickets this season

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, is expanding benefits for season pass holders by increasing its free concert offerings through its partnership with Live Nation.

Season pass holders will have exclusive eligibility for a limited number of free lawn tickets to three Live Nation concerts during the 2017 season, including Third Eye Blind on June 29, OneRepublic on July 25 and Goo Goo Dolls on August 12.

“We are always looking for ways to reward our most loyal guests and increase the experience value,” said General Manager Chris Thorpe.  “What better way to do that than to increase our free concert offerings for season pass holders?”

Season pass holders will present their processed season pass at Darien Lake’s Live Nation Portal located in the park next to the Grizzly Run attraction only on the day of the concert to receive their free lawn ticket. This benefit is first-come, first-served, and only a limited number of tickets will be given out. As these concerts are Live Nation events, all Live Nation restrictions apply.

Paying for itself in just two visits, a Darien Lake 2017 season pass remains the best value available to park guests. In addition to unlimited admission all season long, season pass holders will enjoy a free souvenir mug, free tickets for friends, free parking, free concerts and other benefits if they purchase and process their pass by May 29.

For more information on season passes, concerts or accommodations, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Grammy winner Chance the Rapper added to Darien Lake lineup

By Howard B. Owens

Chance the Rapper, fresh off a Grammy win this week, has been added to the lineup of top stars coming to Darien Lake Performing Arts Center this season.

The show is scheduled for 8 p.m., May 31.

The theme park won't be open on that date, though for all other upcoming dates, Live Nation is celebrating 25 years of bringing music to Darien Lake by partnering with the Theme Park to offer free park admission on concert nights.

Other acts booked for the summer include Zac Brown Band, Third Eye Blind, Nickelback, Chicago and the Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, Kings of Leon, Lady Antebellum, and Green Day.

For more on the concert season, click here.

To celebrate 25th season of concerts at Darien Lake, ticket buyers this year will also get free access to theme park

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

In celebration of Darien Lake Amphitheater’s 25th concert season, Live Nation, the amphitheater operator is partnering with Darien Lake Theme Park to offer an amazing deal to concert ticket buyers for this season. Each ticket purchased for a concert at the amphitheater will include complementary same-day admission into Darien Lake Theme Park. The offer will be valid for all tickets purchased for any concert at the amphitheater that occurs during the theme park’s operating schedule.

The 25th season lineup at Darien Lake Amphitheater is already shaping up to be one for fans of all types of music, including appearances by Luke Bryan, Green Day, Chicago & The Doobie Brothers, Train and many more to be announced in the coming months.

“This historic offer is a great way to honor the long history of the amphitheater, as well as its unique proximity to the theme park. This promotion is a great savings to the concert fan and thrill seeker alike – it truly is the deal of the summer,” said Jim Koplik, Live Nation president of Upstate New York and Connecticut.

In previous years, concertgoers wanting to enjoy a day at the Theme Park would have needed to purchase a combo ticket in advance or at the gate for a cost that has ranged from $9.99 to $19.99 plus fees.

“In celebration of our 25th season of concerts at Darien Lake, we’ve partnered with Live Nation to add some extraordinary value to the experience. Where else can you ride coasters all day and rock out all night with the greatest stars in the music industry?” said Chris Thorpe, general manager of Darien Lake Theme Park.

Green Day, Chicago, Cheap Trick announced for Darien Lake this summer

By Howard B. Owens

It will be the 25th season of concerts at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center this summer and Live Nation has started to release the names of some of the bands scheduled to perform, including Green Day.

As part of the band's Revolution Radio Tour, Green Day will take the stage Aug. 26, a Saturday. Also on the bill, Catfish and the Bottlemen. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Some classic rock bands have also been booked.

Chicago and the Doobie Brothers will be in town July 18. 

Foreigner and Cheap Trick will share top billing July 21, with special guest Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience.

