Ocean City's convention center is year-round 'catalyst,' and here's what's coming soon
No matter the season, Ocean City comes out swinging with an exciting lineup of festivals, concerts and more. And what better place to host such events than the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
Here's a special look at what's coming in 2024 to the resort town's historic convention center.
Convention center is 'an economic catalyst' for Ocean City
Since its inception in 1997, the multi-purpose Roland E. Powell Convention Center has beckoned plenty of tourists to the popular, year-round resort town destination.
"The convention center is an economic catalyst for Ocean City on a year-round basis," said Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development. "The great thing about the convention center is it does all the obvious things — driving heads and beds, putting people in our restaurants — but it also creates an atmosphere of opportunity and an expression of the arts.
"We consider it a huge economic benefit for Ocean City to have the convention center and bringing all of those assets to the pubic has been a win-win for everyone."
The convention center underwent multiple renovations within the last few years, namely the addition of a 30,000-square-foot, multi-purpose exhibit hall and 15,000-square-foot bayside gallery, as well as a business center and additional support spaces.
The renovations have allowed the convention center to entertain a myriad of events throughout the summer, fall, winter and spring seasons, such as meetings, conventions, exhibits and trade shows.
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"Anything you can imagine, we can do here in Ocean City," Perlozzo said.
The convention center is currently undergoing a refresh, the director of tourism shared, which includes the replacement of elevators and escalators, improvements to the roof and control system, recarpeting, repainting and the sprucing up of interior decorations and design.
Ocean City is hoping to see all necessary restorations completed within the first quarter of 2024.
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Upcoming events at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center
Although the 2024 summer season is still a ways away, the fun never stops in Ocean City. Here's a look at the upcoming concerts, performances and shows set to come beginning in January.
Mean Girls Jr.: Jan. 5-6
Mean Girls Jr. tells the hilarious story of Cady Heron who grew up on an African savanna, unprepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: a suburban high school. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? This musical version is being performed by the Ocean Pines Children's Theater.
Mayor's Prayer Breakfast: Dreams and Determination: Jan. 12
The keynote speaker is retired Army Col. Gregory D. Gadson, an actor, motivational speaker and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir garrison. He'll be joined on stage by the Morgan State University Choir, Mayor Meehan and other influential figures in the Bayfront Ballroom for the kickoff of Dreamfest, a three-day-long event created to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy and the vision he had for a world united in equality and peace.
Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience: Jan. 12
Dreamfest then continues with Who’s Bad’s, the power-packed tribute to Michael Jackson. As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has sold out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom, including London’s O2, where the King of Pop was slated to end his career.
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Marshall Charloff & the Purple xPeRIeNCE: Jan. 13
Next up during Dreamfest is the Purple Xperience, a five-piece group hailing from Prince’s birthplace, Minneapolis, Mn. They have been touring around the country since it’s inception in 2011 by Dr. Fink and front-man Marshall Charloff – bringing the greatest and most authentic production of Prince and The Revolution in the world to audiences of all generations.
Joe Gatto's Night of Comedy: Jan. 18
See your favorite tv personality live at the Performing Arts Center. Joe Gatto, a well-known comedian actor, and producer, is best known for the hit television shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” He is also one of the founding members of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe.
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Wheel of Fortune LIVE: Feb. 29
Wheel of Fortune LIVE, America’s Game show, is headed to Ocean City. Contestants are randomly selected from the audience to join the host on stage and spin a replica of the iconic Wheel, solve puzzles, and win prizes like trips to Paris and Hawaii, or cash prizes of up to $10,000. Audience members can join in on the fun with interactive games and puzzles.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story: March 18
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is touring North America once again. The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981.
The Price is Right LIVE: April 1
The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage (non-televised) show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and "Come On Down" to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car. Play classic games just like on television's longest running and most popular game show, from Plinko to Cliffhanger to The Big Wheel and even the Showcase.
Dinosaur World Live: April 15
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this show for all ages. Grab a compass and join the intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing, life-like dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including the flesh-eating giant, Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus.
Tickets for each event can be purchased online.
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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Joe Gatto, game show hits lead big Ocean City convention center slate
