Show Goes On Despite Poor Air Quality In Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The show must go on.

Despite poor air quality due to the Canadian wildfires, The Lords of 52nd Street —former members of Billy Joel's band —took the stage Wednesday night for the second show at the Penn Community Bank Amphitheater.

"On behalf of everyone here at the PCBA, we would like to give a big thank you to Richie, Liberty, Russel, and their team for their enthusiasm to play last night," concert organizers said in a Facebook post on Thursday. "After much deliberation, it came down to performing for those willing to attend or cancel altogether without any chance of rebooking this year."

On Wednesday, members of Billy Joel's famed band who dub themselves The Lords of 52nd Street took the stage to perform some of Joel's classics that spanned the albums "Turnstiles," "The Stranger," "52nd Street," "Glass Houses," and "Songs in the Attic."

The band members are Richie Cannata, Liberty DeVitto, and Russell Javors, who recorded and toured with Joel during his classic period.

Some residents, posting on a township community page, were critical about why the concert was continuing when other events were being canceled, including the Philadelphia Phillies game.

"No. 1, the band wanted to play and said there's no reason why they wouldn't play," Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo told Patch Thursday. "No. 2, we told people that the concert is on and that they could come only if they wanted to. We didn't force anyone."

Penn Community Bank Amphitheater concert organizers said that while Wednesday's weather wasn't ideal, more than 1,000 people attended the show and received almost two hours of "iconic original music."

"The Lords of 52nd Street said they could feel the energy coming from the crowd," concert organizers said. "The Lords had a great time here in Bensalem and are looking forward to performing in the future for all of you that weren't able to attend."

DiGirolamo said the township received phone calls after the show from people wondering why the event still took place. But the band wanted to play and the fans wanted to see the performance, the mayor said.

"Although the crowd wasn't as normal, people were waiting at 4:45 p.m. for the gates to open at 6 p.m.," he said.

Concert organizers thanked the band, the lighting, and the sound by Audio Gods, food vendors, township staff, and those who attended the show.

"We look forward to seeing our full crowd back next week under better conditions," organizers said.