Journey tribute traveling to Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids

You never know how or where an entertainer will be discovered.

After Ryan Christopher sang the Journey classic “Don't Stop Believin’ ” at a karaoke bar in Tennessee in 2005, a guitarist approached the fledgling singer/songwriter.

“He spoke with me about how well I sung ‘Don't Stop Believin.’ I didn't think it was a big deal. I sung some Journey songs in a cover band I was in and that’s just what I do as a singer. I also had no idea how big Journey or cover bands were or are,” Christopher said while calling from Fargo.

“The guitarist said, ‘I’m going to tell you what a tribute band is all about.’ ”

Christopher took the next step and is the focal point of Black Jacket Symphony’s latest tour, which showcases Journey’s finest album, 1981’s “Escape.”

“That Journey record is great from front to back,” Christopher said.

That’s just how Black Jacket Symphony will deliver the album Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids.

“Escape” is Journey’s breakthrough release with three Top 10 singles, the ballads “Open Arms” and “Who’s Crying’ Now,” and the band’s signature song, “Don’t Stop Believin.’ ” “Stone in Love” remains a staple on rock radio.

After Black Jacket Symphony plays “Escape” in its entirety, the band delivers an array of Journey’s hits.

“What surprised me after playing a few of these shows is that the song that gets the biggest response is ‘Open Arms,’ ” Christopher said. “I never would have guessed that a ballad would be the favorite song of the night.”

What drives those classic Journey albums from the 1980s is vocalist Steve Perry’s wide range.

“There's no doubt that Perry pushed Journey to another level,” Christopher said. “There is no voice quite like his.”

But Christopher sounds like Perry, who’s apt nickname is “The Voice.”

“Ryan is the right guy to sing Journey songs,” Black Jacket Symphony producer Jason Rogoff said. “Our Journey shows are going over very well.”

Black Jacket Symphony, which formed in 2009, features tours around classic rock bands’ finest albums. The ensemble’s jaunts feature The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” among other classic collections.

“It’s time now for Journey, which has had such a resurgence thanks to TikTok, movies, television shows and more,” Rogoff said. “We look for albums that span generations. Journey’s ‘Escape’ is definitely one of those albums that reaches many music fans. The album is so solid from the start and has their biggest songs, and the band just doesn’t stop. Pun intended.”

Journey, which is selling out arenas a generation past its prime, is one of the most surprising stories in the music world. The band was scuffling after Perry left the band just before the century came to a close. However, vocalist Arnel Pineda, who was part of a Journey cover band in the Philippines, has filled in successfully. Pineda, who has been with Journey since 2007, has fronted the group nearly as long as Perry, who was the face of the band for 21 years.

“The great thing is that the demand is so great for Journey that they can tour and sell out these huge venues, and there still is the desire to go see the Black Jacket Symphony perform ‘Escape’ and other Journey songs,” Rogoff said. “This is a win for Journey fans, since they want to hear all of those great songs live.”