River City Rock & Rhythm Revue

Ever since venerated local guitarist George Ogg’s passing in January of this year, the Fort Wayne music community has wanted to pay their respects in an appropriate manner - by playing the music he played and inspired. His years of teaching music and participating in a multitude of bands and recording projects created a catalog of music which includes Rock, Blues, Jazz, Pop, Rockabilly and Country. A special live music tribute will provide the perfect opportunity to honor this history while assisting a very good cause; one that was personal for George.

“The River City Rock & Rhythm Revue,” will take place at Freimann Square in Downtown Fort Wayne at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2011.
The free, all-ages concert is being produced by non-profit arts group, Fort Wayne Cultural Affairs. In lieu of an admission charge, patrons will be asked to make a cash donation to support TEAM OGG in the upcoming “Light the Night” walk sponsored by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“One of George’s final wishes was that his team make a significant contribution to the event.” said George’s wife Christina. Everything for the event has been donated and 100% of all proceeds will help achieve his goal. TEAM OGG and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be accepting donations throughout the event and will provide information about the upcoming walk. Club Soda will host food and drink concessions and a silent auction will help to generate funds. The event is rain or shine. Should weather become an issue, the Rain Site for the event is the C2G Music Hall at 323 W. Baker Street directly behind Parkview Field.

The production is designed in the style of an old-time rock and roll revue where an accomplished band of studio musicians back-up a roster of stars performing their greatest hits. The River City Revue Band features some of the area’s finest players. Steve Smeltzer is the Music Director for the event and leads the Revue Band as they host a revolving lineup of preeminent performers representing the local music community and the wide variety of music styles to which George contributed during his illustrious music career.

Club Soda will host food and drink concessions and a silent auction will also help to generate funds. The event is rain or shine. Should weather become an issue, the Rain Site for the event is the C2G Music Hall at 323 W. Baker Street directly behind Parkview Field.

Acts include George’s former bands, The Bel Airs, West Central Quartet, Jump Blues Band, Rat Pack and Kevin Piekarski Quartet. Guest Artists include, Jeff Stone, Chris Stone, Cliff Webb, Eric Clancy, Brian Derek, Joey Ortega, Steve Squires, Sunny Taylor, Matt Kelley, Bob Ferguson, Kenny Taylor, Derek Reeves, Michael Patterson, Jim Steele, Rick Brown, Carol Lockridge, Jim Baker, Kent Klee, Andy Stout, Skip Gambrell, Jamie Wise, Shannon Persinger, Shelly Sanders, Jerry Farrington, John Forbing, Doug Laughlin, Todd Ramsey, Dave Latchaw, Patrick Gillian, John Weber, Kevin Drew, Don Wharton, Holly Parks and undoubtedly some surprises.
This tribute event is free admission and open to all ages of the public. Our honoree was a devoted family man, much respected in his chosen field as a musician, as a music teacher, in his church and especially among his peers, his friends and many, many fans accumulated over a 40+ year career.

The production is made possible by generous support from The Albright-Clark Financial Group of Raymond James, Sweetwater Music, LaBov & Beyond, WBOI-89.1 FM, One Lucky Guitar, Hedgerow Promotions, Club Soda, Whatzup Magazine, Fort Wayne Reader, A Party Apart and C2G Music Hall.