Lost Youngstown - Elms Ballroom

[@robertcampbell8027]

The Elms Ballroom was an over 18 venue and closed shortly before I qualified. I’d been hearing about it for years from parents and friends. Mike Roncone and Del Sinchak (Del Rays) we’re the top two dance bands around town in the late 50s and into the 60s. Both excellent. Mike Roncone played our Chaney senior prom in 1967. They ruled just before the era of the Human Beinz (The Premiers) Blowing the doors off The Old Barn. Youngstown was still a dancing town in those days with Idora Park as the pinnacle for both the bands and the audiences. As a side note, the opening mentions the homes that were torn down to make way for the YSU expansion. Those multiple empty blocks created free ad hoc parking for students and faculty. All was fine until winter and they became the “mud lots”. Try picture the chaos of folks coming out of classes at different times maneuvering around other students’ haphazard, often mindless, parking on a sunny day. Now add the wet of a rainstorm or the snow and slush of winter. Four or five guys would band together to help push a young coed’s car around the maze and onto the street. Then they’d (we’d) help each other. It was free, but what a mess.

[@TheDickBiondiFilm]

Hi R Campbell, do you remember Dick Biondi doing hops at The Elms with Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Bobby Darin, and Jerry Lee Lewis? I'm documenting Biondi's life and career and hoping to find photographs, footage of The Elms and Idora Park sock hops. Anyone reading this, if you have any personal photographs or 8mm footage, or have a story to share, please email [e-mail]. Thanks! www.DickBiondiFilm.com

[@robertcampbell8027]

@@TheDickBiondiFilm Pam, I’m sorry to say I am not a resource for your project on Dick Biondi. As I mentioned, the Elms Ballroom, and the Biondi, Roncone and Sinchak groups were a touch before my time and I never got to hear them (except that Mike Roncone played at my Chaney High senior prom in 1967). I played guitar in a band around town for a while and taught at Dusi Music where I worked with Del Sinchak.The hottest band in town as I started going to clubs (Old Barn, Idora Park ballroom, etc.) was The Premiers. They ultimately became The Human Beinz. I hope your film has great success. Youngstown has a great live music legacy. I applaud all efforts to bring it to the attention of more people.

[@HomeplateMedia]

Mike Roncone is identified by on screen ID as soon as he appears in the interview.

[@jamilcunningham6476]

Youngstown has a lot of potential to become something great again

[@duke5280]

How's it going back there? Any progress? I'm just kidding. I know there's no such thing as progress, there 😂😂

[@cnmrosko]

Sean, I think the name of the interviewed guitarist should be mentioned or posted on the video.

[@metromonthly]

+cnmrosko Mike Roncone is identified by on screen ID as soon as he appears in the interview.

[@Nape1962]

LOVED IT I WISH THERE WAS MORE VIDEO ON THE ELM , WHEN TIME ALLOWS FEEL FREE TO VIEW TWO KZbin SHORTS I PRODUCED TITLED YOU ARE YOUNGSTOWN AND WE ARE YOUNGSTOWN . THANKS JOSEPH NAPIER SR

[@ycarfiorini8168]

Next to go down in the Masonic Temple located on Wick Avenue. It can never be duplicated.

[@davekana8388]

Go Might Mike!

[@duke5280]

Youngstown will be a ghost town within five years. Sad, but true. Come to Pittsburgh. You'll finally see what was wrong with "Yompton" all along. #NotArealCity