Ex-Docksider owner Bob Nelson back in biz


Bob Nelson is back in the game. The former Docksider owner has signed a long-term lease for the first floor of the Lincoln Building, located at 11th and State, and will convert it into a new nightspot. He projects a late August or early September opening.

Nelson sold the Docksider, 1015 State St., nearly three years ago. After a break, he found he missed running a club.

"My two-year, non-compete clause ended in December," said Nelson. "I wanted to get back into the business. I've a daughter who's a sophomore in college and a 10-year-old. I've got kids and expenses and need to start working. But I feel good. It's exciting."

Nelson says live music will be part of the mix. But he wants to proceed slowly and let the place develop naturally, as he did with the original Docksider at 420 State.

"Of course, I have to do music," he said. "But I'll let it slowly evolve into what it's going to be. Who knows? Maybe there's another Zipper City Blues Band or Queen Bee or Big Dave and the Ultrasonics waiting somewhere to fall in love with, and we'll have this mutual love thing working with bands."


Nelson has bought a liquor license, but is awaiting final transfer approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. He doesn't have a name for the club, however. His father -- who died three years ago -- came up with the name Docksider.

"I've been talking to him a couple nights. 'Got any ideas? Throw them down to me,'" Nelson said with a laugh. "'You hit a home run back then. Help me out again!'"

``Eight ribbers -- and plenty of tasty bands -- will highlight the 18th annual Wild Rib Cookoff and Music Festival, set for May 28-31 in Perry Square. This year, headlining bands each night will close on the outdoor stage at the Boardwalk, freeing up more room for rib lovers in Perry Square.

Headliners include Abbey Road (May 28), Eric Brewer and Friends (May 29), Earthquakers (May 30), and Geek Army (May 31). Also booked: Rick and the Roadhouse Rockers, Steve Johnson and Steve Davis of Big Leg Emma, Gem City Concert Band, Sam Hyman, Trevor MacDonald Band, Diane Davies and John Kytic, Linda Lewis, and Carl Hultman and Friends.


We'll have more on the rib fest as it nears.

``Bad news: Devon Allman's Honeytribe has canceled its May 16 show at Docksider. But this is no lie: Bil Lepp will regale visitors with stories, jokes, and flat-out, bald-faced lies on Sunday at 7 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St. Lepp, a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest, tells original tales that grow more outrageous and are guaranteed to make you smile.

Lepp has been a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival, and has written three books of tall tales. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.


``Erie will be the second stop on a 41-city tour for the first-ever Playhouse Disney Live! tour this fall. The live stage production, set for Sept. 12 at the Warner Theatre, brings together characters from four shows popular with preschoolers -- "Little Einsteins," "Handy Mann," "My Friends Tigger and Pooh," and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."

The show was assembled by Feld Productions, which also mounts Disney on Ice spectacles, and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Tickets range from $12-$36 and go on sale Tuesday at the Tullio Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone at 452-4857 or 456-7070.

``Muscle Shoals' session guitarist Will McFarlane, who also toured for six years with Bonnie Raitt, will perform as a special guest at a Midweek Vespers worship service on Wednesday at Hurlbut Community Church at Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y.


Dinner is at 5:30 p.m., and the service follows at 6 p.m. Call (716) 753-2800 for more details.