Like Bob Seger, longtime patrons of Riverside Theatre’s Live in the Loop concerts, love that “Old Time Rock and Roll.” But a format change this year has left some of them singing the blues and hanging up their dancing shoes.
The full bands that played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights have been largely replaced by solos, combos and trios, depriving attendees of what one disappointed fan calls “the full concert experience.”
“We love the bigger groups,” said Evan Jonas, 71, a retired nurse from Sacramento, Calif., who says he was usually there all three nights and often invited groups of 10 or more of his friends.
“When I say I am a fan, I actually follow many of the bands I see there. And we always made a point to tip the bands and the staff.”
But after more than 10 years, Riverside is trying something new, said marketing director Oscar Sales. “We’re creating more of a nightclub atmosphere,” Sales said of the changes. “Although these groups may not be traditional dance bands, what we offer is an experience – a wonderful one – and that experience begins the moment patrons park across the street and hear the music.”
Riverside Theatre began offering the free seasonal music presentations in 2012, starting with a solo performer, Captain Ron, playing guitar in the drop-off loop outside the theatre on Fridays and Saturdays in season. Since then, the crowds have grown, as well as the size of the bands, and Riverside began offering simple food selections along with bar drinks.
Large bands are still on the schedule, but only once or twice each month, Sales said. Their theatre’s new executive chef, Sue Torres, has upgraded the menu offerings, and cabanas – tents holding up to eight people – are available to rent for $80, he said.
The new “vibe,” however, does not impress everyone and some feel food prices have climbed out of reach.
“People are not happy with the new menu,” said Doreen Moore, who says she has been a regular at the shows for about seven years. “I’m not impressed. We miss the rock ’n’ roll music and the dancing. It’s exercise for us older folks and it was always a nice outing. If they really didn’t want us there anymore, just tell us. This totally caught us off guard.”
While Moore and her husband have given up on the shows, Connie Nowakowski says she and her husband, Kevin, will still come and support the theater, just not as often.
“They call us the official Loopers,” Nowakowski, 73, said. “We’ve been dancing there since 2018, all through Covid. There was no place in the world like it. They draw a unique crowd. We had a good run, but nothing lasts forever.”
Still, she says, “it’s exciting to see what’s developing. This is what [Riverside executive producer/CEO] Jon Moses has always wanted – an elegant dining experience. It’s not our cup of tea, but it seems like other people are pleased, so the theatre must be doing something right.”
For now, they will scratch their rock ’n’ roll itch elsewhere, Nowakowski said. “Vero Beach has an incredible charm,” she said. “There is a lot more to choose from – Downtown Friday, Sunset Saturday concerts on the Beach, and of course there’s Riverside Café.”
Singer and musician Jeannie Burke, who has performed at The Loop as part of a duo and a full band, says, “it’s a great venue either way. I’ve only done it once as a duo. There were a few dancers, but not as many as with the band. Overall, we had a fun time, but we did have one man say he loved our duo but preferred the full band for dancing.”
Riverside expanded Live in the Loop in 2024 by adding Thursday performances. The music begins at 5:30 p.m. each night and continues to 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., depending on the night.
Cabanas can be reserved on the theater’s website. Visitors will also find links on the Loop page to the menu and a music calendar, which lists the musical acts appearing through March. April’s lineup is still being created, Sales said.
Also new this year, separate from the Live at the Loop events, the theater is offering pre-show dining experiences before stage shows. Menus will feature dishes inspired by each show, Sales said. The first one is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 5:30 before the evening performance of the suspenseful drama “Mauritius.” The cost for the dinner is $159.43 per person. Show tickets are extra.
Pre-show dining also will be offered on March 15, March 18, April 1, April 7, April 29 and May 5. For details, visit riversidetheatre.com/dining.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