Three arrests made at Jason Aldean concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following arrests were made by the Sheriff's Office during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake on Thursday:

Ashley M. Riber, 23, of Walnut Street, Perry, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Sydney A. Wilson, 18, of Eastham Court, Webster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Steven M. Campbell Jr., 29, of Walnut Street, Perry, is charged with trespass for allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Honeoye Falls woman accused of knocking out another patron at Florida Georgia Line concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Beth A. Kulp, 34, of York Street, Honeoye Falls, is charged with third-degree assault after allegedly punching another patron, knocking that patron unconscious.

(name redacted upon request) , 26, of Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park, is charged with second-degree harassment and resisting arrest after allegedly pushing and kicking a deputy and then resisting arrest. xxxx was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Tyler A. Becker, 18, of Schader Road, Wayland, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting in the concert venue parking lot. Becker was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Mhari F, Fairgrieve, 19, of Highland Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment after allegedly hitting and scratching two Live Nation employees. Fairgrieve was arraigned in Darien Court and released on $250 bail.

Cesare C. Caponcini, 21, of Rykert Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly hitting and scratching a Live Nation employee. Caponcini was arraigned in Darien Court and released on $250 bail.

Briana M. Szczech, 25, of Scenic Circle, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting and biting Live Nation security officers.

Robert J. Turnquist, 26, of Davis Road, Westfalls, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly climbing a fence into the VIP area and refusing to leave.

Samuel J. Eggleston, 20, of Delamater Road, Angola, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief after allegedly punching the rear window out of a car.

David C. Avayou, 51, of Buffalo Street, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Steven J. Nichy, 18, of Jessica Lane, Depew, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly climbing the fence to gain entry to the venue.

Janelle M. Clemmer, 34, of Zimmerman Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jeffrey S. Masters, 55, of Zimmerman Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Chadd T. Lee, 23, of Doran Lane, Lima, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Mariah K. Winsor, 20, of Route 6, Kane, Pa., is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jordan E. Demartino, 19, of Darlington Drive, Derby, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Sarah L. Lenegan, 21, of Lorfield Drive, Snyder, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Ten arrests reported at Blink 182 concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Blink 182 concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Jonathan W. Keough, 30, of La Mesa Lane, San Angelo, Texas, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told numerous times to leave the venue. Keough was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Brandon J. Robinson, 23, of Willow Ridge, Amherst, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment, third-degree criminal trespass, and resisting arrest after allegedly jumping a fence inside the venue and then fighting with security guards. Robinson then allegedly resisted arrest. He was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Nicholas J. Pascucci, 26, of Parmalee Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly biting a Live Nation security guard. Pascucci was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Mark J. Cone, 22, of Anglewood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Jeremy J. Carr, 19, of Vinedale Avenue, Rochester, is charged with two counts of trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return.

Brandon J. Sarget, 28, of Douglas Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Michael J. Rawle, 22, of Appian Drive, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly striking another person.

Allison J. Minnick, 23, of Maple Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly jumping over the exterior fence into the venue after having been ejected earlier.

Rawson J. Duckett, 25, of Marlborough Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Philip J. Williamson, 19, of Seville Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Photos: ZZ Top and Randy Bachman at Darien PAC

By Steve Ognibene

National recording artists and rock band ZZ Top performed last night, headlining three concerts in one week at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. They played many greatest hits off their 15-album career like "Legs," "Rough Boy," "Cheap Sunglasses," "Tush" and "La Grange."

Over 45-plus years of the band's success has also included TV and films early in 1990s as they appeared in the movies "Back to the Future Part III" and "Mother Goose Rock N Rhyme."  Very popular in the 1980s, they won three music video awards for "Legs," "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Rough Boy."

Earlier this month, Gregg Allman cancelled the remainder of his solo and U.S. tour with ZZ Top due to serious health issues, so Randy Bachman and his band opened for ZZ Top. 

The former lead guitarist of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive from the 1960s and '70s played some classics like "No Sugar Tonight," "American Woman," "You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet" and "Takin’ Care of Business."

Also opening was Jonny Two Bags from Social Distortion who performed a 30-minute set.   

