The Little River Band hits Southwest Florida
Hailing from “The Land Down Under,” The Little River Band has been touring across the globe since the mid-1970s. After multiple TV appearances, more than 35 million albums sold and more than 10 smash hits under its belt, you can catch the multi-platinum band at Ballyorney Irish Pub, 13851 S. Tamiami Trail, Friday, June 29, with the local band PUSH opening the show.
“We have a lot of fans in Fort Myers, so we thought it’d be a great show and a great venue,” said Steve Green, manager and agent of The Little River Band.
The group was formed in Melbourne, Australia, back in 1975. It was originally a blend of musicians who had enjoyed success in other Australian acts, and their focus was to get airplay on American radio. They achieved that goal with talented songwriting, powerful vocals and good guitar harmonies.
Between 1976 and 1983, chart success in America included “It’s a Long Way There,” “Help is on its Way,” “Happy Anniversary,” “Reminiscing,” “Lady,” “Cool Change,” “Lonesome Loser,” “The Night Owls,” “Take It Easy On Me,” “Man On Your Mind,” “We Two” and “The Other Guy.”
The band’s current lineup brings new energy and arrangements to the classic hits, making new memories for the audience out of every live performance.
“It’s going to be a fun time at Ballyorney, Fort Myers,” Steve said. “And, what’s even nicer, the owner of establishment, Brad Maloney, has been so very gracious to offer a portion of the proceeds of the show to the Have a Heart Animal Rescue Shelter.”
The Have a Heart Animal Rescue shelter is based out of Boca Raton, rescuing several homeless dogs from the big city and its surrounding areas every year.
“We’re an all-volunteer, 501-c3 non-profit group that works together to take dogs out of ‘kill shelters,’ get them well, get them trained with a professional trainer, and find happy, adoptive homes for them,” said Janice Green, founder of the group. “Since starting the organization back in 2009, we’ve treated 16 heartworm-positive dogs as well, and have rescued countless amounts of otherwise homeless animals that most likely would have ended up being put down.”
Janice’s professional trainer, Rayfield Baisley, works for the Alpha Dog Academy, and works hands-on with Have a Heart’s adopted animals, to socialize them and get them in their best behavior for their new families.
“Our mission is to help promote younger generations on caring properly for their animals, the importance of spaying and neutering their pets, to benefit these animals and give them the best lives possible, speaking at schools regularly to teach kids,” he said.
During the Little River Show June 29, look forward to other “surprises” and potentially surprise guests throughout the evening.
“This is a group that’s had more success than 95 percent of the acts out there,” Steve said. “It’s going to be a great show and a great time for a great cause.”
Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. VIP tickets are $89, which includes reserved seating, a dinner buffet and an open bar (from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Tickets may be purchased at Ballyorney anytime, or you can purchase them over the phone by calling the establishment, 239-628-1444. Be sure to bring a photo ID to pick up your tickets the day of the show.
Parking is available one block south on U.S. Hwy 41, next to Sutherlan Nissan, with a free shuttle service to Ballyorney Irish Pub.
For more information on the show or to order tickets over the phone, call Ballyorney, 239-628-1444.
For more information on The Little River Band, visit LittleRiverBand.com or find the group on Facebook.
For more information on the local group, PUSH, opening the show that evening, visit PUSH4u.net or find the group on Facebook.
For more information on the Have a Heart Animal Rescue organization, to make a donation or to volunteer for the cause, visit AdoptTheDog.com or find the group on Facebook by searching “Have a Heart, Inc.”