The Orbit Room announced today that it will hold a memorial service on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at 5 p.m. to celebrate the life of owner Don Dorshimer, who recently passed away at the age of 56.
The venue circulated the following obituary, which sums up Dorshimer's prolific career as a concert promoter.
"Donald Robert Dorshimer, age 56, of Rockford, passed away Oct. 5, 2013.
Don was a former Florida native and a well-known concert promoter whose career spanned several decades. He fundamentally changed the entertainment and music industry in West Michigan with his skillful booking and promotion of national-level artists in the area. All major American talent agencies know of a place called Grand Rapids, Mich. because Don Dorshimer made sure they did.
He helped found the Val-Du-Lakes outdoor concert venue, and then worked for Belkin Productions followed by Clear Channel Entertainment. While operating Club Eastbrook, he also produced shows at The State Theater in Kalamazoo, The Van Andel Arena and other venues around the state.
More recently, as owner of The Orbit Room, he continued to bring in top-tier talent and would consistently sell out shows with the best current acts, but he also had an uncanny eye for picking tomorrow's emerging artists.
He is survived by his daughter, Natalie and her fiance, George Zlotchenko; his son, Nicholas Dorshimer; his parents, Donald and Joyce Dorshimer; sister, Valery; and nephew, Logan.
He will be remembered as a proud father, a devoted son, a loving brother, a tenacious businessman and a loyal friend.
He loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, football, aspiring musicians, sports cars, the Florida State Seminoles, fishing, rock n' roll, rare coins and bar-b-q, but mostly ... he loved his children. The family will greet relatives and friends for a memorial and celebration of Don's life on Friday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. at The Orbit Room (2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE)"
