When 38 Special takes the stage at the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater June 30, Don Barnes, guitarist and vocalist for the group said, “It’s gonna be large.”

After more than three decades together, Barnes, one of the founders of the rock-style band, told The Journal this is the group’s first visit to International Falls. And with the date of the performance only a month away, the musician said those who come to the show “won’t be disappointed.”

“We want people to come out, have a good time, relax, and drink a beer, or two,” Barnes said with a laugh. “We’ll bring the party.”

The band will headline an evening of entertainment for the celebration of the U.S. and Canada’s Independence Days. Barnes said he was unaware of the conjoined celebrations and said he was looking forward to being part of the event.

Tim “Chopper” McBride, Falls councilor and president of the Falls Economic Development Authority, told The Journal in April he expects the performance to top last year’s by the Canadian rock band Loverboy.

“When you pop in their greatest hits CD, you’ve heard all the songs,” McBride said of 38 Special’s hits. “It is music people 10 years older than me and 10 years younger than me like.”

Barnes promised fans will hear some of the band’s chart-topping singles including “Hold on Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” and “Caught Up in You.” He added that a medley of songs from the “Super Troopers” soundtrack is also expected to be in the about 90-minute lineup.

“All of these songs have a lot of meaning to us and we love to play them for a crowd,” Barnes said.

He joked that “Caught Up in You” was written by mistake and went on to be a big hit. “We needed to come up with songs for an album and I was dating this girl at the time and I told her, ‘I can’t get anything done because I’m so caught up in you.’”

After more than 30 years together, the guitarist was proud to say the band must be “doing something right,” and appreciates the fans who come out to support he and his band mates during a show.

“A lot of our early fans brought their kids up with our music and now their kids will be in the audience,” Barnes said. “We want to show them why their parents were into us.”

“These guys put on a fantastic show,” McBride said. “Just fantastic. You can’t miss (the show).”

In addition to 38 Special, local favorites the Poor Boys along with Arch Allies will provide opening performances for the night. McBride said both bands have received such a welcoming reception in the Falls that he is “excited to have both groups back.”

Tickets are on sale now and are available at Ronnings, International Falls Municipal Building, Chamber of Commerce, City Drug, Loon’s Nest, Rainy Lake One Stop, It’s A Girl Thing, KGHS/KSDM radio station, The Outdoorsman Headquarters, and in Fort Frances at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts, Boston Pizza and 93.1 radio station.

Admission in advance is $20 and tickets will be available at the gate the night of the performance for $25. McBride said those who purchase their tickets early will be entered into incentive drawings.

He added that 200 VIP passes are available at city hall for $40 each. These limited number of ticket holders will be provided with two hours of food and beverages in the VIP tent, special seating up front, and 30 VIPs will be drawn to meet the band backstage.

The gates will open at 3:30 p.m. June 30 with the Poor Boys kicking the night of music off at about 5:15 p.m.

Volunteers needed

Tim “Chopper” McBride said volunteers for the June 30 show are needed.

Gate help, service help, VIP tent assistance, and security are among the spots he asks volunteers fill.

If interested, call the Falls Municipal Building at 283-9484 or McBride at 240-4651.