Classic rock band The Guess Who took the stage last night at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, belting out hits such as “American Woman” and “These Eyes.”
Nostalgia is the primary draw for bands of a certain vintage who are looking to capitalize on the magic of classic rock’s heyday. Sometimes, as in The Guess Who’s case, an original member of the band is involved. Other times, it’s a band paying tribute to their musical idols.
Either way, their popularity helps to fuel local economic activity, according to venue owners and concert organizers.
“Our show with Almost Queen had nearly 1,200 attendees, and the theater seats 1,367,” said Teresa Baughman, interim CEO for the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, which manages The Palace. “(Led Zeppelin cover group) Get the Led Out performs here regularly.”
Baughman said when she started working with the Westmoreland Cultural Trust nearly three decades ago, Greensburg didn’t exactly have a bustling downtown food scene.
“As the theater has developed over the years, there are easily a half-dozen places now where you can go within walking distance,” she said. “Economic development spurred by the arts has been one of the goals of the cultural trust.”