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An Orlando entertainer will headline weekend shows and book acts.
By JORGE SANCHEZ
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 14, 2000
CRYSTAL RIVER -- A veteran performer at Church Street Station in Orlando has been hired as musical director for the weekend shows at Rock Crusher Canyon Garden Pavilion.
Johnny Baier, 42, who has served as entertainment coordinator and performer at Rosie O'Grady's Saloon at Church Street Station since 1989, will take over the responsibilities of headlining the weekend shows at Rock Crusher Canyon's Garden Pavilion. Church Street Station is an entertainment complex with three showrooms, restaurants and shopping in downtown Orlando.
Baier replaces Mickey Finn, who left to pursue a full-time musical career earlier this month after a nine-month stint as the pavilion's musical director. Baier will also book other acts for the pavilion when his band is not performing.
Baier's first show will be Razz Ma Tazz, a variety show beginning at 7 p.m. April 21 at the pavilion. The music will include Dixieland, ragtime, country, bluegrass and swing.
"The basic core band will be myself on banjo and vocals along with a keyboard player and drummer," Baier said. "But we will also be bringing in guest stars to sing and perform comedy with us."
"It's a variety show geared to the general public to come out and have a good time," he said. "It's music, comedy and audience participation."
The music will definitely have a Dixieland flair, Baier said, but with a working repertoire of about 3,000 songs, there will be music for everyone.
The pavilion hosts entertainment every Friday and Saturday, and Baier's long association with Church Street performers will bring in many different acts, said Sheree Monroe, Rock Crusher Canyon spokeswoman.
"We'll be having more variety than ever before," Monroe said. "We'll have beach music, Motown and classic rock."
The weekend performances at the pavilion will typically feature a band on Friday nights and Baier's stage show on Saturday. Upcoming Friday night acts include the Executives, playing music and comedy on April 28, and the classic rock band Daily News on May 26.