The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)

Port in negotiatio­ns on concert series

The Lorain Port and Finance Authority issued a statement late afternoon Jan. 29 that it is in negotiatio­ns with Rockin’ on the River proprietor­s Bob and Sandy Earley to keep the summer weekly concert series at the Black River Landing in downtown Lorain, according to a news release.

The mission of the Lorain Port includes providing world class public access to “our waterways,” the release said.

“We cannot stress enough that we have been, and will continue to, actively work on a partnershi­p that will continue Rockin’ on the River events at Black River Landing,” according to the

release. “The news spreading may come as a surprise to some, but rest assured that the Lorain Port has been working toward a smooth and effective transition for many months, taking into considerat­ion the best path forward for the Lorain Port, Rockin’ on the River and most importantl­y, the citizens of Lorain.

“As a policy, we do not discuss negotiatio­ns until they are complete, but in no way have we closed any doors to the future of Rockin’ on the River at Black River Landing.

“We will keep the public apprised at the appropriat­e time, but we cannot stress enough that we will continue to provide a worldclass facility and event schedule at Black River Landing.”

In a report The Morning Journal published Jan. 29, Bob Earley stated he and his wife would retire at the end of the 2024 season.

He cited he was “old” and that the time was right.

Tom Brown, executive director of the Lorain Port and Finance Authority, stated in the report it was his goal to keep Rockin’ on the River in Lorain.

The Lorain Port prides itself through the developmen­t and management of Black River Landing, that has seen so many visitors over the years because of Rockin’ on the River, but many more through all partnershi­ps including the Internatio­nal Festival, Summer Market, Brewfest, Lorain Growth Corp. Main Street Lorain Trees and Trains, the Labor Day

Festival and other events including walks, 5K races, food drives and more, the release said.

“We continue to cultivate relationsh­ips to attract a variety of offerings as we move forward into the future. This absolutely includes Bob and Sandy Earley with Rockin’ on the River.

“We respect that all people dream of getting to the point in their career where they are able to retire, and although Bob and Sandy are nearing that time, that does not mean the great thing that has been built needs to retire with them,” the release said. “We support Bob and Sandy in their dream to enjoy their retirement, but through their support, Rockin’ on the River will live on in Lorain.”