Rick K will lead his Allnighters band on Saturday at the Annual Hot Rods and Rock & Roll event in downtown Columbus.
Republic file photo
You can take a shine to classic cars and classic rock when 106.1 The River hosts its free 27th Annual Hots Rods and Rock & Roll from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday in downtown Columbus.
In the past when skies have been the sunniest, crowds estimated at 7,000 to 8,000 people have congregated along Washington Street for the car show and for the concert at 7 p.m. with perennial favorite cover band Rick K and the Allnighters.
The band, led by the hyperkinetic lead singer who abbreviates his surname for privacy, plays a wide range of hits from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and even as current as tunes from Bruno Mars.
The singer seems perfect for the event, especially since he once drove a 1965 Ford Auburn Galaxie convertible. And one could say that he gets as revved up as any classic vehicle, frequently leaving the stage to venture onto the crowd.
Bob Morrison, station manager for 106.1 The River, understands the group’s long-running success dating to nearly 20 years ago at this particular event.
“When we brought in another band one year, the only thing people asked us at that event was ‘Where’s Rick K?’” Morrison said in the past. “He and the band always have been so family-friendly.”
Morrison said Rick K possesses a gift for getting everyone involved — significant when the crowd includes “everything from strollers to walkers” as he put it.
No wonder that the group has performed worldwide, plus during Super Bowl week, NBA All-Star weekend, and amid other high-profile gatherings.
“I so enjoy the atmosphere there,” said the lead singer in a Republic interview last year. “My favorite part is seeing all the classic cars around. And all the guys and gals at the radio station there always have been great.”
Some years, as many as 300 vehicles have been a part of the nostalgia.
Besides the music, the Allnighters are known for their onstage glitz and flash, including screamingly loud, glittery jackets and overall outfits. Rick K always has said he wants their atmosphere and appearance to be more like a Las Vegas-style revue.
He cannot imagine his life without the 150 performance dates per year.
“These days, people sometimes ask me, ‘Hey — when are you gonna retire?’” K said. “What am I going to do if I retire? Why on earth would I retire? “This is still what I love to do.”
About the event
What: Free 27th Annual Hot Rods and Rock & Roll car show and concert from 106.1 The River FM Radio.
When: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Downtown Columbus along Washington Street.
Information: 1061theriver.com
