Racers are revved up and ready to take on Springfield Lake again this year during the annual Rock the Docks festival coming early in July. Members of Three Rivers Outboard Racing Association are busy preparing for this year’s race as members of the committee are planning for the joint community festival between the Village of Lakemore and Springfield Township on July 10, 11, and 12.
 
Last year was TRORA’s first year return to Springfield Lake for the hydroplane power boat races since the 1980’s. The club reports that the lake still “feels like home” but better because of the cooperative spirit between the two communities. Last year was not just a historical happening with the return of the hydroplanes, but a few records were set among TRORA club members as well. Several racers won their first-ever career race at Rock the Docks 2008. Rick Wagner, Sr. (who is also involved with putting the race together each year) made his comeback to the sport after retiring in the 80’s by taking the win on Sunday last year—even defeating his own son. Welcome back, Rick!
 
The success of the races last year will make this year a must-attend event for powerboat and racing enthusiasts. The festival dates were pushed ahead one week this year because of conflicting schedules with other races. This year promises much excitement and many more racers including teams from all over the United States, Canada, and even a team from Nova Scotia.
 
The line up of bands performing at the festival this year offers a great deal of variety for every musical ear, and will feature artists such as Robin Stone, 2009 Scene Magazine Female Vocalist of the Year, among many others. There will be more than 30 bands and genres from Country to Soul and Metal to Blues. There is something for everyone!
 
The schedule of bands and a brief description:
 
Friday July 10
(Festival opens at 3:00 pm and closes at 11:00 pm)

Eclyptic-- Funky, rock band from NE Ohio. Three time finalists and award winners at the Cleveland High School Rock Off.

Pilgrim--Bluesy, roots-type rock with a heavy, driving force.  Fortunate to grace the stage with such acts as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, CCR, Blue Oyster Cult

Robin Stone-- Sultry, silky soul with a twist of jazz for flavor. She has warmed thousands for names like Jewel and Bonnie Raitt and performs the college and solo circuit. A must-see. Robin will also perform for the Three Rivers Outboard Racing Association Opening Ceremonies at 10 am on Saturday, July 11th.

Drenalin--2008 WRQK Battle of the Bands Champs among other awards for their provocative and very tasteful alternative rock approach.

Trubador-- from Nashville, Tennessee—hard-driving, forceful grunge rock with a hint of metal.

Ellen Degenerate-- An extremely fun band! These guys have it not only with their tasteful punk-rock sound, but with their image and hilarious lyrics. Can pack a venue in the dead of any Ohio winter.

Skull’rz Bane-- Awesome three-piece Metal band from Youngstown with a hint of the macabre.
 
Nemesis 3-- Extremely talented and musically exceptional Alternative Rock band from Akron Ohio . One among the hardest working bands in the area.
 
 
Saturday, July 11th
(Festival opens at 10:00 am and closes at 11:00pm. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:45)
 
Robin Stone--TRORA Opening Ceremonies
 
High Energy—Winston and Dylan, brothers and band mates. These two kids are amazingly talented and often open shows for many big area bands.
Subourban Sun—newly formed band from Youngstown . Fresh reggae sound!
Implied Logic—exceptionally versatile Indie band from Akron Ohio . Features band members Ed Amann and Crystal Boggess who are well-known in the acoustic circles and at many area coffee houses.
Rumbledaddy—Psychobilly/Rockabilly band from Akron . It’s always fun to watch these guys—they are high energy on stage and know how to get the place hopping.
The Moops—Great rock jam band from Columbus, Ohio. They often inject their humor into their music, and with these guys, there is never a dull moment.

Dave Ritz—Wonderful ballad-type singer from Cleveland . Has shared the stage with many soft rock/pop favorites like Hall and Oats. An area favorite.
Dallas Marks Band—Red Hot Country band from Pennsylvania. Dallas has that rich voice and oh what a stage presence! Definitely a must-see.
 
Winslow—Neo Soul at its finest! Maurice Martin’s velvety-smooth vocals combined with the bands’ funky, smoky sound make this band one to follow.
Rare Blend—Great Jazz/Fusion/Rock band from Cleveland Ohio. Among the best of the best with area musicians and a favorite at other local festivals.
Rob Metz—Instrumental Rock guitar at its finest---much like Joe Satriani would do, but with his own creative sound. Rob combines his technical abilities and feel to produce a musically brilliant show not to be missed!

Simeon Soul Charger—Features singer/songwriter from Trendy, Aaron Brooks. This band has it all: clever songwriting, technical abilities, and commercial appeal (with a twist), combined with a full choir and cello—this is one band that will go places with their completely original sound.

Last Stone Cast—Great Rock/Southern Rock band from Akron Ohio with much style and talent. This band also produces thought-provoking lyrics delivered by one of the area’s finest front men and vocalists, Scott McConnell.


Sunday, July 12
(Festival hours are 10:00 am to 8:00 pm)

Marc Wasmund—one of the best acoustic acts you will ever see. Marc has great lyrics combined with his exceptional vocal abilities to deliver a pleasing and intriguing performance. Marc also does vocals and guitar for Nemesis 3.
Plain Green—Rock band from Akron Ohio whose members hail from many area tribute bands. This band has versatility and style!

Midnight Guns—Grunge Rock vocals combined with a guitar heavy backing. Great band from Canton, Ohio.
Cheyenne West—National recording artist who has the ability to do Country and Rock and Roll with tremendous style and taste!
Mad Crush—Good Akron Power-pop/Rock band with exceptional vocal styles and alluring guitar hooks.
Sacred Thirteen—Alternative rock band with memorable tunes and appealing approach. The band is from Edinboro Pa.
Tropidelic—fun, energetic and unique sounding Hip Hop band from Cleveland Ohio.
Ball and Chain--Janis Joplin tribute band with heart! Ball and Chain is the ONLY tribute/cover band to play the South Shore stage. In the spirit of the free festival, Janis would be here if she could--but she (unfortunately) had other plans.

LT and the Blues Express—Down-home blues band from Elyria Ohio. Will have your feet tapping in no time flat.
The North Shore stage in Springfield will feature a band on Friday: Country band, Marshall Law. They will have two bands on Saturday: oldies band, Nostalgia Gold and boogie band, Retrosonics. The Sunday band is Blue-eyed Soul.
 
In addition to the roar of the hydroplanes as they speed through the liquid lightning and the blare of guitars, there are many events planned for this year on the shores of Springfield Lake.
 
The South Shore will host an Air Guitar Contest, sponsored by Rob Metz (www.robmetz.com) with the first place prize being a Fender guitar and an amplifier. Registration begins each day at 12 Noon for the contest at the South Shore (Lakemore) merchandise booth, located near the stage. Winners from this contest will go on to compete at the US Air Guitar Regional Competition held in Cleveland next year.
 
The South Shore will also hold a raffle for a new Gibson Les Paul guitar! Tickets for the raffle are $10 each and the winner will be drawn on Sunday evening. Tickets will be on sale each day of the festival, but only a limited number have been printed. Get your tickets early!

The members of TRORA will hold a free raffle for a five-lap ride around the lake in a hydroplane boat! Winner must be over 18 and sign a waiver. Stop by the TRORA booth to meet the racers and enter for your chance to win!
 
There are other raffles and prizes, the delightful smell of burgers and hawg wings, beer gardens, vendors offering services, products, and information, kiddie rides, a tug-of-war contest, and all the things we know and love about our hometown Ohio festivals.
 
COST: FREE
PARKING: Free parking and shuttle service to the lakefront at Tri-County Plaza and Springfield High School.