Lita Ford to bring show to Youngstown for Rock The Rich Center

Legendary ‘Queen of Metal’ to be joined by The Vindys for a night of rock and philanthropy

Lita Ford, renowned as a solo artist and a founding member of the groundbreaking all-female band The Runaways, will bring her high-energy rock show to Youngstown on May 31, 2025. The performance will take place at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre as part of Rock The Rich Center, an annual fundraiser benefiting The Rich Center for Autism.

Known for iconic hits like "Cherry Bomb," "Kiss Me Deadly," and her duet with Ozzy Osbourne, "Close My Eyes Forever," Ford, the widely celebrated “Queen of Metal,” will headline the event. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Joining Ford will be special guest and hometown favorite, The Vindys. Their performance, along with Ford’s, is set to kick off the 2025 concert season with an unforgettable night of rock and philanthropy, raising awareness and support for a great cause.

Rock The Rich Center benefits The Rich Center for Autism, a nonprofit that provides services for individuals with autism. The CDC reports that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, underscoring the growing need for resources and support in Ohio and across the country.

The Rich Center is named in memory of Paula and Anthony Rich, who died in the crash of U.S. Air Flight 427 on September 8, 1994. Though the tragedy claimed all lives on board, it led to the creation of the Rich Center to help children with autism.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Rich Center, and it will be the first time Rock The Rich Center is held at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. This year’s event will feature multiple artists, including The Vindys, who are returning for the third consecutive year. With Lita Ford headlining, the show promises to be one of the hardest-rocking events in the area, all in support of the autism community.

“Not only is this show going to absolutely rock but it is the perfect fit for this benefit concert,” said Jake Ellis, Rich Center community engagement and event operations coordinator. “Each year, Rock The Rich Center grows larger. It was time to move the show to the amphitheater to accommodate the crowd. We have two amazing female vocalists and musicians with Lita Ford and Jackie (The Vindys) putting on a show to benefit our Center that was founded in 1995 by a group of very dedicated and determined women."

Sponsorships for the concert are available now at rocktherichcenter.com.

Ticket Information:

• Individual pre-sale begins December 12, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Ticketmaster.com, using the code RICH.
• Public on-sale begins December 13, 2024, at 10 a.m.

For media inquiries or to schedule interviews with Rich Center administration, contact Jake Ellis at Jellis05@ysu.edu.