Tonight’s concert is pop / punk rock band Blink 182 and Friday’s performance is American bro-country duo Florida Georgia Line, both starting at 7 p.m.

Randy Bachman

Photos: Fifth Harmony, JoJo concert

By Steve Ognibene

American five-piece girl group Fifth Harmony performed last evening at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center with special guests JoJo and Victoria Monet. The five singers who all successfully auditioned as soloists on the second season of "The X Factor USA" in 2012 failed to progress individually in judging competition and decided to form a group together.

The band was formed one month following the second season of "The X Factor USA" and was named "Next Pop Superstar of 2013" by Popdust magazine.  They played hits like "Gonna Get Better," "All In My Head (Flex)," "Worth It" and "Work from Home."

Opening for them was Joanna Noëlle Blagden "JoJo" Levesque and Victoria Monet. Next concert is BRAD PAISLEY: LIFE AMPLIFIED TOUR, Aug. 19th at 7:30 p.m.

JoJo:

Fifteen arrests reported G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the G-Eazy concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Colt D. Agnew, 19 of Potter Hill Road, Cattaraugus, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd and criminal possession of a forged Instrument, 2nd. Agnew allegedly entered Darien Lake after being told to leave and was found in possession of a fraudulent Maryland license. Agnew was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

(name redacted upon request), 20, of Old Goodrich Road, Clarence, is charged with second-degree harassment and resisting arrest. xxx allegedly swung his fist at a deputy and then resisted arrest. xxxx was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

A 17-year-old of Thorn Berry Way, Conyers, Ga., is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating on a vehicle.

Bryce R. Tarbox, 20, of Route 417, Alleghany, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, after allegedly possessing a stolen Live Nation cleaning shirt and entering the concert venue without a ticket.

A 16-year-old of Ridge Meadows Drive, Spencerport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Evan J. Vershay, 21, is charged with forcible touching after allegedly grabbing a female's private parts.

The following subjects were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana:

A 17-year-old of Main Street, Williamsville

Joshua P. Butry, 24, of 81st Street, Niagara Falls

Shane N. Barrett, 25, of Hickory Street, Whitney
Casey R. George, 19, of Hagen Avenue, North Tonawanda
Alexis N. Malta, 18, of Tinker Tavern Road, Webster
Luke G. Simons, 18, of Country Meadow, Hilton
Melanie M. O’Malley, 20, of Foxwood Lane, Williamsville
Andrew J. Stone, 21, of Evans Street, Lockport
Zachary T. Fronckowiak, 18, of Westover Street, Yorkshire

Photos: Heart with special guests ROCKED Darien NY

By Steve Ognibene

Over 40-plus years and millions of albums sold the Wilson sisters -- brunette lead singer Ann and blond lead guitarist Nancy -- didn't miss a beat, as they kept the crowd dancing in the aisles last evening with their band Heart at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.  

Hands waving, cell phones were overheating amongst many followers engaged in some of the band's greatest hits like, "Magic Man," "What about Love," "These Dreams," "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda."

Cheap Trick and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts opened for Heart tonight with some famous songs by each band, "Dream Police," "I Want You to Want Me" from Cheap Trick. Joan Jett played some classics, "Cherry Bomb," "I Love Rock 'n’ Roll," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You."

Next concert is tomorrow night featuring G-Eazy & Logic: The Endless Summer Tour, with guests YG and YO Gotti at 6:30.

Photos: Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan in Concert

By Steve Ognibene

American singer, songwriter, actor, Josh Groban performed last evening at Darien Lake PAC in front of a contemporary, light-spirited crowd of six thousand people. His last appearance was in 2011 in Buffalo. He performed some hits like “You Raise me Up” and from musicals “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” and “Le Temps des Cathedrales.” 

Sarah McLachlan performed two duets with Josh, one being her own “Angel.” She was the lead opener with songs like "Building a Mystery," "I will Remember You" and "Sweet Surrender." Foy Vance opened for Sarah McLachlan.  

Next concert is tonight featuring Heart with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Cheap Trick, 6:30 p.m.

Sarah McLachlan

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