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WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, created as a local registry rather than a museum, will pay homage to the talented individuals and organizations that have contributed to the rich history of rock and roll in Pittsburgh. Leading local musicians and industry experts will create an entity that will, over time, recognize many individuals who have played an integral role in making rock and roll music part of the fabric in Western Pennsylvania ; and,
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame will launch with a spectacular extravaganza, sponsored by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan at the Hard Rock Café, Station Square, where nationally recognized concert promoter, Rich Engler will be inducted as the first member. The event will feature musical guests and performances, a commemorative Hard Rock collectible pin, a silent auction and other surprises. The event commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Cancer Caring Center with all proceeds benefitting the Center's free support for patients and families and will celebrate the publication of Rich Engler,'s book, Behind the Stage Door, a retrospective of his 40+ years as one of the top concert and event promoters in the country; and,
WHEREAS, Rich Engler started his entertainment career in 1963 in Creighton, PA when he joined his first band as a drummer. He was soon booking and promoting shows for his combo and after choosing promotion over playing, he left college to immerse himself in the emerging music scene By the late 1960s, he was booking and promoting concerts at theaters and colleges in the tri-state area and, in 1973, he joined forces with Pittsburgh promoter, Pat DiCesare, to form DeCesare-Engler Productions which promoted the best and most popular acts in the world from the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, Fleetwood Mac to the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Aerosmith and Genesis; and,
WHEREAS, in 1977, DiCesare-Engler Productions purchased the Stanley Theater (now the Benedum Center), transforming it into one of the nation's top concert halls and securing DiCesare-Engler Productions as the No. 2 production team and the Stanley Theater as the No. 1 mid-sized concert hall in the U. S.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Rich Engler for his vision and accomplishments and congratulates him for his induction as the first member of the Pittsburgh Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame for a career that put Pittsburgh on the map as one of the great concert cities in the country; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, , that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, January 21, 2014, to be " RICH ENGLER DAY" in the City of Pittsburgh.