The RiverPark Center’s newly-appointed executive director, Rich Jorn, said his first month in the new role has been positive. As Jorn works to maintain the number of performances and shows that have been held at the performing arts center for years, he broke the news to Owensboro Times on Friday about two new events he’s already booked for RPC this coming year.
“I think there’s a misconception that the RiverPark Center is empty a lot,” Jorn said. “There was talk about making the venue busier. It’s hard to find open dates for new things because RPC stays so busy.”
Aside from the annual Broadway shows that are performed at the RiverPark, the venue also hosts performances by Owensboro Dance Theatre, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and Encore Musicals, to name a few. RiverPark also hosts multiple education programs for students, Friday After 5, wedding receptions, high school reunions and — right now– Jorn said they’re in the middle of Christmas party season.
“There’s a lot more going on than what people think,” he said.
Even with the tight schedule RPC has, Jorn has made it his mission to bring more variety to the venue by way of band performances and what he called “specialty-type acts.”
“I want to keep the things they’ve preserved, but I want to bring more bands — country bands, rock bands and specialty-type acts. I want to kind of broadent that a little bit,” he said.
One of the first new events Jorn has added in his first month as executive director is called the “Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular,” which will take place on June 20. Jorn has booked the event in other cities he’s worked and said he’s seen tremendous success with the single-day event.
“They play all of the Pink Floyd songs and have a laser light show going at the same time,” he said. “It’s always a great time, and people really enjoy it.”
Jorn has also added another show for August 22 called “The Red Hot Chili Pipers.” The bagpiping group is from Scotland, Jorn said.
“It’s all the great sports arena rock songs featuring bagpipes,” he said. “The group is doing a U.S. tour and we are fortunate enough to have them play here.”
Jorn said his goal as executive director is to bring in top-notch performances that have unique qualities and sound to entertain the diverse groups of people that live in and travel to Owensboro.
“I want to bring entertainment that’s a little quirky, that’s got it own niche,” he said. “In the past, I had success with these niche groups, and I’m excited to bring that to Owensboro.”
Tickets for the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular go on sale this Friday.
