YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A series of outdoor parties will take place just about every weekend this summer at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Wean Park, with struggling downtown bar and restaurant owners getting a stake in the revenue.

It’s all part of the annual WesBanco Community Event Series, which was unveiled Friday. The series is funded by WesBanco and presented by the bank, JAC Management, Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Wean Park.

What’s new this year is YO Nights, a series of seven parties at The Amp, with each presented by one or two nightspots. 

Nine downtown bars and restaurants have signed up to take the reins for one night of the series. They will plan the event, which will be on a Friday or Saturday, help attract a big crowd and gain a share of profits from the results.

The goal is to support and showcase downtown businesses throughout the summer season and spur activity between the clubs and The Amp, according to a press release from WesBanco. 

Many downtown nightspots have seen a decline in business since the pandemic, and YO Nights will get them involved in generating more foot traffic. Those that are sponsoring a Yo Night will not only promote their night but also help market the entire series, according to the release.

WesBanco will cover all costs for each YO Night, so the bar owners will not have to pitch in. 

The initiative will benefit the bars by giving them an opportunity to make money through food sales and a share of beverage sales on their featured night.

With profit tied to the size of the crowd, the series incentivizes each nightspot to do as much as it can to promote the event. 

Each YO Night will feature a local band or music artist.

“This is the perfect opportunity for local businesses to be a part of the energy and activity happening downtown while showcasing their business,” said Jordan Ryan, vice president of JAC Management Group.

In addition to the Community Events series, JAC Live and JAC Management – which manages and books shows at The Amp, Wean Park and Covelli Centre – have scheduled a plethora of other downtown events. Something is scheduled every weekend of summer, beginning June 6, when AEW wrestling comes to Covelli, until October, according to Ryan.

The only pause will be during the first weekend of August, when the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest takes place downtown.

The WesBanco Community Event Series will begin June 19 with the Juneteenth Drone Show. It will feature seven YO Nights, Ignite the Night Youngstown featuring the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Youngstown Wine and Jazz Fest and the annual Non-Violence Parade and Rally.

One city official hailed the synergy that the YO Nights will generate.

“YO Nights serve as a great opportunity to collaborate with local businesses and performing artists while bringing more energy and activity downtown,” said David Labra, special events coordinator for the city of Youngstown.

Admission will be $5 for YO Nights, but free for anyone with a DORA (designated outdoor refreshment area) cup purchased that evening at a downtown; Youngstown State University students (with ID); and everyone under age 21.

Free admission tickets will also be given to each bar for use as a promotion for their loyal customers.

Tickets for the Wine and Jazz Fest start at $10 and are on sale at ticketmaster and the Covelli Centre box office.

Here is the complete WesBanco Community Series schedule:

  • June 19: Juneteenth Drone Show, Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.
  • June 20: YO Night, with music by Y-Town Artists, planned by Twisted Roots, at The Amp.
  • July 2: YO Night, with music by RDNA, planned by The Federal, at The Amp.
  • July 5: Ignite the Night, a fireworks display featuring music by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, at The Amp. Free.
  • July 17: YO Night, with music by Geo C & Tha Storm, planned by V2, at the Amp.
  • July 25: Youngstown Wine and Jazz Fest, at the Amp. Tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster.
  • Aug. 7: YO Night, with music by No Funk No Justice, planned by Varsity Club and the Draught House, at The Amp.
  • Aug. 14: YO Night, musical act will be announced later, planned by Casa di Canzonetta, at The Amp.
  • Aug. 21: YO Night, with music by Rick Ward, planned by Avalon Downtown and The Social, at The Amp.
  • Sept. 4: YO Night, musical act will be announced later, planned by Penguin City Brewing, at The Amp.
  • Oct. 4: Non-Violence Parade and Rally, at The Amp and Wean Park.