Band members gather to pay tribute to Michael Stanley

NORTHFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – Rehearsals are underway for a very special concert honoring Michael Stanley by bringing together original members of the Michael Stanley Band, The Resonators and other special guests.

“It’s five decades of music celebrating this incredible journey that Michael Stanley took his fans on,” said Barry Gabel, senior vice president of marketing and sponsorship sales at Live Nation.

Michael Stanley: A Celebration w / The Resonators & Jonah Koslen is a three-night concert on December 3, 4 and 5 at MGM Northfield Park.

The idea for the show, which is also a fundraiser, came directly from Michael in his final days battling lung cancer before his death on March 5, 2021.

“He looked at me and he said, ‘The show has to go on’, and at that point, I just felt like I was on a mission, for the band to do something for the fans, for the family, for closure, ”said Rodney Psyka, who has played with Michael for 35 years and is a member of the Resonators.

The band members spent nearly four months collaborating with the Michaels family and working hard to prepare for the shows.

Jonah Koslen, who was an original member of MSB and had many hits on his own, has arrived from California and will perform the lead vocals on many songs.

“He wrote fantastic songs, so many songs and they deserve to be heard,” Koslen said, “And it’s a wonderful way for all of us to come together and overcome the loss.”

Although they all admit that getting together on stage without Michael will be difficult.

“I’m going to wait until the show is over and then it will blow me away emotionally,” said Tommy Dobeck, an original MSB member and close friend, “He’s made all of these memories possible over all these years and he’s earned that. won’t be the same without it.

Proceeds from merchandise sold at the shows and a portion of ticket sales will go to a new foundation created by Michael’s daughters to continue his legacy of charitable work, also partnering with the Cleveland Foundation.

“A foundation the girls started, named after one of the Midwest Midnight” 10,000 Watts of Holy Light “lines and people from all over Northeast Ohio as well as across the United States have donated to this charity being one of those Watts of Holiness. Light, ”Gabel said.

Fans could also send in photos of themselves with Michael and a $ 20 donation to the foundation.

These images will be shown in a musical montage on large screens inside the concert hall.

As Michael would say and sing, “It’s so good to have you among my friends again.” “

“It’s a fan experience and I think everyone is going to really have a good time, including the band,” Psyka said.

For more information on tickets, Click here.