The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is proud to commend JAC Management Group for delivering a remarkable and impactful opening weekend at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, setting a high bar for the 2025 summer season.
With an estimated 10,000 attendees across three nights, JAC not only brought world-class entertainment to downtown Youngstown but also created meaningful economic activity and energy throughout the city.
“JAC continues to play a pivotal role in the revitalization of our urban core,” said Guy Coviello, president & CEO of the Regional Chamber. “Their commitment to quality programming and community engagement is helping transform downtown into a thriving cultural and economic destination andaligns perfectly with the Chamber's effort to increase foot traffic for downtown businesses and make the area more attractive for residential growth.”
The weekend launched Thursday night with country sensation Riley Green, with guests Ella Langley, Vincent Mason and Wyatt McCubbin. The show not only set an attendance record but also energized a youthful and enthusiastic crowd.
On Saturday, the amphitheater played host to a powerful benefit concert—Rock the Rich Center—headlined by hometown favorites The Vindys and legendary rocker Lita Ford. The event supported the Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University and attracted a broad cross-section of the community, including local business leaders and proud supporters of both music and philanthropy.
Capping off the weekend, Sunday night delivered a high-energy experience with progressive rock icons Coheed and Cambria and metal heavyweights Mastodon. The crowd reflected the show’s reach—fans traveled from outside the market, underscoring downtown Youngstown’s emergence as a regional live entertainment hub.
“From my perspective, it was extremely successful,” said Jordan Ryan, vice president, JAC Management Group, which operates the venue. “I do what I do because I love live music. I love seeing the camaraderie that takes place during a live event. It’s exhilarating to set an attendance record on opening night.”
“Events like this create an economic ripple effect that goes far beyond ticket sales,” Coviello said. “They drive traffic into our restaurants, bars, hotels and shops—fueling momentum for sustained growth and long-term investment downtown. Just as importantly, they help shape the cultural identity of our city, turning downtown Youngstown into a place where people gather, connect and celebrate what makes this community unique.”
Coviello also commended the downtown businesses that supported and helped promote this weekend’s events, including V2, Casa di Canzonetta and Penguin City. He noted that Penguin City, in particular, added to the atmosphere by offering live entertainment before and after Saturday's Rock the Rich Center.
Here’s a look at what’s next at the amphitheatre (theyoungstownfoundationamp.com):
June
- Party On the Lawn featuring Idora and the Wildcats – 8 to 10 p.m., June 6
- Simply Slavic Festival – 5 to 11 p.m., June 13, and noon to midnight, June 14
- I Want MY 80’s Tour featuring Rick Springfield – 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., June 28
July
- Food Trucks and Fireworks + Walk of Fame Ceremony – 5 to 11 p.m., July 4
- Movie On the Lawn: Wicked (2024) – 7 to 11 p.m., July 11
- Youngstown Wine and Jazz Festival featuring Lindsey Webster – 7 to 10 p.m., July 12
August–September
- Train with Edwin McCain – 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., Aug. 12
- Alice Cooper: Too Close for Comfort Tour – 8:30 to 11 p.m., Aug. 17
- Lee Brice + Jackson Dean – 7:30 p.m., Sept. 18
- Cody Jinks - The Hippies and Cowboys Tour – 7 to 10 p.m., Sept. 20
Also coming soon at the Covelli Centre (covellicentre.com):
- Cash Explosion Live Taping – 2 p.m., June 14
- Hell of a Summer Tour with Ice Nine Kills, Dayseeker, Kim Dracula and more – 6:30 p.m., Aug. 28
- Mudvayne 25th Anniversary Show with Static-X and Vended – 7 p.m., Sept. 17
- Seether & Daughtry – 7 p.m., Oct. 20
- Warren Zeiders with Chayce Beckham – 7:30 p.m., Nov. 21
“Booking nationally recognized acts and building a full season of diverse programming is a huge win—not just for music lovers, but for the continued rebirth of downtown Youngstown. Every concert and community event brings us one step closer to the vibrant, thriving city center we all envision,” Coviello said.
The Regional Chamber willcontinue to assist in improving business-to-business communication so that retailers, including restaurants and bars, can make good staffing decisions that coincide with these upcoming large events.