July 21st, 2024 by WCBC Radio
Downtown Cumberland will ring with iconic ’80s songs like “We Built This City” on Saturday, October 12th, when Rock The Block takes over Pershing Street and Merchants Alley for an afternoon of throwback pop culture and free live music. The Reagan Years, the East Coast’s Original ‘80s Tribute Band based in Hagerstown, and Frederick’s Milk Mountain are booked to appear at the afternoon event, which will run from noon to 7:30 PM.
The idea of celebrating completion of the downtown renovation project with an 80s-era destination event originated with businessman Chris Myers, who is coordinating the event through a Downtown Cumberland Business Association committee. “Cumberland is successfully moving back to the future. Rock The Block is going to be all about that. When your logo is a melting Rubick’s Cube, you audience is pretty clear.”
With pivotal sponsor support from Chessie Federal Credit Union and the new Downtown D’Atris Pasta and Subs shop in hand, Myers is developing partnerships between his planned Liberty Street General Store, Cartridges Galore, Rainmaker Music. DCBA, the Allegany County Historical Society and downtown merchants who share Merchant’s Alley. Additional sponsorships are available at many levels.
“We’ve been hearing from so many people who are jonesing for the 80s’” Myers explained. He thinks the ‘80s have a doubly powerful appeal. “Those of us who lived it remember the ‘80s fondly – and there’s a whole generation of millennials who wish they were there for the early days of video gaming and emerging portable devices,” he mused.
To capture that fun, Rock the Block is going to feature ‘80s trivia, video game competitions and lively local performances that are planned to include Frankfort High School’s popular Teal Steel drum band. Organizers have secured a City of Cumberland event permit, negotiated an agreement for city overtime costs and applied for city hotel-motel tax grant funding.
More about The Reagan Years can be found at www.thereaganyears.com and by searching and following Rock The Block Cumberland on social media.
