Disappointing turn out, but fans had a blast (22 photos)

It may not have been the turn out the concert promoter had hoped for, but the approximately 800 people at the Essar Centre to see Dokken and Firehouse Saturday night had a great time. It has been quite some time since either band played Sault Ste. Marie. Love N Revenge from Los Angeles opened the evening's entertainment.

Anna-Lisa, a fan SooToday spoke with at the show, bought her ticket to see Dokken, specifically guitarist George Lynch. She was likely a tad miffed when Mr. Lynch did not appear on stage (he hasn’t been with the band for a number of years), but chances are good she enjoyed herself regardless.

“I’m loving this,” Anna-Lisa told us as she and her friend enjoyed a moment of fresh air. “We like Firehouse, but we’re here for Dokken. We’re so glad we came.”

When asked to name her favourite Dokken song, she replied, “All of them. I love them all.”

She went on to express her disappointment at the low attendance, stating that she hears people complain that there’s nothing to do in the Sault, and yet they fail to support the events that do happen.

It was a sentiment shared by many in attendance Saturday night. One concert-goer said he was embarrassed by the near-empty Essar Centre.

As far as upcoming entertainment scheduled at the Essar Centre, unless you’re a hockey or curling fan, there isn’t any. The last concert hosted at the arena was country star Brad Paisley on February 1.

In an attempt to amp up the entertainment offerings at the Essar Centre – which can seat up to 6,204 depending on concert layout – City Council decided during its Sept. 11 meeting that the venue can set aside as much as one dollar from each ticket sold for an event development fund.