To say that Eric Ryan is ambitious would be an understatement.  Ryan has lured some major events to the Covelli Centre in the past couple of years and the hits keep coming.

Ryan and staff have already booked national acts like the Goo Goo Dolls, Motley Crue, Poison, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tim McGraw for the upcoming concert attractions at the center.  Pretty gaudy list of musicians there.

Last year, Ryan convinced the powers that be that Elton John should come to Youngstown, and he did.  He also managed to sneak Journey and Heart into town and Styx, Night Ranger, and REO Speedwagon stopped by later.

Think about it, these national acts don’t call smaller venues seeking a few locals.  They are playing here because Ryan and his very capable promotion team are convincing the acts that they will be well received.  Props to Kenny Bigley, Jon Jacubec, and everyone else involved who makes these seemingly unrealistic chances possible for the concert starved Mahoning Valley.

The most likable thing about Ryan is that he takes great pride in what he has achieved.  He is still a very humble guy who always says hello regardless of how busy he is.  I don’t know what else is out there that hasn’t come through Youngstown yet, but I can assure you that Ryan will get the big acts as long as he is in power.