CUMBERLAND — When Cumberland’s Pershing Street rings with the iconic 1980s hit “We Built This City” on Oct. 12, a new Rock the Block event will honor the downtown efforts of contractors Triton Construction and The Carl Belt Group in rebuilding Baltimore Street and the Cas Taylor Jr. Bridge.
The two area contractors and Chessie Federal Credit Union have signed on with the Downtown Cumberland Business Association as presenting sponsors for an afternoon of throwback pop culture and free live music in Merchant’s Alley between noon and 7 p.m.
A city permit for the private event includes beverage open carry downtown during event hours.
Featured music acts will be the Frankfort High School Teal Steel drum band, the East Coast’s original ‘80s tribute band “The Reagan Years” from Hagerstown and Frederick pop rock Milk Mountain Band.
The idea of celebrating completion of downtown renovation with an ‘80s-themed destination event originated with businessman Chris Myers, who is coordinating the event through a Downtown Cumberland Business Association committee.
In addition to the three presenting sponsors, Myers has developed partnerships with Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, D’Atri Pasta and Subs, Liberty Street General Store, Cartridges Galore, Coney Island Hot Dogs, 60 Pershing Media Lab, 107.1 Classic Hits, Let’s Beautify Cumberland!, Commercial Press, Faith, Hope and Images, McW 2.0, Allegany County Historical Society and Uncle Jack’s Pizzeria and Pub.
Additional sponsorships are available.
“We’ve been hearing from so many people who are jonesing for the 80s’” Myers said. He thinks the ‘80s have a doubly powerful appeal.
“Those of us who lived it remember the ‘80s fondly — and there’s a whole generation of millennials who wish they were there for the early days of video gaming and the first portable music devices,” he said.
Myers said Cumberland is successfully moving back to the future. Rock The Block is going to be all
about that.
Rock the Block will also feature ‘80s trivia, video game competitions and a hot dog eating contest. More about The Reagan Years can be found at www.thereaganyears.com and by searching and following Cumberland’s Rock The Block on Facebook.
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