With just a little more than one month until Arch Allies hits the stage at the Backus Community Center Auditorium, Tim “Chopper” McBride, president of the International Falls Economic Development Authority, urged people “not wait until the last second” to purchase tickets.

“There are still plenty of (tickets) to go around, but these guys have a following, people are coming from all over to see them,” McBride said.

The International Falls EDA and Citizens for Backus/AB are partnering to bring the rock show to the community Feb. 25.

Arch Allies, a tribute band from the Twin Cities, performs songs made popular by Styx, REO Speedwagon and Journey. The band performed at the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater July 2 when it opened for Loverboy.

The concert will be the first of its kind to take the Backus stage and McBride told The Journal that the members of Arch Allies are excited and looking forward to the show.

“They’re pumped up,” he said of the band’s reaction to preparing for the show. “They don’t usually perform in a venue setting, so this will be different for them. They are really looking forward to doing this. Everything is looking good.”

McBride explained that the main purpose of the concert is to give more people the chance to experience Backus and to provide them with something to do during the winter.

“It is a cold time of year and there isn’t a lot for people to get out and do,” McBride said. “Our hope is that folks come to this outstanding show and visit some of the local establishments after. Economic development wise, this is going to be a great thing.”

The two-hour show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The doors to Backus will open at 7 p.m. with a social hour held until the show starts. A beer and wine garden will be open for the social hour and during the show.

Tickets to the concert are $10 each and McBride explained that after the costs of the show are paid, half the profits will go to Backus and the other half will go to the city.

“The money that is given to EDA will be used for projects the city is working on,” McBride said. “Some people think the money will be used to supplement future concerts and that is not the case. The city is doing great things for economic development right now.”

Presale tickets are available at City Drug, Ronnings, the Backus office, and at Betty’s and Northwoods Gallery & Gifts in Fort Frances.

McBride concluded that if people haven’t seen Arch Allies perform, they should, “because they’re great.”

“Wherever they play, they are always asked back,” he said.

For more information on Arch Allies, visit www.archallies.com.