Loverboy working for the festival weekend

By Stephen Dafoe

Morinville – Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees Loverboy is the big name added to this year’s St. Jean Baptiste Festival. After a centennial festival series that saw several top name acts swing through Morinville, SJB Promotions is following it up with an even bigger name and hopefully even bigger draw.

SJB Promotions spokesperson Ron Cust said Morinville will join Indianapolis, Kansas City, Atlanta and West Palm Beach in the list of places the ‘80s Canadian rock superstars will be performing this summer. “We’re fortunate enough to have Loverboy sign for June 23rd to do a full performance to 500 friends and neighbours in Morinville,” Cust said. “It’s great to have one of the top musical groups in Canada that made it so successful in North America.”

Loverboy released six studio Albums between 1979’s self-titled Loverboy and 2007’s Just Getting Started. The band will play songs from their more than three-decade-long music career, including fan favourites Working for the Weekend, Lovin’ Every Minute of It, and Heaven in Your Eyes, the latter used in the Top Gun soundtrack.

But while the songs may be from years gone by Cust and his group are certain the appeal of the band is every bit as strong as ever. “They’ve gone back on tour and been invited to tour with Journey which means they’re still at that level and they’re certainly ready to go,” Cust said. “We know this is their last stop before they go to the big time again and we’re anxious to have them perform in Morinville.”

Although Loverboy will be performing with journey on their US tour this summer, a popular local band will be opening for Loverboy in Morinville. SJB Promotions has booked the Whisky Boys, a band that opened for Doug and the Slugs last summer and who have opened for April Wine and Trooper in the past. “We had lots of demand to have them back, so we are excited to have them,” Cust said. “They’re excited to be coming back.”

Tickets for the double act will be sold by the table at an early bird price of $600 per table of eight, including GST and service charge. That price will stay in effect until June 8 at which time remaining tables will be sold at $642 per table. Admission is restricted to those 18 and above. For ticket sales call 780-939-3064 or 780-718-6838.

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