Times Observer Photo by Katie Miktuk Blue Morning performed as part of the Suites at Rouse Summer Concert Series on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. From left, keyboarder anthony Brown, bassist Russ Brunco, lead vocalist Jim Cheronis, drummer Darrin Payne and guitarist Rich Alcorn.

Wednesday’s rain showers almost foiled Blue Morning’s performance at the Suites at Rouse in Youngsville, but the sky broke and the show went on.

Not without a hitch, though. Despite an extensive sound check, lead vocalist Jim Cheronis’ mic was on mute for the first song.

Blue Morning’s performance comes as part of a line up in the Suites at Rouse’s summer concert series. They are a tribute band to Foreigner, an English-American rockband.

Foreigner has sold over 80 million records. Lead singer Lou Gramm has sold 20 million records in his solo career.

“I thought, are people going to like the music, and then I thought I just got my AARP card last week so,” said Cheronis.

Rouse employees walked around handing out frisbees that resembled records to crowd members.

Pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers were available for purchase. There was even two different kinds of beer available for purchase.

When Blue Morning played “Girl Like You,” three couples took to the dance floor. Other songs brought more folks to the dance floor to show off some moves.

Cheronis paid tribute to Lou Gramm with singing “Just Between You and Me,” a song from his solo career.

The night was sponsored by Erie Bank. Some employees from the bank were present and it was one’s birthday. Cheronis and the crowd joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to her.

“Who would have thought the funnest gig of the summer was going to be right here in Youngsville,” said Cheronis.

Blue Morning was started in 2017 when Anthony Brown, keyboards and vocals, sought out musicians from the local area to form the Foreigner tribute band.

Brown is a songwriter, recording artist, award-winning music producer/engineer and owner of Graphite Sound Studio in Warren according the groups Facebook page. His songs have been featured in movies, TV shows and even a Kwik Fill ad.

Cheronis lives in Warren. He was awarded “Best Male Vocal Artist” at the Buffalo, NY, NY Regional Music Awards singing with hard rock/alternative band Brandy Lies, according to the Facebook page. He was awarded “Best Live Performance” at the Chautauqua County, NY, Music Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. He has numerous recordings including seven albums of original music, tv appearances, radio ads and special projects.

Rich Alcorn, the guitarist and vocalist, hails from Warren. He is a guitar play, songwriter and vocalist both as a session musician and live on stage, according to Facebook. He has recorded hundreds of songs with numerous bands and solo artists. He has recorded four albums with progressive rock band Graphite Symphony.

Darrin Payne, drummer and vocalist, was raised in Jamestown, NY. His parents’ love of music and performing arts inspired him to take up formal percussion, according to Facebook. He has studied jazz, big band, drum corps and symphonic and musical theater percussion. He is a classically trained pianist and self-taught guitarist. He has performed for over 30 years and has worked on projects including co-writing Lareau’s Warrior Records international release of “Changes” which is available on Amazon Music. He also has albums with Graphite Symphony, “The 9th Cycle,” and the Charlie Wheeler Band, “Highway Run,” both available on iTunes Music.

Russ Brunco, bass guitarist and vocalist, is from Falconer, NY. He has a background of rock and gospel music, according to Facebook. He is said to bring stratospheric backing vocals, “ala bassist Michael Anthony of Van Halen.” He performed throughout New York’s Southern Tier with Judgment Day, a Queensryche tribute band, as well as concerts with other area contemporary gospel musicians.

The next in the line up of Suites at Rouse’s Summer Concert Series is the American Pie Band. They are a ’50’s and ’60’s band who will perform Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at 6 p.m., at the Suites at Rouse facility.