Beatles tribute band to perform Downtown rooftop concert

Bringing a Beatles tribute act to Springfield to play a rooftop concert in June for the first time wasn’t exactly a long and winding road.

Instead, the city was a natural extension to the popular Dayton event, says Brian Johnson, a partner at Level Up Productions.

“We’re ready to share it,” says Johnson, who adds that Springfield could be the first step of turning the concert into a regional or even national tour if it is successful.

The Come Together concert will be on June 16 from the rooftop of Downtown Springfield's Park at the 99 garage that overlooks National Road Commons Park, 50 W. Main St. Entry, which is free, begins at 5 p.m., with the performance starting about 6:30 p.m. VIP tickets with the best views, a dedicated bar and a dedicated seat, are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Level Up Productions pitched the idea to bring the event to Springfield after successful Come Together rooftop concerts at the Yellow Cab Tavern in downtown Dayton. This summer will mark the fifth of these unique concerts in that city.

Events such as this in Springfield show that the city is resourceful in building on what is already successful here, says Ashten Houseman, the downtown events programmer at the Greater Springfield Partnership.

Many people seek out the Hartman Rock Garden or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House, she says. But while they come for the museums, they stay in the area for the food scene and events such as this.

“It says that what we’re doing seems to be working,” she says.

While National Road Commons Park has been used for many events like MustardFest and the Jazz & Blues Fest, Houseman thinks this is the first rooftop event there. What’s more, this type of event can build on the Summer Arts Festival that others already know about.

“They look to Springfield in the summertime for wonderful festivals and live music,” she says.

This “first-of-its-kind event” also shows that outside organizations recognize Springfield as a destination, Houseman says, and she is hopeful that it will show even more of what Springfield can offer.

Houseman expects the concert to attract many tourists.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the Beatles,” she says.

Johnson says the concert could attract up to 10,000 attendees, but even half that would be a big success. Dayton’s version, which is fully ticketed, has grown every year and garnered a lot of support, he says.

“We’ve seen that in Dayton, and now we’re seeing it in Springfield,” he says.

Come Together will play Beatles music from all of the band’s eras. In addition to the live music, the festival will include a beer garden and food trucks, and Mother Stewart’s Brewing will host local live music after the show. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blankets for seating.

The event is presented by Skyline Chili and in partnership with the Greater Springfield Partnership. A portion of the proceeds will benefit WYSO Public Radio.

Level Up Productions offers booking, promotion and production services throughout the Dayton area. While Johnson says the Come Together concert is the biggest event the company has done in Springfield so far, it is not the first. The company also has been involved in the Champion City Food Truck Rallies hosted at Mother Stewart’s.

Come Together is the name of the cover band, but it is also a theme for the evening, bringing the community together, Johnson says. The location of the concert – on a rooftop with a long viewing area – also makes the event singular.

“These unique venues are part of what makes it special,” he says.