Get up and dance at Youngstown's summer street dance

by Tiffany Hyman

Do you find yourself jamming to songs such as, "School is out for summer," "Let's get the party started," and "Dancing in the street?" If so, bring your dancing shoes, adventurous side and appetite to the second annual, "Beginning of Summer Street Dance." The Youngstown Business and Professional Association will be sponsoring the event that takes place on Thursday, June 23, from 6 to 10 p.m.

"The Youngstown street dance is a good, fun time," said an enthusiastic Cheryl Butera, president of YBPA and owner of Anchor Spirits. "It's a way to get people involved and a great way to start the summer now that school is out."

"It's a fun, family-oriented event," said her husband, Mark Butera, secretary of YBPA, owner of Anchor Spirits.

Enjoy live music, food, drinks, merchandise and fun for the kids. The Carl Motyka Band, Western New York's favorite party rock band, will be performing upbeat favorites from the '50s to the present era that will be sure to get you off your feet, and dancing in the street. From music by Tom Petty, 3 Doors Down, Poison, Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi, the band can sing it all for an unforgettable party. The band was such a hit last year, they were asked to return again for a second year.

"We had such a wonderful time last year," said lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Carl Motyka.

Motyka and his band strive to get the party started. The songs they perform are crowd-pleasers and are all interactive.

"We want people to experience a band, not just watch a band," he said.

The Mardi Gras party beats help to put guests in a partying, dancing mood. Crowd participation is important to the band - they want to get everyone involved by taking song requests and singing and dancing with the audience.

"Our band takes pride in having fun - it's all about the fun and getting people involved," said Motyka.

The band is always available for parties, weddings and birthdays. To learn more about the band or for scheduling, contact them at 835-3500, ext. 1, by email at [email protected] or visit their website http://www.carlmotykaband.com/index.htm.  

While listening to the rock band, join the other Youngstown residents as they come together for a dancing beach party.

"It's a great way to celebrate the end of school and beginning of summer," said Mark Butera.

Butera also said there will be plenty of entertainment for the children to enjoy. They can jump on the bounce house, ride on the pony ride and learn about the fire department. Last year's bounce house was so popular, Cheryl ordered the same one that resembles a castle. The pony rides feature quarter horses, a favorite from last year.

"We were expecting small ponies, but these were huge quarter horses," said Cheryl Butera.

The Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. is celebrating its 100 anniversary and will be showing a display for all to enjoy.

"It will be a demonstration how the fire company is a benefit to any town, any company," said Cheryl Butera.

"The fire display is a great way for children to learn about the company," added Mark Butera.

Wild Critters are a new feature this year. The show will be an exhibition about wild creatures and will include free face painting.

Guests will all receive free popcorn and beach balls, provided by the Youngstown Lions Club, Heritage Auto and Anchor Spirits.

The Buteras are excited to give away beach balls to children and parents. Cheryl reported last year she ordered 250 beach balls, but she ordered 700 this year because it was popular last year.

"The kids just loved the beach balls last year, and even used them to play basketball," she said.

In addition to popcorn, food vendors also will be present to serve hotdogs and hamburgers. Other local stores will have extended hours for guests.

The street dance will be held on Main Street in Youngstown, rain or shine. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=131664700191626&comments.

For further information about Anchor Spirits, visit http://anchorspirits.com/default.aspx or call 745-7989.