The Clio Amphitheater's rock'n'roll tribute concerts return tonight with Eagles tribute band Hotel California.
"We have the strongest shows we've ever had here. We'll do a Johnny Cash tribute, a Motown tribute, we have a Jimmy Buffett tribute, and the Beach Boys, and Bob Seger," Amphitheater President Gary Langdon said.
It's been five years since the music venue was forced to shut down and file for bankruptcy. Three years after turning the stage lights back on, Langdon is cautiously optimistic. "We are in good shape, but not in as good of shape as we need to be. We need to be self sustaining."
The last two seasons, the Amphitheater offered free shows thanks to funding from the city. This summer, though, admission is $5 in what's considered a make or break year.
"We put this timeline on ourself, but this is it for us. We're going to have to make enough money this year in order to operate next year," Langdon explained.
Back in the day, the 3,000-seat venue hosted big name acts; everyone from Cheap Trick and Peter Frampton to Jewel and George Thorogood.
"We had Toby Keith when nobody knew who he was. Toby Keith used to come here and play with his dogs in the park, go over (and) watch football practice and then jump on stage. You name the person, we've had them here," said Langdon.
Since launching the summer concert tribute series three years ago, the Clio Amphitheater has managed to break even. The hope this year is to turn a profit. If that happens, the day may come when they'll be able to book big name acts once again.
"It'll take a couple more years, but if we put together five years like we've had the last three, then we'll be on really sound footing," said Langdon.
Doors open for tonight's Eagles tribute show at 6.
