Rick K. and Road Trip are shown at a past concert. They will perform at
At this point, after some 20 years of singer Rick K. unofficially leading the street party known as 106.1 The River’s 28th Annual Hot Rods and Rock & Roll, perhaps attendees are ready to give the energetic pop singer his full due.
Perhaps by tweaking the latter part of the name of the free event to Hot Rods and Rick & Roll.
All to honor Rick K. and Road Trip, long recognized by locals as one of the more exuberant classic rock cover bands.
Rick, known for his mix of everything from Motown to Bruno Mars, still knows how to draw a crowd after all these years to close out the event slated from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday along Washington Street. An estimated 5,000 people attended last year.
“I always look forward to that show (in Columbus),” Rick said. “It’s a great event and a wonderful town.”
Bob Morrison, general manager of The River, has attended every concert. He will tell you that Rick K. is the constant — the constant draw, that is — that brings much of the crowd that fills the street before the concert begins.
“You know what they say,” Morrison said, “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?”
And the event, which Morrison has said attracts those “with everything from strollers to walkers,” also still draws newcomers each year.
“We see people who were kids here originally bringing their own kids now,” he said. “I’ve heard people say, ‘I was 5 when my Dad first brought me to Hot Rods and Rock & Roll. That’s a testament to the power of such a family-friendly event.”
Most years, a couple of hundred vehicles line Washington Street to help attendees shift their focus into reverse, back to a time when muscle cars flexed their own power. Singer Rick K. himself understands, having once owned an auburn 1965 Ford Galaxy convertible. These days, he seldom speaks of that anymore.
Yet, he still is frequently known to steer himself right into the street crowd of this gathering for the sake of literally reaching his audience.
“He’s still kind of a crazy guy,” Morrison said.
The radio executive politely declined to divulge the broadcast outlet’s financial investment in the yearly party.
“This is simply our gift to the community,” Morrison said. “We just want to have a way to say thank you to our listeners — and to the community and those beyond it as well.”
About the event
What: 106.1 The River’s 28th Annual Hot Rods and Rock & Roll.
When: 3 to 7 p.m. car show. Classic rock concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Third and Washington streets north in downtown Columbus.
Admission: Free.
Information: Facebook page for 106.1 The River.
