WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A massive crowd turned out in downtown Wilkes-Barre to see and hear a major recording star perform. John Oates, half of the unforgettable duo Hall and Oates, played and sang some of the greatest hits in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
People started showing up hours before the opener to wait for the rock ‘n’ roll hall of famer to take the stage, and judging by the crowd, he definitely delivered.
John Oates and his Good Road Band made Wilkes-Barre’s dreams come true saturday night on Public Square.
Thousands showed up for a night filled with good music and good food from local vendors.
Some got there early to get the best seats.
“Oh, I’m excited that he’s here. I was here at 3:30 this afternoon setting chairs up, and we’re going to be the first ones here, and we’re really glad to be here,” Wilkes-Barre resident Kody Olejnik said.
This marks the third year of the city’s Free Summer Concert. Last year, it drew more than 7,000 people to Public Square.
Community members were grateful for events like this.
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“It’s nice to know that they care about the community, and that’s what this whole thing is about–it’s a community thing,” Virginia Bonatt from Wilkes-Barre told 28/22 News.
Bonatt, a longtime fan, says this concert is truly for those who grew up with Hall and Oates’ music.
“That’s what’s fun, they hear their music, and watching them, even though they can’t walk half the time, they can move to the music. I mean, we’re like old teenagers,” Bonatt added.
The younger scene showed up, too, and brought that same passion with them.
“I’ve been a fan of John Oates since I’m a kid, actually. Not many people listen to older music when they’re 7 or 8 years old, but I was really into the Daryl Hall and John Oates materials,” Olejnik stated.
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Before Oates took the stage, it was local artist Bret Alexander who first gained fame with the band The Badlees.
Whether they were Oates fans or just fans of live music, this year’s event was surely special for everyone.
“It’s a pleasure to hear older artists putting out newer music, of course, and it’s always great that we get to hear from people even years after their peak of success,” Olejnik continued.
Though this year’s event is out of time, locals look forward to seeing who will perform at next year’s free summer concert.
Mayor George Brown tells 28/22 News he will look to bring another big act.
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