It will be a first-time trip to Borderland for 38 Special. The American rock band will take the stage of the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater at the Rainy River waterfront June 30.
The band will headline an evening of entertainment for the celebration of the U.S. and Canadian Independence Days. Tim “Chopper” McBride, said he expects the performance to top last year’s by the Canadian rock band Loverboy. McBride serves as president of the Falls Economic Development Authority, which sponsors the open-air concert and uses profits to reinvest in future events.
“I think people were skeptical before last year’s first performance,” McBride said of the 2011 dedication of the amphitheater. “We did some things wrong, but we also did a lot of things right. This year, we’ve got it figured out.”
38 Special has been part of the rock band scene since it formed more than three decades ago. The band has produced several chart-topping hits including “Hold on Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” and “Second Chance.”
“When you pop in their greatest hits CD, you’ve probably heard all the songs,” McBride said of 38 Special’s hits. “It is music people 10 years old than me and 10 years younger than me like.”
McBride said he has been a long-time 38 Special fan and is confident those who come out for their June 30 performance will enjoy the show.
“These guys put on a fantastic show,” he 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 last year were well received, and he is “excited to have both groups back.”
Tickets are on sale now and available at Ronnings, International Falls City Hall, 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 for incentive drawings.
He added that 200 VIP passes are available at the Falls Municipal Building for $40 each. These limited number of ticket holders will be provided with two hours of food and beverages in a 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 music off at about 5:15 p.m.
